A. Stan Wiest Music's Blog

For the wild and the wacky, the funny and the foolish, there's no wedding perspective quite like that from the bandstand.


STAN WIEST
A. STAN WIEST MUSIC
www.stanwiest.com
(631) 754-0594

“We were playing at a high-society wedding where the bride’s mother was very, very proper and so concerned that everything be perfect because, well, ‘it’s my daughter’s wedding.’ The reception was at the Old Field Club in Stony Brook, which is right on the shore, and there was somebody who was waterskiing around the area. During the first course—after we did the first dance, the toast, the blessing—the best man flagged down the boat. He had a little conference with them, and suddenly the skier was taking off his skis. The best man took off his pants, and before we knew it, he was just whooping it up, waterskiing in polka-dot boxer shorts and a tuxedo top in full view of this incredibly proper blue-blood crowd.

“I had another bride who wanted her dog as the maid of honor, so she had a designer dress made for the dog to match her bridesmaids’ outfits. She spent $5,000 or $6,000 on this little dress. The only problem was that she wanted to have a wedding in the church. She told the priest about the dog, and he said, ‘Absolutely no way.’ So she had to move the ceremony to a private party space.

“At the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club, we did a very elegant Korean wedding, and they had a special wedding cake baked by one of their baker friends. It was absolutely gorgeous. But I guess the baker was worried the cake would fall and used something extra to hold it together. Whatever he used, it solidified the icing—it was like cement. The bride and groom are standing there with a regular knife. It doesn’t work. The maître d’ goes into the kitchen and gets a sharper knife. Even he can’t cut the cake. So then he brings out a serrated knife. That doesn’t work either. He goes back into the kitchen, and now he comes out with a coping saw—what you use to cut metal with—and, struggling very hard, gets a single slice out of the thing. After they dug into it for a while, all the bride and groom could get was a tiny bit in the middle to feed each other. The rest was totally inedible.

“Then there are the people who say, ‘Gee, my cousin sings great. Can she sing with your band?’ Once, at the North Hempstead Country Club, the bride requested that her cousin sing ‘All I Ask of You,’ the lead song from The Phantom of the Opera. It ends up at a very high note. As soon as we began playing it, we knew that when this girl got to that part, she wouldn’t be able to make it. She just didn’t have the voice. I can see it now, all in slow motion: The girl comes to the end of the song, totally oblivious to everything; one of the waiters has just finished clearing a table and is walking across the bandstand. He’s got a tray of dirty dishes—roast-beef scraps, wineglasses. At the moment she hits the high note from the song, he’s crossing the dance floor. The girl cracks it, and this huge screech comes through the sound system. The waiter trips, and everything he’s carrying goes crashing across the dance floor.”

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Make Your Wedding A Change Of Pace

www.stanwiest.com

Music can set the mood for romance, conversation or dancing, wonderful components of a wedding reception. Music is the very first thing that greets your guests and the last thing they'll hear when they leave the reception.
Your music literally makes or breaks the function depending on the selection of musical entertainment ranging from Bouzouki to Bluegrass to a full Orchestra. If you can do something different with your music to catch the attention of the guests, you will win them over.
A recent client wanted a cocktail hour that was serene but which will have "wowed" the guests.I brought in traditional Indian musicians to play a sitar and tabla on a platform decorated with Indian rugs.It was such a spectacular cocktail hour that people are still talking about it.The music did not disturb the conversation but was itself a conversation piece.
When planning a musical arrangement that is out of the ordinary, think about the tastes of your guests as well. If the bride does it for herself without taking into consideration her guests- it will not work.
One bride I worked with loved "Gone With The Wind" and arranged to have music inspired by the film played during the cocktail hour and at the start of the reception.Guests were thrilled.If the music in the style of "Gone With The Wind" was played for the entire reception there would have been a negative responsive.A taste of the style at the beginning sets the mood.
If you are both avid fans of Rhythm and Blues, a blues singer might be right up your alley.If you have German roots why not hire an Octoberfest Band in full liederhosen attire.If the two of you met on an island vacation or are planning a tropical honeymoon, a Caribbean Steel Drum Band in Calypso attire is a great way to start off your wedding at the cocktail hour.Greek Bouzouki performing the songs of the specific sections of Greece the families are from or Irish music from County Claire (or any other county in Ireland).
This can be mixed with American Dance Music. Your personality is the cue and the music should be customized to your wishes.
If this is too specific for your taste then decide on the style or mood you want for your reception and plan from there.Do you want to create an elegant, romantic affair or a more casual gathering. The music makes all the difference in the direction your reception will take.You can spend a tremendous amount of money, but if the music does not fit the ambiance, it is not going to work.More is not necessarily better. Having the right thing makes all the difference. You do not have to spend more to have something different that reflects your personality.
My next article will cover a few of the common types types of receptions and some uncommon musical suggestions to bring those settings to life.
STAN WIEST
Member Association Of Bridal Consultants
President of A.STAN WIEST MUSIC
www.stanwiest.com

