Leave it to the pros to offer up the best advice…take Michael Anderson, Wedding Entertainment Director™ at Creative Memories Entertainment. We asked Mike to offer up some advice of the subject of wedding entertainment, and naturally, he was a wealth of knowledge. Here’s the first of a few tips he sent over, this particular one on the art of the search for the right entertainment vendor:

“Ok, you have started the search for wedding entertainment and you realize, you have no idea where to begin. The first thing to do is accept the fact that you have no idea where to begin. The last time you were involved with booking a DJ was back in high school, and you were in the pep club. (Don’t worry, your secrets safe with me.) The truth is that that it may have been ok to book simply by price for a high school dance, but this may not be a good idea when it comes to a once in a lifetime day such as your wedding.

The first thing to know is that there are professionals out there who specialize in weddings. Think about it, there are a lot of traditions and events, and most likely, at your wedding, your guests age will range from eight to 80. When you start your search for the perfect entertainment for your wedding start by asking vendors whom you have already booked and see who they would recommend. Don’t be afraid to ask them one of the most important questions when getting a referral, ‘why do you recommend their services.’

Interesting statistics: After their wedding, 72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment. When asked, 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment. These stat were published in 2003 and the sources include Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; and Brides Magazine 2001.

This makes you think a lot about the entertainment for your wedding day. It’s not that the entertainment is the most important part of the wedding, but most would agree that it can have the most impact on your wedding. One of the main reasons for this is a famous quote from the movie The Wedding Singerstaring Adam Sandler. ‘I have a microphone, so you will listen to every word I have to say.’”

Thanks Mike!

Stay tuned to Real Weddings Magazine for more guest bloggers with expert tips! 

For more information on Creative Memories Entertainment, visit them at www.creativememoriesdj.com or call 916-344-7000.

We’ve got some more great advice from Michael Anderson, Wedding Entertainment Director™ at Creative Memories Entertainment.

We think Mike’s got some pretty fantastic answers on wedding entertainment…so, Mike, how does a couple find the perfect DJ?

“This is a common question, and I would guess that 90% of brides think to themselves ‘Ok, what am I supposed to ask? I know, how much do you charge?’ Although this is an important question, it may be more important to ask, ‘Are you available for my wedding date?’ Let’s face it, regardless of how cheap or expensive a service is, you are not going to want to book them unless they are going to provide you with the experience and service you want for one of the most important days of your lives.

Below are some great questions to ask to get the ball rolling and find out if the service is right for you.

1. How many years of experience do you have in weddings, and how many weddings do you perform at each year?

2. What will you do to ensure I will have a good time at my wedding?

3. What are some of the unique things you have done in the past for your clients to make their day extra special?

4. Will I get to meet my DJ before I sign a contract and will his name be listed on the contract?

5. Do you have any references of past clients and other wedding professionals who have worked with you?

6. When can we meet to find out more about what you can do for my wedding?

Please keep in mind that you can only learn so much on the phone about a particular company or DJ. It is so important to take the time to meet the DJ in person to make sure their personality, service, and creativity will be a perfect accent to your wedding celebration.”

Thanks Mike!

Stay tuned to Real Weddings Magazine for more guest bloggers with expert tips!

Expert Advice: Spicing Up Wedding Introductions!

Just when we thought Michael Anderson, Wedding Entertainment Director™ at Creative Memories Entertainment had shared all his valuable tricks of the trade, he’s come at a third time with another great tip. This time, he grabs the microphone and discusses..drumroll please…reception introductions!

“You both said ‘I DO,’ the photos are done, now it’s time for the party to begin! We have all been to countless weddings where the wedding party gets introduced with nothing more than their first names and a song in the background, if they’re lucky.

The truth is that this celebration is more like a family reunion for the first time. Although everyone in the room will know who the two of you are, not everyone will know who the wedding party is and why they are so important as to be picked to be in the wedding party.

One way to ensure a great start to your reception and create a lot a fun is to incorporate a custom introduction with the help of your emcee.

A personalized biographical introduction is a great way for your guests to get a glimpse into the memories you have had with the members of your wedding party. You can include information about your relationship to each (relative, friend, how long), where they live, their occupation and /or educational status (i.e. college student, high school student), their relationship status (single/engaged/married), etc. Also feel free to include such information like, what they would be most famous for or most likely voted likely to do in life. The size of your wedding party should determine how much detail you will go into. You don’t want it taking too long or it will lose its appeal. Inside jokes will never come off well as it will leave most of your guests in the dark about the true story behind the story.

