In the first of this 3-part series on new wedding traditions, I focused on the wedding ceremony itself. In this second part of the article, I will focus on the wedding reception. In the third and final part of the series, I will give you even more creative ideas that have become staples at the reception.
About Special Effects:
Uplighting for your Wedding Reception
Uplighting is the "in" thing at wedding receptions. The difference between uplighting and other special effects is that it has staying power. Uplighting is all about the ability to change the mood of an entire room and accent the decor. The color of a dreary four-walled warehouse style of banquet hall can be transformed to a couple's wedding colors, and that means that anything else is possible. Uplighting can be used to accent the wall behind the head table or the lighting can be spread out strategically and symmetrically throughout the room for a wash effect. Uplighting is a great way to add a "Wow!" sensation to a wedding. DJs provide uplighting and other special effects as part of the "entertainment" package.
About Dry Ice:
Quite popular at European weddings, dry ice is another great effect for the "first dance" photos. Dry ice produces a low lying fog or mist that covers the dance floor that swirls around the Bride and Groom as they have their ceremonial first dance. It's nearly as if they are dancing on Cloud Nine! Adding Dry Ice to a reception can be quite costly, however, as it is labor intensive. Also, keep in mind that dry ice cannot be stored before use for too long, as it is colder than a freezer.
Helpful Hint: If you plan to use dry ice at your wedding, use it for your first dance directly following your grand entrance. Since, the cloud of dry ice will condense water vapor on the dance floor, leave sufficient time between the first dance and the dancing that follows so that the floor has time to dry.
Pyrotechnics:
Pyrotechnics have been banned by the majority of halls, and require special licensing from local and provincial bodies for indoor events. In the late 1990's, before the tragic White Snake incident in the United States, almost every banquet hall allowed pyrotechnics as part of either the grand entrance, or the first dance. The commonest type of pyrotechnic used was silver gerbs - also known as fountains - that lasted from 10 to 15 seconds. These fireworks produced a jet of sparks.
Today, Pyrotechnics occasionally still appear at weddings but in a different fashion. A spectacular outdoor fireworks show may occur at a wedding if it falls on a major national holiday, or if the Bride and Groom just want that extra bit of "wow" for their guests. Fireworks displays are best suited for golf courses.
About Flutter Fetti for your Wedding Reception:
Also known as Kabuki, Flutter Fetti is not allowed at some banquet halls due to the mess that is left behind. Flutter Fetti entered the scene as the use of Pyrotechnics began to drop off, because it was harmless. Flutter Fetti is launched from something like a small cannon; once released, the air is filled with 1 inch by 2inch rectangles and streamers (usually in the wedding colors). Flutter Fetti can be used during the grand entrance, the first dance, or the last dance to emphasize the importance in the evening. Keepsakes
About Keepsake CDs:
A popular bomboniere (Italian for wedding favor) when CD Burners first came on the scene, keepsake CDs were a way for the Bride and Groom to share the music they selected for their special dances, as well as some of their all-time favorite tunes with their friends and family. Unfortunately, keepsake CDs are illegal. By the way, the risk of being caught is real. A bride in Manitoba faced heavy fines due to supplying her guests with Keepsake CD's.
About Keepsake Wine:
Another great bomboniere that became popular when craft-your-own wine shops exploded onto the market place, the keepsake bottle of wine can be a favorite type of wine or even an ice wine. Keepsake wines may be bottled with special labels to commemorate the wedding. Also, bottling the wine can be a fun way for the families of the bride and groom to enjoy.
Helpful Hint: Make an extra case to put away for special occasions in your life together, such as your first anniversary, the birth of a child, the purchase of your first home, and other milestones, but ask the shop owner how long your bottle of wine can last - most wines don't last too many years.
1st Dance Plaques:
Another blast from the past, the 1st Dance Plaque was popular in the 20th century. The DJ would mount a CD of your first dance song on a plaque and below it a small plate inscribed with your names, wedding date, and the name of the song. It was a good idea, but usually became a piece of clutter. Today, the plaque is making waves once again, but instead of a CD that focuses on your first dance, DJ's are professionally mounting the Gobo (that is, a template inserted inside or placed in front of a light source - the name means "go between") used to project your personalized monogram on the dance floor, should you decide to add this enhancement to your reception.
About Food & Drink:
The Signature Cocktail
Made popular by numerous wedding television shows, the signature cocktail has now faded away. A signature cocktail is a drink designed by a "mixologist. Usually, the cocktail would be in the wedding color, and sometimes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options would be available.
About Ice Sculptures at Weddings:
Ice sculptures are not seen too often these days except for the odd late night seafood buffet. Gone are the days of the big heart sculpture or the flying doves. Ice Sculptures have a short lifespan, especially in hot weather, and cannot be used for much other than as the centerpiece on the buffet table.
About Chocolate Fountains
Chocolate fountains were very popular for most of the last decade, but have apparently fizzled out - killed by its own popularity to the point that people could buy home-use models.
