Uplighting your event...

The wedding sites and blogs are filled with questions about "uplighting"  First, what exactly is "uplighting" and how does it work? 

Uplighting is a term used when a light fixture is set on the floor, and aimed up, toward a pillar, wall, curtain or ceiling.  As the name implies... "UP".  Unlike using conventional "par cans" that are mounted in a truss or ceiling fixture, aimed at the floor or object that is to be illuminated from above (more on conventional par cans in a moment).

The effect is a "wash" of the room being "uplit".  Here are two classic examples of a wall washed with uplighting:

You'll notice the wash color of the walls.  For comparison, notice the par cans in the truss, aimed at the floor.  There are also "uplighting" fixtures on the floor behind the plexi glass panels (photo above), that add a different effect.  Uplighting can be done with two different light sources.  One is conventional fixtures with incandescent bulbs, and the other is LED fixtures.  LED stands of "light emitting diodes".

Conventional fixtures utilize wire filaments that "glow" when a current goes through them (remember Thomas Edison?).  The glow is actually the burning of the filament, which causes heat and light.  Thus, the conventional incandescent fixtures should NOT be used on the floor... they are designed to be used in the air on a truss.  Why?  On the floor, they attract children.  Can you say "little burned fingers"?  Not to mention, they are a heat source for drapery and anything else in close proximity to them.  I will repeat:  THEY ARE NOT DESIGNED TO BE ON THE FLOOR.  Any lighting contractor who uses conventional incandescent fixtures on the floor has a risk factor involved and liability issues.  It's not the right way to uplight a venue!

Most folks will recognise conventional pars cans when watching a concert or band at your local night club.  Par cans got the name from "Parabolic" reflectors... thus the name.  This is a bulb with a glass reflector set at the back of the envelope that reflects the beam out.  Just like a car headlight, the beam is directed out away from the reflector.

LED fixtures use a different technology.  The contacts inside the LED emit light in a "cool" temperature by the movement of electrons in a semi conductor material.  Rather than one filament, LEDs emit light from photons generated inside the plastic envelope.  This happens with very little heat, and much less power... therefore, LEDs last much longer and require much less power with little heat dispersion.

So, how does all this affect your wedding?  LED fixtures are all the rage right now for uplighting wedding venues.  Lots of DJs and lighting companies are providing this service, because of the "look" that is created with washed walls and columns in a reception room.  It creates a "mood" that can't be matched any other way.

So, what do you want, and how much should you pay?  To properly wash the walls of your venue, placement of the fixtures is one of the key factors in the way it looks.  The size of the par can is also very important (some LED fixtures are now flat, and not installed in the chrome or black cans).  Par cans are rated by their radius of the circle, and calculated in 1/8 inch increments.  A par 64 would then be 8 inches in diameter.  And, most par cans used by DJs are in the 1/4 watt size, with a resulting output of about 30 watts per fixture.  Some new models are now equipped with LEDs that are one watt, and some with 3 watt LEDs, for a very bright output.  Most DJ companies and LDs charge between $25 & $50 per fixture for installing and computer controlling the array (more on computer controlled in a moment).

Assuming your lighting designer (LD) is using the 1/4 watt fixtures, you should place them about 4 to 6 feet apart for best coverage.  Doing the math, a 50 foot wall, would require about 10 fixtures.  An entire venue, could take up to 50 or more fixtures... but the look would be dramatic. 

I've read so many posts about brides who want to do the DIY route with uplighting.  Sure, you could do it, and have an acceptable look, but it's sorta like pulling your own teeth, rather than go to an oral surgeon.  One adventurous bride posted her own blog about DIY lighting.  She showed many options using flashlight batteries and paper props.  She even suggested Christmas tree lights.  While that will give your venue a "look", it's not going to give the "fairytale" wedding look that most brides are after when talking about uplighting. It can be done right or wrong... what are your desires?  How do you want this event to be remembered?  What is the picture you have in your "dream".  Do you want Prince Charming on a royal white steed, or "Barney Fife" on a mule?

LED uplighting can be used in several ways.  Many DJ companies use their fixtures in "sound active" mode.  That means the fixtures is set to a function with small switches or buttons, to activate to the sound of their speakers, when music is playing.  They do this for one reason... they don't know how to properly program their fixtures with a computer.  Yes, these lights are so sophisticated, that they will permit control with a computer hooked to them with a very small cable and a computer language that will allow the fixture to emit up to 16 million colors.

