Not all weddings are first time marriages for either the bride or groom. Often there are children involved who are being blended into a new family. This post identifies some creative and fun ways to involve children in the wedding ceremony and festivities.

• Have the son “give the bride away.”  (Make sure he is old enough to understand that he is not really giving his mother away though. This could be traumatic J.) Explain to him the symbolism of the action and what it means to you.
• Traditionally, the father of the bride is asked for permission to marry his daughter. Why not ask the children for permission to marry their mother or father?
• Invite a daughter be the Maid of Honor and/or son to be the Best Man.
• Present the child(ren) with rings as well.
• Write vows to exchange with the child(ren).
• In the case of a wedding ceremony where the child(ren) might not be present (ie: LDS temple wedding) plan a separate ceremony that the child(ren) can participate in.
• Involve the child(ren) in the decision making process, ask them their opinion on things such as food, colors, location.
• Allow the children to assist in selecting the music for your wedding and reception. Youth have a good idea of what is popular today and having this input will expand your selection of music so there really is something for everyone.

Sound Wave Music is Idaho’s #1 wedding DJ and we are happy to share additional ideas with you to assist your plans for a fantastic wedding and reception here in the Treasure Valley and throughout the state of Idaho. (Did we mention we love to DJ weddings in Utah and Oregon too?)

We welcome additional ideas and suggestions on ways you may have for involving children in your wedding and reception planning.

Adam Cole
Sound Wave Music
Wedding DJ in Boise
208-891-0094

Have you ever thought, if I knew then what I know now, I would do X, Y, and Z different? This blog post lets you in on a few ideas that couples have shared after reflecting on what they would do different if they did their wedding again:

1)      Hire a DJ/MC with a loud speaker to give instructions to guests, especially during the official photo session. It can be a real battle to gather everyone together for photographs. And because most photographers charge by the hour, time spent rounding people up is money spent needlessly.

2)      Don’t settle. If you have your heart set on a specific type of flower or style of dress, get it!

3)      If you are going to serve cupcakes don’t make and frost them yourself. It creates unnecessary stress right before the big day. Recruit friends to do the cupcakes or use a sheet cake instead.

4)      Assign someone to be in charge of your bouquet. After the festivities are over, you will likely be tired and thinking about things other than your bouquet. Later you will be thankful someone else picked it up for you.

5)      Be assertive. Don’t give in to other people’s opinions about plans for your wedding. You have the final say. Thank them for their input then make your own decisions.

6)      Ask the bridesmaids to choose their own dresses (with a few guidelines such as color, modesty, etc.). This will reduce the stress involved in planning and coordinating the perfect match, especially considering the different sizes and style preferences of the bridesmaids.

7)      Plan your songs in advance with your wedding DJ. Educate the DJ on your preferences (likes and dislikes) so the music fits your style. Also, consider older songs (waltzes, polkas, etc.) for older guests earlier in the evening and save the louder “party” songs for later after the older folks have retired.

8)      Serve finger foods instead of a full sit-down meal. This is a huge money-saver.

9)      Plan for inclement weather. If you have an outdoor wedding/reception, make sure you have an alternate location in case it rains. Also, tents do not hold up very well in the wind. Research your location so you know in advance what to expect weather-wise.

10)  Take enough time in planning so you have exactly the wedding you dreamed of. Longer planning time = less stress, less skimping, more perfection!

Do you have ideas for planning the perfect wedding? Post your thoughts and comments here. And remember, Sound Wave Music is a full service Boise wedding MC, DJ, and event planning service. Call today for more information on how we can help you make your wedding as special and unique as you are!

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music
Wedding DJ - Boise Idaho
Idaho Disc Jockey

2010 Boise wedding season is just around the corner!  At Sound Wave Music we are so excited to see what the wedding trends of 2010 will be.  As Boise disc jockeys, we LOVE music!  We have compiled a list of a few contemporary songs that our DJs think will be perfect wedding songs for the 2010 season.  Our favorite is the unofficial duet of Smack Into You by Jon McLaughlin and Beyonce.  It is amazing!!  We like the solo versions of the song as well.  Here are some others to consider:

• 1,2,3,4 (I Love You) - Plain White Tees
• Angel Eyes - Jim Brickman
• Best Days - Graham Colton
• Better Together - Jack Johnson
• Everything - Michael Buble
• Love - Matt White
• Lucky - Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
• When You Say You Love Me - Josh Groban
• Your Guardian Angel - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
• My Best Friend-  Reliant K

