Reception Entertainment Director

2010 has been an exceptional year for rhythmic dance music - a catchy tune with a thumping base line and great anthem like lyrics, which would assure a packed dance floor. Unlike the nightclub scene with it's constant 120-160 Beats Per Minute, keeping the punters dancing all night long, weddings require a more varied approach.  You need to play the right mix of love songs, older dance songs but be able to mix in the new contemporary songs heard on today's radio stations.  This is noticeably why most club DJ's seldom make good wedding reception DJ's. There are always the standard party dance songs but this year we had a wealth of Top 40 Dance songs that guaranteed a packed dance floor - the sort of song you could play and even Grandma would come running to the dance floor.... well almost!! Here are just a few of 2010 releases that fired up the dance floor (in no particular order): Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are Usher - DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love Ke$ha - Lo...

Dessert Only Wedding Reception Ideas   By Jeffry Evans   With the rising costs of weddings every year, couples everywhere are trying to find ways to extend their budget while still planning a wedding and reception of their dreams. Many couples are starting to use other themes for their wedding receptions instead of serving a large dinner, or a cake and punch reception only, and the ideas are getting more and more creative. A dessert reception theme is starting to take off. You may have looked into it without knowing where to start or what to serve. Here are some of the most popular ideas for desserts in your dessert only reception. You can choose to implement only one of these ideas, or several for more variety so that everyone can have their favorite. 1. Make a Cookie Table Many bakeries, caterers, and even grocery stores can make large platters of assorted cookies at an affordable cost. You can either use the platters they come in, or arrange them yourself on the...

Choosing Your Groomsmen: No Matter What They Say, Nobody “Must” Be In the Wedding Party By Jennifer Baumann   Your lovely fiancée has chosen her ‘maids, and now you’re stuck with the task of finding just the right number of family and friends to pair them with. How do you decide who makes the cut? The Usual Suspects Remember: No matter what your family or friends say, there aren’t people who “must” be in the wedding party. Select buddies you’re close with-not guys you feel obligated to ask. If you’re unfamiliar with wedding etiquette, however, here are the “usual” rules for including groomsmen in your wedding party. Brothers-yours and your bride’s-come first. Unless there are strange circumstances (if you don’t speak to your brother, for instance), your brothers and her brothers are automatically in the wedding party. Next come your closest friends (some may be relatives) who are responsible-and let’s get real here-financially sound. Being in a wedding,...

Are you or is someone you know having a wedding reception? Here are 17 things you probably never even thought of that professional mobile deejay, Dan Nichols of Michigan Wedding DJ in Michigan suggests, make for better parties. I first want to point out that it is rare that all these items are followed in any given event but the more you can adhere to them, the more likely your party will be at full steam come closing time. 1) Don't put the older guests next to the dance floor/speakers. If you have to ask why, then you may want to hire a harpist all night.  2) Don't cram your entertainment out of the way -- your entertainer should be seen. Powerful entertainers will work to get people on the dance floor but they must be seen as part of the action, not just some side show. 3) A party should end when it shouldn't end, not when it should. Ending a party before it dies down leaves everyone with the impression the floor was packed all night. It just feels better when peop...

When our friends Marjorie and Craig told us about the Marine Corps Family Foundation, Operation Santa, we just had to help and get the message out to everyone: "For the last two years I have organized a care package drive for the Marines deployed overseas during the holidays.  I started this during the 2008 holiday season because my son Ryan, a Marine was deployed to Iraq.  It was a way for me to be a part of what he was doing in Iraq, it kept me busy so I wasn't thinking about the danger he was in every day of his deployment.  It was a way for me to honor the brave Americans who were deployed with my son, who put their lives on the line every day. It is so important for these Marines to be remembered at this time of year.  They are away from home, away from their families.  They will not be home for Thanksgiving dinner, they will not wake up Christmas morning to open presents with their families. I am working with a new organization this year, the Marine ...