With this program, called "DMX" programming, your lighting can be computer controlled and timed to the music. Most DJ companies don't use this computer control, because it's difficult to learn.  Ask your lighting contractor how he/she uses the lights before you hire them.  The computer controlled systems will be more expensive (in the $50 per fixture range).    Click this link, for an example of this computer controlled look for your wedding or event:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdHBWY6P4rU

Just like there a a lot of new folks entering the DJ and lighting profession, and not all will qualify to create your dream wedding... there are many qualified DJs who are not up to the task of properly lighting your event.  Check them out and ask questions before you give such an important job to an unqualified or under qualified  provider.  A true professional will give it to you straight.

I read a post, where the bride wanted "good and inexpensive".

Ladies (and a few of you gentleman).  Somewhere out there in wedding world, there seems to be a misconception about wedding entertainment.  While not visiting the DIY realm, I'd like to address why some couples think they can get good results with a "cheap" DJ.  I've said this time after time, so I know some "get this", but far too many haven't grasped the concept.

Please read the posts I've included below regarding DJs, for a detailed thought process for getting what you pay for.  OK, someone posts a thread on a wedding board about this great DJ who is cutting them a deal.  It happens, and a few of you have a friend or an uncle or your BFF's boyfriend who will do it for free.  This isn't the norm, and shouldn't be considered, when budgeting for a DJ for YOUR wedding.

First, if you really want to cut corners, bake your own cake, or print your invites or STD's on your home computer.  Have Uncle Harry drive you to the reception in his Cadillac, or have KFC provide dinner.  When you skimp on your DJ, you will most certainly be skimping on the experience you are providing to your guests.  Here's what I mean:

A national survey was conducted by a well known wedding magazine, where the results came back overwhelmingly, that the vast majority of brides would have spent more on their entertainment had they know what the results would be (after the fact).  "Too late to the party" is a very accurate metaphor.  Here's that source:  http://www.perfectweddings.us/2010/03/wedding-statistics.html

The "cheap" or "inexpensive" DJ is exactly what you're going to get.  Hire a "newbie" or a "low ball" hack, and you're getting what you pay for.  The problem as I see it, is that these vendors give the rest of us a black eye, and a reputation of the "used car salesman".  If I sound opinionated, you're right.  I know the level of service and commitment most of us pros will provide, and it irks me to know there are so many "hacks" out there taking your money, and leaving you shaking your head.

Let's be clear... you may get a new dedicated "passionate" fledgling DJ who will wow you and your guests, but this is not typical.  If you get one of these, I can tell you it's rare, and this person is on their way to greatness... and a higher price (you got lucky).  In order to get "all the good stuff", you'll have to hire a DJ with experience, dedication, passion, ethics (I'll explain that in a minute).  The profession is filled with people who see a DJ at their (whatever friend's wedding, sister's event, college dorm party) and think they can do that.  They can't!

To be a professional DJ, there is a process one needs to go through.  I've made a thorough description about what it takes to be a professional DJ in a thread below, so I won't repeat it in this thread (but please read it).  Sure you can get cheap, but you won't get "quality".  The amount a DJ charges is directly related to what that person thinks they're worth.  Hire a $400 DJ, and that's what you'll get.  The problem is... most brides want an "experience" that they'll remember for the rest of their life.  Just like the wedding pictures come out once or twice a year, and you reminisce over each picture.

A vendor with "ethics" is one who wants to have you drop your jaw with the overwhelming experience, and give you your moneys worth.  Then, you'll talk about it to your guests and friends, who will possibly hire him/her for another event.  By giving the customer what they pay for (or more than they pay for) will elevate his/her status in the market, and let them make an honest living and be able to pay their bills.  An amateur is only looking for beer money, and doesn't care what you think.  "Take the money and run" is their motto.

You'll forget if the food was good, or what the flowers looked like, or was the drapery pretty or not.  But you will remember the "party" and dancing, and if your guests had a great time out on the dance floor.  This next statement is fact: "A great DJ will make your reception a great memory, while a bad one will ruin it, and you'll remember that for the rest of your life".    This once in a lifetime event is your statement to everyone you know (all of your family and guests), about how you feel about your spouse and the celebration of this union.  Do you want to "cheap out" on this moment?  Don't let your desire to cut costs, ruin the experience, by hiring a DJ without the skills to make this event special.

