BEHIND THE SCENES
with the SCE Event Group
How to find the right DJ Entertainment: Part 5 of 5
_______________ How to find the right DJ Entertainment: Part 5 of 5
by Tony Tee Neto: SCE Event Host & Audio Specialist
By the final part in this series, you’ve chosen a few candidates to host your wedding celebration. And in the end, it really is about the music bringing everyone together for an amazing time!
You love music?! SO DO WE! It’s actually at the core of our lives, considering we pack dance floors weekend after weekend for a living.
So when it’s finally time to wrap up planning, definitely review every detail. But ...
- 5- Don’t Try to Program 4 Hours of Music
There are two extremes when it comes to choosing music for your reception, and neither is necessarily a good approach to programming the event. At one end, you personally need to plan every song, maybe even certain ones in a particular order! And at the opposite end, your DJ won’t allow any input from you and is certain that last week’s playlist will hit a home run … just like the week before.
In both of these cases, neither party is allowing for any organic flow during the reception. If the couple has given an exhaustive list to the DJ that programs exactly 4 or 5 hours, they’ve eliminated the very reason for getting a trusted entertainer behind the music … or any human, for that matter.
When this is the case, there’s no room for moments to evolve, and your DJ’s creativity is completely restricted. Not to mention, you’ve created a lot of work for yourself in the process. This often comes from misunderstanding the role of your wedding entertainment, and what they can actually bring to the table to make your reception a success, besides “just playing any song.” And if it comes from the perspective that you don’t trust what they will play, then you should go back to the first part of this article and start the search over.
Conversely, your DJ should ask for input on your taste and style of music. If not, then I’m sure he does this every weekend, the exact same way, and he’s the “rockstar.”
But you probably didn’t want a “cookie cutter” for a DJ, right?
I’ll always ask for a Top 10 or so of “Must Play! I have to hear these songs at my wedding!” Those are the songs that make your reception, yours! Yes, I believe I bring plenty of experience to the table, but it’s important that I weave who you are into what I do! The event is yours, and it should reflect that.
I’ll even ask for a “Do Not Play these, because they’re nails on a chalkboard”-List. I don’t want to be murdered at the reception.
You should look for an exchange of ideas— and your choice in entertainment should also welcome that. By sharing your very special songs that trigger a memory, you’re giving us what we need so that we can use our experience to work them into what we do. And THAT’S how you get amazing moments that create unforgettable celebrations!
Hiring a professional wedding entertainer (and all other wedding professionals, too) allows for the ultimate goal: to have an amazing, stress-free wedding day! You work ridiculously hard to plan this once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and you should reap the rewards of an awesome day! By taking the time to ask the right questions and connect with the right professionals, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the day!
Tony Tee Neto
Event Host: Master of Ceremonies, DJ
Twitter: @TonyTeeNeto Instagram: @TonyTeeNeto Facebook: Tony Tee Neto & SCEfanpage.com Tee's DropHouse Studio on Facebook: DropHouse Everywhere: #TonyTeeNeto & #t2SCE & #DropHouse
DESTINATION EVENTS WITH SCE EVENT GROUP - Playa Del Carmin, Xcaret Mexico #SCEWORLDWIDE
We are very lucky at the SCE Event Group, we help some awesome couples celebrate some of lives finest moments, locally, nationally and even internationally. Planning a wedding outside of the United States is something that takes a considerable amount of energy. There are so many variables, and things that come into play. Language barriers, event expectations, logistics, travel arrangements, timeline organization, accommodations, hosting for arrival, guests stay as well as send off's, and oh yeh, the actual event itself and everything that comes with planning a wedding on top of that all, destination events are one complex thing to pull off successfully.
On March 1st, SCE was honored to assist Tara and Mike Pimco organize and host a series of amazing events that took place at the Playa Car Palace, Playa Del Carmin, and Xcaret, Mexico. Jason Jani was selected by Tara and Mike to host and perform at a series of destination events over the course of 4 days in paradise. Tara is the owner of Hot Mess Studio, a rockstar hair salon in Asbury Park and Mike a successful entrepreneur and former touring musician, felt it was important to bring in talent to help pull off the perfect destination wedding. Since the team at SCE has hosted a number of events in North, Central, and South America as well as Europe, the decision to use an experienced group, that truly understood the vision of the couple was easy for them.
Along with Jason Jani, SCE's Jeff Scott Gould joined in for the trip to assist with coordination and technical support. In addition to the crew from SCE, Mr & Mrs Pimco, brought rockstar photographer Christina Lorentzen of Christina Lilly Photography and Derek from Flora + Fauna films in to document the day (more to come later). And that is not it.... with over 125 guests from all over the world, Sally from the Travelsmiths in Point Pleasant NJ was on site to assist with Logistical support and accommodations. All of the Pimco guests had their travel arraignments taken care of by Sally and her team at Travelsmiths, and side note, if you are planning a trip or a destination event, they are the people you need to visit with or talk to, they rock.
We had the opportunity to be part of a couple of amazing events, including a White Pre-Reception Welcoming party on the beach at the Playa Car Palace, and the actual wedding ceremony and reception held at the national mayan park in Xcaret, and we are pumped to be able to share a few videos and images.
To properly set the stage, the pre reception white party, was the welcoming reception, for all 120+ guests that flew in to celebrate with Mike and Tara from all over the world. The event was amazing on so many levels. Along with the audio landscape and event direction provided by the SCE Event Group, the couple opted for white lounge furniture, a ceremony with fire dancers and a delicious mexican menu for all to enjoy. Jason had release a video blog of this event and we welcome to you to view it below.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were escorted through a rock quarry cave into the reception space that was adorned with candles, and a tremendous canopy made of leaves. The space was magnificent and lit perfectly with candles on the walkways and in the river that flowed throughout the caves and reception space. As the guests entered the reception space they were greeted by an acoustic guitar player for the cocktail hour. At the conclusion of the cocktail hour, Jason Jani hosted the bridal introductions that were action packed - and everything came together in SCE fashion. The couple selected individual songs in order to personalize the introductions for all 16 members of their bridal entourage. When it was time for the grand introductions, the couple entered to "Tidal Wave" a hit from Mike's band named Kid with Man Head. After the entrance to the room, Mike and Tara shared there first dance to "Dig" by Incubus.... and dances with their parents - following north american wedding tradition. From there the party began to take shape as Jason incorporated a mix of the 70s, 80s, 90s and some tunes from today. From rock to feel good hip hop to some top 40 dance, the dance floor kept most guest entertained for the evening. Even the first time ever captured of the guest jumping in the river that flows throughout the reception area and caves leading into it... while the last song "Hotel California" by Kid with Man Head rang out loud. The music format was open and the guests truly danced the evening away. We thought it was only appropriate to share the amazing film provided and edited by Derek from Flora + Fauna. It truly captures the magic that took place for this amazing destination wedding celebration.
Much love - Jason Jani
SCE Private Pool Party Mix Session with Jason Jani #LoveYourSound
It's 85 degrees, an a cool breeze glides through your hair as you sit poolside listening to the newest SCE Event Group Mix Session podcast courtesy of Jason Jani. With the winter we had here in New Jersey in 2013, you are going to have to use your imagination to set the perfect stage for this... (although summer will be here soon enough) ...
This 61 minute poolside mix was inspired directly by the recent set of SCE Event Group destination events in Playa De Carmin, Mexico. SCE's Jason Jani and Jeff Scott Gould had the opportunity of doing a number of amazing social and private events for some rockstar SCE VIPs.
So sit back, and freshen your iPhone, iPad, or gym playlist with this groovy mix that contains some new, some old and a little bit of Jani fire.
While you are at it, be sure to subscribe to the SCE Event Group Mix Sessions podcast in iTunes or SoundCloud. Mixes are posted weekly for your listening pleasure and yes, it is free.
If you are planning a pool party in New Jersey, France, Mexico or anywhere in the world, the talent from the SCE Event Group is available to assist in making it one to be remembered. Give us a call we love to fly coach.
#loveyoursound