Your wedding location can help set the mood for your wedding ceremony and reception.  In our experience DJing weddings in the Boise area, your venue can be just as important as your DJ or Photographer.  Here is a list of questions to ask your venue manager  to see if it will be the right fit for your special day:

• What's the decor like? Does it fit your style and wedding colors? Will you have to spend a lot of money on flowers and decorations to make it beautiful?
• Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? (While an in-house caterer can be easier and cheaper, sometimes the food is not as beautiful as the room. So make sure you taste it!) Do they have a limitation on which outside caterers you can use?
• Do they have adequate coat check and bathroom facilities?
• Is the wedding venue wheelchair accessible? If not, are there many stairs to climb? How close is the parking to the ceremony and reception rooms?
• What's the cancellation policy?
• Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?
• Are there any hidden costs? (Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.)
• What are the overtime charges?
• Do they have a liquor license?
• Will they allow you to bring your own liquor? (This is usually cheaper, even with the customary corkage fee.)
• Is there room in the wedding venue for a wedding DJ, band and/or dancing?
• Is there a space for the bride and groom to change and/or relax?
• Where will you take photographs? Is there a park nearby, or do the coordinators have recommended spots on the grounds?
• Who will be supervising and troubleshooting before the day of your wedding? Can you meet them now?
• Where can your guests park? Are there extra fees for parking? Do they have valet parking?
• Is the wedding venue convenient to public transportation, especially in big cities? How long will it take your guests to get there?
• Especially in museums or private clubs, are there limitations on decorations? Do they limit food and drinks to only certain areas of the wedding venue?
• Are candles or other open flames allowed?
• If its an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rain or other inclement weather? If not, is there a place that you can put up a tent?
• Does the event center require special insurance or licenses from your other wedding professionals?
• Do they allow disc jockeys?  If so, can you choose your own?

When Looking at Separate Wedding Reception Venues and Ceremony Locations in Idaho

• How far is it from one location to the other?
• Do the two places have the same level of formality and a coordinating style?
• Do they both accommodate about the same number of guests?
• Does the wedding reception venue have any experience with weddings from your ceremony location?

When Looking for Idaho Wedding Venues for Both Ceremony and Reception

• Do they own enough chairs for the ceremony, or will they need to be rented?
• Does the wedding venue have an entirely separate area for the ceremony? {It is not uncommon that while the guests are at the cocktail hour, the caterers will transform the ceremony room into the dining room and/or dance floor.)
• If not, how long does it typically take for the staff to change over the room?

Hopefully, these questions will help you cover the basics while you're looking at wedding venues. In your search for a wedding venue, there will probably be even more questions that arise for you personally. For example, you may want the menu to reflect your heritage, or with a large wedding party, you may need ample parking for limousines.

Good luck with your wedding planning! Call Sound Wave Music today for more information and let us take care of your wedding DJ needs.

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Boise Idaho
McCall's Best DJ Service. Let us DJ your 2010 Wedding!

Source: http://weddings.about.com/cs/weddinglocations/a/venuequestions.htm

Planning a wedding or event can be a lot of work, but also a lot of fun when you have the right professionals to work with.  At Sound Wave Music, we work with a lot of other vendors in the Boise area and love to make recommendations of ones we feel are the best. 

In the Boise area, there are a lot of great photographers.  One of our favorites is D/C Photography, owned and operated by Steven Mendoza.  We love working with Steve because he offers such great service to his clients.  He is professional, punctual, educated, talented, and strives to be the best for his clients.  We have always been impressed with his high photo quality and positive attitude at events.  In addition, he offers many packages to meet the needs of any budget.  In fact, his wedding packages start at $380 and include a CD with ALL the images he takes, including a copyright release letter.  This is very hard to find among professional photographers in the Boise area. 

If you are looking for a photographer for your wedding, event, or for family/senior photos, we encourage you to check out his website at www.d-cphotography.com. 

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music
Boise’s Wedding and Event Disc Jockey
www.boise-dj.com

Is everyone excited about Premier Bride's Fall Wedding Show coming up next month?!?  Be sure to read our previous post for all the exciting details of the show!!  We are SO excited about the show that we are going to give away 2 FREE TICKETS for anyone to attend.  Anyone with a wedding in 2009, 2010, or 2011 will NOT want to miss the the show - plus mothers, sisters, bridesmaids, and anyone involved in an upcoming wedding.  There will be great information, wedding planning  tips, GIVEWAWAYS!!, samples, and the chance to meet the wedding professionals who will make your wedding day come together perfectly!

Entering is EASY and ANYONE can enter!!  Simply leave a comment on this blog post (in the upper right hand corner of the post) with the following information:

Name
Email Address
Wedding Date (if applicable)
1 Piece of Wedding Planning Advice.  This could be a tip for decorating, how to plan within a budget, your favorite venue, or ANYTHING!  We will use these tips in a future blog post for brides around the valley. 