If you do choose this style of introduction, it is extremely important that your entertainment vendor fully understands how to do this properly so it won’t be presented poorly. Ask to see video footage of them doing this style of introduction to see what the guests reaction is and how well they present the beginning of your wedding celebration.”

Thanks Mike for the great advice!

Click here to find more great Tips from Real Weddings Magazine

I know, it’s pore taste to just call my couples by their last name but this one is different. It’s Megan & Phill Sheffield! If the name Sheffield sounds familiar  to you it’s because he is the owner of one of the best wedding cinematography companies in Sacramento, Sheffield Multimedia. Over the past year we have been planning an amazing evening of surprises for their friends and family. This was going to be an evening that pushed the boundaries and possibilities of a wedding reception.

This wedding had everything, a great photo booth by Profinish Design, Photography by Dream Imagery Photography, Cake designed by Shelton’s and so much more…… It was a long day for the Creative Memories Entertainment Crew. We started by setting up the lighting design and installing two projectors into the ceiling of Catta Verdera Country Club. Have two projectors we were able to project not only their Movie Monogram, but the slide show and music videos throughout the night. Phill and Megan have an adorable dog Lola and really wanted her to be a part of the wedding. We came up with the idea to green screen her into the monogram so she appeared to take a bite out of the monogram and then run off.  It was the perfect way to incorporate their pet.

One of the challenges of doing lighting for an event is when the facility has really big windows. Sun light can take away from the desired effect tell the sun goes down but Megan and Phill wanted to have a true wow factor for the guests as they walked into the ballroom. We decided to cover all the windows with a 50′ long LED Star Curtain. To the guests it appeared to be night time with the stars twinkling in the sky.

It was an honor to work with Phill and Megan on their wedding design, and there is no doubt that they and their guests will have some amazing memories to look back on.

This past weekend I had an incredible time with Kristina, Sean and their family! We were able to do some very creative things for their wedding day at the Orchard Creek Ballroom at Sun City Lincoln Hills.

They wanted to change the room a bit and do something special to cover up the traditional red curtains on the stage. I was able to create an amazing backdrop with our new LED Star Curtains. This in combination with the LED Up Lighting, it truly was a green wedding.

We also brought them into the reception with an introduction that I designed a while ago that I call the “Shadow Entrance”. In a split second, Kristina and Sean appeard in the room standing 14 feet tall and making a grand entrance!

I was also excited to work with Jacqueline of Jacqueline Photography! she did an amazing job as you can see from the photos below. She got an A+ in my book and I know that Kristina and Sean already love the photos they have viewed so fare.

The night was full of fun and celebrating that lasted into the last seconds of the day and only ending when the guests gathered around the two of them on the dance floor to give them one more congratulations cheer!

Dear Mike,

                My first impression of Mike and Creative Memories Entertainment was pure professionalism. We came to Mike in a panic when our first D.J. didn’t share our same “Vision.” We were a month away from our wedding and needed help. Mike was there to calm our panic and help us bring our day to life.

There were many traditions that we wanted incorporated in the wedding such as the garter toss, bouquet toss, and introduction of the wedding party but to our dismay every D.J. seemed to put their cheesy spin on it. Which we did not want. When we met with Mike, we had all but wrought off the idea that we were going to be able to have these traditions at our wedding. While discussing this with Mike he gave us all kinds of wonderful twists on the traditions that fit the venue and style of our wedding perfectly. Mike not only brings multiple ideas to the table but knowledge of the true background of wedding traditions.

 Mike was prepared for any situation that could have happened on our wedding day. He told us in our meeting that he always has an extra camera. It was ten minutes before the ceremony was to begin and I realized that we did not have the video camera. I had my dad run down to Mike and he saved the day. Without Mike being prepared for anything we would have not have video of the wedding to share with family who could not attend and have as a wonderful memory.

                Creative Memories Entertainment’s VIP login was a great help in our song choices. We were lost when it came to picking songs but with his library of songs and ability to look them up by most popular helped us put an initial list together that we were happy with. In one of our last meetings, Mike helped us finalize all of our song choices and modify their length when needed. Mike new the sound we were going for and really made the music pop. One of the most memorable parts of night was the last slow song of the night. Mike surprised my husband and I by mixing in our vows we had recited earlier, with one of our favorite songs. These are the special touches that set Creative Memories Entertainment and Mike high above all the rest.

