Children get easily bored, especially at weddings as there can be long periods of waiting around with not a lot to do. Bored children can be a nightmare, and parents will become stressed, and not enjoy the day. Entertainment is the key, make sure that the children are being entertained or kept busy throughout the day. By making the children feel like they are involved in the day, and have a part to play, will mean they are less likely to get bored. Placing children on their own table is a great option, a children’s table is usually designed for 3-12 yr olds. Younger children will need more attention and help during dinner, and may feel more comfortable sitting with mum and dad. Ask the venue to dress down the children’s table, remove the glassware and fancy tableware. Children will feel more comfortable knowing they can’t break things.  Have special name cards made just for them and decorate the table with the children in mind.

Supply wedding favors and party bags designed for children, these will amuse them during the meal and speeches. There are many different designs of children’s party bags and wedding favors available, including pretty princess and boyish bags. All have games, toys and often puzzles in them. You could also supply coloring mats and pencils, and have a coloring competition to see who can color the best picture. Included in the party bags, it might be an idea to have some sort of snack, adults can wait longer for their meals but children if hungry will become restless. A decorated bag of cookies is always an ideal filler before dinner is served.

The actual meal should have the children in mind; they are more likely to behave if not being forced to eat something they either do not like or want. All venues will cater for children, and will have children’s menus available for you to choose from – usually at a lower cost meaning you save money as well. If you are having an outdoor wedding then a picnic might be the solution for the children, they will love the idea they are doing something completely different to the adults.

After the meals, having a specific children’s entertainer on hand, either a magician or a face painter, is a good idea. Both are always loved by children. If there are smaller children attending your wedding then supplying a crèche might be an idea. The guests can leave their children with a qualified team of childcare workers, enabling the parents to relax and have a fantastic time at your wedding. Ensure your DJ is child friendly and has a good selection of party tunes and dances for the children.

If you take a little time to plan how best to keep children entertained at your wedding, you’ll find you can create a wonderful family occasion, for all to enjoy.
 

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In the first place, contact a pyrotechnics expert. This is the professional that is going to be setting up the fireworks for you, and they will be providing you with a service much the same way that the caterer and the venue will be. Remember that they are going to have the information and knowledge regarding the safety of a good fireworks display for you. Do not try to create your own fireworks display unless you happen to be an expert.

The pyrotechnics expert will be able to tell you if the wedding venue that you have chosen or your reception site is appropriate for a fireworks display. Considerations like distance, city ordinances and the conditions of your site all need to be taken into account. If you are set on making sure that you can have fireworks at your wedding, remember to speak with the pyrotechnics expert before you start planning the wedding venue. Not all venues are going to be appropriate when you are thinking about setting off fireworks. Fire codes and city regulations are two key things for you to investigate.

Remember that a fireworks display can add a significant amount of money to your wedding budget needs. They are usually priced by the minute and the longer the display is, the more expensive it is going to be. Make sure that you are going to be able to budget for this display.

Think about the timing of your fireworks display. Fireworks are best viewed in full dark, so think about when you want them set off. Having them set off during your wedding is an option if you are having a night wedding, but remember that having them go off during your night reception is another option that you might want to consider. The darker it is, the more dramatic the colors will be, so take your time and consider what your options are when you are thinking about moving forward and getting the right kind of display and timing for your wedding.

The pyrotechnics expert will also be able to help you decide on what colors are appropriate. They will let you know what is available, and you might choose a color scheme that matches your wedding or you might choose one that involves a wide assortment of colors.

Think about whether fireworks at your wedding is the right thing for you. It can definitely make an impression and it can help you make some amazing memories. Fireworks are wonderfully loud and dramatic, so think about whether they suit your wedding!
 

