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Recent Wedding Inside Look: September 2012

Between wedding magazines, Pinterest, and reality shows, wedding planning ideas are everywhere! In a series of posts, we’ll talk with brides who have gotten married in the last few years to see what they did, and get tips for couples planning their weddings today.

First name: Sadie

Wedding date: September 15, 2012

Bride Sadie only took a few months to plan her outdoor wedding at Stanley Park in Westfield, MA and indoor reception at the Sons of Erin Hall. She tells us all about how she and her husband made the day their own and shows that planning a gorgeous wedding doesn’t have to take years if that’s not your style!

What’s something that was unique about your wedding? We planned it in 2 months’ time, just because we wanted to get married before summer was over. It was shorter and more simple than other weddings I’ve attended. We also read our own vows and I had both my mother and my father walk me down the aisle.

Did you have specific ideas that you really wanted even before you started planning? I knew that I wanted to keep it somewhat simple, but that’s about it.

Were there any popular trends when you got married? Braids or loose waves seemed to be trending for hairstyles; bright colors for bridal party attire; simple square fondant wedding cakes or dessert and candy tables in lieu of cake, etc.

Did you include any of those trends? We had cupcakes with a top tier instead of a big cake, and the groomsmen wore pink ties.

What was your wedding song? “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

Tell us about your dress. My dress was a strapless white gown. The top was ruched satin that corseted in back, the bottom was lace covered tulle. It had an asymmetrical waist (which is a little trendy) and small appliqué flowers scattered throughout.

Tell us about your partner’s outfit. He wore a classic black suit with a white French-cuff shirt, silver tie, and pocket square.

What’s a memory that stands out the most from your wedding? The reading of our vows. It wasn’t that long ago, so I remember most of it pretty well, but the vows were very important to me and something I don’t think I will ever forget.

What advice would you give to a bride just planning her wedding today? It’s so easy to get stressed out and overly caught up in the wedding planning itself; just make sure you take time to really appreciate each other and the commitment you are about to make. Nothing about the wedding day itself is more valuable than the lifetime of marriage that will hopefully follow!

Photos courtesy of the bride.

March 28, 2014

Let’s Get Dancing!

Getting people dancing at your wedding is both the fun part and – sometimes – the hard part. Be sure to enlist the help of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Your wedding party becomes your unofficial “dance captains” and can help bring friends and family to the dance floor. Read on for other tips to pack the floor for slow and fast dances alike.

Ask for song requests in advance

Leave space on your RSVP cards and ask guests to write down a song that they’d love to hear (and dance to!) at your wedding.

This also lets you coordinate with your DJ to make sure the songs your guests want get played. You could even have some guests mentioned when their song gets played. Think: “We want to see the bride’s cousin Jessica out on the floor for this next song (title). Come on, Jessica, dancing time!” Just be sure to provide this information to your DJ (and maybe your cousin!) in advance.

Play some guaranteed favorites, even silly ones

Whether you go with the cheesy YMCA or the trendy song of the moment (think Gangnam Style in 2012) it’ll be sure to coax people onto the dance floor. While they might not be works of music genius, they’ll get your guests dancing and laughing together.

Organize a special slow dance

Coordinate with your DJ for a longest married/newest married dance. First, choose a song for the slow dance and ask your DJ to call the new bride and groom to the floor. The DJ can then ask for the longest-married couple by asking couples to raise their hands if they’re married, and put them down when the DJ says the number of years they’ve been married. So the DJ might ask couples to keep their hands up if married for 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, etc. until there is just one couple left with their hands up. The DJ then invites that couple to the dance floor. The longest-married and newest-married couples begin the dance, and after a minute or two, the DJ can invite all the couples to join in.

Remember your DJ can be a great way to help coax people to dance, but it’s also a good idea to let the DJ just keep the music rolling without too many interruptions once people get started dancing.

March 11, 2014

Winter Weddings

Many brides immediately think spring when planning a wedding, but in New England, there are many great reasons to consider a winter wedding.

Cost
A winter wedding is usually cheaper. You can often get great deals on all kinds of services from wedding cakes to photography.

Availability
This is a big one. If you have a winter wedding, the chances are you’ll have a wider variety of options for just about everything. That fabulous venue you want? The perfect caterer? A trendy photographer? Everyone has more availability in the winter, simply because there are less weddings taking place.