Creative Memories Entertainment and Mike made my wedding the day I had dreamed about all my life! I received multiple complements on the entertainment through the night and every person I spoke with who attended the wedding had wonderful things to say. We had a mix of all types of people and the main responses from our guests were; “I didn’t want to stop dancing”, “I never dance at weddings but I couldn’t help it”, “wow your music was great and everything flowed so smoothly”, and that was just the beginning.

                All I have to say is if you want an AMAZING WEDDING you must go to Mike and Creative Memories Entertainment. A Friend told me while planning my wedding “your DJ can make or break your event”. This is so true and we have seen both sides. Don’t trust your special day to just anyone, leave it to Mike and you will be Soooooo happy you did!

Thanks again for a wonderful party!
Sincerely,
Ryan & Mary Caudill

Dear Mike,

                It is hard to believe it has been almost two months since our wedding day! Before too much time went by, I wanted to make sure we communicated with you how grateful we are for the services you provided for us throughout the entire process of planning and executing our reception. You were, by far, our best vendor. While the flowers were beautiful, the ballroom and food were excellent, and the church was nice, you were responsible for making the personal connections from Josh and I to our guests, and we believe that to be the most valuable part of our wedding day.

                From the moment we met, it was clear that you were a top notch professional. You were able to show us actual video clips of receptions you had done in the recent past which helped us to picture our own reception. You made us feel as though you were available for as long as we needed to be able to make an informed decision. However what sold us on you was the fact that you had a endless array of ideas to help involve our guests in our wedding reception. We never wanted a ballroom full of people to sit down, have a nice meal, maybe dance a couple of dances and go home. Hearing about the top ten, the shoelywed game, the personal introductions of the wedding party, etc… I knew immediately that we need all those things to make our reception personal and memorable!

                During the few weeks prior to the event, I became so excited about writing the personal introductions for our wedding party and choosing the music for all the special moments of our reception. I was shocked to learn that you were rehearsing the introductions so you could get them “just right.” What awesome service! It truly felt as if you were giving us the kind of service you would give to a member of your own family. That kind of personal touch is very hard to find these days!

                I also have to mention that when I was having a tough time getting a hold of my photographer, you were right there for me. You called other photographers to put them on standby in case mine flaked, you asked around to other vendors you are in contact with to see if you could find out what was going on, and this was all “Pro Bono!” You even offered to bring your own camera just in case!

                At the reception everything was carried out as planned. The transitions went seamlessly and the top ten and the shoelywed game were amazing! I had so many people coming to me during those few hours making remarks about how awesome our DJ was! Mike, it is clear you were born to do this! In the days that followed the wedding, so many of my friends and family members were still talking about how much fun they had that night. Right there, that summed up our wish for our wedding reception. We wanted it to be personal, fun and memorable, an indeed it was because of you. THANK YOU for making our wedding reception everything we dreamed it could be and more. Please don’t hesitate to contact us any time for a reference; we would be glad to provide a glowing recommendation to anyone who asks!

With sincere thanks,
Elizabeth and Josh McCrory

Mike,

                Thank you so much for being our Wedding Entertainment Director. You are so much more than just a “DJ.” Thank you for being so flexible, catering to our needs in having to plan long distance & making everything come together. Our wedding wouldn’t be as fun or amazing without you. You created the “wow Factor” that made our special Day even more incredible.

Thanks Again!

Love The Newlyweds, Mari & Justin Perkins.  

To the amazingly talented Mike Anderson,

                We both wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us create such a memorable night. The moment we met you, we knew you were very professional, yet so much fun.

                you helped take us to places we never thought we could go with our wedding dance. We had so much fun putting together a memorable first dance, as well as activities for our friends and family to enjoy.

                 All of our guests are still talking about our wedding and how you helped us make it a memorable night. The energy was always high and everyone had a great time. Thank you so much. Here’s to many years of continued success!

 Michael and Sarah Dixey

Dear Mike,

                We just wanted to say thanks again for the great job you did at Rebecca and Matt’s wedding. We heard many compliments about both you and your service, the music you played, the introductions of the wedding party, and the way you kept things moving along. It’s obvious that you enjoy your job! It will be our pleasure to highly recommend you. We hope you will still be available if our son Jeff gets married someday.

With Much Gratitude

Brian & Michelle McLean (Parent’s of the bride)