PARTIES:

 Our approach for every function is always the same.  We treat each function as it were our own.  Parties and wedding receptions are different for many reasons, with receptions the emphasis is more for the bride and groom.  Since it is their special day we do everything in our capacity to please them as our first priority.  However, for parties the emphasis is more for the group, so we are more concerned for each and everybody to have a great time. 

Sometimes with parties, there is more of a generation consideration, meaning that there might be children, adults and grandparents in attendance.  So we have to consider music for all generations making sure the volume is just right, not too loud and not too soft.

Since we have all the music, everything from The Big Band Era to the new Hip Hop, all we have to do is mix it up so everybody is happy.  Since each party is unique, we can only use our experience and the involvement and interaction of the guests as a guide.  As a general rule, and everything changes from function to function, we usually start out with all the classic favorites, with emphasis on the older songs early on.  As the function continues we are able to place more emphasis on the new stuff.  Maybe  little Jr. might want to hear his favorite Bobby Darin song, or maybe grandmother might want to get her freak on with the new J Lo or 50 Cent hit, you can never be sure.  We always keep an open mind with the wants and needs of the guests as a priority.  We always use the clean radio versions and are extremely careful about lyric content when young children are present.  We always try to walk around the room and monitor the volume to check if it is an acceptable level

A FEW SUGGESTIONS:

I have learned a great deal from these functions and from the wonderful people I have met during the last 25 years.  I would like to share a few suggestions for your entire wedding planning process.

Begin your planning early, give yourself plenty of time. Start early and do not procrastinate with your planning.  Ask questions early and often, try to gain as much information and knowledge as possible.  Network with others who have also planned a wedding. If you are unsure of something then ask, most people who are in this industry choose to be here because they enjoy doing it and are always eager to help. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of your wedding plans then ASK, don' t wait until it's too late. Outline a realistic budget, this is important  to keep you on schedule throughout the entire process. Develop a working budget and know what you can spend before you hire your wedding professionals. Know what you can afford and stay within your limits.  If you are limited then budget more for the items that are more important and less for the non essentials. Prepare and follow a timetable of events, including appointments, deposits, payments, review contract terms, and fittings. Organize all of the aspects of the wedding and reception. Do not assume anything and get everything in writing!  Most professionals insist on a contract before any type of work will be done.  Get a contract and file them away in a secure location.  Use a briefcase that is for your wedding planning only, use a large calendar and  notebook which includes separate spaces for everything. Coordinate every part of the wedding day, including wedding, reception and travel time in between. To ensure your wedding day flows smoothly, every item must be coordinated.  Develop a time line for the entire day and share this with everybody involved.  Do not leave important decisions to someone else.  This is your day and you are in control.  Shop around and do not hire the first professional you meet, be sure to check out several for a proper comparison. Hire professionals that you are comfortable with. If you are not comfortable speaking with someone, or if it seems like your questions or inquiries are just brushed off, then it would probably be a good idea to find someone else. Research your professionals and do not hire them just because they're the cheapest or the most expensive.  As with everything else, you get what you pay for, try to be educated with you decisions.  Hire all of your wedding professionals as soon as possible. The best wedding vendors are scooped up well in advance. Take breaks during planning. If you begin to get irritated or stressed, take a break,  and work on something else for a while. Often decisions made under extreme stress are later regretted. Consult with and check with your spouse before making any decisions, it's their wedding too and decisions made together are twice as good. Don't get to concerned about everyone else's advise, its YOUR wedding. Your wedding day is one of the most important times of your life, make sure that the memories you have will be good ones. Finally, ENJOY yourself !!! This will be one of the most memorable times in your life. Be sure to spend plenty of quality time with your friends, family and most importantly, your fiancé. Best wishes to you for good health and happiness, peace and prosperity.  I wish you all the best for your wedding planning.