What other ideas do you have?  We would love to hear your thoughts and other Boise wedding ideas.  At Boise's DJ, we are more than someone you hire to play music. We are your complete resource for wedding music, activity ideas, timeline planning, Boise MC services and more.  Call or email Sound Wave Music, Boise's professional DJ service for more information and your your personalized Boise wedding quote.  Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music
Nampa Disc Jockey Services

Weddings can be costly and the last thing you need are unexpected costs. Here is a list of  common expenses that may not be planned for in your original wedding budget:

Postage

Did you know when you mail your wedding invitations, oversized envelopes and bulky contents increase the cost of postage up to $2 more than a regular sized envelope? Postal service regulations specify dimensions and thickness for regular postage here: http://www.usps.com/send/waystosendmail/senditwithintheus/firstclassmail.htm

First-Class Mail Letters – Uses a single stamp for the following dimensions:

~ Rectangular

~ At least 3-1/2 inches high X 5 inches long X .007 inch thick

~ No more than 6-1/8 inches high X 11-1/2 inches long X ¼ inch thick

~ Maximum weight is 3.5 ounces

~ Letters that are considered non-machinable are subject to a surcharge

~ Length is the dimension parallel to the address

First-Class Mail Large Envelopes – Additional postage applies for the following dimensions:
~ Large envelopes exceed any one of the maximum dimensions of a letter (above)

~ The maximum size of a large envelope is 12 inches high by 15 inches long by 3/4 inches thick

~ Mail pieces that exceed the maximum dimensions for a large envelope are charged parcel prices

Delivery fees for rented items

Often delivery fees are not included in the “per item” rental cost (for chairs, tables, etc.). Check with the facility you rent from up front so there are no “surprise” expenses on the final bill. If delivery costs do not fit within your budget, shop around for companies who deliver for free, or even recruit friends and family to pick up items for you to help save money.

Gratuities

If you utilize the services of facility staff at your event to set up, cater, serve, decorate, or any other service, gratuity is often added to the final bill and not included in initial “service charge.” Gratuity can range anywhere from 15% to 20% of the total bill.

Clothing alteration fees

You might assume that alterations are included in the price of your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedoes or other clothing items. This is often not the case. Alterations fees can greatly increase the cost of the item being purchased (or even rented). Make sure you know alteration fees before making your final purchase.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Sound Wave Music is Idaho’s leading wedding DJ in Boise. We are here to help you with all your wedding planning and especially your wedding music needs.

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music
Wedding DJ - McCall Idaho
Idaho Disc Jockey

Honeymoon Registries - Your Wedding Registry Perfect Answer

Are you having a Boise wedding and are looking for a unique answer for your wedding registry?  Honeymoon Registries are a great alternative to traditional wedding gift registries.  This is option is especially appropriate if:

• You are an established couple without a need for traditional wedding gifts like housewares, home decor, and small appliances
• You LOVE to travel and are dreaming of a honeymoon in an exotic location or in a higher price range
• You are considering a money tree in lieu of gifts at your Boise wedding reception

How it works:

There are many Honeymoon Registry companies ~ some act as travel agencies, booking honeymoon packages.  Others allow guests to "gift" you a certain amount of money to be used toward your honeymoon.  At Sound Wave Music, we recommend doing research and using caution when selecting your Honeymoon Registry company.  This will ensure that you are aware of the terms each company offers and that you choose one that will work  best for you.

Once you select your company, you can include information about your honeymoon plans - including details and photos.  Your wedding guests can visit your personalized website and gift a monetary amount using their credit card. 

As your wedding day and honeymoon approaches, you can use your gifts to plan the honeymoon of your dreams!

At Sound Wave Music, we are your perfect choice for personalized disc jockey entertainment in Boise and the surrounding area.  We can also help plan customized reception and ceremony activities to make your Boise wedding a fun and memorable day for everyone.  Call today for your quote and to learn more about our services. 

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music
Wedding Disc Jockey in Boise
Wedding DJ in Boise

One of the best additions you could choose to have at your Boise wedding reception is a Wireless Microphone. A great DJ will have this ready and available for your party. This gives the MC or DJ in charge the ability to move around and interact with your guests. For instance, if you decide that the toasts might be better given by your parents and grandparents, a wireless mic is a necessity. Flexibility is important at your party. Your DJ or MC should be able to do whatever you would like at a moment’s notice. Your DJ can use the wireless mic for activities, games, trivia, dancing on the dance floor, etc. There are many ways to use this great tool to your advantage. Just ask your DJ about a Wireless Mic and good luck with selecting a great Boise Disc Jockey.

