Tips for the Bride: Planning your Wedding Entertainment

As Jen prepared her iPod for her trip to Japan and China we got to thinking about music. Just about a year ago today, we were planning out the playlist for Jen's wedding (OMG has it really been a year already?!) and so we figured it would only be right to give you some pointers on your special event entertainment based on first hand experience and research.  Part of the fun of planning a wedding or party is deciding on your entertainment, which is, of course, an essential part of any successful event.  If you want everyone out on the dance floor you need to be sure to select the appropriate music for your audience (and of course, you'll have to include a few oldies for grandma and grandpa). The biggest factors to consider when selecting your musical entertainment are your budget and your personal style and tastes.  Here is a breakdown of the pro and cons of each scenario to help you decide on entertainment for your wedding or other social event.

1. Hiring a small group of musicians like a jazz band or string quartet: Hiring a small group to perform instrumental songs at your wedding or affair can be a beautiful touch that creates an atmosphere of elegance and romance. If your venue is historic, you can consider playing music from that era, such as some great Sinatra or fun Ragtime Jazz.  But, keep in mind, classy bands like this come with a really high price tag that averages about $600 for the first hour and $200 each for every additional hour and it will vary depending on where you are from.  There are some great options if you can't afford this, though!  We suggest asking a friend or two to perform a song, such as your first dance song or for your walk down the aisle.  These are some of the most important moments of the night, so it's always a little more personal and romantic to add fun, unexpected touches that are sure to make a huge impact.  Plus, a friend might be willing to do this for you for free or in lue of a gift!

2. Of course, you may want to hire a professional band instead to play some of your favorite tunes. A band is certainly more fun, and more costly, than a solo musician or orchestra style entertainers  The up side is they play many of the songs that are currently popular, and that your guests are sure to love, and nothing can compare to the energy that comes from having a live band at your event (plus consider the general "coolness" factor!)  But also, keep in mind your musical tastes and remember a band might know a lot of current pop songs, but their repertoire is going to be limited.  They might know "Livin' on a Prayer", but are they likely to know that obscure Postal Service song you love or that old Elvis song your grandparents used to dance to? Probably not.  And, again, bands are very pricey, so if you are planning to budget for a live band in the NYC/New Jersey area you can expect to pay around $5,000 or more.  Or, if you aren't down for that price tag, consider scouting out some local talent - there are plenty of young, aspiring musicians out there that would love an opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd for a much more reasonable fee!

3. Hiring a DJ is very popular and for good reason.  DJ's can provide all of your favorite songs, can have an nearly unlimited selection to accommodate the largest variety of people, and are the most affordable option when compared to a live band or musician.  In addition, a DJ doubles as the MC of the evening and helps to control the flow of your event (which is crucial!).  Now, the biggest downfall to the DJ is not having full control over your music. Sure, Lady Gaga is super talented and we adore her, but do we really want to hear the whole album? Actually, we do...but our guests might not! And many of us might actually die if we hear [insert any lame late 1980's/ early 1990's line dancing tune]. But, simply providing a "do not play" list (and stressing the importance that you will literally hurl if you hear said songs) can help to ease your mind.  The other factor is to make sure to choose a DJ who's voice you can actually stand for multiple hours.  Some of the ones we've encountered are cheesier than others, so just be sure to choose one that fits your personality and can control the flow of the event without stealing the show.

4. And, finally, you can always be your own DJ and provide music through your Ipod. This is definitely the most affordable choice, plus you have the luxury of crafting your own playlists and knowing that it won't be messed with!  This is a wonderful option for the couple on a budget that has list of off-beat "must have" songs that a DJ is not likely to have in their collection.  We are huge fans of the Ipod wedding, but we suggest hiring a professional to run the playlist for the night.  Sure, you can just ask a friend to help out, but hiring a professional ensures that your guests can relax and have fun and also that your playlists transition properly and your night stays perfectly on schedule.

Please don't stop the music.

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Sofia Rubina "Dreams of Tomorrow" Backstage

Sofia "The Sunshine" Rubina

Sofia Rubina uue video „ Dreams of Tomorrow“ filmimine. Stilistika on tehtud nii Liina Steini kui ka minu, Janina ja Katja poolt. Siiski raskeim töö on Liina poolt, kuna riiete laenutamine polegi nii lihtne, kui esmapilgul tunduda võib ning Katja ja Evgeny visiooni oli Eesti poodidest tohutult raske leida. Filmimine toimus Tallinna vanalinna tagasihoidlikus stuudios ja see on koht, kus kõik unistused võivad tõeks saada. Kuna ma olen juba aastaid tantsija, sain olla Sofia bodyguard koos Janinaga ehk siis olime tema backdancers.

Mis kõige parem, kogu video teema sobib ideaalselt minu blogiga!

