We are so thrilled that Gregg Hollman from Ambient DJs contacted us for an interview about our company that is featured on his blog! He is a fantastic DJ and wonderful person. Read the the blog article below and let us know your thoughts!

In this article, we spoke with Gloria Sklerov and Barbara Rothstein from the Los Angeles-based Wedding Music Central (www.weddingmusiccentral.com). Wedding Music Central offers the only line of unique wedding music CDs and wedding music downloads created by Grammy and Emmy-winning hit writers. In other words, brides are no longer limited to “off the shelf” commercial music, and can now enjoy music composed specifically for weddings.

Ambient DJ initially connected with Wedding Music Central (“WMC”) on Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Impressed by their deep knowledge of wedding music, we were delighted when Gloria and Barbara graciously agreed to be interviewed for a feature story on our blog. Wedding Music Central provides a valuable array of services for couples seeking wedding music that is unique, appropriate, and will maximize the emotional impact of their special occasion.

Tell Us About the History of WMC- Gloria Sklerov learned the art of writing hit songs by taking classes at UCLA. She proceeded to enjoy a long and successful songwriting career, composing hits for film and television. In addition to winning two Emmy awards, her songs have been recorded by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cher, Dionne Warwick, Peggy Lee, Kenny Rogers and Anne Murray. Gloria co-write the #1 Country Song of 1979, Anne Murray’s “I Just Fall in Love With You.” Her compositions for wedding scenes in soap operas like “The Guiding Light” and “Another World” were critically acclaimed, and the public began asking where these songs could be purchased. With a knack for wedding songwriting, Gloria founded WMC in 1999. The timing of this venture was excellent given the increasing popularity of the internet and ability to sell music directly to the public.

Gloria’s business partner, Barbara Rothstein, left a successful law practice to follow her love of music and songwriting. She has since received a number of songwriting awards, with her songs being recorded by numerous pop and R&B artists in Europe, Japan and the United States. In the early days of Wedding Music Central, Gloria and Barbara produced their first wedding music CD “Set Your Wedding to Music” and co-authored the popular companion book, “How to Set Your Wedding to Music (The Complete Music Guide and Planner)”

What Are Your Most Popular Products?- Wedding Music Central’s most popular products are its custom wedding songs. These songs, composed with weddings in mind, are available for wedding ceremonies (Prelude, Processional, Recessional) as well as for receptions (First Dance, Father-Daughter, Mother-Son, Mother-Daughter). Regarding special dances for weddings, it is sometimes problematic to find a song from the American songbook that offers the proper lyrics and mood. WMC’s custom compositions bridge this gap. For a sample, see this very special Father-Daughter Dance:

Other popular products at WMC include Wedding Music CDs, Playlists (for those planning iPod weddings), Sheet Music and various creative Gift CDs. The Wedding Music Central website also contains a wealth of planning tips regarding music at a wedding.

Wedding Music Central sells its products across the United States as well as internationally.

What is Your Top Tip For Couples Planning a Wedding?- The ladies from WMC strongly recommend that couples create a “script” for the wedding so that all details are spelled out. This script should be shared among the musicians, DJ, wedding planner, photographer and maitre d’. Even when a team of seasoned professionals has been assembled, it is important for couples to adopt a hands-on, proactive approach so that no mishaps occur. Another important area that is sometimes overlooked is acoustics. Musical performers need to understand their physical surroundings and bring the proper equipment so that clean sound at an appropriate volume level is the result. Outdoor events or those held in exotic locations (such as on a loud boat) can provide additional challenges.

What is your stance on iPod Weddings?- While Gloria and Barbara recommend that a professional handles the music and sound at a wedding, when budgetary factors cause couples to do it themselves, it is essential that appropriate preparations are made in order to ensure a smooth event. To this end, WMC offers an iPod package (i.e., pre-selected set lists) and a list of tips. To read more about WMC’s stance on iPod weddings and the distinction between weekend warrior DJs and professional wedding DJs, click here.

