Let's Get This Party Started

The wedding reception's entertainment is always on the forefront of many couples' minds, beginning with whether to go with a DJ or a live band. There are certainly many fabulous music and entertainment options in the Greater Philadelphia Area that couples will not be left wanting for choices. This week on The Trilogy Blog we wanted to focus specifically on working with a DJ for your wedding reception.

Photo by Daniel Bostwick Photography

When selecting your DJ, consider first whether you have a specific DJ in mind or whether you will be hiring a company that has a roster of DJ's to choose from. If you do not have a specific person in mind, and you decide to work with a company, first consider whether you are interested in having any specialty lighting for your ceremony or reception.

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Design by Trilogy's Creative Director Francesca Staffieri. Eventions Lighting. Photo by Lindsay Docherty Photography

Why? Because many companies are Sound & Lighting companies that can provide lighting services as part of a package with your music entertainment. If you are considering using specialty lighting — and who doesn't want to see their names in lights on the dance floor …

— then you should definitely consider starting your interview process with a Sound and Lighting Company. If not, then your playing field is wide open!

When interviewing your DJ, consider the following questions:

• What happens if your DJ has an unforeseen issue preventing their arrival on the big day? Just like working with any wedding professional that is there on the day, they should have a back-up in case something prevents them from being there.

• What's their style? Many DJs have examples of their work, and can show you a sizzle reel of what they do to get the party started

• Will they be your DJ on the day? Sounds like a silly question, but many companies will only guarantee that a DJ will be there for the day, not necessarily the one you are meeting with. If you want to work with a specific DJ, they may ask for an additional fee to guarantee that amazing pro you just met with will definitely be there on the day.

• When will you next speak/meet with them? Most DJ's will speak to you the week of the wedding to review the reception timeline, any special dances you may want to have, any songs that you want played — even what songs you don't want played! If this is not something they normally do, request a check-in call the week of the wedding.

• Have they played at your venue before? Just because a wedding professional has not worked at your venue before does not mean you should immediately discard them. The best work from a professional comes from a great working relationship between yourselves and the DJ. While it's nice to know that they know the ins and outs of a venue, if they're the right fit for you, they'll be the right fit for the venue too!

Silver Sounds DJs. Photo by Pictures by Todd Photography

There are many more questions you should feel comfortable asking your DJ not only during the interview, but also as things come up during the course of your wedding planning. 

Next week, we'll take a look at a sample music reception timeline. In the meantime, if you're getting married or having an event and you have a question about music and entertainment, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Or, you can go one step further and schedule an initial meeting by emailing info@trilogyeventdesign.com, calling 800-941-2770, or using our convenient online scheduler. 

Brace Yourselves: Becoming Financially Equipped for Marital Bliss

Written By: Lateisha Johnson, Licensed Financial Coach. Author. Founder of Wealth & Wellness Network

You’ve most likely heard the statistics:

·         The leading of cause of stress in a relationship is finances

·         The number one reason marriages fail is because of money issues

·         Hiding money from a spouse is common

Let’s face it! Money is not “everything,” but the lack thereof can cause turmoil in a marriage. Most couples have a difficult time combining finances when they marry because they don’t properly prepare prior to the wedding.  So it is crucial for you and your partner to have an open discussion about money prior to tying the knot.

Here are some practical ways to make the transition from the single life to the married life.

Begin With SMART Savings

A SMART savings is not referring to the SMART goals you may be familiar with (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound).  It references a budget for specific wedding and living expenses.

Several Marriage Accounts Reserved for Tasks – which means to put aside cash for various expenses.

Contrary to popular belief, there shouldn’t be just one budget for the entire wedding. Each respective area should have a budget. For example: $10,000 for entertainment, $7,000 for catering, etc. Reserving a savings for specific tasks allow couples to stay within budget, avoiding added stress to the marriage once the wedding is over.

Don’t Underestimate The Power of a Financial Professional

One of the most under-utilized tools is consulting a money management professional who can guide you and your significant other during this lifestyle change. For many couples, blending finances can be complicated. Two people who have been independent for decades often find it hard to make such an abrupt change. It is important to discuss how the finances will be managed prior to getting married to avoid arguments about it later.

