LGBT Wedding on the Cape – Allie & Melissa

LGBT Wedding on the Cape… Allie & Melissa

I had the pleasure of meeting this super couple earlier this year at a Starbucks in Springfield, MA.

One of the most important factors when I meet a couple is to make sure that we are a good fit for them. From the moment that Allie had told me their plans for a fun LGBT wedding reception at sea, I knew I wanted to be their entertainer. We chatted a little about some of the additional features we could provide and booked the date.

Fast forward to the big day!

Initially my assisant Jarrod and I were supposed to drive to Provincetown, MA (That’s a 4 hour drive) and meet the ship “Tails of the Seas” at the docks to get set up for the reception. Luckily, after a few conversations with the folks at Captain John’s Whale Watching Tours, we plotted a course to Plymouth to meet the Tails of the Seas and set up on the beautiful ride across Cape Cod Bay.

We set up a basic sound system on the stern of the ship on the sun deck and added a dash of purple and blue with our custom lightscaping along the sides of the vessel. It was a beautiful sight to see…

7 O’clock came and we pushed off and started our journey around the bay. We started the evening off slow with some easy going island music as we watched the shores of Provincetown disappear. The sun was setting, the sea was as smooth as glass, and the fragrant smell of saltwater was in the air.
We hit the lights just as the sun hid behind the horizon and kicked it into high gear. At least 50 people piled up on the back of the ship and didn’t leave until we returned to the docks at 10. People of all ages danced that night under the stars.

Jarrod and I were treated to a very relaxing voyage back to Plymouth where the crew had helped us disembark and send us off back to our home here in CT. It is experiences such as these that make what we do here at Pryme Tyme so rewarding.

You can read Melissa’s review of us by clicking the link below…
http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding/UserViewProfile?wid=43df20cc563d8618

 

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Weddings, Entertainment, and You

Weddings, Entertainment, and You

Just over a year ago a bride called our company inquiring about services for her special wedding day.

She is looking to make her wedding the perfect day with every detail. From the perfect facility ($15,000), the perfect dress ($8,000), open bar for 200, a 7 course meal. You get the idea.

So, when she found out what it would cost for me to entertain her and her guests, she  simply gasped and said, “WOW! That’s a bit more than I wanted to spend” Once I explained just how much goes into the planning and customization that goes into her special day, she understood and decided she wanted even more.

Let’s think about what just happened there. With all of the other expenses incurred by the soon to be bride, the entertainment was simply an after thought. I asked myself a few questions after this consultation. “How many weddings have I attended? What did I remember the most? Did I enjoy myself? What made the experience enjoyable and memorable?” Was it the $8,000 dress? Or the $600 centerpieces that will eventually end up in the hands of the Maitre D’s girlfriend.  No, what I remembered most was the entertainment.

In most instances only 5% of the total budget for a wedding is spent on entertainment. Yet it is the #1 part of the reception people remember the most. So how should you hire your entertainment for your special day?

#1 Ask questions!

A well seasoned wedding professional will know weddings inside and out and will ask you what your vision is for making your day a great experience.

#2 Look for organization.

If the DJ you are interviewing looks disheveled on your first meeting and doesn’t have a well thought out presentation for you, stop and ask yourself, “I wonder what he will be like on my wedding day.” A professional will come prepared to speak with you about your day and inform you of all of the options he can provide you to make your reception a success.

#3 Ask for a proof of insurance.

State and Federal law requires companies to carry liability insurance. Noone plans an accident. But they do happen. You wouldn’t drive without auto insurance would you?

#4 Ask to see a copy of a contract before you book with your DJ.

A contract is a legal agreement that ensures that your DJ will serve you and that you will pay for services rendered.

#5 Ask  your DJ what they will do should there be an emergency?

Most mobile entertainment companies always have a backup dj should one be required. Backup equipment is also a must.

#6 Ask for testimonials and references.

Nothing will tell you more about the DJ you are about to hire than his previous customers. Check sites like weddingwire, theknot, and more for references and reviews.

#7 How much experience does your DJ have?

Most professional wedding  entertainers go through training with other seasoned veterans before their first wedding. This prepares them for anything from how to read a crowd to equipment operation and everything in between.

#8 Don’t settle! Shop around.

You are making a large investment in the perfect wedding. Make sure you feel comfortable with your DJ. The most important factor in finding the right DJ is making sure they are a good fit.

#9 Find the best value.

Remember the old saying your parent’s used to say… “You get what you pay for”
Just like vehicles, tools, and appliances, the same rule applies to entertainment. Value is perception in the eye of the beholder. This being said, think of your entertainment is an investment not just music.

#10 Call your DJ frequently before your big day!

DJ’s need to  know about changes sooner than later. This enables your DJ to make sure that your day runs smoothly as possible.

Follow these 10 simple steps when hiring an entertainer for your special day. And always remember, great entertainment makes for great memories.  I hope you enjoyed this article. We look forward to hearing from you!

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TAX DEDUCTIBLE WEDDING

Did you know that you can write off your wedding? It’s true. Take a look at tax deductible wedding.

From: FOX NEWS

Sabrina Rivers – Wedding Planner and Author of The tax deductible wedding

Can you really write off this wedding?

“Yes you can. Some of the four points that I like to talk about is location. Most people don’t realize that if you have your wedding at a museum or a historical house, zoo, or botanical garden, that is tax deductible because these places are considered non-profit. A lot of them have the 501-C3B designation by the government to be tax exempt.”

So in other words, the money you pay for your wedding reception is considered a charitable contribution?

” You may not be able to deduct all of it, but you will certainly be able to deduct a huge part of it.”

Now what about food? If the facility supplies the food and flowers, that can’t be tax deductible can it?

“Well, food and flowers can also be deductible. Different food banks have different restrictions but, you can certainly donate your food to a shelter, and your flowers can be donated to a children’s hospital, a Ronald McDonald house, or hospice. I am a hospice volunteer and people donate flowers all of the time. ”

“And also, some people don’t usually think about this but, what are you going to do with your dress? A lot of people decide to save them for later, or you can also donate your dress to charities such as brides against cancer, or the salvation army, and even goodwill. That is also a tax deduction. “

“Now here’s another idea. Have you ever thought about your honeymoon being tax deductible? You can take a volunteer vacation. There are global volunteers, Habitat for Humanity, the Sierra Club… You’re helping others and you’re getting a tax deduction. ”

“Some people, in lieu of wedding gifts, make charitable contributions. Everyone feels differently. You might get a few people who think it’s cheesy, and some others may be very very comfortable about helping others. There are lots of charitable places like the I Do Foundation located in Washington DC.”

– To get your copy of Sabrina’s Book click on the link below.

http://www.amazon.com/Tax-Deductible-Wedding-More-Less-Fret/dp/0762750863

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