I can also tell you with certainty, that the consummate professionals are all shaking their heads in agreement with this thread, and the "hacks" are shaking thier fists.  Which one do you want working for you?

So, you want a DIY wedding...

So many brides are opting for the DIY route, when planning their wedding day.  In this economy, it's no wonder!

OK, so uncle Harry has some skill with a camera, and your sisters boyfriend has a lot of music CDs and a nice home stereo.  Your next door neighbor knows how to cook for the group at church, and you mom can bake a cake.  Your BFF is going out with a florist, and Grampa George has a 1968 Cadillac limo behind the garage.  Your next door neighbor works at the local VFW, and gets a discount on the reception room, and Ginger at work, is pretty good with a hair brush and eye liner.

Looks like your all set for your $2000 wedding.  Problem is... the national average of a normal wedding is over $30,000 (yes, that's thirty thousand).  So, how are you going to pull this off?  That question has plagued brides for ages... and there is no simple answer.  Can you do a $2000 DIY wedding that will rival the full blown 30K event? 

That depends, but probably not (better to elope to Vegas).  But if you insist... Simply put, if you're willing to do your homework, and put in a LOT of work yourself, then you might get close... but only "close". 

That total budget includes some of the following (in order): 

1)Venue and food, which normally includes 45% of the total budget (National average based on past wedding feedback).
2) Photography (or videography) is 14% (more if you have both).
3) Honeymoon is 14%
4) Dress/Tux/Hair/Makeup is 11%.
5) Cake is 10%
6) Transportation and attendant gifts is 10%
7) Flowers and Decor is 9%
8) Musical Entertainment (DJ... a band is more) is 9%
9) Rings are 4%
10) Ceremony/Officiant is 3%
11) Stationary/cards is 3%
12) Misc. is 3%

So, what are you willing to do without?  That's what this really boils down to, isn't it?  Let's start at the top of the list.  If you dig, you might be able to find a nice outdoor park with a covered shelter for really cheap, but you'll have to deal with picnicers and dogs, and rain and bugs... you get the picture.  Many churches will provide the basement for free or very little... as long as you completely clean it up and put everything away before you leave. 

You're local VFW is probably the best bet for brides on a budget, but you're going to be asked to use their catering staff, so tell your next door neighbor that she can relax.  Calculate at least $10 a plate for all of your guests.  I've actually heard of BOAB (brides on a budget) who have had the reception at McDonald's... OK.  The way to trim this expense, is to invite fewer guests (SOOO many brides overlook this cost saving aspect, since they want the event to be "special").  Don't forget to have a "closed bar".

I've been to weddings where there is an instamatic camera on every table, and guests are asked to shoot pictures themselves.  Sounds good, but you'll discover that you have a lot of pictures of little Charlie drooling, and aunt Betty drinking too much, and dancing on the table (yes, it really happens).  High quality photos are expensive to plan and compose, as well as edit post production... but, what is the first thing most people grab when there's a house fire?  Yep, pictures, guess you shouldn't skimp there. 

You can save a ton of money by driving to the local hotel for the night and forgo that cruise until you're 30 or so, and can afford it (yes, that is sarcastic).  Many couples simply go to an event center or resort with reception rooms, and stay there for the weekend.  But, that takes a big chunk out of that $2000 budget (get mom and dad to pay for it).

Seriously, you can save money by simply wearing a pretty dress (e-bay wedding dress is a great route to take, but you may have to have it altered), and the groom can wear a suit.  If Ginger does your hair and makeup, be sure to give her a nice gift card or dinner coupon.

Isle 9 at Walmart is the best place to get the cake mix and frosting.  Michael's will supply you with the tiers and decorations for your cake.  Frosting flowers... ummm not so much.  You can make a great cake yourself, but give the project two days, and be ready to do it twice, in case you mess it up (you will).  I'd suggest a trial run with the cake a few weeks ahead.  That will give you an idea of what the "real" cake will turn out like.

You can save a lot of money by having Grampa George take you to the reception from the wedding, in his Cadillac.  I've seen a horse drawn hay wagon used for this, and it can be a lot of fun... and cheap.  A cinderella carriage can be spendy, however.

