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The Coronavirus has done a lot of damage but there is some good that we can attribute the our current situation, specifically innovation. As a successful non-profit event planner in Austin, Texas it is imperative that in a tech city that virtual events meet tech. Below are 4 key things that you should know to setup a successful virtual event. 1. Not all platforms are created equal. The exist but a SWOT analysis is necessary for you to ensure that you are on the right platform for your audience. A quick and dirtly list of great plaforms to consider are:
2. A live event is not an online event and should be treated as such! A live event should be at or less than 30 minutes. The following graphic outlines an example event flow.  3. Is this thing on? The best thing you to do is test, test, and test again. If your audience cannot hear the brilliant live event that you planned it would be a real bummer! Consider investing in high-quality sound and even higher quality camera/video.
4. Engagement is critical. Comments in live events should be expected and having a clear communication strategy is key to leveraging the opportunity to develop even more raving fans! Plus, there are tools out there that allow organizations maximize donations during the live event! If you are looking to get assistance or find the right tool for a virtual event, we would love to chat about your unique online experience. Contact us by email at info@eventsunleashed.com, we are here to help!
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It is so fitting in this time that we band together to share great information when we come across it. We all know that we need to communicate and stay top of mind but to whom and when? The blog post below outlines some key tips that you can implement in your non-profit organization today!  As is the case during any situation, the more you segment your communications for specific audiences, the more likely those communications are to resonate with the recipient. Now, however, is a critical time to take inventory of your most valuable supporters (can’t lose people) and reach out contextually. The following list of 10 supporter segments should be your top priority. What you say to these folks doesn’t have to look wildly different. Pick up the phone, break out the stationary, or fire up your personal email. Say thanks, recognize the type of supporter that they are/their past support, and remind them you’re still here and that you’re still providing services that are invaluable (or will resume doing so soon). But most importantly, check in to see how they are doing. Here’s the list: 1. Top 80% of your funding (probably <20% of your donors) – Following the Pareto Principle, a majority of your funding is likely coming from a small, select group of donors. This is the only segment where gift amount comes into play. 2. “Long-term-loyals” (3-5+ years of giving) – According to Jerry Panas, these are the donors most likely to leave you a bequest later in life, regardless of their age, wealth and giving amount right now. 3. Monthly donors – With household budgets about to tighten, it’s possible that monthly expenses will start to go on the chopping block. Support for your org won’t be if you have checked in to say how much they’re appreciated. Do it now before the economy worsens. 4. Longtime corporate sponsors – Some of these folks may be especially hurting right now. Check in to see how they are doing. Perhaps have a board member or the head or your org reach out to their owner or CEO. 5. P2P fundraisers – Not, P2P donors. P2p fundraisers, the folks that in the past have gone out and done Facebook birthday fundraisers or ran a 5k for you. You might be leaning on them very soon to raise money for you again on social media. 6. Those who actively engage with you on social media – These are ideal, future P2P fundraisers, as well as those who can spread the word more broadly when you might need it. Start keeping track of who is and has in the past liked, commented and shared your posts. 7. Volunteers/members who have not donated – With in-person volunteerism likely prohibited, perhaps monetary support can be a replacement for volunteer hours. Members or direct service recipients (think YMCA) who cannot come on-site for classes, workouts, etc. may be willing to donate above their membership fees to keep the facility afloat. 8. Those with scheduled pledges – Similar to monthly donors, this is expected revenue that you don’t want to miss. 9. Board members – Do you have 100% board giving? Now is the time to ask if you’ve been avoiding the issue. Get them involved in calling, emailing or writing the other nine groups in this list. Messages coming from board members will have just as much if not higher significance than your staff. 10. New donors within 90 days (this should include Giving Tuesday and Year-End donors) – These are the donors at most risk of lapsing (other than P2P and Memorial/Tribute donors). Retention rates here are around 20%, and your window to retain them is already closing. Research shows that the faster you thank a new donor, the better:
