Items to Consider for your Wedding DJ or Entertainment

         “You know, you have the most difficult job here at this wedding”, stated a wedding guests at yesterdays wedding that Top Notch was performing. “You have the tasks of determining what music we all like and getting us out here on the floor to dance, I bet that’s not easy, but I know you’re going to do a great job in doing it”, he continued.  This particular guests statement did lead me to today’s blog topic concerning the items and questions a newly engaged couple should consider pertaining to their entertainment for a wedding. Yes, nearly every Dj  will most likely list a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on their website which usually consists of the same or similar generic  answers to  common questions, however in this post I intend on listing a few components any future bride or groom should highly consider when determining which Dj or band/artists to select for their “Big Day”. 

1.  Do not EVER Make the Decision Based On Price Alone - This concept is critical! Yes, I realize there are wedding budgets, and alongside this specific budget is at times a specific amount that is allotted for a Dj, band or other form of entertainment. However, this is a wedding, a monumental occasion, and therefore the role of the entertainment which could make or ruin the entire event, should not be decided upon based on prices and rates alone.  This concept applies to not only entertainment that may offer services at a very affordable price, but also the future brides and grooms that believe they must spend a small fortune on their entertainment in order for their entertainment to be “subpar”. The vendor chosen (whether it’s a band or DJ) should be determined based on further information other than pricing alone. Which leads us to item #2. 

2. Interview, converse and consult (to avoid hiring the cheesy guy like the picture on the left) - Could you imagine desiring a lively, energetic and fun DJ for your wedding, only to learn that the day of your Disc Jockey is rather boring, wears a cumber bun, and cannot speak well on a microphone? Unless the entertainment that one is considering to hire has been already been witnessed in the act of performing, It is imperative before hiring that a future bride and groom interview, converse via skype, chat or consult face to face and simply get to know the personality(ies) of their entertainment vendor(s). Hiring a Dj or band based on a referral or “because you heard they were good” is not sufficient information for forming this decision. Additionally, even though it is great to ask for references from a potential DJ or band that you may be hiring, the results of these references will ALWAYS be favorable to that specific vendor and will not allow you to form a personal opinion.  Take time to interview your Dj or band, and understand their level of friendliness and charisma. Consider their character, their appearance and their overall personality to determine if they meet the expectations you may have for your wedding day.

Adam & Lauren's Wedding  (picture by Forge Mountain Photography)

3. Can your entertainment play the desired type of music your guests will enjoy? - Let’s face it, if you pose this question to most DJ’s the simple answer that they will provide is “Yes”. The same will most likely be true for live entertainment as well. However, this is an answer that the bride and groom should decide in regards to their entertainment, not the other way around. Not just any Dj or band would be appropriate for a wedding. In Contrast, we as Dj’s should be selective in determining which weddings and events we work, but unfortunately that is not always the case.  This question boils down to your guests and your specific musical preferences as well as  your Dj or bands musical knowledge in those specific musical genres. For example, Top Notch DJ Service does not perform Spanish events as we simply lack the musical knowledge in knowing what songs to play to keep guests at these events on a dance floor. In comparison, I know many live bands that are offering to perform the musical selections they know meanwhile offering to play more dance style selections from their laptop or Ipad as the evening progresses; the issue with this method yet again boils down to musical knowledge. Even though these bands have a number of great songs in their musical library and even on their Ipad to play, they are unfamiliar in knowing what musical selections to play in what order and how to flow the musical selections in a way that keeps guests dancing. It is for this reason that a bride and or groom should truly inquire and ask themselves if their form of entertainment truly comprehends their musical preferences.

4. Consider the set up - This may seem a little strange item to contemplate while determining the

entertainment for an event, but it is certainly something to consider for 2 reasons which are 1. The space that the entertainment will require at your venue and 2. The overall appearance that your entertainment portrays. I think Reason #1 is pretty self explanatory. By becoming familiar with the space required for your entertainment, you can determine where to place your vendor at your venue, or even if the entertainment is appropriate for the size of your wedding. For instance, a 10 piece live band would certainly not be necessary for a wedding party of less than 100 which will be taking place at a smaller style venue. Reason # 2 on the other hand is often not considered in the decision making process, but is quite important. Consider the appearance of the entertainment’s set up, meaning, are wires everywhere and not hidden? Are they dressed appropriately? If any lighting is provided for décor or for entertainment purposes, are they placed appropriately on stands away from danger? Are pictures of available for you to review prior to hire? Wedding guests frequently can form confidence if they will dance or doubts concerning an entertainment prior to the start of a wedding based on appearance alone, hence the overall set up of your entertainment vendor is somewhat important when making this decision.

