Having an outdoor wedding ceremony in New England?
Exchanging vows outside in New England can be a challenge. It could rain. It could be too hot, too sunny or too humid. The ground could be mud. The noise from a nearby road or passing plane just might interrupt your ceremony. Despite that, so many of our brides insist on getting married outside in New England.
You should always have a backup plan. Arrange for an indoor area in case mother nature is not on your side. If you are outside with more than 50 guests, you are going to need some kind of PA system or microphones so everyone can hear you exchange vows. Talk with your officiate or DJ and secure the necessary equipment to properly amplify everyone’s voice who will be speaking during the ceremony.
Remember that wind is always an issue outside. Anything that you put down will have to be weighted or tied down. That includes your wedding aisle runner, wedding ceremony programs, and anything else that the wind might get hold of.
If it is a warm day, be sure to have ice water available for your guests – especially your elder guests. Too many times we’ve seen elderly guests pass out in the sun at a ceremony. Be proactive and keep guests out of the sun until the ceremony is just about to start. Obviously, there should be at least enough chairs for your elderly guests to sit.
If it looks like it is going to rain, be sure to give your officiate the OK to shorten the ceremony as needed to ensure that you do not get caught out in the rain. If you are having readers, be sure to coach them on the proper use of a microphone. They should speak clearly and use their “outdoor voice” holding the microphone about 2-3 inches away from their mouth at all times.
Unity candles DO NOT WORK outside. You can never keep them lit long enough for the ceremony. Instead opt to use a “Sand Ceremony” or “Rock Ceremony” instead where you mix different colors of sand or pass out rock to your guests to give you wishes.
Here are some great photos of some of our recent outdoor ceremonies.
If you would like to have us at your upcoming event or wedding, please checkout our website at www.robalberti.com or request further information and we can check our availability and put together a formal quote for you. CONTACT US NOW FOR FREE INFORMATION.
Remember, we offer wedding disc jockey entertainment, iphotography wedding photos, photo booth rental, Sweet 16 and Prom DJs, Wedding uplighting, architectural event lighting, up-lighting and a/v rental services including ipod wedding rentals for all types of events in the New England areas including Newport, Providence, Boston, Western Mass, The Berkshires, Hartford, New Haven, CT Shoreline, & Fairfield County.
Rob Alberti, event director & lighting designer
Rob Alberti’s Event Services, DJ & Lighting
Serving the Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island areas
800 782 3033 or Email Us at rob@robalberti.com
Transforming space, light & sound…
Check out our other websites: www.audiovideorental.net , www.budgetentertainment.net , www.afterhoursdj.net , www.weddinginsider.net
Copyright 2000-2010 Rob Alberti's Event Services, After Hours DJ Entertainment Services, Event Uplighting - All Rights Reserved
Would You Consider Having Your Wedding at a Retail Store?
What’s the latest trend in weddings? The “Retail Wedding” – where couples tie the knot at their favorite retail spot – everything from Home Depot to Taco Bell. It might sound like a novelty, but according to USA Today, many couples are forgoing a church or banquet hall for their special day. Why? Brides want their wedding to be different from everyone else’s, and instead of a themed-wedding with “Star Wars” or gothic costumes and decorations, the new trend is to choose a unique location for their nuptials.
Couples are also choosing to marry at stores for sentimental reasons. Maybe that’s where they met, or where they both worked. One bride in Michigan chose a T.J. Maxx because she’s a self-proclaimed “Maxxinista,” and the store has been a constant fixture in her life. The down economy is also playing into this retail wedding trend. People are trying to be resourceful and save money, maybe to buy a home or go on a honeymoon. A spokeswoman for Home Depot says they don’t charge to hold weddings in their stores. Any materials used during a ceremony – like buckets and plywood for pews – can easily be put back on the shelves.
It’s not just retail stores that are being used for a couple’s special day. Even with the smell of hot grease, fast-food restaurants have become marriage hotspots, too. McDonald’s, Burger King, White Castle and Dairy Queen have all recently hosted weddings, and because they’ll typically sell hundreds of dollars of burgers and drinks to wedding guests – and get loads of free publicity - they usually offer the space at no charge. So, if you’d like to have a unique wedding on the cheap, think about a local retail store or restaurant. Then you could ask the question: Would you like fries with that ring on your finger?
Would You Consider Having Your Wedding at a Retail Store?What’s the latest trend in weddings? The “Retail Wedding” – where couples tie the knot at their favorite retail spot – everything from Home Depot to Taco Bell. It might sound like a novelty, but according to USA Today, many couples are forgoing a church or banquet hall for their special day. Why? Brides want their wedding to be different from everyone else’s, and instead of a themed-wedding with “Star Wars” or gothic costumes and decorations, the new trend is to choose a unique location for their nuptials.