On this planned Friday night off, I had arranged to see a young new smooth jazz artist, Vincent Ingala .  Another one of the new crop of smooth jazz artists from Connecticut, who seem to have captured the pulse of this genre of music. Vincent first came to my attention via my friend Rich Edwards Smooth Grooves Show on Gloucester FM earlier this year.  The buzz was out on the jazz funk of "It Is What It Is" from his "North End Soul" self produced CD..... did I mention he plays all the instruments AND is only 17 years old! "North End Soul" contains many unexpected gems that reveal much more about the musical knowledge of this youngster.  Vincent stays within the soft smooth jazz realm with his opening tracks "Vintage Vibe" and "Free To Groove" and continues the groove with "Midnight Pass".  These tracks fit nicely into today's smooth jazz radio programming and would work well during Cocktail Hour and Dinner at a wedding...

Photo courtesy of Brian Ambrose Photography Here is an amazing stat. Did you know that 70% of all of the engagements that happen each year will happen on Christmas/New Year's/ Valentine's Day? I don't know if the gentlemen are just lacking for originality, or if the romance of the season is just too good to pass up? What is the result of the 70%??? Thousands of newly (excited) engaged brides flood the bridal show market each year, which is why, in New England, we have these shows from January - March. A bridal show is the ultimate way to shop for wedding services. Unlike a magazine or web site, you can see, touch, sample, and question everything wedding related at these events! Here are a few tips of what to look for and what NOT to look for in a bridal show vendor. Now first and foremost, please remember that the vendors have paid to be here! They can pay up to $1500 f...

Honeymoon Ideas You Can Do By Low Jeremy If you simply would like your honeymoon to turn out a little more unique than the usual, then the following should give you some helpful ideas: Go for Luxury… Taking on a cruise is one honeymoon idea you can do. You can choose from several honeymoon cruise and travel places of your choice while enjoying each other’s company in a luxurious ship packed with everything you need. Better yet, exchange vows in the middle of the seas and spend the rest of the night watching stars and walking on the ship deck. Booking on a most luxurious suite on the highest floor of the hotel. Here, you are pampered with the best services you can get while seeing the city up high. Booking for a luxurious hotel accommodation is always money well spent. Staying at a luxurious resort in one of the islands of the Caribbean, Hawaii, Fiji or Asia is another honeymoon idea you can do. Spend the week at a tropical paradise while enjoying the resort ameniti...

Halloween weddings are always great fun to perform.... playing loads of songs that we don't get chance to play at any other time during the year. Marisa and Chris selected Saint Clements Castle , which fit perfectly for their Halloween masquerade ball themed reception.  This was also the same setting for the Ceremony with the beautiful fall colors as a backdrop.  The Groom and Groomsmen all looked fantastic in elegant gothic style jackets and the Bridesmaids in traditional attire.... the Bride wore white. Our good friend and our routinely recommended officiant Rev. Dr. Robert Henderson presided over the Ceremony whilst Atmosphere Productions String Musicians Amanda and Nancy provided Violin and Cello for the Ceremony and Cocktail Hour. Atmosphere Productions specializes in working with our clients, if they want to pick all the music, to get the best mix and create the right flow.  The Bride & Groom and family members selected all the music for the reception....

So exactly who wants to hear two hours of Kenny G music? Sure, there are those that want to set that tone, but you don't have to play a "standard mix of jazz favorites" or boring "elevator music" at your wedding. Imagine how different things would feel at your wedding if during the Cocktail hour, we played a mix of recorded music by Jimmy Buffett, Shaggy, Bob Marley and Jack Johnson? What about some of those long lost hits of the 80's - Katrina and the Waves, Eurythmics, Modern English , Prince, Culture Club. What about an hour of Spanish guitar music? Or a mix of Italian "mob hits" classics such as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra? How about set more of a piano bar sing along style feel to social hour: KT Tunstall - Black Horse and The Cherry Tree, Stevie Wonder - Boogie On Reggae Woman, Uncle Cracker - Follow Me, Billy Joel - Piano Man and Elton John...

Here at ATMOSPHERE PRODUCTIONS we encourage planning. It is THE key to a successful reception. As what is probably the most important day of your life approaches we give you these words of encouragement to relax you and control help your anxiety: COMMUNICATE YOUR FEELINGS : Be open and honest about your feelings and what you want for your special day. PACE YOURSELF : Don't try to tackle all your plans at once. Accomplish one major job a day. HAVE A SYSTEM : Try to break down each task into organized steps. Share the responsibilities with your significant other. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF : Eat right and be sure to get lots of exercise. You'll feel better for it. This is a great time to start compiling your bridal information and complete the Bridal Party Introductions Forms sent to you when you originally booked with us (additional printed forms available for download from our website): http://www...