 Video trailer:

Common: "A Dream" Music Video

... There´s a brighter day- Tupac Shakur

  Model: Janina Dress ( on sale 1600.- size S) , Earring: Me

Color Day: Cranberry and Orange

Last week we played around with some Fall neutrals, but what about the warm, rich colors of fall?  We LOVE the combination of cranberry/burgundy with a burnt or pumpkin shade of orange. So much so, that Jen used this combination for her very own wedding.  Orange is becoming a huge trend in weddings, and pairing it up with another traditional Fall shade, like burgundy, insures your wedding will channel the spirit of fall in a way that is modern and tasteful. 

Cranberry/Burgundy and Orange Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: David Difuntorum Photography, Freed Photography, Abby Rose Photo, Kingen Smith, Tasting Memories, Joyful Heart Design, WeddingBee, Inventing Weddings, Project Wedding, Juja Crafts, Bake Your Heart Out, I Do Inspiration           

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

MUSICALLY CHALLENGED: My Drive Thru - Santogold, Julian Casablancas, N.E.R.D produced by Pharrell

A little Converse-Sation isn't a bad thing in my book. LOL!!!

EDITORIAL INFATUATION: VOGUE CHINA OCTOBER 2010/MARIE CLAIRE ITALY SEPTEMBER 2010

  I think I should invest my money in foreign editions of the many fashion magazines that we have here in the good Old U.S of A.  I'm loving what they are doing in these editorials overseas.  (The following Pictures are from one of my favorite sites: fashioncopious)

VOGUE CHINA OCTOBER 2010:

MARIE CLAIRE ITALY SEPTEMBER 2010:

“For every dark night..

Model: Janina, Clothes and Styling: Me

Blogi alustamine oli vist kõige raskem asi, mida ma üle pika aja teinud olen. Ei oska kuidagi alustada, kuid millalgi alustama peab. Ei oska midagi kirjutada, kuid kuidagi pean teile oma blogi sisu seletama. Ei oska valida õigeid pilte, kuid tegu on ju siiski moeblogiga, nii et pildid on vajalikud.

Long story short - Blogi on valmis ja ootab lugejaid.

Viin teid kurssi oma loomingutega, stilistikaga, heade moepiltidega, lihtsalt ilusate inimestega või mis iganes peas tärkab. So stay tooned...

FASHIONCRAVING...

 BLOOMINGDALES:

Bloomingdales Cashmere Pullover

Paul Smith Peacoat

Polo Fleece Shawl Cardigan

Polo Wool V neck Sweater

Hugo Boss Brist Plaid Peacoat

URBANOUTFITTERS:

Bed Stu Oxford

Life after Denim Cardigan

ALDO:

Georges

Glimp

Rugga

MUSICALLY CHALLENGED: Madonna - Hollywood

Fall Fashion: Army Green Jacket

The arrival of beautiful foliage means that the change of seasons is upon us and, although the past weeks in NJ have been unseasonably warm, we should prepare for cooler days.  When the temps drop the trees might undress, but we like to bundle up! So, a favorite must have item for fall is an army or military inspired green, lightweight jacket.  Because they're light weight they are perfect for fall or spring and great for layering over thin tees or sweaters! We've been seeing this look everywhere, varying from feminine flair to rugged chic. Just think of the 90's grunge scene, but pretty.

One of our favorite looks is this cinched anorak by BDG. It's large hood makes it perfect for shielding you from the crisp fall winds, but it's lightweight enough to wear even in September. The details are what make this jacket stand out: we love the cinched waist, hidden zippered pockets, and split hem in the back. This is one fall trend that we'll definitely be sporting.

Another great casual look is this cropped military jacket from Forever 21. It also has a large hood and hidden zippers, and the cropped style makes it perfect for layering. Just throw on a buffalo plaid scarf, and you're all set for apple picking!

A similar, but more polished look is this utility jacket from J. Crew. The jacket sports a comfortable knit trim collar, and is water resistant, which is handy for when you trek through the rainstorms in Nam.

We also love this cropped military jacket by Ann Taylor Loft. The structured Mandarin collar and broad belt will have you marching down the streets with authority, but what really makes this jacket stand out is its deep color. Described as "burnt olive" on the website, this shade of green is rich and vibrant, which is a nice change of pace from all the faded greens. And it especially looks good on red heads, as pictured above.

If you want something less casual, then try on this belted faded olive trench from Victoria's Secret. The large brass buttons and high collar give this a military feel, but the belted waist gives it a nice feminine fit. This look is great for both work and play,  and is a bit more interesting than your standard khaki trench.

Another fashion forward look is this lightweight parka available at Top Shop. This is a more urban take on the traditional army green, with a jersey body and cotton layers giving it a soft, cascading look. This parka would look great with leggings and combat boots (our other favorite fall trend) or with tights and heeled oxfords. 

Finally, we love this military inspired overcoat from Mod Cloth. Made from a warm wool blend, this is a great coat to have come November, when temperatures begin to drop and you're forced to forgo your light blazers for something more substantial. The cut of this coat makes it appropriate to wear to work,  but would work equally well with jeans and booties.  

At ease, soldier!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira