Bridal Tips.

Trying to steer clear of the mundane and side-step the clichés? Here are some observations, revelations, and inspirations to help you design your ideal reception. Have any of your own insights or tips that you'd care to share? I'm a curious guy. Please email them to us at boomer@djboomer.net.

I do's and don'ts.

If you’re planning a receiving line, strongly consider having it immediately following the ceremony, as opposed to having it at the reception. The receiving line is a wonderful tradition, but it can often be a very time consuming process. Plan the day this way and you’ll find that events will flow much more smoothly and efficiently.

If you don’t feel compelled to observe the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the ceremony, have your formal pictures taken before the ceremony. That way, you’ll be free to enjoy the entire reception; you won’t have to be MIA during the cocktail hour.

Here’s an idea to help you keep your reception well-paced: combine some or all of the formal dances. For example, instead of having your first dance followed by a separate bridal party dance, blend the two by having the bridal party join in with you halfway through your chosen song. Likewise, instead of having separate parental dances, have everyone involved in these events dance simultaneously to one great song. If you follow this plan, you’ll find that your reception will flow very smoothly and will allow for more open dance floor time.

Trendspotting.

Swingin’ Again.
The current resurgence of big band music has provided a wonderful cross-generational bridge between bridal couples and their parents and grandparents. The very type of music that older folks were swinging to in dancehalls five decades ago has again infiltrated the airwaves. Artists like The Squirrel Nut Zippers, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and a host of others are making the music created in the 30s and 40s outrageously popular once more. A nice idea is to have your DJ play a set of music that combines older artists, such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, with contemporary ones. Watch your dance floor fill with guests of all ages.

Jack & Jill.
Lately we’ve noticed that an increasing number of couples are planning "Jack & Jill" parties, pre-wedding celebrations that combine the shower and bachelor party into one event that both males and females attend. It’s a terrific opportunity for all of your friends and siblings to meet and really get acquainted. Theme parties related to honeymoon destinations tend to be particularly fun and successful. Heading for Hawaii? Plan a luau, complete with grass skirts, coconuts and island music. Going on a cruise? Develop an on-deck atmosphere with bingo, shuffle board, group dances and steel drum tunes. If you’re bound for Europe, create an international paradise with French cuisine, Swiss Chocolate, and Italian music.

Have your cake without eating it, too.
A lot of brides are now choosing to simply cut the cake with their grooms and then pose for pictures without feeding one another. So blush and lip gloss don't have to compete with frosting and cake crumbs.

Practice parties.
Rehearsal dinners are becoming large extended family gatherings that offer the perfect opportunity to create family reunions. Out-of-touch relatives get a chance to reminisce and party together, and a skillful disc jockey will set the proper tone and atmosphere with a super selection of music from every era. Make your rehearsal dinner an upbeat gala event and you'll get everyone in the right spirit for the next day.

After Hours.
Your wedding day will pass by more quickly than you can imagine, and that's why many couples are scheduling their DJs to perform at "after hours" parties that take place immediately following the reception. Such events often take place at parents’ homes or in recreation rooms of hotels and banquet facilities. It offers your friends and family an opportunity to celebrate in a less formal atmosphere and really tear up the dance floor.

Clinking glasses: traditions, tips and all things hip.

Keeping You In Stitches.
Superstitious? It’s been said that a bride must not be fully dressed until the moment she sets out for her ceremony. At that time a final stitch should be added to her gown for good luck.

Toasting tip.
Traditionally, the groom’s best man is invited up before the meal to give a toast. We’re finding, however, that a new fashion is quickly developing. More and more maids and matrons of honor are also taking the microphone. So, you may want to ask your honor attendant to say a few special words.

Departures From The Norm.
Wanna make a clean getaway from the gang after you thrill them with your last dance but think a limo is too ordinary? A few ideas that are sure to make a lasting impression: Team of Horses, Hot-Air Balloon, Helicopter, Vintage Fire Engine, Motorcycle.

Presents For Your Attendants’ Presence.
Cool gifts for brides to give their attendants: Silver Jewelry, Picture Frame, Decorative Clock, Perfume Bottle, Mirror, Cocktail Shaker, Spa Certificate, Personalized Stationery.

For grooms to give: Wireless Headphones, Digital Voice Recorder, Magazine Subscription, Gift Certificate, Concert/Sports Event Tickets, Swiss Army Knife, Binoculars.

Trivial matters.

The custom of wearing your wedding ring on the third finger of your left hand stems from the ancient Greeks, who believed there to be an artery in this finger leading directly to the heart.

In the 1920s, in the south of France, it was briefly all the rage for brides to be married wearing lounging pajamas.

At Mick Jagger’s first wedding, to Bianca Jagger (in the ‘60s), the bride arrived for her marriage nude and on horseback.

Ask Karen.

Karen is the former Catering Manager of the Radisson Hotel in St Lucie County and is available for a nominal fee for tons of wedding planning services.

Questions about planning your wedding? Send them to karen@djboomer.net

Q: I like the idea of giving away the bouquet at my reception, but I really don’t want to do the whole "garter" thing that I’ve seen at a lot of friends’ weddings. Any ideas on how to incorporate this tradition in a different way?

A: You’re not alone! Many brides look for an alternative way of performing this ritual. Some women choose to simply present their flowers to a special friend or family member while their DJ plays a meaningful song. Another great idea is to have your DJ do an "Anniversary Dance," wherein all married couples are invited to the dance floor for a series of slow songs. Your DJ then instructs couples to sit down if they’ve been married for less than a year, then five years, ten years, etc., until the longest married couple is left on the floor dancing alone. You then give the honored couple your bouquet, as all of your guests’ eyes fill with tears of joy.

Q: My mom and dad have done so much to help me plan my wedding (not to mention 26 years of being great parents!). How can I give them the special attention they deserve at my reception?

A: A terrific way to create a beautifully sentimental moment is to arrange for your DJ to play your parents’ wedding song at some point during the reception. When the dedication is made, add a nice touch by having your DJ announce the number of years that your parents have been happily married.

Another way to honor your folks is to have your DJ turn the microphone over to them for a few minutes. Parents often like to make special welcoming announcements to guests, as well as congratulatory speeches to their sons and daughters.

Q: I’m planning on having a very large variety of guests at my wedding. There’ll be people from all over the country who’ll range in age from 16 to 88. How do I keep everyone happy with the music?

A: It’s wonderful that you’ll have an eclectic mix of guests - that’s one of the things that makes a wedding so much fun! This is precisely why DJ BOOMER offers such a vast collection of choices; my music library allows me to play everything from big band swing tunes to modern rock dance hits and everything in between. And I am able to make seamless transitions from one style of music to another, allowing different genres to effortlessly flow in a logical, danceable sequence. This tremendous variety is what captivates people’s attention at weddings and keeps the dance floor packed. The more diverse your crowd, the better.