StevensDJservice.com Blog

What is your definition of a wedding planner? What if any is your definition of a wedding coordinator? Well, in the time it takes you to read this I hope to help define the jobs and what the common understanding s are of each job. First, there is a big difference between what is taught and what is considered common knowledge.  A Wedding Planner does everything from seating charts to fluffing the dress before you go down the isle. A Coordinator takes what you’ve put together and makes it smooth together  (if possible).

When I’m hired as a planner its my job to find out budget first and then if they can afford the style they want. I try to find ways to use my connections, experiences, skills and inventory to reduce costs so they can afford a level above what they can afford on their own. Sometimes I can pull off a miracle and get them two levels up. Rarely can I get them three levels and only once have I been able to go four levels up. We will sit down and talk about decor, style and how grand they can afford. Most people are realistic with the money to style reality of things. I can show you pictures of a 100,000 wedding and pictures from a 10,000 weddings. Both were great, both were just what that couple wanted and could afford. Now the 10,000 wedding looked like 15-20 and the 100,000 wedding pulled out all the stops and went over the top on almost every concept. It was fun to go overboard but in central Illinois it was tough to get a few things that couple wanted. We ended up having to go non local. I prefer to spend money in our local economy and let those services in turn spend money locally. When needed I know where to go to get things done. If you call the florist and order a certain type of flower you might pay retail, I pay wholesale. With food you might pay that extra %, I don’t. When you work in bulk and refer as much as I do, we can pull a little weight and reduce a few costs here that there. If I save you 2% here and 5% there and 1% with this and 10% with that, it all adds up to a saving of more than my fee. Plus you get to have less stress and less work. Sit back, relax and enjoy your day. Don’t let mom and dad work your wedding.

When you call me a little late in the process and just need someone to round it out and pull it together, I will function as your coordinator. A three day prior or even a day of coordinator can make a huge difference in your wedding. Reducing stress, time spent on the phone, running around the hall trying to get everyone in place and on time are things I can do for you. Making sure things are where they are supposed to be and when they are supposed to be there is just as important as taking the knives or toasting glasses to the engraver and getting them back before the wedding. There is no sense making the announcement to join the couple for the cake cutting if the knives aren’t there. There is nothing worse than announcing the toasts only to find out the someone forgot their speech in the car. That there are no glasses or that the bottles haven’t been uncorked yet.

 

All in all a properly trained and licensed wedding planner or coordinator can have a huge impact on the overall success of your wedding. Ask almost any bride after their wedding that they planned, executed and coordinated if they could’ve saved money, reduced stress and let some one else do the work and I bet you most would hire a pro wedding service to do it for them.  when you’re ready,,,,, call me 585 4008

 

Matthew Stevens

DJ MC Wedding Coordinator

I watched a very interesting video the other day and it made me think. What have I accomplished and what at an earlier age did I want to accomplish by this age? Also what do I want to accomplish before I die? Well, that a great thing to think about until you think about it. ughhhh. Ten years ago I had a very bad car wreck and had a different view on things. Since that wreck, surgeries and life changing event I have tried to be more loving to others. I looked for things I couldn’t buy, steal, cheat or work to obtain. I found Love, Respect, Appreciation, Trust and Faith. Many more come to mind but these ones jumped out on my page. I took some time and wrote many things down before writing this blog. I spent hours thinking of the things I wanted to say and for others to take away from this page. So, here I go.

At 18-21 I wanted to:

Serve in the military. 8 years proud. Honorable.

Climb Mt Everest, Not anymore.

To be in the FBI, not anymore.

To race in the Indy 500, not anymore.

At 30 I wanted to:

Get married to a beautiful woman, doing.

Have kids and play with them, doing.

Own a house and call it a home, doing.

At 40 I wanted to:

Remember my name, sometimes I’d like the kids to forget it but it’s all good.

Own my business and thrive at it, doing.

