Great Night at Hoboken International Film Festival

Last Thursday Night was my fourth year as festival DJ for the Hoboken International Film Festival. It was a very fun night supporting an outstanding film festival. As usual, the Hoboken International Film Festival Awards Gala was filled with celebrities, which always adds to the excitement.

Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Along with playing a hard-driving set of 80’s Rock Music beforehand, the Hoboken International Film Festival music of choice, I played the music that each presenter and award recipient walked to and from the stage. This year, although present, Robert Loggia did not present any awards, so, the Frank Sinatra I usually play for him was left out of the night’s entertainment. His film roles include An Officer and a GentlemanMercy Mission: The Rescue of Flight 771, based on the Air New Zealand Flight 103 incident, ScarfacePrizzi’s HonorOver The TopIndependence DayNecessary RoughnessReturn to MeArmed and Dangerous, and Big (for which he won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor).

Robert Loggia at Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Great Night at Hoboken International Film Festival

Kenneth Del Vecchio, Founder and Chairman of Hoboken International Film Festival  entered the stage to Rush “Limellight”, which was his personal choice. The Hoboken International Film Festival Host, Gilbert Gottfried was brought to the stage by several songs, the first was Joe Walsh “Life’s Been Good”. Joyce DeWitt ran up to present awards with The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour” echoing through the beautiful, historic Paramount Theatre. She is such an amazing woman and still rocks the stage like few others. Nina Transfeld, a friend and talented, beautiful woman, bounced up to the stage with her lively presence to Queen, “Now I’m Here”. I recalled how much Nina enjoys Queen from festivals past.

Queen at Hoboken international Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Jeff Davis, lead Producer of the Film and Broadway hit, “Rock of Ages”, entered the stage to Offspring “Self-esteem” smiling from ear-to-ear. Always feels good to get a man who makes shows and films about Rock Music to appreciate your music.  Film Editor Ron Kalish was beaming as Joe Jackson “I’m The Man” filled the theatre. Rachael Robbins, Playboy model, stand-up comedian and actress, lit-up the stage with her strut to Lenny Kravitz version of “American Woman”. She is so much fun and enjoys the spotlight more than most. Michael Rivera, who does not have the same fondness of 80’s Rock Music as the rest of the team, was pumped-up when Run-DMC “Rock Box” was his selection. Robert Bogue, best known as A.C. Mallet on The Guiding Light for 338 episodes, was playing the air guitar to Heart “Barracuda” across the stage, it was hilarious!

Robert Bogue Rocks the Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

 

As the night was closing, Kenneth Del Vecchio was called back to the stage to present the award for Best Narrative Film to his favorite song, another one from years past, Peter Gabriel “Solsbury Hill”. As the theater began to empty to Uncle Kracker “Follow Me”, Joyce DeWitt came to the DJ station with arms wide open offering a hug and these words to complete an amazing night, “Wow! That was the best music at any event I have ever been at! Thank you so much for making this such a great night!”. Trust me, I am one the needing to thank you Joyce for all the laughs and fun you gave me growing-up watching Three’s Company!

Joyce DeWitt star of Three's Company at Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

What a fun night to be the Festival DJ!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

Fun Rhode Island Wedding with Country, Rock and Pop Music

This past Friday Night we did a really fun Rhode Island Wedding in Wayne, New Jersey. One the aspects that added to the fun was the fact that the Bride had two daughters that loved all kinds of music and dancing! The younger one, who was ten years old, requested everything from Sugarland to Selena Gomez and Macklemore and even some Tango!  The Tango was especially fun watching the daughter and mother dance and then her older sister. It was that kind of a fun night!

Fun Rhode Island Wedding

Fun Rhode Island Wedding with Dancing Bride and Rhode Island Wedding DJ

They also enjoyed plenty of Country Music. The First Dance was the Country version of Hunter Hayes “Wanted” and the Last Dance was Garth Brooks “The Dance”. Of course there was some Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton mixed-in with Modern Country Hits like Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert. The Groom was more of a Classic Rock  enthusiast and we played Lynyrrd Skynyrd “Simple Man” for his Mother-Son Dance and Nickelback “Never Gonna Be Alone” for a special dance with the Bride, Groom and her daughters.

Fun Rhode Island Wedding with Dancing Bride and Rhode Island Wedding DJ

After dinner, their friends and family were ready to party, and we partied!