Aaron & Mindy's Wedding (pic by Thirteenth Moon Photography)

5. Determine who the Entertainment is for - Yes, this is a serious question to consider for your wedding day which should be addressed prior to making a decision. Will you and your fiancée be doing most of the dancing, or will your wedding guests? If your answer to the above is “both” then certainly hire a professional that you think would be a great fit to accompany  all musical preferences involved. In the case of the wedding I personally performed yesterday evening, the wedding guests that made the statement mentioned above was most certainly on the dance floor for the majority of the evening, however, the bride and groom (who weren’t big dancers) spent a large majority of the dancing portion of their reception conversing with guests and taking photographs. In their particular case, they desired for their guests to dance and have a great time, hence I played music tailored to the wedding guests, not the musical preferences of the bride and groom.                                                                                          



Who knew deciding on the entertainment vendor for one’s “Big Day” could be so difficult right? The above mentioned factors are all items that one should truly keep in mind alongside the generic questions that are we as wedding DJ’s and artists are often asked. The majority of us do take song requests, yes the majority of us carry back up equipment on site, we are fully insured, etc, but can we all offer you a musical experience tailored to your wedding guests musical preferences that you will never forget? Most likely, No. Interview entertainment vendors and review the above items of consideration for each before rushing into a decision for your “Big Day”.

Top Free DJ Mobile Apps

     

  
     In the words of the late great Marvin Gaye, “Ain’t Nothin Like the Real Thing Baby”. It’s true! Or at least Top Notch would like to think and hope that when planning music for a party, wedding or event there truly is not a substitute for a live band or professional DJ. However, Top Notch also completely understands that not every event is large enough, nor may have the funds to obtain a live band or Dj. In this blog post, Top Notch reviews the Top FREE Mobile Dj Apps anyone can use to create their own play list and dance party. Are we telling you how to do our job? No, of course not! But If your next event does call for music and your local favorite Top Notch DJ is unavailable, we do hope that one of the applications listed below will be a mere substitute to a Disc Jockey. The research has been performed and the below applications are our favorite and simple applications that one can download absolutely free. We have made sure all of the applications listed below are available for both Android or Iphone operating systems as well. Now on to the list!

1. Cross DJ - created by Mixvibes.  Thoughts: This Application is very easy to use and fantastic for the basic user that simply wants to play a basic play list for a party or event. Top Notch personally loved many of the extra Dj style features this app provides such as Beats Per Minute measurements, Pitch Blending, and one can easily transition tracks between songs in this program. In Sum, any individual would have a blast simply toying with the creative, yet basic music programs that Cross DJ offers.

2. dJay2 - created by Algoriddim – Thoughts: This App is incredible! For starters, the application is not only free, but offers a Spotify integration which Spotify users will find extremely pleasing. Alongside that great feature, dJay2 actually allows the user to view 2 virtual turn tables and provides “cue” points (to let the user know when to transition songs), has an automatic mix feature, and even allows looping. Though some of these features may be a little advanced for some, Top Notch DJ’s found dJay2 to be the personal favorite DJ App on this list.

3. Edjing-  created by DjiT- Similar to the dJay2 app, the Edjing App is extremely user friendly. The large interface and virtual turntables make this app easy to comprehend and use accordingly. There are various versions of the Edjing App, however, the free version titled “Music Mixer Studio” should fit the trick for most amateur or rookie Djs.










4. DJ Studio 5 - Created by Beatronik. According to many forums and reviews, Dj Studio 5 is one of the most popular Dj applications accessible for both Android and Apple users. With that being said, it offers a tremendous amount of features and effects that initially could be very confusing. Additionally, this specific application does work alongside specific professional Dj mixers such as the iRigMix (aka actual Dj gear used by DJ Professionals) making this application a lot of bang for the buck,wait, there are no bucks because it’s FREE!

5. Party Mixer DJ Player App – by Punn Software (for Android Users) or Dj Mix by Ladybird for Iphone Users - App number 5 ladies and gents is elementary 101. Whether you’re an Android User or choose to play your mixes through an Iphone or Ipad, these 2 applications are the very basic, most straightforward Dj applications that Top Notch would recommend for an individual without prior Dj experience. The features are limited and the overall use of the either of these programs is very transparent making their usability a piece of cake. Additionally, neither provides a virtual turn table, nor any other grandiose musical effects to complicate the musical play list resulting in both of these programs being the most simplistic applications on this list

ADDED BONUS APP!!