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THE RETURN TO TRADITIONAL WEDDINGS IN NEW YORK, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY, NEW JERSEY,WESTCHESTER AND CONNECTICUT

STAN WIEST

Member Association Bridal Consultants

The latest trend of BAND DJ ORCHESTRA combinations has taken a new direction. Brides are creating weddings with a more traditional approach. This can be seen in the music brides are choosing for their ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.

The wedding ceremony has reverted to traditional favorites such as “Canon in D” by Pachelbel for the bridal party and the “Bridal March” by Wagner for the bride’s entrance. Recessionals have “The Wedding March” by Mendelssohn as the favorite.

There is a huge recurrence of Jazz for the cocktail hour selection. Most brides are requesting piano or piano and saxophone or piano and bass music featuring the standards and favorites of their parents and guests. The music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rogers and Hart etc. evoke immediate wonderful memories when heard by the older guests. Many will hear their own wedding songs performed. What a great way to start a wedding - instantly winning your guests even before the reception starts.

Steel Drums have become the second favorite and Strolling Mariachi performers are in third place for cocktail hours.

The big change is the selection of the first dance music. Brides are choosing songs that have been classic standards throught the years - again songs that their parents and friends grew up with. Songs like ”The Way You Look Tonight”, and “It Had to Be You” in the style of Sinatra - are in the majority.

The Bride and Father song “Daddy’s Little Girl” is the overshelming emotional favorite. Groom and Mother songs now popular are “The Times Of Your Life” and “Through The Years”.

The reception music for bands, orchestras and DJ combinations have taken a more elegant and traditional approach. Swing, Society Swing and Big Band music have become in demand with a mixture of comtemporary music later in the reception.

With a BAND/DJ/ORCHESTRA combination there is non stop music for the guests throughout the entire reception. The benefit of the BAND/DJ/ORCHESTRA combination is that it does not take up any additional room. They all use speakers, amplifiers, equalizers, mixing boards etc. By combining systems a wedding can have the elegance and excitement of a live band as well as hear songs performed by the original artists - in essence the best of all musical possibilities.

There are additional benefits. Catering establishments love the idea - it does not take up twice the space. Clients love the idea - there is no additional cost. This is a great budget helper.

The most successful weddings have the most diversity and flexibility with the music. If a bride has a packed dance floor, if everyone says “that was my kind of music” regardless of the age group, if there are no complaints of volume problems and the bride and groom only have to worry about enjoying themselves (the elimination of all stress) - What More Can You Ask For?

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ORCHESTRA DJ BAND COMBINATIONS
THE BEST OF AN ELEGANT LIVE BAND
PLUS THE BEST OF RECORDED MUSIC

STAN WIEST

Member Association Bridal Consultants

With the growing diversity required by brides and grooms a new trend is developing in wedding reception music. The emergence of the BAND DJ ORCHESTRA Combination on Long Island and in the New York area.

Many brides and grooms and their families seek the elegance and excitement of a live band. The wide appeal of the current club music also bring in the desire to hear the original artists. Rather than settling for one aspect (Band or DJ) brides and grooms are now looking at the BAND DJ Orchestra Combination.

Prior problems with having a Band and a separate DJ is that twice as much space is required. Also two completely different sound systems. The new BAND DJ ORCHESTRA combination has the DJ set up within the band – at NO EXTRA COST to the client.

A bride and groom can have the very latest music on the radio for their wedding (music that was just released that week) and still have the elegance and excitement of a live band performing for their wedding. This is also becoming a tremendous factor in mediating the differences in opinions between brides and grooms as well as between the future couples and their in-laws.

This now allows a bride and groom to stay within their music budget by contracting a 6 or 7 piece band with the DJ set up included. The bride and groom can make up a list of every song to be played with the DJ set up.

Parents who want a band are now more willing to help out with the costs of the music. This now enables everyone attending the wedding to say “My kind of music was performed” regardless of he age group. No age group is excluded and it guarantees a packed dance floor.

One extremely importation additional benefit is that there is non stop music for the entire reception. No breaks. Guests can always be dancing when ever they want.
This is a superb idea for buffet receptions, tent weddings as well as traditional
sit down wedding receptions.