“I could always expand giving a little, but I try to hold back in case there is a major need at one of the organizations I support. I always like to have a little in reserve in case a special need comes along.” “There were two instances this year where I made gifts over and above what I had intended and they both involved personal contact from someone in the development office (director or gifts officer). Being thanked for my previous gift was much more persuasive than receiving multiple emails and direct mail letters.” Many of these segments will include small donors. They are now more important than ever! SOURCE: https://bloomerang.co/blog/10-important-donor-types-to-communicate-to-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/
 Cassie Ventura & Alex Fine's Intimate Reception According to Wedding Wire's 2019 NewlyWed Report, the average couple spends $38,700 for their wedding ceremony and reception, rings, and honeymoon. With the ever-so-increasing cost of having a wedding, some couples are opting to micro-weddings. Micro-weddings are a way to simplify planning and decrease costs while still having the pinterest and instagram-worthy wedding of your dreams. Intimacy Planning a wedding can be stressful when it comes to not only how many people to invite but who. When you only include immediate family and your closest friends, your ceremony and reception will be filled with intimate, close-knit love and support. Personalization Having a guest list of 20 vs 120 allows for more freedom and choice when it comes to your wedding day. When catering to a smaller guest count, you may have the room to splurge on those smaller details that you wouldn't have been able to before. Budget Nowadays it's less common to have parent's cover all or even half of the wedding costs. With student loans and demanding jobs, a sure way to keep a small wedding budget is by decreasing the guest count. Simplicity Not having to keep track of 150 RSVP responses never hurt nobody, right?! A tiny guest count makes daunting wedding planning tasks more simple. Less Stress By making things more simple, having more freedom to personalize your day, having your closest friends and family by your side, and spending less money, you can make for a less stressful, more joyous day.  Intimate Ceremony Inspiration from Ruffled And remember, having a smaller wedding doesn't mean that your wedding can't be just as fun!
Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together! #austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #engaged #weddingplanning #florist #weddingflorist #bridetobe #adviceforengagedcouples #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #weddingtipsandadvice Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed.  Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna from Pexels There's something so specifically daunting about flowers, isn't there? First off, there are just so many. There's tulips, lilies, buttercups, daisies, and roses. There's daffodils, hydrangeas, marigolds, mirabilis, orchids, pincushion flowers, and that's just the start. That might explain why so many couples find themselves intimidated when it comes to meeting with wedding day florists. Not only are there so many options, but the combinations are literally infinite. Stress no more. from initial research, to outreach, to sealing the deal, here's how to tackle your wedding day's floral needs. Brainstorm and budget It happens more often than we'd like to admit. A client books a consultation with a florist, makes the drive across town in traffic, sits down at the florist's shop, and has absolutely nothing prepared. No budget in mind, no inspiration images on hand, no nothing nowhere. These kinds of meetings get frustrating for both parties pretty quickly. For those of us non-designer types, picturing what we want our wedding day to look like is hard enough; communicating it in a clear manner is even harder. Since wedding day floral comprises so many different combinations of styles, colors, textures, and a whole bouquet of other variables, it's helpful to gather concrete examples of what you want before you sit down for your first floral consultation. Thankfully we live in an age where doing just that is as easy as a simple Google search. Luckier still, we live in an age where people post everything online, including their wedding photos. Take advantage of that. Jump on sites like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for inspiration, and save everything that you like. It's also really helpful to think about the things you don't like as things to potentially avoid. As you build your inspiration collection, some questions you can ask yourself to get the ball rolling include:
What kinds of floral arrangements are you looking for? Wild? Natural? Classic? Modern?