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The church ceremony

If you are having a church wedding, it would be best if you would speak to your minister about the music you want played. The minister can then advise you on the equipment available and the quality of the players. You can also ask the minister to allow one of your friends or someone else you recommend to playing the pieces you want played. Do not constrict yourself to the competency of the church organist. The church ceremony should include four different sections in your music for the prelude, the processional, the signing of the register and the recessional. Prelude should consist of music that sets the mood to be joyous and positive in anticipation of the ceremony. The Processional would be played on arrival of the bride and the music should lend grace and regality to the occasion of the bride’s journey to the groom waiting at the altar. Signing of the Register can have traditional or modern pieces playing and you could have yours or your bride’s favorite pieces playing. Celebratory, joyful and triumphant music sets the background for the recessional. You could use some hymns during the service, depending upon your tastes. In case you are getting married in the registrar’s office or at any other approved premises, you need to get an approval from the registrar to play non-religious music. While discussing the ceremony, it is best to discuss the music with the registrar to get their approval for the music you want played.

Reception

At your reception you are free to play any music you want to. You could consider using a live band or a DJ for the purpose. Choose your music according to the age of the group of guest you have invited and still create a party ambience right for dancing. Tradition has it that the bride and groom have the first dance on the reception evening, normally a waltz. However, with ball room dancing skills not being widespread, it may be best to dance to a favorite romantic number. During the song, tradition has it that the groom dances with his new mother-in-law and then with his mother, while the bride dances with her new father-in-law and then with her father. In comes the best man with the bridesmaids as first change to finish the first dance whereupon the guests are free to join the fun. Irrespective of which first dance song you choose, try and keep the mood at the romantic best. Many couples prefer live music at their wedding because they believe that it makes a difference to the ambience as well as render the natural quality to the music being played. Live music can be a full orchestra, a group of musicians or even a soloist. Selecting live music can also be beneficial to your budget. You could select a group and the number of musicians according to your budget. Much less expensive would be to have recorded music or a DJ at your wedding reception. The advantage of having a DJ is that the music will never be interrupted. Make sure the DJ is experienced in playing at wedding receptions.

Technorati Tags: Wedding Music, Wedding Reception

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The most important thing is to make sure you book a professional. An amateur or part-time magician maybe able to perform amazing magic but there is a lot more to it than that. Will they turn up on time? Will they be smartly presented? Will they work hard to make sure they see every guest? Will they have the experience to cope with any last minute changes?

Remember that if you are hosting or organising an event, the magician you choose will reflect on you. In the same way, a professional magician who’s livelihood depends on performing regularly will look after all the small details because it reflects on them and their prospects of getting more work.

How do you know someone is a professional? After all, anyone can say they are but what can you do to check that it’s true?

How to Spot a Professional Magician

Check that the magician has a good website and/ or printed promotional materials. These days, magicians often rely on a website to provide information to prospective clients because it is so easy to keep a website up to date. Many also have videos or DVDs and printed materials including photographs. Of course, this doesn’t make them a great magician but it does indicate their professionalism. It can also give you an idea of what a performer is like if you haven’t met them.

Check that the magician is a member of magic societies such as the Magic Circle and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. These societies require magicians to be serious and accomplished performers before they are allowed membership. Another good sign is if they are a member of an organisation like Equity, the UK performers union or similar professional body.

Check the magician’s list of clients and engagements, and testimonial/ recommendation letters. A professional magician should be able to provide details of past clients and engagements – if they can’t something is wrong. The types of events they have been involved with will indicate if they are the right magician for your event. The letters and quotes can be helpful, although it is unlikely that any bad quotes will find their way into someone’s promotional materials! However, the number and quality of the quotes should give you an idea of how well received a performer is. Don’t be afraid to ask for copies of the original letters or emails.

Check that the magician has public liability insurance. This is very important! The magician may be closely interacting with your guests, perhaps borrowing objects from them and a professional will be covered for any accidents that may happen.

Is a Particular Professional Magician Right for You?

So, you’ve found a professional magician. How do you know they are right for you and your event? Obviously, seeing them perform is the best way. Often a magician will work regularly at a restaurant or club, or even have a regular stage show and this is a great opportunity to see them in action. However, some magicians only perform at corporate and private functions and you may not be able to see them in public.