Catering establishments love the idea since it is not taking up any extra space designated to the performing area. Wedding planners and consultants love the idea because it gives them a tremendous flexibility in their proposals to clients. Everyone comes out a winner with this new trend.

Clients love the idea because it eliminates the complaint of “the music is taking a break”

For a better idea look at
www.stanwiest.com/band_dj_orchestra_combination.htm

www.stanwiest.com

also visit
www.stanwiest.com/stan_wiest_orchestra3.htm

www.stanwiest.com/dj_plus.htm

www.stanwiest.com/wedding_cocktail_hour.htm

www.stanwiest.com/ny_wedding_ceremony2.htm

www.stanwiest.com/party_entertainment_ny_li_nj_ct2.htm

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LARGE FORMAL WEDDING RECEPTION

Most traditional wedding receptions require a large venue and the music should match this magnitude. Certain instruments such as acoustic guitar, harp or solo violin get lost in a huge banquet hall. Make sure the instrumentation for a ceremony or cocktail hour matches your venue.

You want something that will totally knock out your guests. A full string orchestra can be available - up to 15 pieces. It may sound extravagant but it can definitely be affordable and it makes an incredible impression and presentation for a cocktail hour. The biggest and longest lasting impression is the first thing your guests see or hear at your wedding.

One of my clients had 300 guests traveling to their wedding from all over the world. They wanted entertainment that would transcend the cultural differences and provide something everyone would enjoy. After a 10 course dinner and an hour of dance music I provided a square dance/line dance caller to take over. For two hours everyone got involved. It did not matter if they had two left feet. Anyone can do square dance and line dance with the help of a caller.

If you have a large indoor-outdoor reception space, why not create different mingling areas, each with a specific mood? A tented lounge with sofas, personalized martinis and a solo singer, a piano bar area , a string quartet playing chamber music in a grassy nook or a Latin band heating up the dance floor.

ELEGANT ENTERTAINMENT

One trend catching on is having Ballroom Dancers perform during dinner. This does not disturb the dinner conversation. It provides that something special that you guests will always remember. Two 15 minute performances with costume changes will enhance any dinner serving time.

CASUAL COUNTRY

An outdoor, laid back atmosphere can go from a Dixieland Banjo Band with or without sing alongs around a campfire to the wishes one of my clients had of a Jazz Band performing for a wedding in a barn on a farm in a country setting.

Consider the natural, calming sounds of a harp and flute duo for an afternoon picnic reception or "unplugged sessions" where a band performs acoustic versions of classic rock or folk music. This adds a nostalgic sensibility to the modern day receptions.

INTIMATE SOIREE

One or two strolling violins to take requests. It is a nice touch you can add and it does not disturb the ambience of a cocktail hour or reception. A three to eight piece Mariachi Band can perform during the cocktail hour or during dinner.

FUNKY LOUNGE

For a relaxed piano bar effect-whether there's a built in piano or a keyboard has to be brought in-consider building a sitting area around the keyboard - the performer can take requests from the guests as well as interact with them.

A bossa nova or samba trio (traditional or new wave) is a cool option, not only for those with Brazilian roots, but for any couple who enjoys sultry rhythms.

An authentic jazz band may not sound unusual but if you find a truly great one, you and your guests will
"feel it". There is an authenticity that can only happen when musicians play the type of music that is their passion and specialty.

TROPICAL PARTY

There is nothing better than steel drums. Make sure these are the authentic performers from Trinidad and Jamaica dressed in Caribbean attire.

For fun and a theatrical welcome to guests consider a fanfare or trumpeters or lute players in medieval outfits.

For that extremely unique effect bring in a Sitar and Tabla performers (music from India). Seat them on a raised area covered with Indian rugs. The effect ie mesmerizing.


STAN WIEST
A.STAN WIEST MUSIC
www.stanwiest.com

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BRIDE AND GROOM WEDDING PLANNING
WHOSE WEDDING IS IT ANYWAY?
BAND DJ WEDDING CEREMONY COCKTAIL HOUR
WEDDING RECEPTION

By STAN WIEST
A. STAN WIEST MUSIC
Member Association Bridal Consultants


That wonderful, exciting flush of being engaged - every time you use your left hand you can?t help but watch how the light sparkles off your ring. People you hardly know are always congratulating you. What a state of euphoria.

But ---Oops! Reality starts to set in. There?s so much to do ? so many appointments to make ? so many choices to choose from. So many people telling you what to do.