Adam Cole
Sound Wave Music
Hiring a DJ in Boise
Boise Wedding DJ Services

Decorating for your wedding does not have to be expensive or stressful. Wedding decoration purchasing is often near the bottom of the to-do list, after the more expensive items have been purchased, and the budget is nearly exhausted. Here are some fun, easy and inexpensive decorating ideas for your Idaho wedding:

• Rent items such as backdrops, arches, runners, center pieces, candelabras, fountains, tables, chairs, even flowers and trees, for a fraction of the cost of retail. Local vendors specialize in event rentals and often offer delivery, if needed. Here are a couple of local vendors to get you started:
  
  Tates Tents & Events (http://www.tatestentsandevents.com/) and Brown Rental (http://www.brownrental.com/)
  
  
• After deciding the theme, talk to some of your crafty friends and family members for assistance in creating some of your own decorations.
• Consider your location and talk to the venue representative. A backyard event will require less decorating than an empty room. And if your event is in a reception center some of the decor (ie: flowers, tables, linens, etc) may be provided for you. Some venues have optional decorations for a nominal fee. It is worth asking about.
• Silk flowers are less expensive than real flowers, and they last longer! A silk flower in the center of a small mirror would make a beautiful centerpiece.
• Check dollar stores, craft stores, or discount outlets for inexpensive items that may be altered to serve nicely as perfect wedding décor.

Using creativity and patience, decorating your wedding will be as fun and rewarding as planning the wedding itself! Good luck and congratulations! 

Don't forget about hiring a Boise DJ.  Your Disc Jockey and entertainment can make your ceremony and reception a wonderful experience.  2010 dates are filling up fast.  Call today!

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music
Best Disc Jockey in Boise
Boise Wedding DJ Services

Your wedding day is one of the most important and special days of your life.  At Sound Wave Music, Boise's Best DJ, we know this and do EVERYTHING we can to make sure your day is flawless.  One of the ways we accomplish such successful weddings in the Boise area is by consistently having two DJs at your wedding.  We feel this is so important so that none of your special moments are overlooked. 

At weddings we have attended (not DJ'd), we are always surprised when the Bride and Groom are getting ready for their first dance and their photographer is nowhere to be found.  Or when the Daddy-Daughter dance is ready to begin and Dad is in the restroom.  We feel that these details should not be overlooked.  When you hire Sound Wave Music as your Boise Wedding DJ, we are more than just a DJ.  We act as a coordinator for ALL of the events at your ceremony and reception.  We ensure that everyone is at the right place at the right time and that your day is flawless.  Having two of our DJs available at any given time during your ceremony and reception means that you have peace of mind and confidence that your day will be as amazing as you have planned.  You can rest assured that we will take care of the little details and you can enjoy your wedding day.  This is just one of the ways we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and be Boise's Best Wedding DJ. 

Contact Us today for more information on how we can make your Boise wedding the day of your dreams.

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music
Boise's Best Wedding Disc Jockey
Boise's Best Wedding Reception Coordinator

Do you love to dance?  Do you want to learn how to ballroom dance but not sure where or how?  By reading some of our past blog posts or exploring the Sound Wave Music website, you can see that we are passionate about Ballroom Dancing!  While we do teach private lessons, we have a great resource for you if you are looking for a ballroom dance group that teaches FREE lessons in Boise.

First, a little history...Adam and Kristin met and danced on the Del Sol Ballroom Dance Team in Boise.  This was a performance team with about 20 couples that danced all around the Boise area, including Nampa, Emmett, and beyond!  This was a great team that taught Adam and Kristin much of their skills in dancing.  The team was co-sponsored through the Boise LDS Institute and through Boise State University.  In 2007, the team shifted from a performance team to a dance club.  It is now sponsored through the Boise Idaho University Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

This is great news for you if you would love to have some FREE dance lessons from professionals.  The group is run by Michael and Liz Lee who danced on the Brigham Young University dance team, one of the most well known and respected dance teams in the world.  They are experienced, fun, creative, and they LOVE what they do.  So, want all the details??  Here ya go....

Dance Lessons
Every Tuesday Night
8:00pm-9:00pm - Dance Instruction
9:00pm-10:00pm - Open Dancing
Located at the LDS Church on the corner of Boise Avenue and Juanita
Different Dance Style Taught Each Month
Mostly Beginner Lessons, but all Dance Levels Welcome!

We hope to see you there!!

Visit the Sound Wave Music website to learn more about our private lessons and how our DJs can teach dance lessons at your party, wedding, or event!

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music
Boise Ballroom Dance Lessons
Boise Wedding and Event DJs