Couples are also choosing to marry at stores for sentimental reasons. Maybe that’s where they met, or where they both worked. One bride in Michigan chose a T.J. Maxx because she’s a self-proclaimed “Maxxinista,” and the store has been a constant fixture in her life. The down economy is also playing into this retail wedding trend. People are trying to be resourceful and save money, maybe to buy a home or go on a honeymoon. A spokeswoman for Home Depot says they don’t charge to hold weddings in their stores. Any materials used during a ceremony – like buckets and plywood for pews – can easily be put back on the shelves.
It’s not just retail stores that are being used for a couple’s special day. Even with the smell of hot grease, fast-food restaurants have become marriage hotspots, too. McDonald’s, Burger King, White Castle and Dairy Queen have all recently hosted weddings, and because they’ll typically sell hundreds of dollars of burgers and drinks to wedding guests – and get loads of free publicity - they usually offer the space at no charge. So, if you’d like to have a unique wedding on the cheap, think about a local retail store or restaurant. Then you could ask the question: Would you like fries with that ring on your finger?
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www.robalberti.com or request further information and we can check our availability and put together a formal quote for you. CONTACT US NOW FOR FREE INFORMATION .
Remember, we offer wedding disc jockey entertainment, iphotography wedding photos, photo booth rental, Sweet 16 and Prom DJs, Wedding uplighting, architectural event lighting, up-lighting and a/v rental services including ipod wedding rentals for all types of events in the New England areas including Newport, Providence, Boston, Western Mass, The Berkshires, Hartford, New Haven, CT Shoreline, & Fairfield County. or Email Us at rob@robalberti.com
Transforming space, light & sound…
Check out our other websites: www.audiovideorental.net , www.budgetentertainment.net , www.afterhoursdj.net , www.weddinginsider.net
Copyright 2000-2010 Rob Alberti's Event Services, After Hours DJ Entertainment Services, Event Uplighting - All Rights Reserved
Wedding Acoustic Guitar Player – Acoustic Dave
Our acoustic guitar player, Dave is available for your ceremony, social hour or rehearsal dinner needs. Acoustic Dave and I have even performed at weddings as a combination DJ and live musician combo. Dave just put together a quick demo medley of music that I wanted to share with you.
If you would like to have us at your upcoming event or wedding, please checkout our website at www.robalberti.com or request further information and we can check our availability and put together a formal quote for you. CONTACT US NOW FOR FREE INFORMATION.
Remember, we offer wedding disc jockey entertainment, iphotography, photo booth rental, Sweet 16 and Prom DJs, Wedding uplighting, architectural event lighting, up-lighting and a/v rental services including ipod wedding rentals for all types of events in the New England areas including Newport, Providence, Boston, Western Mass, The Berkshires, Hartford, New Haven, CT Shoreline, & Fairfield County.
Rob Alberti, event director & lighting designer
Rob Alberti’s Event Services, DJ & Lighting
Serving the Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island areas
800 782 3033 or Email Us at rob@robalberti.com
Transforming space, light & sound…
Check out our other websites: www.audiovideorental.net , www.budgetentertainment.net , www.afterhoursdj.net , www.weddinginsider.net
Copyright 2000-2010 Rob Alberti's Event Services, After Hours DJ Entertainment Services, Event Uplighting - All Rights Reserved
Johnny Arguedas Photograpy
We had the opportunity to work with a wonderful photographer this past weekend and I wanted to share some of his photos with you. Johnny Arguedas Photography
Harkness Memorial – Eolia Mansion in Waterford, CT
If you have never walked through Eolia Mansion in Harkness Memorial park in Waterford, CT - you owe it to yourself to check it out. We have done many wedding ceremony and receptions there and the setting is just amazing!
There is an outdoor stone sunken garden where most people have their ceremonies. There are indoor dining rooms and an outdoor tented stone patio for dancing with a panoramic view of Long Island Sound.
Here a few photos from some of our past weddings
If you would like to have us at your upcoming event or wedding, please checkout our website at www.robalberti.com or request further information and we can check our availability and put together a formal quote for you. CONTACT US NOW FOR FREE INFORMATION.
Remember, we offer wedding disc jockey entertainment, iphotography, photo booth rental, Sweet 16 and Prom DJs, Wedding uplighting, architectural event lighting, up-lighting and a/v rental services including ipod wedding rentals for all types of events in the New England areas including Newport, Providence, Boston, Western Mass, The Berkshires, Hartford, New Haven, CT Shoreline, & Fairfield County.