Fun Rhode Island Wedding with Dancing Bride and Rhode Island Wedding DJ

The Rhode Island Wedding DJ connected with the Wedding’s guests and it was exciting for all!

Fun Rhode Island Wedding with Dancing Bride and Rhode Island Wedding DJ

This was so fun to experience!

IMG_3131

And we finished where we started, with the Bride and Groom dancing together.

Fun Rhode Island Wedding with Dancing Bride and Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Another great night of fun, celebration and dancing for the Rhode Island Wedding DJ!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

I am so excited to return for a fourth year as Festival DJ for the Hoboken International Film Festival. In past years, stars like Robert Loggia, Charles Durning, Paul Sorvino, Cloris Leachman and Bille Dee Williams have been winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year, the Winner of the Hoboken International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Eric Roberts!

http://youtu.be/QSpNU2sImUU

One of my favorite aspects of the Hoboken International Film Festival is the Awards Gala. This year it will be on June 6th and I will be Festival DJ again. It is a really fun might night featuring all the Celebrities and Stars and the red carpet. Of course, it is also fun to see how everybody comes tressed for such a exciting event.

Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Hoboken International Film Festival

Now in its eighth year, the 2013 Hoboken International Film Festival (“HIFF”) is being held May 31 to June 6, 2013 at the breathtaking Paramount Theater in Middletown, New York. With the Gala Awards Ceremony hosted by Gilbert Gottfried, HIFF will showcase numerous film and TV stars, and the world’s most cutting edge films. Hoboken International Film Festival continues to grow – in 2012 Hoboken International Film Festival had over 1,500 film submissions from all over the world, and accepted just over 90 films (the competition is fierce). Festival attendance has eclipsed 15,000 people in each of the past few years. A star-filled event,

Now in its eighth year, the 2013 Hoboken International Film Festival (“HIFF”) is being held May 31 to June 6, 2013 at the breathtaking Paramount Theater in Middletown, New York. With the Gala Awards Ceremony hosted by Gilbert Gottfried,

Now in its eighth year, the 2013 Hoboken International Film Festival (“HIFF”) is being held May 31 to June 6, 2013 at the breathtaking Paramount Theater in Middletown, New York. With the Gala Awards Ceremony hosted by Gilbert Gottfried, HIFF will showcase numerous film and TV stars, and the world’s most cutting edge films. HIFF continues to grow – in 2012 Hoboken International Film Festival had over 1,500 film submissions from all over the world, and accepted just over 90 films (the competition is fierce). Festival attendance has eclipsed 15,000 people in each of the past few years. A star-filled event, HIFF has had several Academy Award and Emmy winners and nominees, and numerous other fan-favorite celebrities at screenings, award ceremonies and special events.

Robert Loggia Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

With a celebrity jury comprised of Academy Award and Emmy winners, and powerhouse partners that include The New York Post, Coca-Cola & Vitaminwater, WCBS FM, ShopRite, News 12, The Comfort Inn, Anheuser-Busch, RealBeanz, Breakdown Services, Mid-Hudson News, Zombie Apocalypse Vodka, SDL, Fuze, Charity Kases Cosmetics, the Paramount Theater, and many more, HIFF is a worldwide renowned film festival.

Academy Award nominee ERIC ROBERTS (The Pope of Greenwich Village; The Expendables; The Specialist; Star 80) will personally accept the 2013 HIFF Lifetime Achievement Award at the HIFF Gala Awards Ceremeony on June 6, 2013…Past recipients of the HIFF Lifetime Achievement award include Robert Loggia (Academy Award & Emmy Nominee; Independence Day; Scarface; Jagged Edge; Big); Cloris Leachman (Academy Award, 4-Time Golden Globe,19-Time Emmy Winner & Nominee); Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas; Romeo + Juliet; The Cooler; Nixon); Billy Dee Williams (Empire Strikes Back; Return of the Jedi; Batman; Lady Sings the Blues; Emmy nominee), Carroll Baker (Academy Award Nominee & Golden Globe Winner; How the West Was Won, Baby Doll, Kindergarten Cop); and Charles Durning (2-Time Academy Award, 4-Time Golden Globe, 8-Time Emmy winner & nominee; Tootsie; The Sting; O’ Brother Where Art Thou).

Robert Loggia Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael

Hoboken International Film Festival awards the winning filmmakers with cash prizes in several categories. There are also awards given in several other categories, and there are numerous top distribution companies in attendance of the festival and monitoring the Official Selections…And then there is the very special New York Post Feature Film Trailer Competition held on NYPost.com!

The Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael also features upcoming stars like Deirdre Lorenz and Nina Transfeld. They are both talented, beautiful and awesome women!

Can’t wait for the Hoboken International Film Festival with DJ Mystical Michael this year!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

Fun DJ Night at Barefoot Boogie

Saturday Night we had a fun night of music and dancing at Barefoot Boogie NYC. I do not always get to play music to such a diverse and creative group of dancers. Also, several good, old friends were present as an additional treat for me.

What is The Barefoot Boogie?

The Barefoot Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

If you’ve enjoyed any kind of conscious dance, ecstatic dance, 5 Rhythms, JourneyDance, contact improvisation, or any other kind of freeform dance, you’ll enjoy the Barefoot Boogie.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

Fun DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie - Rhode Island DJ and New York  DJ

What Kinds of Music is Played at The Barefoot Boogie?

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that at every Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

All professional DJs enjoy the opportunity to volunteer for such a fantastic community of dancers. Fun night at Barefoot Boogie, so grateful.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

7 Wedding Traditions that Need to Die | Love + Sex – Rhode Island Wedding DJ

7 Wedding Traditions that Need to Die

For the record, I do not necessarily agree with the author of this article but thought it was interesting and makes for fun conversation. Some Wedding Traditions do seem a bit outdated for many young couples but, have value for others. One of the benefits of being a Wedding DJ these days is that Brides and Grooms can create whatever they want for your Wedding together with your Wedding DJ. You can include, recreate or leave out whatever Wedding Traditions you want.

By Cosmopolitan.com | Love + Sex – Thu, May 9, 2013 5:24 PM EDT

7 Wedding Traditions that Need to Die | Love + Sex - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

7 Wedding Traditions that Need to Die

A recent poll showed that more women are changing their last names after getting hitched, and I plan on following the crowd after I get married next summer. But there are a ton of other outdated traditions that my man and I need to figure out about before the day comes. IMHO, these are totally old-fashioned…

By Natasha Burton

1. The bouquet toss

I used to think the bouquet was the most exciting part of a wedding. When I was 12. As I got older, and the crowd of women around me hungering for the bride’s flowers thinned out to a handful of tweens and me, I realized how awful this tradition really is. Plus, I’m selfish and want to keep my bouquet to myself, m’kay?

7 Wedding Traditions that Need to Die | Love + Sex - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

2. The garter retrieval

There’s nothing less sexy than your guy burrowing his head under your wedding dress while your dad-and his-watch. Not to mention your mother, your mother-in-law, your friends…need I go on? My groom can put his head between my legs all he wants on our honeymoon, but not in front of our nearest and dearest.

7 Wedding Traditions that Need to Die | Love + Sex - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

3. Bridesmaids

Why, in 2013, are we still down with the idea of forcing our friends to buy ugly coordinated dresses and stand up in uncomfortable high heels next to us while we get married? There is literally no reason to do this, now or ever. Sure, I suppose some people like the cuteness of taking pictures with their friends in matching outfits, but I did enough of that at the mall’s glamour shot booth in middle school. Not trying to hate on gals who dream of a big bridal party, but I honestly don’t see the point.

4. The white dress

Full disclosure: I bought a white dress for my wedding. But I can’t say I wasn’t tempted by the blush, pink, and red frothy creations that have been floating down runways and taking up valuable real estate in bridal salons. While I chose to wear white-mainly because it fits my personal vision of how I’d like to look as a bride-I don’t like the kinda sexist, virgin-y undertones of the tradition.

5. The father give-away

This is another thing I’m probably going to do, even though I’m not totally down with the origin of the tradition-as in, the suggestion that a woman is an object given to her husband from her dear old dad. Still, I don’t want to walk down the aisle alone (I’ll trip and fall on my face, knowing my lack of composure in these types of high-pressure situations), my mom has politely declined the job for fear of the same aforementioned clumsiness, and I have two amazing fathers-my dad-dad and my step-dad-who would happily escort me. And, more importantly, keep me upright.

7 Wedding Traditions that Need to Die | Love + Sex - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

6. The not-seeing-each-other-beforehand thing

Honestly, I love this tradition of not seeing my groom until I’m walking down the aisle. It’s kinda romantic, right? But I don’t like the idea of following a superstition that, if we happen to catch a glance of each other, bad luck will befall our marriage. Plus, I’m going to be nervous as sh*t pre-ceremony and I want to be able to hug my fiancé and hear him tell me how pretty I look before we swap vows.

