Custom Events | Cleveland Wedding Djs

The Average Cost of a Wedding

Danielle Toth — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 16:13:34 +0000

The bad news: The average cost of a wedding has increased in the last few years.

The worse news: That price hike is expected to continue.

In 2016, the latest year for which data is available, The Knot reported that the average cost of a wedding was $35,329. This is a increase of $2,688 from 2015’s cost of $32,641 and $4,116 from 2014’s cost of $31,213.

The Knot reported that the average cost of a wedding was $35,329. This is a increase of $2,688 from 2015’s cost of $32,641 and $4,116 from 2014’s cost of $31,213.

Remember, however, that this is that national average. The average in Columbus, Ohio, for example, is $27,059, while the average in New York City is $82,299.

The hefty price tag is attributed to couples’ desires for increasingly unique and personalized weddings that reflect their personal interests. This includes decor themed for a couple’s favorite movie, food truck rentals and even ballet performances.

However, if you find these figures alarming, you need not worry. There are ways to host an inexpensive wedding (Check out our blog on the Dos and Don’ts of Decorating Your Wedding Venue for some ideas). Once you’ve determined your budget, here is the breakdown for how much you should spend at various vendors (based on the national averages for wedding and vendor costs):

Average cost of venue: 45 percent of your budget
Average cost of photographer/videographer: 15 percent of your budget
Average cost of DJ: 10 percent of your budget
Average cost of florist: 8 percent
Average cost of dress: 4.5 percent of your budget
Average cost of limousine: 2.5 percent
Average cost of cake: 1.5 percent of your budget

The other 9 percent of your budget includes items such as invitations, favors, hair, makeup, tuxedo and other miscellaneous expenses.

For more information, contact SPE at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.

How to Fill Out an Itinerary

Danielle Toth — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 14:21:15 +0000

Your itinerary is one of the most important items of your wedding day, ensuring everything goes according to plan. Most DJs and emcees provide a sample itinerary that serves as an outline during the planning process. While the order of events may vary depending on the DJ and your personal preferences, we’ve put together a general guide to creating your perfect itinerary, whether you’re using a template or designing your own:

Item 1 – Cocktail hour: If you’re hosting a cocktail hour to begin the reception, include its duration. This should be from when the guests can start to arrive until when you want to begin the entrances. Many couples choose to have light music during this time, such as jazz, oldies and instrumental. Keep it soft and casual: It’s not time to start the party yet!

Item 2 – Bridal party entrance: The order is typically

Parents of the groom
Parents of the bride
Bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen
Maid of honor escorted by best man
Bride and groom

Most DJ companies, including Sound Precision Entertainment, ensure your party is lined up and ready to go in the order you specify (check with yours to ensure it provides this service.) Inform your DJ of name pronunciations and write them out phonetically to ensure the announcements go smoothly.

Many couples choose to have an entrance song for each couple. Choose a song that has a special meaning for you and an individual, ask each couple for a recommendation or speak to your DJ about popular entrance songs.

Item 3 – Cutting the cake: This should take about 5 minutes. Your DJ should announce when it is time so guests can gather to watch.

Item 4 – Toasts: Your DJ should introduce any toasts (this usually includes the father of the bride, maid of honor and best man) and a prayer, if desired (usually read by a clergyman or family member).

Item 5 – Dinner: Include how long you expect the meal to take and music selections. This is often similar in style to cocktail hour and serves as background music.

Item 6 – First dances: The order is typically

Bride and groom
Father and daughter
Mother and son

As with the entrance songs, these dances often feature a song that has special meaning to the pair. Ask your DJ for suggestions.

Item 7 – Dancing: Create a list of songs that are must-haves and must-nots.

Item 8 – Bouquet toss, garter removal and garter toss: While these are not always included, they are a fun part of the reception. Ask your DJ for song recommendations.

Item 9 – Anniversary dance, dollar dance or any other dances or announcements you’d like: This includes announcements about dessert, coffee, snack bars, etc.

Item 10 – Second-last song: With the evening winding down, your DJ should announce this song, often a slow one, to let guests know the reception is ending.

Item 11 – Last song: Also typically a slow song to cap the night.

Download sample itineraries here. To discuss your itinerary and music suggestions, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.

Should You Choose a DJ or Band for Your Wedding?

Danielle Toth — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 16:34:57 +0000

When deciding on the entertainment for your reception, it always comes down to the age-old dilemma: DJ vs. band?

Answer these five questions to determine which is best for your big day.

What is your budget? Generally, bands cost more than DJ services. Band prices usually depend on the amount of musicians so a 12-piece band is more expensive than a four-piece band.