Flowers and decorations - go with Walmart again (or the $ store)... nuff said.

Musical entertainment - How much would you like your guests to remember this evening?  A well known National wedding magazine did a survey of brides, who overwhelmingly said thay would have spent much more on their entertainment, if they had know how the DIY event was going to turn out.  Actually, it was over 80% of the brides surveyed.  That iPod might sound like a great idea, but many folks simply won't get up and dance to iPod music, running through a home stereo.  Plus, everyone will play with an iPod and want to put their music "up next".  And, you'll discover that they all talked about it after the fact... and it's not going to be complimentary.

Rings - One word... Walmart.

Invites can be done by hand.  Make sure to pick up some embossing tools at Michael's and get some card stock.  Make out a pattern and design, and run the cards through your home printer... you can also try "vistaprint" for good printing at a reasonable price.

There are a lot of "officiants" now, who do very cheap weddings... but be user to check their credentials.  Many are getting them "Online" through the Internet, and some don't stand up in court for legal reasons.  Check them out first.  Of course, you local priest or minister might give you a deal if you go to their church.  But, you still have to figure a couple hundred for them (and be sure to invite the officiant and his/her spouse to dinner).

So, there is a very quick synopsis of how to pull off a budget wedding.  Even at all of the bottom of the cost chart, you're still at well over $3000.  You can shorten your guest list and save a lot more, but that's a very hard thing to do for most couples... tread carefully on that one.

This is an event that you want to share with everyone in "your world" and you're only going to do this ONCE... don't you want to do it right the first time?  Do your homework to do the proper DIY event, and be REALISTIC!

Do you really need a DJ for your wedding?

Emphatically, NO.  You also don't need a florist, photographer, officiant, wedding rings or a wedding party.  What this whole wedding event is about, is to celebrate this day, with your statement to the world, that you're "in it forever", and doing it only once (so let's do it right the first time).  How do you want to remember this day?  For next to nothing, you can get married at the local courthouse for under $200.  Most brides want "something special" to remember this day.  And, $200 will not cut it.

The first and foremost consideration, is your total budget.  In the United States, the average cost for a wedding is over 30 thousand dollars.  There is then a "percentage" breakdown of each facet of your special day.  Catering, staff, venue and bar typically costs 45% of the total.  So if your total budget is 30 thousand, then just the above, will run about $13, 500.

Here is the national average of costs, broken down in percentages of the total budget (these numbers are comnpiled from many bridal magazine sources):
Venue / staff / food / bar   45%
Photographer / Videographer    14%  (double if you hire both)
Honeymoon    12%
Dress / Tux / Hair / Makeup    11%
Cake    10%
Transportation / Gifts    10%
Flowers / Decor    9%
Entertainment (Band or DJ)  9%
Rings    4%
Officiant    4%
Stationary / Cards/ Invites    3%

This list in not complete, but gives you a major portion of your expense for your wedding day.  Sure, you can trim here or there, and add here or there, but keep in mind, that a Craigslist DJ will not give you the same performance as the seasoned pro DJ, with custom lighting and logo projection on the floor or wall, who has high tech state of the art equipment and sound gear.  Can you get by for less... sure... do you want to?

If you'd be happy with an iPod wedding, then go for it... but at least search out other brides who've gone this route, and see what they have to say (VERY few comment after the fact on the bridal boards... I bet there's a reason for that).  Would a instant camera on every table accomplish what you're after, or do you want high quality, edited and arranged professionally photographed pictures.  You WILL notice a differance, but what is your fairytale dream whispering on the inside of your head? A Nationally published bride magazine, took a survey, and discovered that 80% of brides (after the fact) wished they had spent more on better quality entertainment.  Source: http://www.perfectweddings.us/2010/03/wedding-statistics.html
A great DJ will "MAKE" the party.  IPod... not so much.

Do you want a "Cake Boss" work of art, or will you go to isle #9 at Wallmart for your cake? Are you after the diamond ring that you'd drempt about since you  were a little girl, or will a cigar band work for you?  It really boils down to what YOU want, and can afford.  Many brides who fill the ranks in DIY bridal magazines, all tout the concept of cutting costs to the point that the wedding turns into a disaster.  DIY is perfect if your uncle Harry is a skilled baker, or your mom can arrange a vase of flowers... but use caution with nonprofessionals doing professional service.  Do you want a guy who know how to use a wrench, to fix your car alternator?  I can change a tire, so I bet I could swap your engine...right!  I know you understand the concept I'm getting at.