7. The cake smashing

It’s become custom for couples to get into a mini food fight after cutting their ungodly expensive wedding cake. I get it. It’s funny to see people in fancy clothing with food on their faces. Maybe I’m a bit uptight, but I’d prefer not to have chocolate ganache smeared up my nose (or on my dress) on my wedding day. Considering that most couples don’t get a chance to eat at their receptions, I’d much rather put that cake where it belongs-in my belly. And then get myself back out on that dance floor.

via 7 Wedding Traditions that Need to Die | Love + Sex – Yahoo! Shine.

What do you think about this article? Which Wedding Traditions do you agree or disagree with the author that should be removed from Modern Weddings?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie 5/25!

Saturday Night I will make my return to DJ at Barefoot Boogie in NYC! Barefoot Boogie is one of my favorite events to volunteer as DJ. I have been fully booked and not available to DJ there and think February was my last set there, too long and I miss it.

What is The Barefoot Boogie?

The Barefoot Boogie is a freestyle dance which happens twice a month in New York City. We offer a relaxed, smoke- and alcohol-free environment where folks can freely express themselves in movement.

If you’ve enjoyed any kind of conscious dance, ecstatic dance, 5 Rhythms, JourneyDance, contact improvisation, or any other kind of freeform dance, you’ll enjoy the Barefoot Boogie.

People of all ages, families and kids are welcome. Come alone or bring your friends. You’ll find folks at the dance moving solo, with partners, and/or in groups. Dress as you wish, but please leave your street shoes at the door before hitting the dance floor. The Barefoot Boogie is a not-for-profit, cooperative and volunteer-run venture.

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie - Rhode Island DJ and New York  DJ

What Kinds of Music is Played at The Barefoot Boogie?

From our pool of talented DJs, two spin each dance. Each of our DJs has his or her own distinctive style, but one thing you can rely on is that at every Boogie you’ll hear a wide variety of music: R&B, World, Funk, Tribal, Hip Hop, Ambient, Reggae, House, African, Electronica, Disco, Rock, Techno, Drum & Bass, etc.

DJ Mystical Michael at Barefoot Boogie - Rhode Island DJ and New York  DJ

Our normal schedule is the second and fourth Saturday of each month. We currently have the following format for the dance.

  • From 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm (possibly extended to 12:00). We start off with warm-up music. On alternate Barefoot Boogies (usually the 4th Saturday), we have a dance-related class that ends at 9:15, followed by DJed music. At 10:00, we’ll have a community/announcement circle where new folks are welcomed, we give an overview of the dance community, and anyone is invited to announce a service they offer, an apartment for rent, or an initiative they want to share. This is followed by our traditional circle dance (holding hands), and the rest of the evening is DJed music where you are free to express yourself in whatever way you like!

Barefoot Boogie is now meeting at Insight Meditation Center: 28 W 27th Street, 10th Floor (Buzzer #27).

Come join us Saturday Night at Barefoot Boogie to dance, move and have some fun!

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

 

Fun Rhode Island Wedding at Nauvoo Grill Club

This past Saturday we performed as DJ and MC for a fun Rhode Island Wedding at The Nauvoo Grill Club in Fair Haven, New Jersey. If you have never been there, you are in for a treat! It was our first time as DJ and MC at Nauvoo Grill Club and they did a fantastic job. If you are looking for an excellent venue for your Wedding or Party, I invite you to explore their website and look around. They have great atmosphere, a cool upper deck, awesome food and a professional, but laid back staff. We DJ many Weddings and Parties in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area and we were very impressed.

Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ at Nauvoo Grill Club

The Bride and Groom themselves must have put great thought into their choice of venue for their Wedding, because they were equally laid back, simple and great to work with. It fit them perfectly and it was such a nice, simple and elegant Wedding. The Bride looked fabulous and so did the Groom for that matter. Their friends and family had a great time and enjoyed everything. The music for the Cocktail Hour consisted mostly of soft Modern and Classic Rock with some new Top 40 mixed-in to make sure everybody was happy.

Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ at Nauvoo Grill Club

Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ at Nauvoo Grill Club

When most guests were finished with the quality buffet, a woman who identified herself as, “A sixty-two year old lady who wants to dance and party!”, came up and asked requested us to play some Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez to get the dancing started. Five minutes later the dance floor was packed and stayed that way till the end! We played DJ Music for dancing for young and old, mixing Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley with Neyo, Jackson 5 and Bruce Springsteen, the latter being the Groom’s request.

Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ at Nauvoo Grill Club

It is so satisfying as a Rhode Island Wedding DJ to participate in such an excellent Wedding with the Bride, Groom and their guests. It was so much fun with no cheesy music or elements, a great simple and elegant Wedding on the Jersey Shore, less than three blocks from water.

Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ at Nauvoo Grill Club

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

 

Fun 50th Birthday Party in New Jersey

This past Saturday, along with the gorgeous Spring sunshine was a totally fun 50th Birthday Party in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. The woman whose birthday we were celebrating, was so thrilled to have all her friends and family gathered together to play, eat, drink and dance in their backyard. Their backyard is beautiful and just added to the great atmosphere that the sun and people created.

I have been DJ for more and more milestone birthday parties lately, especially 50th birthday parties. I have a 40th birthday party and a 75th birthday party coming in June. I really enjoy being the DJ for these parties. They feel so joyful and fun, and everybody has a great time. The birthday party was catered by Encore Catering in East Hanover, New Jersey. They did an excellent job!

Fun 50th Birthday Party DJ in New Jersey with Beyonce

50th Birthday Party with Great Music

This particular 50th birthday party offered a diverse selection of music from many genres and generations. Some of the artists that we chosen were Beyonce, Sly and The family Stone, The Beatles, Neil Diamond (she is a Red Sox fan), Bruno Mars, Joe Jackson, Billy Joel, Prince, Maroon 5 and Michael Jackson, just to name a few.

One of the aspects of the event that was most pleasing for me was that a couple whose surprise 50th birthday party I was DJ for two years ago were there as well. In fact, another of their friend’s was the one who recommended me to the husband who organized the party. The husband asked his friend if he knew of a great DJ for the party and the friend had been at the other 50th birthday part and had so much fun, he gave him my name to contact. Fortunately, I had the date open and we were able to book it easily. It was fun seeing all these people again! I will see them all again in June at a High School Graduation Party the recommender wants me to DJ.

Fun 50th Birthday Party DJ in New Jersey with Billy Joel

All in all, a great day for a family that has reason to celebrate. The husband had a stroke three years ago and he has come a long way since then. There were a few tears shed to celebrate his and their lives during a speech. I was very grateful to be there and participate in this occasion with them.

Fun 50th Birthday Party DJ in New Jersey with Motown Music

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

The Things We Would Blog: Wedding DJ Wednesday: What’s Your Song?

This is a great, fun blog post about Wedding DJ First Dance Songs. It is helpful when an article like this is written by professional Photographers, not a Wedding DJ. It offers another perspective and more credibility, since they are not trying to promote their Wedding DJ, they are not Wedding DJs. Let me know what you think about Jenny and Teresa’s advice and JKOE Photography portfolio. I like their work and attitude and want to promote them, even though I have never met or worked a Wedding with them. You  can feel how much fun and professional they are, it is evident in what and how they go about their business.

Note: The images on this page are not from JKOE Photography, they are from DJ Mystical Michael. They do much better work and do not want to give the impression that they are amateurs like me:)

Wedding DJ First Dance Songs by Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Wedding Wednesday: What’s Your Song?

Posted by Jenny

Wedding DJ First Dance Songs

Some couples have a song long before they get married, the first song they danced to years ago or something from a special moment in their relationship. Others pick something for their first dance and it becomes their special song.

Jason and I danced to “Blue Eyes” by The Cary Brothers and although it was a song we both loved, it didn’t’ really have any major significance before our wedding. Teresa and Patrick chose Iron and Wine’s “Love and Some Verses”.

“At Last” by Etta James is probably the first dance song I hear the most, a great choice for sure, beautiful and classic. Ray Lamontagne “You Are the Best Thing” is also super popular and for good reason, the title says it all!