A winner will be chosen October 1st and will be notified by email.  We are excited to see everyone at the show next month!


Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Boise Idaho
Boise's Best Wedding Disc Jockey Service.
Let us DJ your 2010 Wedding!

2009, 2010, and 2011 Brides, how is your wedding planning coming along??  Are you still looking for the Best Entertainment?  An Amazing Photographer?  The Perfect Location?  That Melt in Your Mouth Menu? 

Look no further ....Premier Bride's Fall Wedding Show is just around the corner!!  It is coming up on October 10th and 11th at the Boise Center on the Grove.  We are so excited about the show and can't wait to meet with Brides from all around the valley.  This is the first year that Premier Bride has sponsored a wedding show in the fall.  What a great idea!  This is the FIRST wedding show of the 2010 wedding season and is also a great resource for weddings wrapping up at the end of 2009. 

At the show you will find nearly 100 of Boise's BEST wedding professionals that can make your day come together perfectly.  The Fall Wedding Show is the ideal place to interview Photographers, Caterers, Wedding Planners, Decorators, and of course meet us....the owners of Sound Wave Music, Boise's Best Wedding DJ!  Remember that 2010 dates are filling up fast for wedding professionals around the valley so don't miss this awesome wedding show!

Stay tuned for a GIVEAWAY on our blog for 2 tickets to the wedding show.  All the details are coming soon!!  Also, visit the website of Premier Bride's Fall Wedding Show to purchase discount tickets to the show and for more details! 

We look forward to a great weekend and seeing you there!!

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Boise Idaho
McCall's Best DJ Service. Let us DJ your 2010 Wedding!

Last week as I was updating our profile on Wedding Wire, a great Wedding Planning Resource that serves the Boise area, I found something amazing.  Wedding Wire has a frequently asked questions for DJ Services for Brides.  I found this incredibly useful for Brides as they are selecting their Wedding DJ.  I have included the FAQs here:

Describe your DJ style:
We customize our services and style to fit what you are looking for at your ceremony and reception. We pay attention to the little details to make sure your needs are met and your guests are having a great time! 

How many other DJs do you work with?
We have 2 DJs on our staff and occasionally partner with other DJs in the valley that we trust to deliver a high quality of service.

Do you have replacement DJs in case you become unavailable on the wedding day?
Yes. We keep our commitments to you and will make sure your DJ is trained, professional, and a pleasure to work with.

Do you specialize in any ethnic and/or international events?With planning, we can DJ any type of event.

Is the bride able to meet the DJ before booking?
Absolutely. We like to meet with our brides for planning at least one to two times before the big day.

If you do not have one of the songs pre-requested by the couple, do you require that they provide it?
Not at all. When you have a special request for your ceremony or special activity, we will make sure the music will be there.

What is your usual attire?
We dress according to the style of the event. This is a decision that is usually up to the Bride and Groom. We can fit any style – Sunday Best, Hawaiian, etc.

Do you bring your own equipment?
Yes, we own and will bring all of our own equipment. All we need is a power source.

What (if any) special equipment, such as disco balls or lighting, is offered with your service?
We offer a variety of lighting options depending on your needs.

What is your minimum amount of time you will DJ for?
Our minimum is 2 hours for dances and parties.  Our wedding packages begin at 4 hours. 

Do you usually emcee the reception and/or talk between songs?
We will be happy to emcee your ceremony or reception, depending on your requests or needs. In everything we do we try to keep the focus on the bride and groom...not on us. We may make occasional announcements during songs as needed and will guide any special activities.

Do you take any breaks?
No. When you hire us for your event, we will play continuously. During an extended event we will have 2 DJs present so one may take a short break if needed.

Do you require a meal break? If yes, do you require that the wedding party provide your meal?
If dinner is provided at your event, it is completely up to you if you would like to provide a meal for us.

How much time do you usually need to set up? Do you require that the site and/or couple provide a table for you to setup on?
We like to have 1 ½ - 2 hours to set up. This allows us to have sufficient time to ensure that everything is flawless for your wedding.  We will provide our own table(s) and table coverings (black and white)

Do you have any extra space requirements?
We can set up in a variety of space allotments.

What is your overtime rate?
This is dependent on the type of package booked.

Do you charge for travel expenses? If yes, how much do you charge?
We cover up to 100 miles round trip. After 100 miles, our mileage rate is $.50 per mile and a hotel room for the evening.

We invite and encourage you to visit Wedding Wire for other wedding planning resources. 

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Nampa Idaho
Boise's Best DJ Service. Let us DJ your wedding, party, or dance.