Research florists You've settled on a style and feel confident you have a good amount of inspiration to share. You're finally ready to start reaching out to florists. Now how do you find them? Start by reaching out to any newly weds in your life, especially if their wedding flowers had an impact on you. Chances are they will have someone to refer. Google may have come to our rescue in the last step, but not here. If you Google "wedding florist," you'll be inundated with national chains with an often impersonal quality. Instead, sites like Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Here Comes the Guide are chalk full of region-specific listings of professional florists. These listings usually come with reviews and photos, which make your vetting process even easier. Reach out to the florists that meet all your criteria and be honest about your budget. Some things to consider while you gather those initial quotes: Have they worked with your venue before? Seeing examples of what they've done previously to transform the space can help turn a creative spark into a flower frenzy. Will they provide setup and drop off services? Usually you'll pay more for these services, but it's hard to put a price on peace of mind. What other services do they provide on top of floral? This one definitely varies by florist. While some simply provide flowers and decor, several florists also function as full service event designers who handle everything from furniture to centerpieces. What is their collaborative process with clients like? Again, every florist works a little differently. Some may be willing to collaborate on an inspiration board, while others would rather take the creative lead. It's important you find a florist whose creative process gels with your own. Request a proposal It took a few tries, but you finally met someone who gets it, someone who knows your budget and can confidently execute your vision, or at least work with you to pull off something close. Now you're ready to lock them in. What do you do? It's time to ask your florist-to-be for a proposal. When you finally sign that proposal, it will act as a contract between you and the florist. Before you sign, it acts as an exact record of everything necessary for your wedding day arrangements. A proposal should include the following:
Negotiate, remove, and remedy Just because your proposal has been delivered, it's not time to relax just yet. If you find your proposal doesn't quite meet your budget, feel free to work with your florist to find cost-effective alternatives. Using your proposal as a guideline, try and answer these questions:
Digging deep into your proposal can help you refine your floral needs into something more in line with your budget without compromising the look, feel, or flow of your wedding day. Just remember that "compromise" is the key word here. The end result should be a vision you can be proud of, with no big surprises. Just you and your favorite blooms and blossoms.  Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #engaged #weddingplanning #florist #weddingflorist #bridetobe #adviceforengagedcouples #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #weddingtipsandadvice Post written by Des Delgadillo for Events Unleashed.  Image courtesy of Daniel T. Davis Photography Engagement Sessions. They're so important for many different reasons. Keep reading for our top reasons why engagement shoots matter and are so worth it! 1. The chance to get familiar with your wedding photographer. You’ve seen and admired your wedding photographer's work. Now get a chance to know the person behind the photos. Having a little practice session to get to know each other better (you get to see how your photographer works and they get a chance to learn more about what exactly you like) will guarantee your photos turn out amazing! 2. Practice makes perfect. Posing in front of a professional camera is not the norm for many of us. If you're not used to being in front of the camera, this is the perfect time for you to get familiar with posing and how to act "natural" in front of it. 3. You'll have nice, professional photos of you and your partner. You can use these photos leading up to, during, and after the wedding. You can include these photos in your save the dates/invitation suites, as part of your wedding decor, and to have some nice non-wedding photos of you and your partner to hang around the house or post online. 4. A sneak peak at how your wedding photos will turn out. It's no secret that wedding photography can be a big investment. Receiving your professional photos back from your photographer before the wedding is a great way to ease your mind by giving you a better idea of how your wedding photos will turn out. 5. Memories of your engagement. The time you're engaged is very special. You and your partner have made a commitment to each other to move towards marriage. Capturing photos during this time make for great memories to look back on. 6. Make it a fun date. Since getting professional photos taken isn't an everyday thing, bask in the moment and make your engagement session a fun date. Fully immerse yourself in the moment and enjoy the time together. You'll probably be hungry afterwards, so finish off the date by grabbing a bite to eat!  Photo courtesy of Jackson Wedding Studios No matter the reason you chose to move ahead with booking your engagement session, we promise you won't regret it!
Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together! #austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #weddingchecklist #weddingpackinglist #weddingdaychecklist #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #weddingtipsandadvice #engagementshoot #engaged #engagementsession #engagementphotos Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed. Marriage is a two way street, so why not cross it together? Fellas, what do you envision when you hear the word "wedding planning?"