Everyone you?re known has advice to give usually in the form of ?You ARE going to__________, really it?s a must!? Or ?Oh, don?t do that - my cousin did that and she said it was the worst mistake she ever made.?

Then there are the well meaning strangers who would never tell you the soup you should try but they know the BEST FLORIST or the GREATEST CATERER etc. etc. etc.

Reality becomes a mounting migraine at night when you are trying to relax or sleep ? Forget it! These are the most important steps
You should take to regain your equilibrium and save your sanity.

Talk to your fianc?, at length!!!

1) Who does he or she want at your wedding?
a. Close family and a few friends (50-75 people)
b. A large gathering (150-200 people)
c. The Royal Wedding (300-500 and up)

2) Where would you like your ceremony to be?
a. Religious Location (church, synagogue, temple etc.)
b. Outdoor Location (remember the vagaries of weather)
c. Reception Location


3) Where would you like your reception to take place?
a. Country Club
b. Restaurant
c. Catering Establishment
d. Public Hall for hire (Elks, K of C)
e. Tent in backyard (remember weather)


STOP

Take a deep, deep breath ? slowly inhale and smile. You just established the major playing field and established the rules of the game. You and your fianc? own the team ? what you want, what you say ?what you work out is ?The Wedding?

Ask each other - what do you see when you close your eyes
(at my reception I see_______________________)

Many brides and grooms fall into the trap of creating too narrow a margin of musical types because this is their personal preference.

You may hate big band but there are at least 50 of your 150 guests that love it, or rock isn?t your thing but there are one hundred guests between the ages of 75 and 18 who want to rock the night away.

What is the answer ? work out with your entertainment

1) A good mix so everyone will dance
2) On your reception card let your guests know you are featuring a jazz wedding ? or a night of nostalgia with big band sounds or any specialty of your liking.

If you inform your guests of the music program for the night you will save yourself explaining all the reception why the Band or DJ hasn?t played salsa or polka or waltz.

AFTER ALL YOU WANT YOUR GUESTS TO TELL YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WHAT A GREAT TIME THEY HAD AND WHAT A GREAT, GEORGEOUS WEDDING THEY ATTENDED.

YOU REALLY DO WANT EVERYONE INCLUDING YOU TO HAVE A SPECTACULAR TIME.

Choosing the right music also includes the ambience you want to establish at your ceremony and cocktail hour.

A harp or string duo, trio, quartet is most fitting for any ceremony at any location. You can add an opera singer to the ceremony for that extra zing.

Next on to your cocktail hour ? this may be the perfect time to indulge yourself ?The Jazz Aficionado? rather than at the reception. You can add jazz while the main course is served and enjoyed. Then after the main course ?Let The Dancing Begin.?

Also during cocktails you may be thinking of an Island Theme with a Steel Drum Band and during dinner have the Caribbean Island Sounds played to carry on the theme of tropical paradise.

Your wedding is a team effort, you and your fianc? are owner and manager ? Speak to each other ? first establish What You Both Want!

Then incorporate all the team players. Let them know the rules of the game and when there are those little glitches that life throws our way and they will be thrown let the right man or woman for the job take care of them for you.

1) Employ the Experts ? they do know what they are doing.

2) Don?t exhaust yourself with seeing ?everything: out there.

3) Ask for recommendations from your caterer, music company etc.

4) Don?t listen to all the helpful strangers
(that?s why we call them strangers)


For additional ideas and helpful suggestions please visit
www.stanwiest.com


www.stanwiest.com/wedding_music_budgeting2.htm

www.stanwiest.com/long_island_bride_and_groom_wedding_planning.htm

www.stanwiest.com/new_york_wedidng_orchestra_dj_band_trends.htm

www.stanwiest.com/wedding_cocktail_hour.htm

www.stanwiest.com/li_wedding_ceremony2.htm

www.stanwiest.com/band_dj_orchestra_combination.htm

www.stanwiest.com/li_wedding_dj2.htm

www.stanwiest.com/li_party_entertainment2.htm

www.stanwiest.com/li_ballroom_dance_music2.htm

www.stanwiest.com/sinatra_singer.htm

www.stanwiest.com/dj_plus.htm

www.stanwiest.com/arabic_persian_israeli_middle_eastern_music_band.htm

www.stanwiest.com/belly_dancer.htm

www.stanwiest.com/return_to_traditional_weddings.htm

www.stanwiest.com/stan_wiest_orchestra3.htm

www.stanwiest.com/new_york_wedding_orchestra_dj_band_trends.htm

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