This is where a Licensed Financial Coach plays a vital role. Having a Licensed Financial Coach lays the foundation for both wedding essentials and after the wedding needs.  It is not about just creating a budget for the wedding, but to also have necessities in place for life after walking down the aisle (Life Insurance, Home Insurance, Investing in Assets, etc.).

It is also equally important that you connect with a Licensed professional, not a person who uses the title “financial advisor,” “money management,” or “life coach.” Be sure that this person has a track record and is licensed with the state/federally.

To learn how you can get a COMPLIMENTARY financial game plan, go to www.lateishajohnson.com.

Remember Life After The Wedding

Although this is self-explanatory, most couples absolutely don’t prepare. Often they put so much emphasis on the wedding that after the honeymoon phrase is over, many money problems arise. Take the time to communicate and prepare.

Preparation is key! Plan to be financially equipped.

Note from Randi Martin @ Trilogy Event Design:

Be sure to continue to follow Money & Matrimony on #weddingwednesday thru April 10, 2019.

Until next time…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses

Venue Coordinator vs Wedding Planner

Chief Event Planner Randi Martin pinning the boutonniere on a groomsman. Photo by Daniel Bostwick Photography

Ideally, your venue coordinator and wedding planner should be able to work together to execute your well-planned dream wedding. Of course you need the coordinator provided by your wedding venue (ceremony and/or reception) because they are most familiar with the ins and outs your chosen location. However, there is a difference between this person and an independent wedding planner that you hire to be your liaison. 

The venue coordinator is responsible for what happens inside their 4 walls. They are responsible for making sure you get the items you paid them to provide. They make sure their caterer provides the right food at the right time. They make sure their bar is stocked properly. They make sure the right number of tables and chairs are provided for your guests to be seated. They make sure the lights are on, the heat/air conditioning is at a comfortable temperature, and the bathrooms are fully functioning.  

Your privately contracted wedding planner will help you with your plans prior to the wedding day. They may help you make decisions about the details for your wedding (venue, professionals, colors and/or theme, stationery, flowers, etc.). They will start working before you get to the ceremony and after you leave the reception. They will troubleshoot problems as they arise so you don't have to interrupt your moments with friends and family. 
 

Your Trilogy Event Design Wedding Planner will ensure that your vision comes to life the way you planned. Photo by Bostwick Photography.

Real examples from our experience of issues the wedding planner might tackle... Your photography services are contracted to end before the reception is over so the timeline has to be adjusted accordingly... the florist delivered the wrong corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom... half of the specialty linens ordered didn't arrive at the venue... the limo driver got lost on the way to the church (with the bride inside)… the DJ had a heart attack while setting up for the reception… These are issues that the venue coordinator either would not know about or would not be able to help you resolve. 

There are many other things that your selected wedding planner will do for you, but we hope you now have a better understanding of the differences. If your venue coordinator tells you that you won't need a wedding planner because they do it all, just ask them what they do to help you before you arrive at the facility. 

We would be delighted to schedule an initial meeting to discuss your wedding planning needs. We offer a variety of services including Wedding Coaching, Wedding Management, and Event Design.

Until then…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses!

Money & Matrimony on Wedding Wednesdays

Trilogy Event Design has partnered with Wealth & Wellness Network to bring you this special series. Just so you can’t forget to check for the latest tips, we’re making MONEY & MATRIMONY a weekly #weddingwednesday feature. Be sure to check back here every Wednesday for information to help you manage your wedding budget and plan for your future after you say “I Do!”

Trilogy Event Design’s very own, Randi Martin, is an experienced wedding planner, teacher, and speaker.

Paired with the brilliant mind of Lateisha Johnson, licenced financial coach, author, speaker & CEO @ Wealth & Wellness Network, you are guaranteed to gain enough knowledge to go forward and have a fabulous happily ever after.

Stay tuned and come back often.

Until then…

Glitter Wishes & Unicorn Kisses