About Special Effects:
Uplighting for your Wedding Reception
Uplighting is the "in" thing at wedding receptions. The difference between uplighting and other special effects is that it has staying power. Uplighting is all about the ability to change the mood of an entire room and accent the decor. The color of a dreary four-walled warehouse style of banquet hall can be transformed to a couple's wedding colors, and that means that anything else is possible. Uplighting can be used to accent the wall behind the head table or the lighting can be spread out strategically and symmetrically throughout the room for a wash effect. Uplighting is a great way to add a "Wow!" sensation to a wedding. DJs provide uplighting and other special effects as part of the "entertainment" package.
About Dry Ice:
Quite popular at European weddings, dry ice is another great effect for the "first dance" photos. Dry ice produces a low lying fog or mist that covers the dance floor that swirls around the Bride and Groom as they have their ceremonial first dance. It's nearly as if they are dancing on Cloud Nine! Adding Dry Ice to a reception can be quite costly, however, as it is labor intensive. Also, keep in mind that dry ice cannot be stored before use for too long, as it is colder than a freezer.
Helpful Hint: If you plan to use dry ice at your wedding, use it for your first dance directly following your grand entrance. Since, the cloud of dry ice will condense water vapor on the dance floor, leave sufficient time between the first dance and the dancing that follows so that the floor has time to dry.
Pyrotechnics:
Pyrotechnics have been banned by the majority of halls, and require special licensing from local and provincial bodies for indoor events. In the late 1990's, before the tragic White Snake incident in the United States, almost every banquet hall allowed pyrotechnics as part of either the grand entrance, or the first dance. The commonest type of pyrotechnic used was silver gerbs - also known as fountains - that lasted from 10 to 15 seconds. These fireworks produced a jet of sparks.
Today, Pyrotechnics occasionally still appear at weddings but in a different fashion. A spectacular outdoor fireworks show may occur at a wedding if it falls on a major national holiday, or if the Bride and Groom just want that extra bit of "wow" for their guests. Fireworks displays are best suited for golf courses.
About Flutter Fetti for your Wedding Reception:
Also known as Kabuki, Flutter Fetti is not allowed at some banquet halls due to the mess that is left behind. Flutter Fetti entered the scene as the use of Pyrotechnics began to drop off, because it was harmless. Flutter Fetti is launched from something like a small cannon; once released, the air is filled with 1 inch by 2inch rectangles and streamers (usually in the wedding colors). Flutter Fetti can be used during the grand entrance, the first dance, or the last dance to emphasize the importance in the evening. Keepsakes
About Keepsake CDs:
A popular bomboniere (Italian for wedding favor) when CD Burners first came on the scene, keepsake CDs were a way for the Bride and Groom to share the music they selected for their special dances, as well as some of their all-time favorite tunes with their friends and family. Unfortunately, keepsake CDs are illegal. By the way, the risk of being caught is real. A bride in Manitoba faced heavy fines due to supplying her guests with Keepsake CD's.
About Keepsake Wine:
Another great bomboniere that became popular when craft-your-own wine shops exploded onto the market place, the keepsake bottle of wine can be a favorite type of wine or even an ice wine. Keepsake wines may be bottled with special labels to commemorate the wedding. Also, bottling the wine can be a fun way for the families of the bride and groom to enjoy.
Helpful Hint: Make an extra case to put away for special occasions in your life together, such as your first anniversary, the birth of a child, the purchase of your first home, and other milestones, but ask the shop owner how long your bottle of wine can last - most wines don't last too many years.
1st Dance Plaques:
Another blast from the past, the 1st Dance Plaque was popular in the 20th century. The DJ would mount a CD of your first dance song on a plaque and below it a small plate inscribed with your names, wedding date, and the name of the song. It was a good idea, but usually became a piece of clutter. Today, the plaque is making waves once again, but instead of a CD that focuses on your first dance, DJ's are professionally mounting the Gobo (that is, a template inserted inside or placed in front of a light source - the name means "go between") used to project your personalized monogram on the dance floor, should you decide to add this enhancement to your reception.
About Food & Drink:
The Signature Cocktail
Made popular by numerous wedding television shows, the signature cocktail has now faded away. A signature cocktail is a drink designed by a "mixologist. Usually, the cocktail would be in the wedding color, and sometimes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options would be available.
About Ice Sculptures at Weddings:
Ice sculptures are not seen too often these days except for the odd late night seafood buffet. Gone are the days of the big heart sculpture or the flying doves. Ice Sculptures have a short lifespan, especially in hot weather, and cannot be used for much other than as the centerpiece on the buffet table.
About Chocolate Fountains
Chocolate fountains were very popular for most of the last decade, but have apparently fizzled out - killed by its own popularity to the point that people could buy home-use models.
About the Author:
Looking to find the best Toronto DJ, then visit www.Bobhawkins.com to find the best Toronto Karaoke and DJ services for you.
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