Promotional materials and information about past clients and engagement should give you a pretty good idea what they are like, but a quick phone call is the best way. Have a chat with them, ask them what their performance style is like and what types of magical effects they perform. If you like what you hear and can get on with them over the phone, it’s a good sign.

Price and Negotiating a Fee

Often the main factor when deciding which magician to choose is price. Fees for professional magicians vary a lot because they depend on many factors such as the date and time of the event, how well known the magician is, what type of magic you want them to perform, how long you want them for, etc. But, as with most other services and products, you get what you pay for. Good magical entertainment is not something that you can get cheaply. If you are shopping around and enquiring with many magicians, going with the cheapest may not be the best option!

When negotiating the fee it can be a good idea to be up front and state what the available budget is. This could save both you and the magician a lot of time. If one magician is too expensive or is not available, they may be able to suggest another magician or entertainer for your event. Their opinion is worthwhile, since they should be well aware how good other magicians are and suggesting someone unprofessional would reflect badly on them.

Finally, remember to check whether the fee you negotiate is fully inclusive and that there are no hidden extras such as VAT or travelling expenses.

Note: This article is written from a UK perspective, but many of these tips will be relevant in other countries.

About the Author
Dan Gifford is a UK Corporate Magician and UK Wedding Magician. For more about UK magicians visit www.magician-entertainer.co.uk.

Technorati Tags: Wedding, Wedding Reception, Wedding Magician, Magician

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In this keepsake, or back in the day “scroll” was the Bride and Groom’s name and date of their unity as record and confirmation that the ceremony indeed took place and made legal. The purpose of these wedding favours or bridal favours were simply to confirm the unity of the marriage and to offer these witnesses or wedding reception guest wedding favours as part of the ceremonial and reception party procedure. It was thought that it was not just a gift of celebration but more of a ceremonial tradition that was required in order for it all to be legal and binding.

Of course there is no facts that this was the case but there appeared to be some type of tie between weddings ceremonies and wedding reception traditions. For example unity candles play a big roll in ceremonial church weddings.

We can all agree that these unity or ceremonial candles are used to symbolize the unity of marriage when two hearts become one. This is the same thought that goes behind every wedding favor.

Wedding Favours are to symbolize the celebration of love and marriage but even more its a part of a tradition an acceptance of a wedding tradition where guest party favors are as much a part of marriage as the ceremony and legality itself. Favours are a part of marriage as is marriage a part of wedding favours. Think about it for a moment. If you were to get married and had a wedding party of two hundred or so guest, the day was lovely and everything went very well, except for one thing, favours were not offered to your guest.

Wouldn’t you feel like there was something missing at the end of the day? Your guests would definitely feel the same way if there was no type of personal wedding party favours or unique wedding favours to take home with them to remember your special day. The reason for this is because wedding favours has now become a big part of the bridal party wedding tradition and also has become a fact of life. This tradition was believe to have started hundreds of years ago and to this day wedding favours are alive and doing very well.

Technorati Tags: wedding favours

About the author: Joe Palladino who is an established business owner of an online wedding favours, bridal shower favours, gifts, wedding essentials and accessories store located at http://www.herweddingfavors.com

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The popularity of hen and stag dos in the sun is as high as ever, with one in three stags and hens heading abroad and spending an average of £550 each*.

With the ability to book separate hotels and low-cost flights, friends of the bride and groom can now just as easily catch a plane to Amsterdam as a bus to Brighton.

But Cooptravelshop.co.uk says that it’s vital to pick the right destination – or guests could end up with an overdraft as well as a hangover.

Traditional Euro- zone destinations such as Dublin, Amsterdam and Barcelona, which are still extremely popular for the ‘last night of freedom’ knees up, hit British wallets hard due to currency fluctuations.