Tell Us About Your New Website- Gloria and Barbara are extremely excited about the upcoming launch of their new and expanded website. The site will contain new songs as well as limited time special offers! Disc jockeys and other wedding professionals are also recommended to explore Wedding Music Central’s Affiliate Program, that provides financial rewards to those who refer customers to WMC.

WMC is also excited by the growth in its Social Media Accounts. Donna, who handles Social Media, does a great job of engaging the community. We always enjoy giving @WeddingMusicPro a #WeddingWednesday shout-out on Twitter!

To Learn More About Wedding Music Central

To get connected with Wedding Music Central, visit these following sites:

Website

YouTube

Facebook

Twitter

Tumblr

Blog

We advise brides-to-be and fellow wedding professionals to explore Wedding Music Central for its excellent planning tips and unique products.

About Ambient DJ Service

Ambient DJ Service is a full-service mobile DJ entertainment company based in Central New Jersey. We specialize in providing customized music and entertainment services for clients who care deeply about music. For more info, visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com

How do you know when Fall is here? When you look out the window and see vibrant leaves falling. When you step outside and feel the crisp air against your face. And of course, the aroma of pumpkin spice when you step into your favorite coffee shop (mmm….).

The free-spirited summer weddings give way to a wave of heartwarming Fall weddings. With each new season, there are new trends. So in honor of the best apple-picking season of the year, we bring you our Top Fall Wedding Trends!

TREND #1:
GREEN, GREEN, GREEN

This Fall, the biggest wedding trend we see is the incorporation of eco-friendly aspects into weddings . This is a trend that we only see growing and eventually becoming a staple in most weddings in the future. The best thing about being eco-friendly is that it’s easy to do! For example, one of the trends we see is holding the ceremony and reception in the same venue. This helps to cut down driving and gas emissions. Isn’t it easier not to have to transport your guests back and forth.

Consider using eco-friendly materials such as invitations and place cards that are made from recycled paper. Feeding your guests organic, pesticide-free locally farmed meals during your reception is a great eco-friendly idea which helps farmers and the environment. Another green trend we see is offering pretty packets of seeds as wedding favors for guests. Getting guests involved like this is a great way to promote a positive environmental cause. And think about all those plants and trees that can grow! Also, the seeds symbolize the beginning of your marriage, as you have planted the seeds of the future at your wedding.

Check out these articles from Organic Beauty Talk and Green Weddings by The Knot for more info and advice on going green for your wedding!

TREND #2:
VIDEO IS LOOKING WAY BETTER THAN IT EVER HAS!

They say that nowadays, music and video go hand in hand, and as a wedding music company, we couldn’t agree more! The music in your video sets the tone and emotion throughout each scene. We’re seeing a brand new trend: unique proposal videos and beautifully shot day-of wedding ceremony time lapse videos. Most of the ceremony videos are shot and edited by professional videographers, while the proposal videos are usually done in a more personal style by the groom or bride to be themselves. Both type of videos are generally filmed in HD and this really enhances the viewing quality. Many couples are posting their videos on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo to share with the world. Video is definitely on the rise and looking better than ever before in HD!

Hailed as the “greatest marriage proposal ever,” this groom-to-be made a whole movie trailer with a surprise at the end!

Check out this fabulous day-of wedding video shot and edited by Epic Motion!

TREND #3:
GOING HAND IN HAND, DIY /VINTAGE STYLE IS HERE TO STAY

You’ve heard these three letters all year and you’ll keep on hearing ‘em – DIY. Yes, DIY is currently the popular trend in 2011, continuing into 2012. Do-It-Yourself is a creative outlet for self-expression as well as a more cost effective alternative for your wedding. Going hand in hand with DIY, a wedding style we see on the rise is Vintage. By recreating something old, you’re creating something new! Vintage wedding inspirations can range from the dresses and suits you wear, to the overall style of the wedding including table centerpieces, place cards, invitations, fabrics, etc. Vintage weddings achieve the look and feel of a part of the past, a timeless period full of its own unique charm. Bohemian, War Time, Big Band Era, ‘50s Rock & Roll, Southern and Rustic are popular vintage wedding themes. Vintage and DIY go together naturally because they both allow the freedom to create handmade designs. So if you’re on a budget, are detailed oriented or artsy & craftsy, you may just want to consider the DIY route for your wedding!