What type(s) of music do you want? Some bands only specialize in one style of music (country, for example) and have a hard time bridging the gap into other genres. If you go with a band, ask if it has have a specialty and request to hear a variety of songs. In addition, DJs usually have a wider selection of music so if you want everything from Motown to the latest rap single, a DJ is going to be the better bet.
Do you want extras such as lighting, photography or videography? Cleveland wedding DJs like Sound Precision Entertainment offer access to these vendors either in-house or through association. Bands normally focus on just their performance.
Do you want an emcee? Most wedding DJs are also trained to emcee the evening, including introducing the toasts, bridal party entrance and specific dances and generally getting the crowd onto the dance floor. Bands usually don’t have an emcee.
Why not both? Some weddings have both a DJ and a band to get the best of both worlds. Check with both vendors to ensure they are comfortable with the arrangement.

To learn more about the benefits of booking a DJ for your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513.

One Week Anniversary: Mr. & Mrs. Senfeld

Christian Hinton — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 08:00:56 +0000

What a special day it was for Mike and Jenna Senfeld on Friday, August 18! The couple tied the knot and said their vows and Sound Precision Entertainment would like to wish them a happy One Week Anniversary!

While a Friday wedding may be a bit unconventional, this one, in particular, was truly something! The reception was held at the stunning Astrodome Event Center, as the couple could not have asked for a better, more beautiful venue to celebrate at for their reception!

The night was a fun one and thanks to help from SPE, and the party rolled on throughout the whole night. It seemed like the excitement would never let up, as guests were on their feet dancing to the beat all night long!

Unfortunately, the night did come to an end. This was truly a special night, and all of us here at SPE would like to thank the couple and guests for treating us so well throughout the night! We wish the newlyweds nothing but the best, as they begin their lives together as husband and wife, and we hope their memories last a lifetime!

If you have any questions on the services provided or any other details please contact Scott@spedj.com or call him at 216-870-4513.

4 Reasons to Choose a Drone for Your Wedding Videography

Danielle Toth — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 18:14:38 +0000

Drones are most often thought of in relation to the military or as a toy to fly around your backyard. However, these mini helicopters have become more popular in Cleveland wedding videography and photography because they capture breathtaking, creative views that are different than cameras on the ground.

This unique perspective is perfect for an outdoor wedding (drones have a hard time flying in tight quarters) and will provide a truly one-of-a-kind memory you can view over and over again.

Here are some other reasons why you should consider drone videography for your special day:

Drones captures extraordinary angles that traditional videography can’t. These tiny fliers provide stunning aerial views, documenting your venue in a big-picture way that is perfect post-setup before the guests arrive. You carefully chose your venue, and a drone ensures you capture the charm of the location. It also provides a 360-degree views of the ceremony, which is a great alternative to the stationary shot of you and your significant other standing in front of the officiant, and captures the mood and beauty of your exchange.
Drones are less invasive. We’ve all been to weddings where the videographer is in the way of our view of the bride and groom. His or her movements can also be distracting during the ceremony, as is the bulky equipment, when the focus should be on you. Drones also capture those camera-shy guests on the fringe of the ceremony or dance floor so you can see everyone who was in attendance.
Drones gives your wedding a sophisticated vibe. Hello, paparazzi! Your guests will feel like they’re at a celebrity wedding when they see you’re equipped with the trendiest technology.
The sound isn’t as loud as you think. There are ways to ensure the drone’s sound is not a distraction, including using it during musical interludes and operating it at a certain height and distance.

To learn more about drone videography at your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.

Top 10 First Dance Songs From the Last Decade

Danielle Toth — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 19:54:13 +0000

The first song you dance to as a couple is important – this event typically occurs at the beginning of the reception, and all eyes will be on you. You want something that speaks to your specific relationship that you can listen to for years to come. While the classics are always a good decision, they’re also a safe (and expected) decision. Try one of these more modern romantic tunes for your musical debut as husband and wife (Bonus: When you hear them on the radio, you can break into spontaneous song (and dance) with your significant other):

God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton (2011)
2. A Thousand Years – by Christina Perri (2011)
All of Me – John Legend (2013)
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran (2014)
Die a Happy Man – Thomas Rhett (2015)
Marry You – Bruno Mars (2010)
Wanted – Hunter Hayes (2013)
Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat (2008)
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding (2013)
Phillip Phillips – Gone, Gone, Gone (2013)

To discuss the songs you’d like to hear at your wedding, contact Sound Precision Entertainment at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.