Uniqueness
A winter wedding gives you the option to do things a little differently. You can have more unusual food and drink options, like hearty soups, spiced apple cider, or fresh eggnog. You can choose venues that make use of warm, inviting fires, and set the mood for a cozy and completely romantic wedding.

If log cabins, mistletoe, warm lighting, and hot chocolate sound perfect, a winter wedding could be for you.

Elegance
Winter weddings have elegance built right in. With the silvers and whites of snow, your setting gets a boost of beauty. A snowflake theme is a beautiful and versatile way to make use of the season. Use snowflake imagery in your invitations, your centerpieces, your cake.. anywhere you want!

But don’t think you’re limited to a snowflake theme if you have a winter wedding. Anything associated with the season will work well. Think of pine trees and pine cones, red berries, Christmas ornaments, sledding, snowmen.. anything you like!

Of course, we know that snow can throw a wrench into plans if it happens unexpectedly, but with a little planning, there’s no reason not to host a fabulous winter wedding. If you plan a winter wedding, be sure to keep an eye on the weather as it gets closer, and be prepared for emergencies by having rooms for guests to stay in if the weather gets really bad.

March 9, 2014

Special Considerations for Outdoor Weddings (part two)

This post is a continuation of Special Considerations for Outdoor Weddings (part one)

There are many things to think about when planning your outdoor wedding. Read on for tips that will help ensure your big day goes perfectly.

Unseasonable Temperatures
Outdoor weddings in New England can be unpredictable. You could get an unusually hot autumn day, or an unusually cold late-spring wedding day.

** If it’s hot, consider a fancy decorative hand fan to cool yourself and look elegant. Make sure you and your bridesmaids have bottled water nearby.

** Be prepared for cold by having layers in mind that you can add to your dress. A pretty, shimmery shrug or hand-crotched shawl can add warmth if New England weather just doesn’t cooperate!

Soft Ground and High Heels
This is a big one. Outdoor weddings often require walking across soft ground and grass, which can be unsteady in tall heels, or get dirt and mud on the heel when it punctures the ground. Bridesmaids have even stepped right out of their shoe when the ground doesn’t let go! If you’re having an outdoor wedding:

** Consider flats or wedges for you and your bridesmaids. There are many styles of flats for every type of wedding, from romantic and fancy to rustic and casual, and many bridal shops even have dyeable flats (like the one pictured here, from Pinterest) so you can get the perfect color!

** If you have to wear heels, choose a chunky heel and try to plan the walkway along a path, either of stone, hard dirt, or a thick outdoor carpeted aisle.

** If chunky heels just won’t work, consider trying a heel protector to keep your heels from puncturing the ground.

But be sure to test them before the big day!

Are you planning and outdoor wedding? Let us know how you’re preparing!

February 23, 2014

Special Considerations for Outdoor Weddings (part one)

You’ve always wanted an outdoor wedding, and you have the plans well under way. You know what you’ll do as an emergency plan in case it rains… but have you thought about other concerns for your outdoor wedding?

Wind
If your outdoor wedding is enclosed or partly enclosed (such as by a tent/canopy, or surrounded by trees or stone walls) wind might not be a problem. But if you’re in an open field, a garden, beach, or other mostly-flat area, you might want to think about wind. You don’t want to spend your big day holding your veil down, or trying to keep your hair out of your face!
If you’re in an open space, there are several things you can do to make sure everything goes smoothly.

** Consider an updo for your hair. There are plenty of beautiful, romantic styles that will work plain or coupled with a veil, tiara, or flowers.

** If you have a shorter dress, plan for one of your bridesmaids to stand close. She can help keep your dress in place for those big gusts of wind.

** Make sure the ceremony is far enough away from anything that can blow around easily, like water (from lakes, fountains, etc.) or loose sand or dirt.

** Consider a decorative canopy to help keep wind minimized, especially for beach weddings.

Extreme Sun
While most brides think about what they’ll do if it rains, have you thought about the special problems caused if it’s very sunny? Will your guests be squinting into the sun to see you? Will you be squinting at your partner, or having a tough time making out the words to your vows on that glowing white piece of paper?

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prepare for extreme sun.

** Think about what time the wedding will be and where the sun will be in the sky at that time, and plan the layout accordingly. Remember that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so if you’re having a morning wedding, try facing west, north, or south. If you’re having an afternoon wedding, face east, north, or south.

** If you’re reading vows, print or write them in a dark color font on a light colored (but not white) paper. If you have light colors in your wedding color scheme, you can match it to that. If not, even a pale grey or deep ivory will reflect less light and make it easier for you to read.

Check out Part Two for more things to think about when planning your outdoor wedding!

February 23, 2014

Beyond Cake: Wedding Dessert Ideas

Cake is the traditional classic dessert at weddings, but if you’re just not excited about that, or want to give your wedding a more unique flair, there are many other options you could try. Check out these great ideas from Pinterest!

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a beautiful alternative to cake, and can be presented in a variety of ways to suit your wedding. They can also be stacked on a cupcake stand with a miniature cake (a “cutting tier”) on top. This mini cake can be used for your cake cutting ceremony, and then cupcakes distributed to your guests.

Candy bar

Candy bars are great for weddings with colorful and lighthearted themes, or for any wedding where you want something fun and different. If you offer loose candy (like jawbreakers or M&Ms) it’s a great idea to provide small plastic bags so guests can take a small sampling and not have to eat the candies at the table.

Cookie bar

Cookie bars are a definite crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike! Offer a few varieties and let guests pick their favorites, or include mini paper bags so everyone can take one home!

Dessert bar

Dessert bars are a great way to give your guests a variety of options for their sweet treat. You can include any combination and type of desserts you want! Brownies for the chocolate lover, cookies for the kids, mini cheesecakes or tarts, chocolate covered strawberries, lemon bars, marzipan…the possibilities are endless!

Macarons

Macarons are very popular for weddings where you want a romantic, different dessert option. Macarons are a delicious French sandwich cookie that can be made in just about any flavor. Even better? They can be made in almost any color, too, so you can match your macarons to your wedding color scheme! Whether you stack them in a tower like cupcakes, line them in neat rows on a tray, or offer them in fancy glass jars, they’ll delight your guests and bring a level of elegance to your wedding.

What’s your plan for a non-traditional dessert option? Let us know in the comments!

February 19, 2014

Is It Too Early To Start Preparing for Prom?

Is It Too Early To Start Preparing for Prom?

Can you believe that it is already February of 2014? It’s amazing how time is flying so fast, and for seniors in high school, it’s flying even faster. Graduation will be right around the corner, deadlines for college applications are coming up fast, and not to mention that an incredibly memorable night at prom will be here before anyone has a chance to catch their breath!

With that being said, it’s never to early to start planning your prom. If anything, your team on senior council, student government or the prom committee should start as soon as the school year starts. This gives a nine to twelve month time range to get all of the major planning involved.

In your very first meeting, it’s time to choose your theme, a time, a place and select teams to work on various categories of the event. By delegating teams, it allows you to be extremely productive. After these main points, it’s time to establish a budget. How much does your school have to fund prom? How much can you raise? Will you be hosting any fundraisers? How much will you be charging for tickets? How much will your vendors cost?

promp-dresses

I think you are understanding that there is a lot more to it than you may think. We found a great prom planning guide from last year that can help with all of the intricate details that you may not have thought of yet. Click here to download Anderson’s 2013 Prom Planning Guide.

When it comes to music at your prom, there isn’t anything better than having an amazing DJ. You look forward to dressing up and looking your absolute best, arriving in your sweet limo and putting your awesome dance moves to the test. You don’t want the music at prom to be a bust. So start planning it out by giving Marx Entertainment a call. Our DJs have worked many proms and know the importance of this day. Put it in hands that you trust!

What is the theme for your prom? We’d love to hear from you, so write in the comments below!

February 11, 2014

Marx Entertainment – WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards for 2014

Marx Entertainment is proud to announce that we have won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards for 2014. This means that we are among the top 5 percent of wedding professionals throughout the entire nation. We want to extend a special thank you to everyone who has written reviews from our previous clients. This means the world to us and there isn’t anyway that we could have come this far on our journey without you!

2014 is a new year with new adventures and events to be a part of. We are excited to see what amazing things will be coming our way next. Hopefully it’s with all of you. Thank you so very much, and happy new year from all of us at Marx Entertainment!

January 7, 2014

5 Wedding Songs to Skip for your MA Wedding

Little known fact: DJs can’t always read minds. But that’s why we created the Wedding DJ Checklist to help us figure out what songs to play and most certainly what songs NOT to play on your wedding day in Massachusetts.

Perhaps it is a religious matter, or your grandparents will be there and you just don’t want to make them feel uncomfortable. Maybe you just simply hate any song that involves a hoedown or the electric slide. We get it, you have your preference and we want to make that happen. We have found five songs that are brought to you by The Knot from their list of 15. I’m sure there are plenty more, but here are just a few to consider.

1. “The Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper

Why you should skip it: According to The Knot, it’s better to let your guests come up with their own dance moves instead of a step-by-step group dance lesson. Not to mention that you probably have heard this song more than you would have liked to.

2. “Hot in Herre” by Nelly

Why you should skip it: We have to agree with The Knot on this one. This overplayed song that talks about “juices” and stripping down to your birthday suit may not be the best suit for your family and younger children that are attending.

3. “Chicken Dance”

Why you should skip it: Listen, this song was great when you were rollerskating at age 9. But, it’s time to put that one to bed. Not to mention it’s not very flattering while you are shaking your arms and legs around in that beautiful dress you spent a pretty penny on.

4. “Stayin Alive” by Bee Gees

Why you should skip it: The Knot nailed this one on the head. If you can tell me one other line from the song and show me one other dance move, than I’ll go ahead and let you have this one. Most likely, not many do so it’s ok to leave this one behind.

5. “YMCA” by Village People

Why you should skip it: Just because the entire world knows this song, doesn’t mean it needs to be played at your wedding. Unless you are hosting your wedding at a football stadium, maybe think about skipping this one.

To check out the rest of the list, visit The Knot’s 15 Wedding Songs to Skip on their website. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for other songs you don’t want to hear to add them to your list of songs NOT to play at your wedding in Massachusetts, our DJs at Marx Entertainment Marx Entertainment will understand.

Special thanks to johnschnack.com, johnschnack.com and johnschnack.com for the great photos on our blog post!

January 6, 2014

6 DIY Ideas for a last minute New Year’s Eve Party in New England

It’s time to celebrate the new year and what better way to do so in New England than by throwing an awesome party. But you just found out that your friends aren’t hosting the usual party this year and so the deed is now in your hands! With only a few more days to go, I’ve discovered a few fun and fast DIY tricks for your party.

1. Call a DJ! I mean obviously, what’s a party without music?

2. DIY Drink Stirrers. You probably have some left over tinsel from the holidays being over with. Take that along with some kabob sticks, straws or whatever other type of stirring device you may have in your home. They are a perfect addition for your New Years party, because it isn’t New Years without a little sparkle!

Photo From: heartandcrafts.blogspot.com

3. Speaking of left over Christmas decorations… I’m definitely into the idea of recycling, so from all of the bows, ribbons, gift boxes and wrapping paper, go ahead and dazzle up your mantle with a sign to bring in the new year like EcoSalon.com did on their tutorial.

Photo From: ecosalon.com

4. Hello! That’s what balloons are for! Listen, an easy way to get going with your decorations in a short amount of time is to utilize your local party store for some helium balloons. You can’t have too many silver balloons lining your ceiling for it to scream “Happy New Years!”

Photo From: www.elizabethstreet.com

5. Paint your Christmas ornaments. More than likely you have some extra Christmas ornaments that you wouldn’t mind changing up for next year. Paint them silver and add them to a vase you may have laying around. Wait for them to dry and put them in the vase or hang them through a string to line up against your ceiling. However you want to choose the design.

Photo From: bugger-dixonline.blogspot.co.uk

6. Make your open bar display fancy. All it takes is a table cloth, a bowl to chill your drinks in and all of the glasses you have. They don’t all have to be champagne flutes. It can be more eclectic with having a wide variety of glass styles. As long as their are drinks to be poured, no one will really care.

Photo from: mindmybeeswax.blogspot.com

So now that you have some simple ideas, it’s time to apply them. Hurry! You only have a few more days left. I better get going, these stirrers aren’t going to make themselves!

December 29, 2013