Check out this Bohemian Vintage wedding inspiration board from Style Me Pretty by clicking on the image below!

Tell us what your favorite trend is and if you’ve incorporated any of these three into your wedding! Also, fill us in on any other trends you’ve spotted that are on the rise. Take care and enjoy that pumpkin spice latte

Best Wishes,
xoxo

Picture this scenario. You’re the bride to be at an outdoor wedding held on a yacht in the afternoon. The weather is absolutely perfect and the light breeze is consistently flowing. The acoustic band, consisting of two guitarists and a flutist are all set, ready to play. Everyone is basking in the momentous sunlight, waiting for your marvelous grand entrance down the aisle.

Sounds almost perfect, right? What could possibly go wrong? Well, the music can be completely drowned out by the relentless droning of the ship’s engines in order to keep the air running. The guests could barely hear the ceremony. As a result, you never knew when to walk down the aisle because you couldn’t even hear the music signaling your entrance! This scenario = yikes!

Believe it or not, this is a true story. It’s hard to believe how much planning and organizing went into this extremely unlucky affair, down to the last detail – except for the acoustics! This is why it is SO important to test out your acoustics before the wedding and to understand potential mishaps that come along with particular outdoor locations.

While the crashing of the waves and the ocean breeze will make for a luscious romantic setting, do keep in mind that the sounds might interfere with the music. Unless you have a small, intimate group of 20-30 people who will actually be close enough to hear the music, the sounds of an acoustic guitar will more than likely be lost. The quiet waters of a lake would be easier to deal with acoustically and would still provide the natural romance you are looking for. There are usually many hotels and inns that have beautiful gardens beside small lakes that are ideal for a romantic wedding.

Keep in mind, outdoor settings can be very difficult acoustically. Live microphones can pick up the slightest sound and amplify it so that if a strong wind starts blowing, the sound will come roaring through the speakers, not only drowning out the music and the words of the ceremony, but destroying the ambiance you have so lovingly planned.

Once you’ve identified the acoustical problems of a location, you can usually overcome them by planning accordingly and being prepared in advance. Make sure to discuss them thoroughly with those that will be involved with the sound and equipment. This is not to discourage you from having acoustical music at your wedding. We agree that the acoustic sound is incredibly beautiful and romantic when successfully done. Just keep in mind the potential downfalls to ensure that your wedding turns out beautifully!

For more tips on your outdoor wedding, check out our article, “The 4 Fundamental Weather Considerations For Your Outdoor Wedding!.”

Before you finally settle on your wedding location, you’ll probably spend a lot of time shopping for just the right one. From that extravagant medieval castle to a gorgeous beach on the coast, every location has its advantages and disadvantages. The key is to be aware of them so you can spot and overcome all the potential ‘pitfalls’.

We’d like to point out the simple, practical things that too many couples overlook. Finding out about these critical factors before your wedding can save you heartbreak on the day of your wedding.

Here’s a great word to guide you: When you think of your wedding location, think of the word “A-R-E-A,” which stands for:

A- ACOUSTICS
R- RULES & REGULATIONS
E- ELECTRICITY & EQUIPMENT
A- ACCESS

This will most definitely help guide you in your wedding location decision-making and hey, it’s easy to remember. Location / Area.

ACOUSTICS

There’s nothing worse than planning a perfectly beautiful wedding music program only to have it fall flat because no one can hear the music. Or even worse, blasting everyone’s ears out in a small room with the horns of a 7 piece band all night – wedding music disaster!