Play sports with my sons and see them-  hit a home-run, three pointer, touchdown, goal, game winning score … waiting. They’re still young.

At 50 I want to:

Be debt free.

Go back to school and finish my degree.

Have season tickets to the Pittsburgh Steelers games.

At 60 I want to:

Still be up and mobile. Be healthy.

Be a hero, mentor, coach, dad, gpa and lover to my still beautiful wife.

Live a life of love, for my family, my God and those that know me.

 

 

What’s on your bucket list? What do you want to do before you die? What do you want to be remember for? What will you be proud of when you look back over your life? I’d love to hear yours. Please send me an email with your list. Matthew@StevensDJservice.com

OK, so you got engaged. Now what? Well you will need to determine a budget. Then throw it out when she buys a dress that costs 4 times what you both agreed to. No, really there will be at least one item that you spend more on than you originally budgeted for. It’s OK. Just remember not to do it so much that you over spend and end up regretting those expenses. Golden rule is never be paying for the wedding 3 months later. Interest on a credit card will eat you alive and give you a bad feeling about your wedding that you won’t want.

Now on to more serious issues,

FOOD: I advise all my couples to go to a taste testing of several caterers to see which one they like best and they think their guests will like best. The number one reason why guests leave early is hunger. If the food is to rich, too bland, to heavy, too light, not enough, or just simply doesn’t taste good, people will leave earlier than expected and go get something they like to eat.

HALL: Go to view several halls. size, ceiling height, what walls are made of in relation to sound – echo echo echo, the bathroom locations, bar, coat room, parking, handicap accessibility, hotel rooms, pool, game room, continental breakfast/brunch, proximity to shopping, dining will all be factors in a great reception. if your guest want to continue the party after the hall closes down is there a good night club/bar in walking distance? Hotel? We don’t want drunk drivers so do some research and block out a couple rooms for those that over indulge. Think about lighting from glass doors and windows. Think about having enough room to move around in with your big puffy dress.

Floral/Decor: flowers cost so much more depending upon the type and number you get. Roses, lilies, wild flowers, all have different prices. So just asking a florist to make 10 centerpieces won’t work. You have to see what they can do, will do and if it matches what you’re looking for. Heck even I can stick some flowers in a vase. It takes talent to pull that image out of our fiances head and turn it into a centerpiece of beauty. Interview a few florist/decorators to see which one meets your criteria.

DJ/ Entertainment: If your entertainment is boring your guests to leave then you should’ve done more research to find one that met your style. Do they have the music you like plus what your guests like? Do they have a big enough system to give you that awesome bass? Will they provide a wireless mic that the best mans and maid of honors toasts will be clearly understood from? Finding the cheapest DJ will most likely result in the cheapest gear, least experience, talent, skill and ability to effectively entertain your guests. If you can, Facetime, Skype or better yet get a face to face with the DJ you will get on your night. If you can make a connection in the office imagine how much more amazing your night will be. A bad DJ can ruin your celebration. A great DJ with Master of Ceremonies skills can take your event to a higher level. The trick is be open minded and interview a few so you have something to compare them to. If you’ve been to an event that you liked the DJ at, go get a card. Ask family, friends and co workers for references. Check the website of potential DJ’s for testimonials, references and thank yous. Go to the social media places like facebook and see what others are saying about that DJ. Do a yahoo or google search for reviews. There are so many places to check up on your DJ that it’s crazy to keep hearing horror stories about the same DJ’s. If you do the research you can and will find the good, bad and downright ugly.

Photographers: wow there seems to be more these days than ever before. Go to their websites and look for watermarks with their name on it. If it doesn’t have a right click disable or watermark: its probably not their work. Most pros copyright good work. Books, fliers, pamphlets, brochures, at least some type of visual aid is a must for photographers. Anyone can pay some one else to do a good website and air brush some photos. But a great photographer will have tons of examples to show you, previous weddings to show you how they are different and unique.