But there are financial rewards for those willing to go far. According to Cooptravelshop.co.uk, Las Vegas has hit the jackpot thanks to the amount of US dollars to the pound, cheap dining and drinking deals offered in many of the Strip’s casinos.

Eastern European countries are also establishing themselves as favoured stag and hen do haunts.

Tallinn in Estonia is the newest rising star for a stag or hen weekend, thanks to its trendy all-night club culture that is eclipsing major party cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Prague, in the Czech Republic, is also continuing its rise in the rankings for stag and hen venues. Known as the Amsterdam of the East, Prague is the place where Pilsner beer was invented. So a packed pub, where beer costs an average 80p a pint, is never far away. The Czech Republic itself also boasts over 40 spa towns for hen weekenders.

Paul Drew, eCommerce Marketing Manager for cooptravelshop.co.uk, apollotravel.co.uk and cumbriacruise.co.uk says: “The days where you spent your last night of freedom over a couple of beers in the local pub have come to an end. It’s now evolved into a more elaborate affair as people are not satisfied with going for a single night out. People now want a short break that they can truly remember for years to come. But with careful planning and research with an expert, it’s easy to ensure that friends aren’t dissatisfied or priced out of the hen and stag do party.”

Paul added: “It’s also vital that whoever is organising the party ensures that everyone has adequate travel insurance. Foreign Office research has suggested some 24% of stag and hen goers face problems abroad, ranging from money, credit cards and tickets being lost or stolen to people falling ill or getting injured.”

Cooptravelshop.co.uk’s quick stag/hen do guide:

Las Vegas

• Average drink prices: All of Las Vegas’ bars offer happy hour deals, which can range from 2-4-1 deals to 99 cent Margheritas and bottled beer from $1(57p).
• Average meal price: Nowhere can travellers dine as well for so little. The ultimate eating experience for the smallest price is the ‘Las Vegas buffet’. Started in 1940 at the original El Rancho Vegas Hotel on the Strip, it was originally the “Midnight Chuck Wagon Buffet – All you can eat for a dollar.” This idea of treating guests to an elaborate array of food for a small price was copied by other hotels and the ‘Las Vegas buffet’ was born. Many hotels feature weekend champagne brunches. They cost more but include all the bubbly a person can drink. Shrimp cocktails are another enticement for which Las Vegas is famous. The shrimp are huge and the price is low — generally no more than $1.50 (85p) and still 99 cents (56p) at Golden Gate.
• Hotel accommodation: Visitors can get rooms from £17 at the El Cortez hotel in Downtown Vegas, right up to plush rooms at the Bellagio from £142. Vegas offers rooms for every budget.

Enjoy a 3 night stay in the Vegas Club Hotel and Casino on a room only basis for 3 nights from just £2358 for 6 adults. That’s just £393 per person. Includes flights from Gatwick, 20 May 06. Includes all taxes.

Prague

• Average drink prices: 80p for a pint of beer
• Average meal price: In normal bars, restaurants and shops, food and drink costs are roughly half the price of Western European countries. A uniquely Czech meal usually includes beef or pork draped in a thick sauce with sides of potatoes or dumplings. Don’t expect to spend more than £6 for two courses and a pint.
• Hotel accommodation: Something for every budget. You can get rooms in the centre of Prague for under £20 per person.
• Stay in the picturesque city of Prague for 2 nights from £630 for 6 adults that’s only £105 per person. Enjoy a stay at the 2* Slavia Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Includes flights from Gatwick, 27 September 06.

Tallinn, Estonia

• Average drink prices: From £1 for a pint of beer
• Average meal prices: Main courses in a restaurant will normally cost between 90 and 100 Estonian Kroon (£3.90 – £4.40) but cafes, bars and pubs often offer much cheaper alternatives. Tallinn has a wide and varied assortment of restaurants and eateries, ranging from the traditional establishments offering Estonian as well as international food, to ethnic restaurants, pizzerias and also some fine dining places.
• Hotel accommodation: Varied hotels and hostels to suit all pockets. Rooms at cheaper hotels from £27.25pp.