The sound quality that you’ll get with acoustics is dependent on where you are – it’s different for outdoor gardens compared to the beach, large churches or hotel ballrooms, etc. The sound of a live guitar or harp is fine if your ceremony is in a small outdoor garden or indoor setting, but if you’re at the beach, or in a large cathedral type church, it can be drowned out or lost.

To avoid acoustic problems, always test out your music at your location, test your sound system and speakers and make sure you know how your DJ or Bandleader is handling the problem.

RULES and REGULATIONS

It’s only fair to play by the rules. Yes it’s true, and with religious locations, keep in mind that many churches and synagogues have strict rules about the type of music and/or instruments they’ll allow. Some houses of worship will insist that you use their musicians, or they’ll ask you not to use CD/MP3 players.

Do yourself a favor and check early on with your church, synagogue, or other location to see what’s allowed and what’s not. Also, if your wedding is going to be held at a private home or public area, check local regulations for city restrictions, etc.

EQUIPMENT and ELECTRICITY

Ah, there was that one wedding. It was held at an elegant old hotel where the DJ plugged in his amp, and blew out the lights and all the power in the kitchen. Probably, ‘Yikes!’ would be an understatement of the reaction! Obviously it was too late for the DJ to find out about the electrical problems in time to adjust his equipment.

To prevent things like this from happening, make sure your Band/DJ knows all about your location. If they haven’t played there, have them agree to visit the location to scope out the scene at least a couple of weeks before the wedding. They should also work together with the coordinator at your location to prevent problems that could possibly arise. Write these agreements into your contract before you sign or make any deposits.

ACCESS

Who said stairs aren’t expensive?! Musicians charge big fees for having to cart their equipment up flights of stairs or to remote, hard-to-get-to areas. If your location is tucked away in a secluded quiet spot in the mountains or in the wilderness, be prepared to keep it simple. Getting equipment and electricity to these areas might be too costly, or even impossible.

This is an issue that just calls for being aware. Find out the cost of getting the equipment you’ll need before you sign on the dotted line for the location. If you’ve already signed up for a more remote location, remember, there’s always a way. CD/MP3 players today may look small but they can be mighty powerful along with some good speakers! Plus, they can go almost anywhere. Just don’t forget the batteries!

We know that on your wedding day, you’ll be happy you found out about A-R-E-A before the wedding. To read more about your wedding music planning, check out our Wedding Music Planning 101 section!

Wishing you the best of wedding music plans and a fabulous wedding,

Gloria & Barbara

Ah, your recessional. Essentially seen as your “entrance exit,” (yes, it’s an oxymoron), the recessional music is important because your guests’ eyes and ears will be focused on you as Mr. and Mrs. for the first time! The dream of a lifetime has come true and you’re officially married. NOW it’s time to celebrate! You and your family & friends have just gone through an enormous range of emotions- from excitement, anticipation and nervousness, maybe even a little sadness, to happiness and love.

You’re all ready to release the joyous energy that’s been bottled up inside and of course, you’ll want your music to reflect this! Upbeat recessionals tend to add to the mood of happiness. You can make a splash with your wedding recessional by selecting a song that’s especially significant to you. Or one you just love. A few years ago, we went to a wedding where the recessional was the theme from a popular TV show – Curb Your Enthusiasm. The bride and groom loved this quirky up beat theme and so did everyone else. It was a fun moment.

Another way to ‘make a splash’ is by honoring your family heritages. Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Spanish and other cultures are known to have marvelous traditional classics or weddings songs that can add a fun, personal touch to your ceremony. One of our relatives chose “The Irish Washwoman”, a famous jig, for her recessional in honor of her Irish background. It was a great choice!

And if you have a favorite contemporary song or a special song that captures the story of your love, consider it as a recessional possibility – it will only add to your own unique style!