 

The basics are: do your homework, research, background checks to see if any wedding service is a match for you. Anyone can buy a good camera, dj gear, oven, or sq ft hall,,,, it takes a pro to master the craft and give you your dream wedding. Meet your pro face to face to get a better idea if they are right for you.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Wedding Entertainment Services Inc.

Yes, everyone is on a budget. No one tells me that they have unlimited funds for their wedding. Not anymore. lol. My job is to educate you about my services and hopefully you will see my worth. I know from my past clients that they say I’m worth more than what they paid me. I try to exceed every expectation they and their family have of me. I do things that are not really DJ related but they help the night move along smoothly and this benefits me as the DJ. If the cake knives are at the cake table then the announcement to follow the couple over to get pictures of the cake cutting will go smoothly. I can’t tell you how many times in my early years that I just made the announcement when told to do so and then spend the next ten minutes watching them look for the knives.

What’s really hard for me to comprehend is when you tell me you are at one of the most expensive halls in the area and you’re looking to save money on cheap DJ. The truth is you over spent on the hall. Set a budget, use the correct percentages in the correct areas. For instance the Knot says the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception music amount for about 10% of the total budget. Many other reliable website use this same percentage. The most expensive hall in the area runs about 15,000 to start. So, a DJ charging 1500-2000, isn’t that bad, if he’s worth it. Take the time to find out if he’s worth it. What will he do to earn that kind of money? Sit in the corner and play music? Make a few announcements? Drink alcohol on your tab? Be outside for a smoke half the night? Hit on your guests?  OR will he be the Master of Ceremonies and make sure EVERYTHING is ready and that we are waiting on you, not you waiting on us. Will he make sure the songs are all set and ready, the mic has fresh batteries, the range reaches the Best man for his toast without cutting out, that the lighting effects all work correctly, that dinner is ready to serve before announcements, that knives are ready to cut cake, that the bride gets served dinner and won’t have to worry about spills. I could go on but you get the idea. There is more to just playing music for this DJ. I consider myself an entertainer/producer. I try to involve the guests in your day. I use music to set the mood for you to have the spotlight. I use music to enhance the event and not overpower it. I use my skills on the mic to get you what you want.

So, next time you call for just a price, ask more so you know what you’re truly getting for that pirce.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Entertainment Service

I usually get asked why I charge sooooooo much for just 4 hours of work. Well the end answer is: if you think it takes only 4 hours to make your wedding and reception perfect, do it yourself. I know that sounds harsh but let me explain. I meet with every client face to face. I want them to get comfortable with me. I want to get to know them. Body language and smiles don’t come over the phone very well. So having a place to meet is part of my time. Having a website that attract my kind of couple is important. So there a bit more time. Scheduling advertising and publication, radio and one day TV, going to shows and doing small workshops all take time. Just getting you to call and set up a meeting takes my time. Then once I get you to call, email, FB chat, Instant message and all the other types of chatting. So, now we meet and we start planning your wedding and reception. I want to meet for no less than 6 hours prior to your event. Song selection, order of events, how you want to handle the best mans toast if he strays from your notes you gave him to say. There are so many little things that as the DJ I must announce and I’d like to not look stupid doing it. Plan early and often for a successful event. Then the big day comes, get up, get ready, load the van, drive to the location, setup, cool down, get in a suit, recheck setup and then greet first guests to the music you have chosen. Now those 4 hours start, but I’ve already got 30 hours invested in your event.