Escape to Tallinn for a 3 night break and stay in the 2* Dzingel Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Includes flights from Heathrow. From £1393 for 6 adults, that’s just £232 per person, 17 June 06.

Cooptravelshop.co.uk has created a stag and hen do web guide for Las Vegas, Prague and Tallinn, for best men and bridesmaids.

Visit Cooptravelshop’s stag and hen guide for more information.

*Source: EggInsure

Technorati Tags: hen do, stag do, hen party, stag party

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3. Choosing A Live Band Or A DJ – Better Get It Right!

The live band or DJ that you choose to entertain at your wedding can either enhance your wedding or put a damper on the festivities. It is important to choose a live band or DJ who is capable of ensuring that the guests in attendance are having a great time. A great live band or DJ is able to sense the mood of the crowd and adapt to meet their mood and vibe in order to keep the party moving.

The first thing to consider is whether you want a live band or a DJ to perform at your wedding. There are a couple of things to consider when deciding between a live band or a DJ. The first thing is price. A DJ is likely to cost considerably less than a live band. A DJ is usually just one person or possibly two people while a band usually consists of an average of about five performers. Right there is where you typically see a rise in cost because the fee you see in bands is usually split between quite a few people and therefore higher than the fee for one or two DJs. Next you need to consider selection. Many bands that perform at weddings have a set list that is typically not as long as the list of recorded music that the DJ has on hand. While this may not seem important because there are not many songs played during the wedding it does come into play if guests request individual songs. The other thing to consider is that a DJ is capable of keeping the crowd entertained for the entire duration of the wedding. They usually even play light music while dinner is being served. Bands however usually play approximately 15 minute sets at a time and then take a break which could interrupt the flow of the wedding. When choosing between a band and a DJ it is important to consider these factors and decide which works best for you.

The most important tip for choosing a live band or DJ is to make sure that you have the opportunity to see them perform before you commit to their services. Most live bands and DJs that perform at weddings gain popularity through their performances at other weddings. The best way to find a live band or DJ that will do a great job at your wedding is to use a live band or DJ that you enjoyed at the wedding of a friend or family members.

In choosing a live band or DJ it is imperative that you ensure that your contract specifies the exact names of those who will be performing at your wedding. This is usually not a problem with a live band because they usually have the same members present at all of their performances. DJs on the other hand are a different story. Many DJs become so popular that they are unable to perform at all of their committed parties. In this case a DJ may offer your party to another DJ for a small finder’s fee. In other words the DJ may essential sell the right to perform at your party to another local DJ. Additionally a very popular DJ may also have a number of younger, less experienced DJs that sometimes work for him. If you suspect that this is the case, it is important to make sure that your contract specifies exactly who will be performing at your wedding.

You may find that there are a variety of live bands and DJs available for hire in your area. This could make choosing just one a difficult task. One great way to ensure that you are choosing a good live band or DJ is to seek recommendations from close friends or family members. If you didn’t attend their wedding or don’t remember their entertainment, ask them if they would recommend their live band or DJ. If they do come highly recommended, ask your friend or family member if you can borrow a copy of their wedding video. Pay special attention to the parts of the video where the guests are dancing and decide if you think the live band or DJ might work for your wedding.

Although you may be certain that you wish to hire a particular band or DJ but try to interview at least three to five potential candidates before making your final decision just for comparison. You may find you feel more comfortable with a service provider or that there is another band or DJ that suits your needs better than your previously preferred candidate. Finally, once you make your decision make sure you obtain a detailed contract that specifies all of the details of your wedding as well as all of your expectations.

Jane’s notes: Tough choice but a fun challenge to have. Asking around other recent brides as well as anyone who has been to a wedding recently is a great strategy. You must check out the band or DJ and having several possiblities makes getting a good deal on the price easier for yourself if you have more than one favourite.

Technorati Tags: Wedding Music, Wedding Bands, Wedding Disc Jockey

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