    Why not make your wedding a time for reaching out to others in need, a time for giving and sharing. It is so easy to get lost in one’s own needs that finding ways to think of others can actually make your wedding planning less stressful! Here are a few ideas with you:     For those couples who have everything, ask your guests to donate to one (or several) of your or their favorite charities. At www.justgive.org there is a Wedding Registry, replete with an on line form and search engine to help even the most internet-challenged decide which, of over 850,000 charities to choose from! You can even submit a picture, biography of yourself and your groom, and any details about the wedding you wish to provide. When guests make donations, your name is mentioned. Wedding favors are lovely and cute but many don’t even make it home with the guests! Instead of a wedding favor, you can donate a set amount to a favorite charity in each guests name. But if you do de...

As your wedding day approaches, so does your long-awaited honeymoon. Finally, no more guests and no more planning, just the two of you alone in a romantic getaway. Below is a checklist of items you may need to help prevent some potential mishaps:    1. Passport and visas if you are traveling overseas - make sure you have applied for these items far in advance. Remember that security is now extremely tight and unyielding. While you are on your vacation, keep your passport and visas in a safe location, so you won't run into any complications during your return trip.    2. Carry an adapter for small appliances like your hair dryer or curling iron. If you are going to a foreign country, remember that your electrical plugs may not be the same voltage as required for the electrical outlets available.    3. Prescription medication - anything that is crucial to your well being will help make your trip that much more enjoyable. If you have allergies and forget...

I went to a wedding and a football game broke out... No, it's not a bad Abbott & Costello punchline but what actually happened this weekend at Jill and Mark's wedding celebration. The celebration started Friday afternoon with a tortuous four hour ride up to Boston on the Mass Pike - it seemed like everyone had decided to take Friday off, enjoy the weekend and see the stunning Fall foliage. The planned Welcome Party at The Hotel Indigo was extended to accommodate guests arriving late.  Our hosts, Jill and Mark graciously welcomed each guest with a gift bag that set the tone and spirit of the weekend. Early Saturday morning everyone, attired in Cornell colors, headed to the Harvard Stadium, in Cambridge, for a tailgate breakfast under a huge covered tent.  The Ceremony began outside, with the Cornell Marching Band playing Processional music.  Of course, the Bride wore white and the Groom wore black.... Cornell sweatshirts that is.  The Officiant presided o...

So we have a packed dance floor.... "the heat and excitement is somewhat reminiscent of a Calcutta sauna...", when an older guest requests.... no asks.... no suggests.... no DEMANDS that we play a slow song NEXT because they ONLY dance to "Love Songs".  What to do??? Here's just a few from our a near perfect list of Love Songs that I keep in a ready-made playlist for just such an occasion.  These songs will ensure a packed dance floor with couples romantically linked with our typical three cut love song set (in no particular order): Etta James - At Last Van Morrison - Someone Like You Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight Lionel & Diana - Endless Love Percy Sledge - When A Man Loves A Woman Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling In Love Tim McGraw & Faith Hill - It's Your Love Bryan Adams - Everything I Do, I Do For You Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You Natali...

No more do you have to listen to a whole Kenny G disc or elevator music during your cocktail hour and dinner.  Bring the unique talents of a "live" strolling musician to your reception and your guests will surely have an unforgettable time. Ben Dean joins Atmosphere Productions to perform musical pieces for your traditional Wedding Ceremonies, outdoor Wedding Ceremonies and as a strolling Violinist during Cocktail Hour and/or Dinner. Listen to and watch video of Ben performing. Enjoy Ben's strolling from table-to-table taking requests, heard over an incredible wireless broadcast sound system so that ALL your guests hear the virtuoso talents of this young musician. In a culture where originality is highly valued, performer, clinician, and composer Ben Dean is a stellar talent.  In addition to his conservatory training at the Hartt School of Music, Ben is a highly accomplished recording artist whose work was featured in the movie Brothers Bloom (2009) starring Adrie...