 

Some DJ’s show up and play. Good DJ’s do a little planning. Great DJ’s invest in the success of you and your event. I hope you at least meet with me to find out the differences I offer. 585 4008

 

Matthew Stevens

DJ MC & Entertainer

What do you look for in a DJ? fundraiser corporate church Bar club wedding radio school dance anniversary bar or bat mitzvah preteen teen graduation prom winter formal costume spring fling etc etc etc. All of these events could use a great DJ. What do you ask in order to make sure you get the best bang for your buck? Do you want a DJ that has a background check so you know they are safe with your kids? Do you want a DJ that has proper business insurance just in case the equipment breaks and falls on someone hurting them. If it’s their fault they should pay. Do you want honesty in the contract, talent, skill, ability of the DJ. Do you want it louder than a rock concert? Do you want it so crystal clear that even the best man can’t be misunderstood on his speech? Do you want someone that can control the guests with great music? What about the skills over the microphone? Experience, years in the field you are hiring for.

When I interview for an assistant, employee, person to help me: I ask tons of questions. I never ask what they charge. I find out what they are worth first and then adjust my offer to what I think is reasonable for that person to that job. I didn’t know what a secretary would cost and what a good one was worth until I went through the hiring process. Name, address, SS, criminal background check, drug screening, valid driver license, car insurance, physical ability to lift equipment, do they smoke cigarettes, are they healthy, why did they leave the last job, history, where they live and how far is the travel, how often do they call in late, sick, or absent, do they have kids, married, stable etc etc etc. Do you take that much time when hiring a DJ for your wedding and reception? How much money is spent on the total event? Shouldn’t the entertainment be more carefully chosen?

 

The number one question for me over the phone is: How much do you charge? If they don’t ask what I do and how I do it then they will never understand what I charge. I doubt that a person spending $100 on a DJ cares but when you spend 15  -  50,000 dollars on a wedding, you better care. I drive a nice care, live in a nice home and can afford a decent vacation about once every three years. Don’t you have at least that or better? Why shouldn’t a professional wedding service be able to make a living doing what they do? No one questions a decent attorney. But their prices vary greatly. Why? Because of experience and expertise. They are simply put, worth more because they have proven that they do a better job. The cost of music, speakers, amps, cables, cords, mics, misers and then transportation, insurance, repairs, and then an office, desk,copy machine, fliers, brochures, websites, etc etc etc all add up in the end. I don’t see other professionals giving you service without the normal business tools. Why would you want or need to hire a DJ that works out his moms basement on 20 year old gear and illegally pirates music from the net, has no insurance, drives a vehicle that might make it to the event, wears a tux that even the father of the bride Steve Martin (George Banks ) couldn’t stretch in to!

If you want better service, higher quality, more bang for you buck you will pay for it in everything you buy. Cars, houses, doctors, laptops, phones, jewelry all cost more when the quality goes up. So will your wedding services.  So ask more than just price if you are the type of person that appreciates quality.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ Service

217 585 4008

www.stevensDJservice.com

OK gonna bash a few things so get ready to read and laugh at how stupid big business thinks we are. Today’s bride is smarter, better educated, rational and knows how to research using the Internet. Any arguments? Nope. Good, let’s continue. Today’s bride is looking or honesty, integrity and quality. Any arguments? Nope. Good, let’s continue. Bash number one: R U ready for it? Good, it’s coming anyway. If a wedding vendor only has to pay to be listed on a site, how do you know if they are any good? You don’t. With no system of checking credentials, applying, background screening, references checks, sponsorship, history of work: anyone can get listed on a paid site. Only Springfield Local Favorites has an application process that truly works to screen out people with no integrity, honesty, references, etc.. So next time you go wedding shopping, try www.Springfieldlocalfavorites.​com Where the members are prescreened and checked out before being listed. You can’t buy a membership, you earn it at SLF 5th Annual Bridal Bash.

