Dance, Dance

Back in December, I listed some of my ideas for first dance songs.

This was before Ryan and I had even discussed it.

So after my post went live, I sat down with him, and we went through them, song by song, and made cuts and additions.

We decided we both really liked "You and Me" by Dave Matthews...



It's slow, has cute lyrics, and has a slightly more up-tempo chorus, which would be perfect for dancing.

Months went by, and we continued to ignore the first dance decision. Until I heard "Rhythm of Love" by the Plain White T's...



It's fun, playful, and a great dancing speed.

So which did we decide on? "You and Me". I told Ryan that both would be great... but I fear that "Rhythm of Love" will be overplayed by June, and when I hear "You and Me"... and I can practically picture our wedding video.

Perfection.

But our dance skills? Not so much.

So I purchased a Groupon for 2 private dance lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio here in town. It's a $210 value, and I paid only $30.

We don't expect to become pros with only two lessons... but every little bit helps!

Let's Dance!

Ever since we interviewed our DJ, I've been trying to keep a running list of songs I would like them to play. I've got a "Stuff I'm Into" list, a "Do Not Play" list, and a "Possible First Dance" list. I've also got a "Must Play" list... but it's currently empty. It's way too much of a commitment for me to say they must play a certain song.

So for the past few weeks, Ryan has been bugging me to see my music list. But music is personal, I haven't made any final decisions, and I don't want him judging me for my possibly-weird choices.

But that day has come. So right here, right now... I will reveal my thoughts for possible first dance songs.

Let me start off my saying that Ryan and I don't have "a song". Music is big to us, but we don't dance often, so it's hard for me to find songs that are danceable, and still within our taste genres.

Here we go...

David Gray - This Year's Love



The Beach Boys - God Only Knows



Dave Matthew Band - You and Me



Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am



Nouvelle Vague - I Melt With You



Paramore - The Only Exception



What do you think? (And what do you think, Ryan??)

What are you using for your first dance song?

Music to My Ears

On Saturday afternoon, after picking up my dress and veil, Ryan and I, plus our moms, headed to the church to meet with the organist.

Normally, she hosts music seminars where a number of engaged couples come and listen to her play and choose their ceremony music. Due to our tight schedule, this was the only time we could meet with her, so it was just the five of us.

She played us 6 processional songs and 6 recessional songs. I was told to choose one song for each of the following:

• Seating of special guests (parents and grandparents)
• Bridesmaid processional
• Bride processional
• Bride and Groom recessional
• Guest recessional

Deciding on my processional music was an easy one. Out of the six songs she played, only one really felt right. The other decisions took a little humming and hawing and asking our moms' opinions until we came to a solid conclusion.

Here's what we decided on...

• Seating of special guests: Canon in D (Johann Pachelbel)
  
• Bridesmaid processional: Air from "Water Music Suite" (G.F. Handel)
  
• Bride processional: Trumpet Voluntary in D Major (Jeremiah Clarke)
  
• Bride and Groom recessional: Wedding March from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (Felix Mendelssohn)
  
• Guest recessional: Allegro Maestoso from "Water Music Suite" (G.F. Handel)

My processional music is a little cliche, but I love the overall feeling and general grandeur of it all.

And when I listen to it, I can totally picture myself walking down this aisle...


Only 8 more months to go!

Hey Mr. DJ...

Put a record on!

We have booked our DJ. So what if we only interviewed one company. We talked to them on the phone and just knew they were perfect.

We are going with Style Matters DJs. They've got stellar reviews all over the internet, answered all our questions right away, and seem to be exactly what we're looking for in a DJ.


Less than 24 hours after speaking with them, we were mailing in our deposit. The total cost came in under budget (yayyy!), but the real sneak-attack killer was the traveling expenses. We are getting married in a Chicago suburb, and they charge you for every 25 miles outside of Chicago they have to travel. We are over 50 miles away. Ouch. But I'm finding this common among Chicago vendors.

But even so... it's totally worth it to have a real professional Chicago DJ instead of just some kid from the suburbs who spins in his basement.

Now that we have that covered, our major vendor To Do list is dwindling. All that's left is the florist and bakery.

Interviewing the DJ

I mentioned last week that our DJ search was at a minor stand-still. One of the problems I was running into was that each time I did a Google search, the top results were often the most popular results. They were usually the most popular because they were large, had a lot of DJs, and sometimes even had more than one location.

But that's not really the type of DJ we want.

We want a DJ that's a little smaller, younger, fresher. Someone who shares our taste in music and our philosophy on DJing (play good music, keep your mouth shut).

I found a DJ through my photographer's blog, and after extensively scouring their website, I decided to contact them.

Tonight, Ryan and I will hold our initial consultation over the phone (they usually do them in Chicago, but it might be a while before we're back in that area). Here is a list of questions I've compiled that one should ask a prospective DJ...

• Will we be able to meet with our chosen DJ before the wedding?
• How long has your company been in business?
• Have you played at our reception site before?
  
• Does your company focus primarily on weddings?
• How would you describe your M.C. style?
• Do you have flashy lights or disco balls?
  
• What happens if our DJ is sick?
• Does the cocktail hour cost extra?
  
• May we provide our DJ with a "play" and "do not play" list?
• Is set-up and tear-down time included in the cost?
• Do you bring backup equipment with you to the reception?
• Does the DJ require a meal?
• Will the DJ self-promote with banners or business cards?

Some of these are total "givens" and some of these are preferences, but it's a good start to figuring out if the DJ you're interviewing will mesh well with the event you're planning.

Or else you run the risk of ending up with this guy...

Now Accepting Applications

How on earth is a person supposed to choose a DJ?

This seems to be the most difficult decision I've faced thus far in planning.

They all sound the same! Why is that? Oh, yes... because they are all playing the same music.

I mean, how hard is this? Show up, set up, introduce us, play what I tell you to play, don't play what I tell you not to play, get paid. Sounds simple.

I don't know anyone who has gotten married in the Chicago suburbs, so I don't have anyone to get recommendations from. Whenever I do a Google search or look at the DJs on the Knot, I just end up confused.

I think I should just put out there what I want and how much I want to pay for it. And all the area DJs should have a bidding war over us (because, seriously... our wedding is going to rock. I'm pretty sure everyone will want to be a part of it).


Once upon a time, I thought this decision would be easy. I found a DJ company that shall go unnamed, and immediately fell in love with their philosophy and playlists. But when I contacted them, they said my date was already completely booked up.

What. Seriously?! I guess I have to put them out of my mind.

I emailed our photographer this morning asking if he had any suggestions. When I received a reply a couple hours later, I was excited. It's pretty much a guarantee that whoever he suggests will automatically be a finalist.

Well... guess who he recommended.

That's right... the exact same company I was trying to forget.

Sigh.