We had a GREAT event in Boise on Friday night.  We celebrated the decades with the Boise LDS Institute.  The event was held at a church on Warm Springs and was celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Boise LDS Institute.  We danced and partied to music from the 50’s, 60’, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today.  It was fun to see these BSU students dressed up from every decade.  We especially saw a lot of costumes from the 50’s, 70’s, and 80’s.  As far as music went, the favorite decade by the students was definitely the 90’s!  We LOVE 90’s dance music.  Some of our FAVORITE dance songs from the 90’s are:

-         Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice
-         Gonna Make You Sweat by C&C Music Factory
-         This is How We Do It by Montell Jordan
-         The Power by Snap
-         Getting’ Jiggy Wit It by Will Smith
-         Unbelievable by EMF
-         U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer
-         Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch
-         Rhythm is a Dancer by Snap
-         Sweet Dreams by La Bouche
-         Groove is in the Heart by Dee-Lite

There are so many!! The list could go on and on! What are some of your favorite songs from the 90s?  What about another decade?  We would love to hear about it!  Email us at dj@soundwavemusic.org and let us know.  No matter what decade your favorite music is from, we can play it as we DJ your dance or party!  We had a great time picking our favorite songs from every decade as we celebrated this fun Boise event. 

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Boise Idaho
Boise's Best DJ Service. Let us DJ your wedding, party, or dance.

Have you ever wanted to learn the dances that the professionals know? Do you wish you could be one of those people whose dancing everyone admires and applauds? 

In addition to providing DJ music for weddings and parties in the Treasure Valley, Sound Wave Music offers dance lessons too! The type of dance depends on your taste in music and your motivation to learn!

Here are instructions for a simple dance that can be performed to any music with a 4/4 beat. The Two-Step is normally danced to country music but go ahead and be creative! You might be surprised at how easy it is and how much fun you can have. 

Learn to dance the Two-Step

The Country Western Two-Step (also known as the Texas Two-Step or just Two-Step) is normally danced to country music in 4/4 time with a tempo range of 170-200 beats per minute. Beginners should start with a tempo range of 155 to 175 beats per minute.

Here is a list of songs you can dance the Two-Step to:

• “Past the Point of Rescue” - Hal Ketchum
• "Small Town Saturday Night" - Hal Ketchum
• "Mercury Blues" - Alan Jackson
• "Chattahoochie" - Alan Jackson
• "Kick Back" - Ty England
• "Should Have Asked Her Faster" - Ty England
• "It Wouldn’t Hurt to Have Wings" - Mark Chestnutt
• "Goin' Through the Big D" - Mark Chestnutt
• "When the Wrong One Loves You Right" - Wade Hayes

Instructions for dancing the Two-Step

Leader

Step 1: Stand with your feet together facing your partner.
Step 2: Put your right hand on your partner's waist.
Step 3: Put your left hand out to your side with your arm slightly bent.
Step 4: Gently grasp your partner's hand.
Step 5: Wait for the music to start.
Step 6: On the first beat, step forward quickly with your left foot.
Step 7: On the second beat, step forward quickly with your right foot.
Step 8: On the third beat, step forward again with your left foot, but slowly.
Step 9: Pause through the fourth beat.
Step 10: On the fifth beat, step forward slowly with your right foot.
Step 11: Pause through the sixth beat, then pull your left foot even with your right.
Repeat.

Follower

Step 1: Place your left hand on the leader's right shoulder.
Step 2: Bend your right elbow and place the palm of your right hand lightly on his outstretched palm.
Step 3: Do the opposite of what your partner does. Move your right foot back when the leader moves his left foot forward on the first beat.
Step 4: Continue following the directions for the leader, but in reverse - stepping back with your left foot when he steps forward with his right.
Repeat.

HAVE FUN!

Contact Sound Wave Music for more information on our in-person dance lessons in the Boise Area. We will be happy to customize lessons to meet your interests and needs.

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Boise Idaho
Boise's Best DJ Service. Let us DJ your wedding, party, or dance.

Sources:   http://www.ehow.com/, http://www.thedancestoreonline.com/

You bought the dress and chose your colors. Your invitations have been ordered and the cake designed. What now? It’s time to plan the music! Which song will you ask your wedding dj to play for the first dance as Man and Wife, the dance for Father and Daughter, Mother and Son? Which songs are best? There are so many to choose from.

Your song choices will be remembered by you and your guests for years to come. They should reflect your feelings for each other as well as your taste in music. We can help you narrow down your song choices for those very special moments. 

Here are some of the most popular wedding songs today:

Popular First Dance Songs

Amazed – Lonestar
Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
From This Moment – Shania Twain
I Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
I Swear – John Michael Montgomery
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
To Make You Feel My Love – Garth Brooks
You Are The Love Of My Life – Sammy Kershaw
You and Me – Lifehouse

Popular Mother & Son Dance Songs

A Mother’s Song – T Carter
A Song For Mama – Boys II Men
I Am Your Child – Barry Manilow
In My Life - Beatles
Love Of My Life – Carly Simon
On This Day – Christian Barnes
Time In A Bottle – Jim Croce
You Needed Me – Anne Murray
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins

Popular Father & Daughter Dance Songs

A Song For My Daughter – Ray Allaire
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
I Loved Her First – Heartland
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
It Won’t Be Like This For Long – Darious Rucker
My Girl –  The Temptations
The First Man That I Loved
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
Through The Years – Kenny Rogers

Sound Wave Music, Boise's Best DJ is happy to work with you in your music selections to make sure your wedding day is everything you hope it will be!

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Boise Idaho
Boise's Best DJ Service. Let us DJ your wedding, party, or dance.

The Sandstone Event Center is located in downtown Nampa, ID.  The event center was built in 1903 as a Methodist Church and was converted into a banquet hall in 1995.  It is a family owned business and the quality of service is unparalleled.  The facility is equipped with two chapels, 3 banquet rooms, and other meeting rooms.  They also offer a full catering service, which can be beneficial for any event.  

We recently provided DJ services at a Hawaiian themed family party at the Sandstone Event Center in Nampa, Idaho.  Prior to this event, we had never been to this banquet hall; however, we were VERY impressed with the facilities and service quality provided.

As a DJ service coming in to their facility for an event, we experienced a sense of commitment and care for the facility, other vendors, and the party hostess. We were impressed with the cleanliness of the facility, the helpfulness of the event staff, the setup of the banquet rooms, and the preparations the staff did to get ready for the party we DJ’d.  

We feel that this event center is perfect for many types of events, including Nampa weddings and wedding receptions, parties, and business meetings.  It is the perfect facility to have a fun event and to bring in other vendors, like a DJ, photographer, or caterer from the Nampa or Boise area.

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Boise Idaho
Nampa’s Best DJ Service. Let us DJ your wedding, party, or dance.

Hiring a professional DJ is an important decision in planning a dance, party, or wedding.  Care should be taken in choosing a DJ, as the entertainment at your event is very important.  There are some common principles about professional DJ’s and entertainment to be familiar with:

Entertainment and Music is Important at My Event

Looking back, most brides and party planners wish they had spent more time choosing their entertainment.  Music at an event may seem lower priority, but afterwards brides and party planners wish it had been their first priority.  Music and entertainment can make or break your event.  This is because music creates the atmosphere & mood at your party.  It helps your guests feel comfortable and have a good time.  Your guests will notice the music and entertainment at event.  In fact, 80% of wedding guests say the thing they remember most about the wedding was the entertainment.

A Stereo, Some Homemade CDs, and an IPOD are not the Same as a Professional DJ

Professional audio and lighting equipment goes a long way in bringing quality entertainment to a party, dance or celebration.  This often times does not compare to a home stereo and IPOD.

Your DJ’s equipment should be top of the line and reliable 100% of the time.  In addition, professional DJ’s should have a vast selection of music and a knowledge of all decades of music.  Your DJ should be able to read the crowd and play music that your guests want and that will keep the momentum of your party.    

Good Parties Come Together With Planning, Preparation, and the Right Professionals

While there are many components to a successful party or event, your music and entertainment will set the stage for a memorable day or evening.  A professional DJ will know how to entertain your guests according to your plans for your event.

DJ’s Spend A Lot More Than 4-5 Hours on Each Event

While it appears you may only be paying for 4 hours of entertainment, your professional DJ will spend approximately 10-20 hours preparing for your event.  This may include consultations, music preparation and research, set up and tear down, training, travel, equipment maintenance, etc.  The consultations and actual event are the only times you may see your DJ, but that is not the only time involved in making sure your event is successful.

A Cheap DJ is Not the Same as a Higher Priced DJ

The most expensive DJ is not necessarily the best, but the quality of your DJ can often be reflected in their prices.  Remember the sayings: ”…it’s too good to be true” or “you get what you pay for”?  These sayings have some truth in the entertainment and event planning world.  A lot of time should be taken in preparation for your event.  Your DJ should not view their role in your event as a part-time job.  In choosing a DJ, make sure you know what you are paying for and make sure that it meets your needs and wants.

Every DJ is Different

DJing an event takes talent and training.  Your DJ should be able to read a crowd and have a knack for appropriate rhythm and music to fit specific groups.  A good DJ has the ability to adjust his/her style to fit your event and guests.  Also, your DJ should be professional, personable, and appropriate while on the microphone and while directing activities, dedications, etc.

A full-time, talented DJ also attends conferences and trainings to improve their skills and knowledge about music, performing as a DJ, professional equipment, activities, etc.

To learn more about how Sound Wave Music can serve you and make your event special, contact us.

Kristin Cole
Sound Wave Music - Boise Idaho
Boise's Best DJ Service. Let us DJ your wedding, party, or dance.