6. Strobe Light App - Recommended to Top Notch by local Raleigh friend Katie, one should not intend on throwing any dance party without this mobile party tool. A variety of strobe light applications are accessible for both Android and Iphone operating systems. The brand or specific Strobe Light application one chooses is irrelevant. What is critical is that the Strobe Light application has been selected, downloaded to your device and is ready to go when it’s time to party!


There we have it! Top Notch’s list of the 5 best absolutely free mobile DJ applications. Thank you all for reading and please feel free to let me know if there are alternate music programs or applications that you prefer to work with not mentioned in this blog post.


via GIPHY

Top Bouquet Toss Songs

  Oh, The Bouquet Toss!!!!

     

            

Lauren's Bouquet Toss: Photo by Jocelyn & Ryan

A time honored tradition since the 15th century, yet still a popular activity in today's wedding events. According to various historic sources, bouquets were introduced into weddings centuries ago for the shear purpose of masking a brides body odor on her wedding day. 

Stinky Bride

      During this time frame, it was not uncommon for Europeans to bathe once a year (typically in May), and if a bride were to be wed, a wedding date was usually held the following month (in June). Additionally, as a wedding is a Bride's lucky day, it was thought that a bride was so lucky on her wedding day, that guests would literally tear pieces of her wedding dress as good luck tokens throughout the event. In lieu of having her wedding gown torn to shreds, a bride would often give away her bouquet to a lucky lady during an event, hence where the tradition of the bouquet toss originates. 

Ashley Bride - picture taken from Wedding at Shady Wagon Farm

      Obviously, in present times a bouquet no longer serves the same purpose as it did in the 15^th century however, the tradition still remains a fun and even silly activity which also allows for a moment of “woman independence” in today's weddings. In order to keep the party going when the bouquet toss occurs, it is imperative to choose a fun, upbeat and entertaining song for the bouquet toss. Below Top Notch has listed our top bouquet toss song recommendations. Whether you're looking for something comical (my personal favorite is “Move b...” by Ludacris as well as “Girlfight” by Brooke Valentine” or a song that says “Ok, ladies, let's represent” (such as Destiny Child's “Independent Women. Pt 1 or TLC's “No Scrubs) the below list should include a variety of the most requested bouquet toss songs received within the last few years. 

Top Bouquet Toss Songs (in no particular order) 

 1. "Single Ladies" by Beyonce 

2. "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls 

3. "Girls just Wanna Have Fun" by Cindy Lauper 

4. "Move B!tc+" by Ludacris 

5. "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar 

6. "PYT" by Michael Jackson 

7. "Lady Marmalade" by Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil Kim, & Mya

8. "Dear Future Husband" by Meghan Trainor

9. "Girls, Girls, Girls" by Motley Crue 

10. "Ladies Night" by Kool and the Gang

11. "Love on Top" by Beyonce 

12. "Where them Girls At" by David Guetta

13. "Girls" by Beastie Boys 

14. "Material Girl" by Madonna 

15. "American Woman" by Lenny Kravitz or The Guess Who 

16. "No Scrubs" by TLC 

17. "Girlfight" by Brooke Valentine

18. "Fancy" by Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX

19. "Independent Women Part 1" by Destiny's Child 

20. "Only Girl in the World" by Rihanna

Wedding Party Entrance Tips

The Wedding Party Entrance! 

Surprisingly, Top Notch has received a number of inquiries recently while planning and consulting with future “wed to be's” regarding this topic. 

Naturally, when choosing song selections during the wedding planning process, the processional and recessional songs played during the ceremony should certainly take precedence over this specific subject. Furthermore, selecting song choices for the essential dances during the reception (aka First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance, etc) should be more of a priority than choosing the Wedding Party Entrance as well. With that being said, once these critical music selections have been selected, it seems recently that many couples have neglected to consider, and ultimately select a main wedding reception entrance song. Good thing Top Notch DJ Service is here to help! 

Despite what many articles, forums, and fellow Wedding Disc Jockey's may say, the wedding entrance song DOES NOT necessarily set the mood and tone for your wedding reception. Nor, does this specific song choice necessarily have to be a reflection of you and your fiancee's shared taste in music (although we do recommend you both at least like the song). When selecting a Grand Wedding Entrance song, we do however, suggest the following...