Guess what? You might be right on the money. Which means when the time comes to plan your own wedding, you need to be just as involved in the planning process as your bride-to-be. Remember, simply being present is not enough. Wedding planning is an all-consuming process that demands maturity and communication. Help your missus by pinning down your share of the planning and you won't just be telling her you love her; you'll be showing it. It's still nice to tell her, though. This is not the definitive list by any means. Every couple is different and you should always check in with your partner. but based on the numerous couples we have worked with over the years, here is a handy list of some of the ways guys can support their brides during the lead up to the biggest day of your lives.  Photo by Jasmine Wallace Carter from Pexels Over-communicate When she says "I do," the real work begins. At the beginning, a wedding can seem very daunting to plan. It's a blank canvas, ready for you and your bride to showcase the things that make your love special. To put it simply, it's a lot. We won't sugar coat it. This is a prime time for arguing. With so many different kinds of wedding themes, vendors, contracts, not to mention smaller details like entertainment, song selections, all the way to the style of your champagne flutes and table cloths, it may feel like too many things to agree on. It's normal. Some tips for remaining supportive as part of the process:
Guest wrangling The bain of most newly-weds-to-be, getting an initial guestlist together can make a crazy person out of the best of us. Paring it down to something manageable can be even more vexing. But once the invitations are sent out, the job is far from done. It's generally a good idea to divide guestlist upkeep so each of you manage your own side of the family. So track down any missing RSVP's, dinner orders, or any other kind of important details of your guests' experience. You should also be on top of the family drama that sometimes comes out of these preparations. Every family is different, but some issues may include:
Style your own wedding day look It might sometimes seem like your bride is putting way too much effort into her wedding day look. Keep in mind how important this day is for her, and that ultimately all the beautifying, buffing, hair styling and everything else is to look good for this incredible day. Show her you understand by taking some of the weight off her shoulders. Beyond simply being there for her to offer words of encouragement, take the initiative and work out your own wedding day ensemble. Schedule your suit fittings and stay on top of those appointments. If dieting is something you need to do, then do it. Lastly, most men will overlook the all-important haircut. If procrastinating is in your nature, give nature the boot this time. You should get your haircut no less than two weeks before your wedding day. This is recommended so that your trim has time to grow out if it's too close. Dancing Lots of couples include a highly choreographed dance number as part of their wedding reception. Choreography takes a long time to learn, time you'll be spending in classes with strangers -- strangers who are going to be watching you learn to dance. We get it. Learning something new is always a bit uncomfortable at first. Couple that with the precision you need to pull off solid choreography and the uncomfortable factor goes up considerably. But even if you have no dance moves in your repertoire, putting your best foot forward goes a long way to showing your lady how much this means to you. A positive attitude, communication, and a lot of practice are key to a strong marriage, but they're also key to an unforgettable dance routine. Write your vows far in advance Procrastinators take note. Writing your vows might seem like the easiest part of the process. Or maybe you're not a writer and you're stuck on what you want to say. Regardless of your writing expertise, your vows should be written out far in advance. All the best writers say that writing is only the beginning. Real writing happens during the re-writing stage, so be sure to have your vows ready. You can also share them with a close friend for some valuable feedback. The end result should be something from the heart. Coordinate gifts for your groomsmen and bride Remember that through all of the wedding planning process, your boys have your back. Show your best man and the rest of your groomsmen how much you appreciate their support with some groovy gifts. Traditionally these gifts include some kind of top shelf liquor, but nobody knows your crew quite like you. Don't forget to also have a wedding gift on hand for your bride. Something like champagne and a cute love note can do the trick. The honeymoon Sometimes couples enjoy planning things together, but use the honeymoon as a chance to plan little surprises for her. It's a good way to start the marriage on the best foot. Tradition dictates that the groom plan the honeymoon, but in 2020, tradition is only part of the larger whole. You may find that planning a honeymoon works better together. Whatever the case, be prepared to do most of the coordinating for this on your own. Even if your bride wants to be involved, try to pepper in a few nice surprises for her once you reach your destination. There's no better way to make her feel loved. Except maybe... Let her know you love her With stress running wild, little shows of affection do wonders. Leave little love notes for your bride, or even some little gifts if they fit in your budget. Just make sure she knows that every step of the way, you've got this. Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together! #austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #newlywedadvice #supportingyourbride #marriageadvice #engagementadvice #bridetobe #groomtobe #adviceforcouples #adviceforengagedcouples #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #weddingtipsandadvice Post written by Des Delgadillo for Events Unleashed. From award shows to conventions, everybody loves a nice swag bag, gift set, or whatever you want to call it. The packaging doesn’t matter, though. It’s what’s on the inside that counts and will show your girls how much you appreciate them. You can find lots of pre-filled bags, boxes, and kits, like this personalized wooden box from Etsy. Or maybe you need a little something to help pop the question. Available from Amazon, this elegant gift set helps you ask “Will you be my bridesmaid?” in style. Sometimes, though, a pre-filled gift set might lack some of the personal touches that make any bridesmaid-to-be blush. Why not start with a blank canvas and make your own gift-filled masterpiece? A great place to start is with this hand-dyed canvas bag from Minted. Choose your wedding colors for an added touch.  Photo by Terje Sollie from Pexels In the past, brides we’ve worked with love packing these items in their own, personalized gift sets. Makeup Equal parts thoughtful and practical, gifting makeup to your bridal party is a great way to show your girls you’re thinking about them. At the same time, you’ll be giving everyone the gift of a much-needed touch-up during the big day. Go for something practical, like this extra large setting spray from Urban decay Cosmetics, which can help neutralize all the sweat and, let’s face it, tears that will no doubt plague the big day. Or go for an always useful compact mirror with a personal touch from Etsy. And last but not least, how about a stylish bag to put it all in? Try this quilted velvet bag from The Knot. Glassware/alcohol The run-up to the big day can be hectic. Give your girls the chance to unwind with a cocktail-ready gift set. Make each one of your bridesmaids feel extra special by including a bottle of their favorite spirit. Add some champagne flutes or tumblers to ensure your crew is sipping in style. Try this dazzling flask set from Lasting Impressions Engraving, or put a twist on your open bar with these fun Etsy stickers. Stationery Here’s another cute but practical gift solution. A journal or notebook with a personalized cover isn’t just thoughtful; it’s a great way to encourage your bridal party to take notes. There will be a lot to remember, after all. This Wrap and write” gift set from Bridesmaid Boutique features a comfortable shawl and a personalized journal, blending style with practicality. Candy We’ll keep this one short and sweet: everybody loves a little treat now and then. Bring the goodies with a personalized candy cone and let the good times roll. Flip flops You might be wondering what flip flops are doing on this list. Well, if you have ever been a bridesmaid, you’re probably nodding your head in agreement right now. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like switching to a comfy pair of flip flops after a long day of rocking heels. Your bridesmaids (and their aching feet) will thank you. Jewelry If everyone in your wedding party is wearing the same kind of dress, some extra bling might be just the thing to say “I appreciate you.” Whether it’s something flashy you’re looking for, or maybe something a little more personal, some shining surprises include this necklace from Etsy, a dainty bracelet (also from Etsy), and this bespoke plate bracelet from Gorjana. Getting Ready Ware Getting dolled up for a wedding can take a long time. Do your flock a solid and keep them comfortable through it all. Some cozy options include this Pajama set from Flora Nikrooz, or this customizable, comfort-filled set from Etsy complete with robe, champagne flutes and hair ties. Spa Favors Last but certainly not least, you may want a way for your favorite ladies to de-stress. With so many spa-themed gift sets, you’re bound to find the perfect way to pamper your girlfriends. Whether you choose this Reset & Refresh skincare set from Nordstrom, or this spa set full of rejuvenating bath salts from Amazon, your relaxed bridesmaids will surely thank you.  Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together!
#austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #bridesmaidsgifts #bridesmaidswagbags #bridesmaids #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #weddingtipsandadvice Post written by Des Delgadillo for Events Unleashed. With so many items to bring and a major importance to remember every single one– Events Unleashed has your back with a list of things to pack for your wedding day!  Photo by Olenka Sergienko from Pexels Must-Haves
Special Items to Remember
Helpful Items
Extras
Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together! #austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #weddingchecklist #weddingpackinglist #weddingdaychecklist #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #weddingtipsandadvice Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed. Want your guests to leave you a special message on your big day... but in a special way? Events Unleashed has got you covered on 10 guest book alternatives that will help create a more unique experience on your wedding day.  #1: For The Record Have your guests record there attendance by signing in on a vintage record player.  #2: Illustrated Couples Portrait How amazing would it be to look back on an illustrated picture of you and your husband or wife-to-be with all of your loved one's well wishes? Very amazing! We love how Miss Design Berry illustrates the portrait of the couple in their wedding attire, it makes it even more special!  #3: Heart Shaped Puzzle We love the idea of guests signing in on a heart-shaped (because the day is all about love, right?!) wooden puzzle piece, then adding their piece into the puzzle.  #4: Jenga Get guests involved by having them sign in on a jenga piece and help build the tower!  #5: Message in a Bottle Okay maybe you can't have a genie in a bottle... but you can have your loved ones leave you a special message in a bottle! Bonus: have a cute date night by going through all of the letters together after the wedding.  #6: Drop Box We love this unique drop box frame that allows guests to sign a heart and drop it into the box.  #7: Adventure Begins Globe We love this globe with customized calligraphy on it that reads "So The Adventure Begins". Guests can sign around the globe, creating a cherishable piece of decor.  #8: Polaroid Guest Book We love that this guest book idea leaves you with a sweet note and photo of your loved ones! Have your guests snap a polaroid, sign it, and stick it in your guest book for long lasting memories.  #9: Last Name Wood Sign How cute and modern is this wooden sign customized with the couple's last name? Have your guests sign around the name for a sweet, memorable "guest book"!  #10: Typewriter Sign In I mean... seriously?! How cool would it be for your guests to sign in by typing you a heartfelt message on a typewriter? Very cool. We hope you were able to find some inspiration from these 10 wedding guest book alternative ideas. Be sure to check back for more planning tips & advice and follow us on our Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date with our recent events and inspo. Let’s Unleash Together! #austinweddingplanner #austinluxuryevents #austineventplanner #austinwedding #multiculturalweddingplanner #austintexasweddings #eventsunleashed #weddingguestbooks #weddingguestbookalternatives #uniqueguestbooks #guestbookideas #guestbookalternatives #uniquewedding #weddingplanningtips #weddingplanningadvice #weddingplanning #austindestinationwedding #atxwedding #weddingtipsandadvice Post written by Kaley M. for Events Unleashed. Last week, we explored the most important questions to ask before booking a professional wedding DJ. But what if a professional just isn’t in the cards? This week we explore how to do it yourself. You DJ your own wedding? It might sound counterintuitive. After all, just last week you thought a turntable and a Lazy Susan were the same thing, and now you're thinking about handling the ones-and-twos for the biggest day of your life. Scratching a DJ from your wedding day budget leaves wiggle room for the truly important things. Most professional wedding DJ's start at about $1,000, meaning you can save quite the chunk of change by hunkering down and doing it yourself. But how can you do a job that someone charges $1,000 and up to do? And on the biggest day of your life, no less?  Photo by Moose Photos from Pexels 1. Rent the Equipment Yes, you still have to rent equipment. It may seem easy to just plug a laptop or phone in via an auxiliary cord or bluetooth connection. Trust us, it's not going to be a great celebration if you do it this way. Probably the most daunting (and expensive) step, finding the equipment suitable for your wedding day situation includes asking yourself a few very important questions: How many guests will be at the wedding? You don't want a speaker system set up for 100 guests when you have 200 at the event. Make sure everyone is able to enjoy the music with your speaker setup and your music selections (we'll get into those later). Will the wedding take place indoors or outdoors? Sometimes indoor weddings provide certain acoustics that help speaker systems sound louder than they actually are, but that's not the case for outdoor weddings. For instance, setting up your Google Home or Amazon Echo might sound fabulous in your home, but it might leave a little something to be desired in an outdoor setting. Do you require a microphone? The answer to this one should be yes 99 percent of the time. Even if you don't have an emcee for your event (see below), a microphone is the ultimate way to relay important messages to your guests, such as signaling the start of an important dance, or letting them know that you're about to cut the cake, or that the bar is closing in 10 minutes. When considering a microphone, also make sure to specify if you prefer one with or without a wire. wireless mics are a great addition to most celebrations, allowing whoever is speaking to walk around as well. But sometimes radio signals can interfere with the wireless output, leading to some not so pleasant noise. When in doubt, reach out to your venue's management and ask how wireless microphones fare in their venue. What kind of cables do I need to make my equipment work? XLR? RCA? VGA? So many weird acronyms, so little time! You don't want to set up all your equipment on the day of and find that you're missing one very important wire. Make sure to research your desired setup to learn exactly what you need to make it happen. When in doubt, renting from tried and true audio experts still ends up costing less than hiring a DJ. An Austin-area company we recommend for any audio-related needs is Loudmouth Rentals. 2. Decide on your service of choice Back in the day, we all kept our favorite songs on our computers or phones so we could bust them out whenever we felt like it. But these days, most people find it easier and cheaper to keep their tunes on a cloud music service like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music. These subscription services offer virtually any song you can think of and give you the ability to add the songs to custom playlists. All three of the services mentioned also support what's called Crossfading, which means the service will try and transition your music so there's never any dead air -- a handy trick for killer parties. All of these music services also allow you to save songs to your device for offline listening, something you should most definitely do. We'll explore why in a bit. 3. Curate with care So you're all signed up with your music streaming service of choice. We get it; having every song imaginable at your fingertips can be a little much. Take a few minutes and enjoy that power. Now it's time to start curating playlists for your big day. Remember, if you're doing it right, you should ideally afford yourself weeks to months to get your playlists just right. If your time is limited, just perform a search for "wedding" or anything close to it. You'll be surprised how many couples create public playlists and then just leave them for anyone to use. There are two different variables worth considering while you create your playlist, and one extra tip to make sure your playlists are perfect. Different parts of the day It's a good idea to create playlists for the different parts of your wedding day. For example, maybe you want a relaxing classical playlist while your guests are being seated, but you'll probably want something very different come open dancing time. If you have one already, use your order of ceremony to help identify the moments you want to have musical accompaniment. Your guests It's your day, but you want your guests to have a good time, right? The easiest way to do that is to include music everyone will enjoy. The best way to satisfy everyone is to incorporate music from different decades. Thankfully, technology comes to the rescue again. Most streaming services include lists of songs by decade, and wedding songs by decade are readily available with a quick Google search. Get the balance just right and you'll have grandparents dancing with cousins, uncles dancing with in-laws, neighbors dancing with mailmen (must be one heck of a wedding), and so on. Get some pre-party feedback Sit with people you trust and see what they think of your music selections. All of the music services mentioned here support playlist sharing. That means you can even get that precious feedback without having to leave your house. 4. Test, test, and test again Whether you ask a professional musician, an amateur singer songwriter, or a keynote speaker, they'll all give you the same advice: Things break down. That's why testing your setup is the most important step we could possibly share with you. Set a day to visit your venue and set up your equipment as if it's the real thing. Play some jams, make some announcements, and get an overall understanding of how it all works. If something doesn't work, you'll have a chance to troubleshoot and be ready for the real thing. This one sounds optional, but it couldn't be more important. 5. Consider using an emcee Oftentimes, a professional wedding dJ doubles as an emcee, making announcements and introductions when necessary. Since you'll be busy getting married and having an all-around awesome time, emceeing your own wedding might not be at the top of your priorities. Thankfully, emceeing is an easy job. Remember that microphone and order of ceremony we mentioned earlier? Just provide both to a trusted friend or family member. Explain to them which events are the most important to you and when the announcements need to be made, as well as any extra information you want to share. Generally, the more you share, the more prepared your emcee will be. And all that's left for you to do is dance, dance, and dance. Bonus: download all of your songs to your device How many of your movie nights have been ruined by buffering? Don't let buffering ruin your wedding, too. Buffering occurs when an internet connection can't handle the data being used. This usually happens when you're watching videos, playing games, or streaming music. Thankfully, most music streaming services offer an option to save playlists for "offline listening." Simply put, the playlists you select are downloaded directly to your device, so you can play all your music without being at the internet's mercy.  Photo by TranStudios Photography & Video from Pexels Are there any other tips you think future DIY wedding DJ's should know? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow us on Instagram @eventsunleashed.
#austintexaswedding #austinweddingplanner #atxweddingplanner #eventsunleashed #weddingadvice #weddingtips #weddingtipsandadvice #weddingplanningtips #weddingdj #diydj #weddingemcee Post Written by Des Delgadillo for Events Unleashed |
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