Rob Alberti, event director & lighting designer
Rob Alberti’s Event Services, DJ & Lighting
Serving the Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island areas
800 782 3033 or Email Us at info@afterhoursdj.net
Check out our other websites: www.audiovideorental.net , www.budgetentertainment.net , www.afterhoursdj.net , www.weddinginsider.net
Copyright 2000-2010 Rob Alberti's Event Services, After Hours DJ, Event Uplighting - All Rights Reserved
Mandy & Brian – The Society Room in Hartford
What a great weekend for a wedding at The Society Room in Hartford. The weather was sunny and I worked with some of my favorite wedding vendors. Mandy & Brian had their wedding ceremony at City Hall in Hartford and we provided microphones for the service. Millennium Music provided the music. Mandy & Brian had their event coordinator, Candice from Jubilee Events who handled all the behind the scenes coordination along with her team. One of my favorite photographers - Troy Photography (Lunell & Noel) were both there to capture the moments. (Photos below are OURS - Troy's photos are MUCH BETTER THAN OURS!)
Mandy & Brian's Music:
Introduction Song: Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling
First Dance: - Brad Paisley - Then
Cake Cutting: This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
Mandy & Her Father: Mandolin Rain - Bruce Hornsby
Brian & His Mother: How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
Last Dance: Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Requested Dance Songs: Touch Of Grey - Grateful Dead, Party In The USA - Miley Cyrus, Signed Sealed Delivered - Stevie Wonder, Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond, Down - Jay Sean, Single Ladies - Beyonce
Wedding Ceremony AFTER your cocktail hour?
Are you not so into the wedding ceremony and more into the party afterwords? Who said that you had to have a somber 30 minute ceremony at the beginning? We have done numerous ceremonies AFTER the cocktail hour. Yes, I said AFTER the cocktail hour.
Imagine that both you and your groom are hanging out with your friends and family for your cocktail hour. Everyone is having a great time socializing and relaxing with the two of you. An announcement is made and everyone circles the dance floor where the two of you are located with your best man, maid of honor and the Justice of the Peace. A short exchange of vows takes place (10 minutes) and champagne glasses are handed out to all of your guests. Your best man takes the microphone, makes his toast and while all your family and friends are still circling the dance floor, you dance your first dance. Guests are encouraged to join you and you dance for about 15 minutes as you wait for the first course to be served.
There are no right and wrong ways to stage your ceremony or other formalities at your wedding celebration. Your After Hours DJ & Event Director will work with you to design the perfect flow of events for your needs.
If you would like to have us at your upcoming event or wedding, please checkout our website at www.afterhoursdj.net or request further information and we can check our availability and put together a formal quote for you.
Remember, we offer wedding disc jockey entertainment, iphotography, photo booth rental, event lighting, up-lighting and a/v rental services for all types of events in the New England areas including Newport, Providence, Boston, Western Mass, The Berkshires, Hartford, New Haven, CT Shoreline, & Fairfield County.
Rob Alberti, event director & lighting designer
Rob Alberti’s After Hours DJ & Event Services
Serving the Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island areas
800 782 3033 or Email Us at info@afterhoursdj.net
Check out our other websites: www.audiovideorental.net , www.budgetentertainment.net www.weddinginsider.net
Microphone Techniques
Are you giving a speach or toast? Never used a microphone before? Check out this great podcast for the quick and dirty tips for how to use a microphone.
Lisa B. Marshall has a weekly podcast. She has some wonderful ideas on public speaking. She calls it her quick and dirty tips and you can find her on Itunes in the podcast section.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PODCAST TRAINING ON MICROPHONE USE: TPS Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3
Robert Charles Photography
One of long time favorite wedding vendors contacted us and offered a couple of their wedding album layouts for our blog.
Robert Charles Photography and After Hours have worked together for years. We just love hanging out with Bob & Ed. I hope you enjoy their work. It is not just wedding photography with Robert Charles, it is artwork. We will post more as it comes available.
Please leave comments, we love to hear from our readers.
If you would like to have us at your event, please checkout our website at www.afterhoursdj.net or request further information and we can check our availability and put together a formal quote for you.
Remember, we offer wedding disc jockey entertainment, photography, photo booth rental, event lighting, up-lighting and a/v rental services for all types of events.
Rob Alberti, event director & lighting designer
Rob Alberti’s After Hours DJ Service
Serving the Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island areas
800 782 3033
Check out our other websites: www.audiovideorental.net , www.budgetentertainment.net www.weddinginsider.net
Upcoming Bridal Shows in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Check out the list of upcoming bridal and trade shows in your area:
May 5, 2010 - Springfield Chamber of Commerce Trade Show MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA *
Sep 26, 2010 - Providence Wedding Showcase Providence Biltmore, Providence, RI *
Jan 16, 2011 - Newport Wedding Showcase The Hotel Viking, Newport, RI *
* See The DJ Network or one of it's members at these shows