 

Case in point is the radio stations are developing their own wedding services sites. Why? To make money. They take wedding services and list them on sites so that you can find them easier. Yes, but no. They are in it to make money. The wedding services then add that cost on to your budget. You don’t think that the dollar gets passed onto you at some point? It will. If you go to a shop and ask if you can be listed with them or put out fliers, cards, phamlets, etc. for free, most will say no. Most businesses want to make money. Most couples want to save money. So how do the two mix? Easy, SLF. SLF has a membership application process that screens the best businesses and makes shopping easy. They don’t pay to be listed, They pay an application fee in hopes to be listed. Some don’t make the cut. That gives the site integrity. If anyone with 5 bucks can get listed then it’s no better than the come book with yellow colored pages or a website that just lists everyone that pays. Money is not the motivation behind SLF. Springfield Local Favorites members want to work with the best. We want to work to have less stress, more fun and yes make a little money. The SLF is a non for profit organization. This means that no one draws a paycheck, takes money off the top, no kickbacks, no waste. This means that when you shop at SLF, you get honest wedding services to work with on your day. People with integrity and ethics are who you will find listed on the SLF site.

If I run a business that just takes money to get you listed on a site, I’d expect you to do some major homework and shopping. If I list only pre-screened wedding services and ones that can show liability insurance, contracts and testimonials, then you are safe to shop. Who knows the wedding vendors better than anyone else? The other wedding services. So shop with the ones that check each other out first. www.SpringfieldLocalFavorites.com Where stress free events happen every day.

Don’t believe me, try to apply and see what happens. http://springfieldlocalfavorites.com/code.html

 

Matthew Stevens

217 585 4008

Top ten Reception tips

 

I wish a lot of things but in order to make your reception run smoother, smile more and make everyone happy, you need to do these things. I will preface all tips with: don’t drink too much. If you are too tipsy, things will go poorly. I’ve had bridal parties pass out early, not remember things, skip things and simply get sick.

1 Don’t enter the room for the grand introduction until told to do so. Look for a visual sign from the MC, wait for the door attendant to release you, wait for the dramatic effect of the song so the crowd is even more pumped up, and wait for your names to be announced. I see so many couples so anxious to get in the room that they blow their own entrance. Be patient and it will be better.

 

2 Once you’ve reached the head table, wait for the photographer to tell you to sit, stand or go to the next formality. The MC and photographer should have this worked out ahead of time so that the transition to the next event appears smooth. Everyone wants to get a photo of you so, take time to let your family get those shots.

 

3 Video, DVD and childhood slideshows should be handled with extreme care. Always have a hard disc, never stream from the internet. Have only one person in charge of this. Practice and have a full run through with the equipment being used that day. It may work fine in your home office but in the banquet room it may have a glitch or two that needs to be worked out ahead of time.

 

4 You have so much to do and so little time, so follow the advice of all of your professionally hired wedding vendors. They’ve been doing this for years and know what works best and will give you your desired effect. Communicate what your desired effect is to every wedding vendor.

 

5 When cutting cake, ask you Day of Coordinator, MC or photographer what works best. I like to tell my couples and show them how to do it in my office. You will forget but I will be close by and giving you hand signals for a quick reminder. I will also count down the feeding to each other so that the photographer and family can capture the moment. If you want to get a little crazy and have some cake fun, make sure that you have two wet warm napkins to wipe off with. Wet warm napkins cause less mess and help clean up faster. Also, brides take the piece of cake you don’t want. This will leave the groom with a piece he is feeding you. Lol.

 

6 Toasts, wow there is so much to do here. Best thing is to just lay the mic down on the table in case someone is going after you. If you take it back to the DJ table then it will slow things down and make more than one trip. Most MC/DJ’s have more than one mic and can continue the announcements without the wireless for a few minutes. MOH and BM will do their toasts and then maybe a Co MOH or Co BM will follow. Sometimes the Father of the Bride will say a few words or the Pastor will come forward to bless the meal. Remember to end all toasts with a final word. Cheers works well for any group.

 

 

 

 

7 Dinner can be a stressful time. That white dress and all those food colors. Most good caterers and halls have a designated person to help carry the Brides plate from the buffet line to the head table. If they don’t, I will. Eat a little of everything and they finish off your favorite. Don’t drink too much before the formal dances. You can request the caterer hold a plate back for later if your nerves are still peaking. After the formal dances, most brides tend to relax.

