Tips for the Bride: Planning your Wedding Entertainment

As Jen prepared her iPod for her trip to Japan and China we got to thinking about music. Just about a year ago today, we were planning out the playlist for Jen's wedding (OMG has it really been a year already?!) and so we figured it would only be right to give you some pointers on your special event entertainment based on first hand experience and research.  Part of the fun of planning a wedding or party is deciding on your entertainment, which is, of course, an essential part of any successful event.  If you want everyone out on the dance floor you need to be sure to select the appropriate music for your audience (and of course, you'll have to include a few oldies for grandma and grandpa). The biggest factors to consider when selecting your musical entertainment are your budget and your personal style and tastes.  Here is a breakdown of the pro and cons of each scenario to help you decide on entertainment for your wedding or other social event.

1. Hiring a small group of musicians like a jazz band or string quartet: Hiring a small group to perform instrumental songs at your wedding or affair can be a beautiful touch that creates an atmosphere of elegance and romance. If your venue is historic, you can consider playing music from that era, such as some great Sinatra or fun Ragtime Jazz.  But, keep in mind, classy bands like this come with a really high price tag that averages about $600 for the first hour and $200 each for every additional hour and it will vary depending on where you are from.  There are some great options if you can't afford this, though!  We suggest asking a friend or two to perform a song, such as your first dance song or for your walk down the aisle.  These are some of the most important moments of the night, so it's always a little more personal and romantic to add fun, unexpected touches that are sure to make a huge impact.  Plus, a friend might be willing to do this for you for free or in lue of a gift!

2. Of course, you may want to hire a professional band instead to play some of your favorite tunes. A band is certainly more fun, and more costly, than a solo musician or orchestra style entertainers  The up side is they play many of the songs that are currently popular, and that your guests are sure to love, and nothing can compare to the energy that comes from having a live band at your event (plus consider the general "coolness" factor!)  But also, keep in mind your musical tastes and remember a band might know a lot of current pop songs, but their repertoire is going to be limited.  They might know "Livin' on a Prayer", but are they likely to know that obscure Postal Service song you love or that old Elvis song your grandparents used to dance to? Probably not.  And, again, bands are very pricey, so if you are planning to budget for a live band in the NYC/New Jersey area you can expect to pay around $5,000 or more.  Or, if you aren't down for that price tag, consider scouting out some local talent - there are plenty of young, aspiring musicians out there that would love an opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd for a much more reasonable fee!

3. Hiring a DJ is very popular and for good reason.  DJ's can provide all of your favorite songs, can have an nearly unlimited selection to accommodate the largest variety of people, and are the most affordable option when compared to a live band or musician.  In addition, a DJ doubles as the MC of the evening and helps to control the flow of your event (which is crucial!).  Now, the biggest downfall to the DJ is not having full control over your music. Sure, Lady Gaga is super talented and we adore her, but do we really want to hear the whole album? Actually, we do...but our guests might not! And many of us might actually die if we hear [insert any lame late 1980's/ early 1990's line dancing tune]. But, simply providing a "do not play" list (and stressing the importance that you will literally hurl if you hear said songs) can help to ease your mind.  The other factor is to make sure to choose a DJ who's voice you can actually stand for multiple hours.  Some of the ones we've encountered are cheesier than others, so just be sure to choose one that fits your personality and can control the flow of the event without stealing the show.

4. And, finally, you can always be your own DJ and provide music through your Ipod. This is definitely the most affordable choice, plus you have the luxury of crafting your own playlists and knowing that it won't be messed with!  This is a wonderful option for the couple on a budget that has list of off-beat "must have" songs that a DJ is not likely to have in their collection.  We are huge fans of the Ipod wedding, but we suggest hiring a professional to run the playlist for the night.  Sure, you can just ask a friend to help out, but hiring a professional ensures that your guests can relax and have fun and also that your playlists transition properly and your night stays perfectly on schedule.

Please don't stop the music.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Uhuru Furniture Design Studio + The New Museum. NY.

The New Museum on the Bowery has teamed up with The City Bakery to create Birdbath cafe, located in the Museum. Uhuru was commissioned to design the tables and stools for the cafe. The stools are made from hardwood scraps collected from local wood shops, and the tables are crafted from post-consumer recycled steel + aluminum, finished with a zero VOC powder coat. Birdbath offers local, organic food prepared in the bakery and delivered to the Museum by bike-driven cargo rickshaw. Customers who bike/skate to the cafe get a 25% discount-talk about incentive to live sustainably.
Other beautiful work from Uhuru:









Uhuru was founded by Jason Horvath + Bill Hilgendorf. Uhuru designers include: Maria Cristina Rueda, David Gaynor, Sakura Moriya, Matthew Cacioppo, Danny Giannella, and Leah Reyes.
tuhurudesign.com

2 Cents.

Sixties Icon Twiggy turns 60

On September 19, 2010 Twiggy turned 60! I've been meaning to do a post on her but it slipped my mind.... until I was going through my enormous collection of pics today. Here is a little tribute to iconic the British model, actress & singer.

Such a stunning, unique look! Perhaps a little too thin for my liking but that stare...amazing!

Wise Words

I love collecting quirky little sayings and inspiring quotes. Here are my favs of the moment:

 There's just something about 11:11 which makes it more special than other times...

 From Adele's "Chasing Pavements" song - Fantastic stuff!

 I feel as though I can relate to this trying as I'm trying to figure out what I want to do when I graduate at the end of next year

 Something I need to keep in mind...

 If you saw how excited I get about the release of the latest Harper's Bazaar or Vogue you would understand why I love this quote so much

 She is such a wise woman

And this one is from the fortune cookie I had last night. I think it's one of my favourite fortunes yet :)

Others from We Heart It/Yvan Rodie/ Le Love/ They All Hate Us

Layered Swimwear in Russh #36

Karolin Walter

Photographed by Benny Horne

OH FASHION MODEL

I finally got my copy of the latest Russh October/November Issue #36 yesterday! Pages & pages of off-the-beaten track style inspiration. I particularly liked this fashion editorial featuring layered swimwear. The lilac Zimmermann swimsuit is amazing - awesome back! But my fav pieces have to be the Herve Leger bandage swimwear. They are absolutely stunning and oh so flattering. I learnt the true meaning of bandage style clothing when I had a cat-nap in my bandage dress yesterday - I really did feel like my body had been tightly bandaged when I woke up!

Random Outfit Inspiration

 Blogger Columbine Smille rocking Biker Chic to perfection - loving the blouse under the jacket

Ah-mazing white blouse, costume necklace & blazer ensemble

 Can't go past an LBD & Riding Boots

 I've developed an obsession for this pic - that lace skirt & those shoes ♥

 I've always been a leopard print fan!

Carine Roitfeld before the Marc Jacobs show - a perfect fashion moment!

Pics from Columine Smille/ Tommy Ton for Style.com/ Bella 185/ Eriv Ray Davidson