Wedding DJ First Dance Songs by Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Wedding DJ First Dance Song Recommendations

If you’re still in the market for a song, here are some of my favorites that you might not have considered:

Bright Eyes “First Day of My Life”

Eva Cassidy “Songbird”

The Beatles “In My Life”

Dave Barnes “On a Night Like This”

The Civil Wars “Dance Me to the End of Love”

Van Morrison “Crazy Love”

Ingrid Michaelson “You and I”

Frank Sinatra “The Way You Look Tonight”

Peter Gabriel “In Your Eyes”

Iron and Wine “Such Great Heights”

Ben Harper “Forever”

Billie Holiday “The Thought of You”

Ben Folds “The Luckiest”

The Moldy Peaches “Anyone Else But You”

The Lumineers “Ho Hey”

The Arctic Monkeys “Baby I’m Yours”

Wedding DJ First Dance Songs by Rhode Island Wedding DJ

A couple of first dance tips…

If your song is super long, let the DJ know to fade it out at a certain point or have the band only do the first couple of verses. 6 minutes of having people watch you dance will seem like forever.

Even if you aren’t planning a whole choreographed routine, taking dancing lessons can be a fun thing for couples to do together and a way to make you just a tad more graceful.

Whether you take lessons or not, you should definitely do a little practice. Try out dancing to your song at least once. Make sure you’re both on the same page with how you’re planning on dancing.

While you’re at a dress fitting, take a spin around the dress shop too. Make sure you’re comfortable moving around in your dress, that you’re not tripping over the hem and everything is staying in place!

If you have a special song that isn’t ideal for slow dancing to, why not incorporate it in somewhere else? One of my favorite weddings last summer had a live band that did an amazing rendition of Edward and the Magnetic Zero’s “Home” as part of the processional. Another couple walked back down the aisle to The Star Wars Theme, which was super cute because only some people caught the reference, the rest just thought it was a classy instrumental piece!

Wedding DJ First Dance Songs by Rhode Island Wedding DJ

What’s your song? I’d love to hear!

via The Things We Would Blog: Wedding Wednesday: What’s Your Song?

What songs do you like and think will make great Wedding DJ First Dance Songs?

I have used Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros “Home” and it always works out fabulously!

Wedding DJ First Dance Songs by Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

Perfect Weddings Budget with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

These Wedding Statistics may shock you but they are true & from well known reliable sources about Perfect Weddings Budget!  Read them all here and learn from other Brides & Grooms mistakes!  It will make you rethink Wedding Reception Priorities!

Shocking Wedding Statistics: Perfect Weddings Budget!

Perfect Weddings Budget - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Perfect Weddings Budget After Your Wedding Reception

72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.

Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.

During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their wedding dress, attire, followed by the reception site and caterer – reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities!

Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!

When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding is the entertainment (Band / DJ).

65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding reception, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey!

*These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine . Sources include: Simmons; USA Today, National Bridal Service, The Knot, Brides Magazine.

Perfect Weddings Budget - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Wedding Disc Jockey rates are vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability & personality. Not all Wedding DJ’s are Created Equally, as many of you know – we have all seen the “Bad” Cheesy Wedding DJ!

Rates for the DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $350.00 to $3,500.00 with an US average of $1,200.00 for a 4-5 hour reception.

The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a wedding. As the surveys above conclude that 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment & made it their #1 priority in hindsight!

A Professional Wedding Entertainment company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for “4 hours”.

Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up & tear-down, education, phone calls, travel & other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special once in a lifetime day.

Modern Bride Magazine: Entertainment is 5% of your Wedding Budget, but TWICE as many guests will remember your entertainment, more than anything else!

Perfect Weddings Budget - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

The numbers don’t lie, Perfect Weddings Budget…

The cost of entertainment at your reception is only a small portion of your overall budget.  As Modern Bride Magazine states above, only 5% of your overall budget will be spent on entertainmentHowever, over 50% of your guests will remember the performance of your disc jockey more than anything else at your reception.  Think back to the last affair you attended, what did you eat? What Color was the Napkin? What was the guest of honor wearing?  The Chart Below shows you what was spent compared to how well it will be remembered….

Percentage of Money Spent      Percentage of What Guests Remember Most

pc_charts_1pc_charts_2

When you’re spending thousands of dollars on a once-in-a-lifetime event, doesn’t it make sense to reserve the finest entertainment, especially since it is only 5% of your over all budget??

Yes, your Gown & your Food are very important.  Still, the selection of Music &  Entertainment can determine the success of your event!

A qualified Wedding MC can guarantee your guests will stay after dinner to party; the Photographer & Videographer will have something to shoot & your guests will stay long enough to really remember your gown!

via Perfect Weddings: Budget.

Perfect Weddings Budget - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Perfect Weddings Budget – Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I think they raise some interesting and revealing points. What do you think about this information? Is it correct or skewed? Does it match your experiences at Weddings?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147