Classical wedding music favorites are always ‘in’, especially when they’re more up tempo like the standard “Wedding March”. But whatever you choose, think of the recessional as your ‘other’ official marriage anthem (aside from your own bride’s entrance song) and have fun deciding how to ‘make a splash!’

Here are some samples of popular recessionals:

“Trumpet Voluntary“ (used as Princess Diana’s recessional)

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring“

“Chapel of Love“

What will you be using as your recessional? Something contemporary, something traditional? Leave a comment and let us know! Also, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday! (nom nom!)

 
So now that you have decided on hiring a DJ for your wedding (congrats!), you’re probably wondering, how much does it cost?

Well, it does depend on popularity and experience.
The cost of hiring a DJ will vary from city to city and will depend on the DJ’s popularity and experience. Generally, four hours in larger cities could cost anywhere from $500-$1,500 and may be a bit higher for more trendy performance DJs. In smaller cities, the minimum might be as low as $300 for four hours. We’d say, it’s safe to figure at least $100/hour with a minimum of 3 hours.

With DJs, you get what you pay for.
It’s all about quality, quality, quality. The last thing you want is what is known in the industry as a weekend warrior – the amateurish DJ moonlighting on the weekends who promises 4-6 hours for $250-$300. In most cases, he/she will not have what it takes to successfully do the job or have the professional polish to be an effective emcee or DJ.

A good DJ comes with good equipment!
A good DJ will have great equipment that includes extra large speakers and an extensive collection of CDs and/or digital music. Some may have spectacular lighting, (and for additional fees) will offer an array of effects, from flashing lights, video backgrounds, with dancers & entertainers.

We hope this has helped you in understanding more about DJs as well as narrowing down your wedding music choices. Check out our Wedding Bands & DJs section for more related articles on the topic.

So, are you going to hire a DJ for your wedding? If so, what has your experience been like? Share your thoughts and ideas with us!

Let’s face it. Times are economically challenging right now. Everyone’s looking for the best deal. But while taking into consideration your wedding budget and your music options, don’t lose sight of your priorities. Whether you decide on a DJ, band or DIY/mp3 player for your wedding, remember - the most important thing is to let the music work its magic!

So, why should I choose a DJ?

DJs are exceptionally versatile and charge relatively modest prices for their services. They also come equipped with an impressive range of CD/mp3 collections – from Mozart and Sinatra to Alicia Keys and Lady Gaga, their collections may stem from any year, to any artist, any genre. And of course, you can add your own favorites as well.

DJs will also help maintain the crowd and ensure a good, balanced flow. With a DJ, you get a built-in emcee, a.k.a. Master of Ceremonies, and that’s extremely important. Another great benefit of a DJ is that the music will be continuous, so no awkward silences! If you’re on a really tight budget, you can hire a DJ to program your iPod/mp3 player with a pre-discussed playlist or rent one that is all set to go. If you have a friend or relative act as emcee, make sure they are reliable and that they have the experience, talent and personality that is needed to entertain and guide your guests!

Stay tuned for Part Two, where we discuss the costs of hiring a DJ. Share your thoughts on this article with us by posting on our Facebook Wall, we’d love to hear from you!

Our last article talked about how to make sure your wedding music contract is accurate and how to get the best of what you bargain for. Before you sign that contract, it’s important to review ALL points. We know you’ve got a lot on your plate, so to make things easier, we’ve provided you with a music contract checklist that will help ensure that all verbally discussed points will be covered. Review these key points before signing and you’ll be on your way to a musically magnificent wedding!

1. Specify the day, time and location.

2. Note the exact start time and when overtime would kick in (includes setup time)

3. State the rate per hour and overtime costs per hour (per person or per entire band/DJ service)

4. List all the equipment they are to bring and detail what you have agreed to provide.

5. Describe the emcee/coordinator’s duties – include your requirement for a planning session to write out your wedding program and a printout of the program.