THINGS TO CONSIDER: 

 Members of the Bridal Party: 

 Who should be recognized and announced? Parents? Bridal Party? Just the Bride and Groom? What about little Flower Girls or the Ring Bearer? Can they behave and be away from Mommy long enough to walk in? These matters should be factored into the Wedding Entrance planning before announcement time.

 Selection of Music:                                                                

Will everyone walk
into one song, or will the music selections
be chosen designated and coordinated to each couple of the bridal party? Top Notch will often play one song for the bridal party followed by an alternative song (usually with a more upbeat tempo)  for the bride and groom to play as they make their entrance into the reception. 

  Instrumental Song Versions to be played when Possible: Dj's often will play the instrumental song of the music choice chosen so they can speak over the music without attempting to shout over the lyrics of the song. If you desire to walk into a song with lyrics or anticipate walking into a specific lyric of a song, the DJ will most likely simply alternate the volume of the song higher when a name is not announced, and then lowered so that wedding guests can hear the pronouncement of the next bridal party member entering the reception

 

Make it Fun, Make it Upbeat, but Make it TASTEFUL!! :

Meaning not only no vulgar dancing moves from the bridal party nor bride and groom, but also avoid choosing songs that may be inappropriate at a wedding, for all those present to hear, or that may include foul language in the lyrics

  

Be Creative: 

The most memorable entrances usually include Bridal Party members dancing or doing something fun while walking into the reception and onto the dance floor. Obviously, these actions make for wonderful pictures that the photographer can capture as well! Chat with your DJ regarding ideas they have seen in the past to make this point of your wedding stand out, so that all of your guests know it's time to get the party started!

 

There are countless variations a bride and groom may choose concerning a Grand Entrance. In fact, it is not uncommon for a bride and groom to choose a mash up or customized DJ mix (which we create) of a number of song choices, including specific song selections for the parents, followed by a different song for the bridal party and yet a final song selection for the bride and groom. Top Notch DJ Service is consistently asked for ideas and recommendations concerning a bride and groom's Main Wedding Entrance. Below is listed some of the most common items that Top Notch has seen. For more ideas and wedding entrance suggestions feel free to shoot an email to topnotchdjservice@gmail.com. Whatever song choices you may choose for your Grand Entrance, make sure to simply make it fun and make it GRAND! ​

Top Wedding Entrance Songs in the Pop-Top 40 Category:Bruno Mars- Marry You 

Chris Brown- Forever 

Usher- OMG and Yeah 

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis- Can't Hold Us 

Pitbull- Give Me Everything and Feel this Moment.  

Black Eyed Peas- I Gotta Feeling and Let's Get it Started 

Beyonce- Crazy In Love 

Pharrell Williams- Happy  

Walk the Moon- Shut Up and Dance 

Justin Timberlake- Can't Stop the Feeling

​Top "Rock Genre" Wedding Entrance Songs: 
The Verve- Bitterweet Symphony
Queen- We Will Rock You and You're my Best Friend
 ACDC- Thunderstruck
The Darkness- I Believe in a Thing Called Love
Ozzy Osbourne- Crazy Train
 U2- Beautiful Day
 Blur- Song #2
 Europe- Final Countdown
 

Top Classic Wedding Entrance Songs include:  
 Cece Piniston- Finally
 Diana Ross- I'm Coming Out 
 Jackie Wilson- (Your Love)- “Higher and Higher” 
 James Brown- I Got You- “I Feel good” 
 Blue Swede- Hooked on a Feeling
 Jefferson Starship- Nothing's Going to Stop Us

 

 Top 80's Wedding Entrance Songs:
Phil Collins- In The Air Tonight
Hall & Oates- You Make My Dreams Come True
Whitney Houston- I Want to Dance with Somebody 
 Michael Jackson- The Way You Make Me Feel
 Katrina and the Waves- Walking on Sunshine

 

 Top 90's Wedding Entrance Songs:  
Montell Jordan- This is How We Do It
Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock - It Takes Two
Heavy D- Now That We've Found Love
2 Unlimited- Ya'll Ready for This
Jagged Edge- Let's Get Married 

Unique/Creative Wedding Entrance Songs: 
 Yakety Sax- (Song from Benny Hill Song)
 Grease Soundtrack- You're the One that I Want
  NFL Theme Song
  Chicago Bulls Theme Song
  Star Wars- Imperial March
  Olympic Theme Song
  Top Gun- Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins

 
Please Note: All pictures in this blog were taken at Top Notch DJ Service events by professional photographers. Please reach out to Top Notch DJ Service or the professional photographers to which credit given before using any photos from this post for personal or public use. Thanks for reading!