 

8 Your first dance together as husband and wife will most likely be followed by the father daughter dance and then the mother son. This is a great time to knock them all out at once and have the guests and photographer’s full attention. When you are announced, take your position and wait for the room to quiet and the music to start. If your song has a long intro the DJ may have already begun the song. Either way is fine but know your song and if you have taking choreographed lessons tell the DJ. Once you finish the first dance, have your husband escort you over to your dad, who should be waiting nearby. Husbands please go sit with your mom. When the father daughter dance is over and the applause has died down, the mother son dance should start. Brides please exit the dance floor and Grooms bring your mom to the center of the floor.

 

9 The dollar dance should be done any way you like but what works best is to have the BM or MOH collect the money. This way the guests doesn’t feel like you only gave them so much time for the money. It’s OK to have the BM and MOH do it but the B&G should never be the one who says next. Enjoy your company and time with each guest. Instruct the MOH and BM to give so much time per dollar or to time every guest for a predetermined time. I like the predetermined time. No more time for larger bills but you can avoid the awkwardness by passing the timer job onto someone else.

 

10 When open dancing begins, stick close to the dance floor, even if you don’t dance to every song. People are drawn to you at the reception. Where ever you go, they will follow. If you go outside, to the hotel room, bathroom, lobby, bar or anywhere away from the dance floor you will have a crowd that follows. If dancing is important, stick close by. If talking and pictures play a more important role in the evening, tell you DJ in advance.

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Entertainement Services

217 585 4008

If your friend wants to jump off the bridge will you do it too? If your friend wants to walk through the fire will you want to do it too? My dad always had great trinkets of advice for me growing up and some still work. Don’t worry about what they have, play with the toys you have. Don’t copy others, be original. Worry about yourself because in the end that’s the person you want to make happy. If you are smiling everyone will want to know why. The simple answer is your inner happiness will reflect outwardly. Some people like drama and other love happiness. I choose to reflect happiness, positive, uplifting energy to others. Staying positive all the time is hard but you have to learn to choose the good in everything. If something bad happens, you must try to find the silver lining and talk about that instead of the bad. You must try, try try. It is exhausting to come across a negative person and try to make them happy. It is a tireless effort to change a mindset from drama to praise. It is hard and that is what makes it so rewarding  to have an impact for the better. In the end don’t worry about others. If you can be happy, it will reflect outwardly and others will follow.

So, thank you Dad for all the great advice over the years and remember to not jump off bridges, walk through fire, drive blindfolded, eat nasty things, rub poison ivy all over, follow negative people,  do drugs, smoke, cheat, lie, steal or be the person you look at and try to avoid. Worry about yourself and be happy. Show kindness, compassion, generosity, love and faith.

When you smile others want to know how they can smile too.

 

Matthew Stevens

217 585 4008

At Stevens DJ Service I’m committed to being green, greener, greenest in my area. I use LED lights to
have less effect on the environment. I give my clients options of e-mailing all planner packets instead of
printing. When they want a paper copy, I use recycled paper and encourage them to return the packets
to me for recycling again. I use eco-friendly office furniture when available. I use low watt lighting in my
office. I recycle all paper, glass and plastics. I compost everything I can. I only hire eco-friendly cleaners
for carpets and other office cleanings. I try to do as much online planning as possible to reduce the
amount of vehicle pollution. Skype and Facetime are normal operating procedures in my office so reduce
travel. I am currently looking for ways to affordably use solar power to run my system. I’m also looking for
option in my area to switch to wind or solar powered energy suppliers.I send all electronics to a recycling
facility, including speakers, lighting, cell phones, mics, mixers and well everything.

 

I am making a committment to recycle, reduce, reuse and help save our enviroment.

 

Wont you?

 

Matthew Stevens

Stevens DJ & Ent Serv Inc.

217 306 1414