6. State exactly when and for which parts of the ceremony and/or reception the band/DJ will be performing (i.e. after ceremony for cocktails, before dinner, during, etc.)

7. List the number and duration of breaks and whether live or taped music will be played – get an agreement in writing that there will be no periods of silence. *(DJs do not take musical breaks; they provide pre-recorded segments when short breaks are necessary.)

8. List the special songs they have agreed to rehearse and promised to play.

9. Specify the dress requirements.

10. Carefully review cancellation and refund policies.

11. Specify that you are to be held harmless for personal damage or damage to equipment by third parties – such as the caterer, the guests, the parking attendant, the hotel, etc.

Do you ever notice that all the “big” things in life usually require a contract as a way to “seal the deal?” Buying or leasing a car, owning a home, confirming a business deal, agreeing to terms and conditions when signing up for a service- these are all examples of times when a contract is required. When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime events such as your wedding, there’s absolutely no exception! Your music contract exists to guarantee that you and your DJ/bandleader have (and will continue) to stick to your word about what they’re expected to do and when you’re going to pay (because the last thing you need on your wedding day is a mistake due to overlooked issues in the contract!)

Read the fine print carefully of your wedding music contract and make sure you understand everything. If there’s something you’re unsure of, ask questions! Remember, when you ask questions, you receive answers- and clear cut answers are what you need when it comes to knowing how your wedding music will be performed.

If the DJ or bandleader tells you something verbally and the wording in the contract is contradictory, have them re-write it so that it’s clearly stated. Because too many contracts are not well written, it’s best to review everything. Contractual misunderstandings can be quite a hassle to deal with!

In almost all states (if not every state), what you put in writing when you sign is legally what you have agreed to. That means that if you are told ‘we’ll include that,’ or ‘no need to put it in writing,’ and it is not written in the contract, there is nothing that you can do if they don’t follow through on their verbal agreement. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So take your time, be patient and don’t sign until you are completely clear about everything in the contract!

Now at last your dream has come true and you’re planning your once-in-a-lifetime day, your wedding day! You have picked out your dress, the flowers you love, beautiful surroundings and you’ve just booked the location. Now it’s time to add the magic – your music!

Choosing the musical selections for your wedding is a creative process that unfolds naturally as you develop a sense of what feels right to you. One of the first things you can do is, sort through and evaluate the music and songs you love. From there, you can compare your musical styles with the lists from the musicians and DJs you interview. You have plenty of time to listen to music and savor the possibilities until your final planning meeting with your musicians/DJ (which should take place 4-6 weeks before the wedding).

Remember, you have lots of time! Your final decisions don’t have to be made until the final planning session. Keep an open mind – open to suggestions and write down your likes and dislikes, for each part of the wedding. That way you should feel confident in whatever decisions you make, knowing you’ve combined the best of both worlds: listening to your heart and listening to the professionals. Balance is key, but also remember that you can play whatever music you love even if it isn’t their choice. It’s your wedding and your dream (come true)!

What To Do Next:

1. Book the band or DJ of your choice as soon as possible.
2. Make sure you get a confirmation in the mail within two weeks so you know the band is definitely booked. If not, call them to make sure your wedding date is secured.
3. Continue listening to music and narrowing down your choices for each category.
4. 4-6 weeks before the wedding, schedule an appointment with the band/DJ and/or emcee for a planning/brainstorming session to discuss your final program. For this meeting, bring:

a. All your notes, ideas and your list of song choices so far
b. Any CDs or sheet music to be included in the program or needed by the musicians for rehearsal. (Schedule a rehearsal date and time for any soloists or special performances you have arranged for)
c. The list of names of those in your wedding party and the relatives and friends you want to acknowledge or introduce.

For more detailed planning steps and ideas, check out our Wedding Music 101 Planning section which include the articles, “All About Bands and DJs” and “3 Steps to the Wedding Soundtrack of Your Dreams” and more!