So what makes the differance between a professional and "the other guys"?  Read my other blog entry (below) for my opinion.

"Bride on a budget"... My response.

I completely understand the DIY mentality, and in some cases, you can have an amazing wedding by doing all of the hard work yourself.  But... the opertive words here are "Hard work"... and don't forget to "do your homework".

Here's a statement by a long time trusted and respected national disc jockey, Randy Bartlett: 

"$500 DJs have always existed and always will.  There are $50 magicians and $500 magicians and $25,000 magicians.  That will never change.  Anything that people 'love to do' and think is fun will always have a low end.  The goal was never to do away with low end DJs, but simply to raise awareness among them that the value of what they do is probably higher than what they thought". 

After reading that statement, I had to follow with some of my own comments.  The bridal wedding forums are filled with the DIY mentality... which in and by itself, isn't a bad thing.  It keeps us (professional vendors) all on our toes, and cognizant of trends.  One of the current trends is to have a low cost "iPod" wedding where the background music originates from an iPod device.  While I don't want to debate the merits or lack thereof, I need to address the "professional" side of the debate.

That word, "professional" has everyone buzzing, especially other DJs.  What I mean by the word professional, is a person who looks at their "field" or "profession" as one that will earn a living... paying the bills and continue an existence.  A $500 DJ might very well be a professional in his/her own eyes, if the above conditions are met ( A DJ with no children, pets, small apartment, and very little expense). 

Let's look at this scenario:  Here we have a "20 something" individual, who just moved out from living with mom and dad, and is looking for something to do with their life... maybe a lucrative career.  They've been to their college buddy's wedding and watched the DJ, and said to themselves "hey, I could do that, it looks like a lot of fun, and everyone loved it".  Now, the question that pops into his/her head is... "what do I have to do, to start this career"?

The very next move, is the critical move... what direction is this person going to go with this mental decision?  What follows, determines if this person is going to be a "professional" or a "low ball hack" wanting to make an easy buck (NOTE: The term "Hack" is subjective, and I think most know what I was trying to say [for lack of a better word].  It's like a "dirty joke"... you can't really define it, but you know it when you hear one).  What makes the difference, is what he/she conveys to the customer at this moment... "the bride and groom" who are looking to hire a DJ for their wedding (this also applies to each wedding vendor occupation, by the way).

Here's what the "hack" does:  He/she buys the cheapest gear they can find, steals some music from the Internet, buys a few business cards, and puts an ad in craigslist for $400 wedding entertainment.  Then, sits back and waits for the phone to ring. When it does (and it will), this person quotes the $400 price, and claims to be the "Best DJ money can buy".  They have maybe invested a few hundred dollars in this endeavor. They get hired, and ruin the wedding.  They don't take any of the funds to upgrade their skills or equipment.  The customer walks away from the experience, disappointed, pissed off, and tells their friends about the "cheesy DJ" who ruined their wedding.  The "occupation" as a whole, takes a black eye, since we all got lumped into one painful group.

 Here's what the "professional" does:  He/she starts doing some research on "How - What - Why - Where - When".  He/she sits down and studies... joins an Internet networking site with other DJs, and asks a lot of questions... and reads everything everyone has to say about the profession.  Then, and only then, does he/she go out and purchase some equipment, and learns how to properly use it.  He/she, accompanies a professional to a wedding(s), and watches, and take notes (all this for free, BTW).

He/she purchases an Internet site, and has it properly put together, so customers can find them (at considerable expense).  He/she purchases insurance, and joins an association with National backing, networking and skills.  He/she attends some training seminars, to learn the craft, and hone their skills.  They find out what the current trends are and incorporates their way of thinking into those trends.  They practice with their equipment prior to putting it to practical use with a customer... called "rehearsing".  Then, they practice some more.  They put in 8 to 10 hours a day, studying, and learning.

The next step is to hire an attorney to draft a contract.   They purchase a legal music library (which can amount to thousands of dollars).  NOTE here:  You may not care if your DJ has legal music, but if he/she stole it, then you're stealing it too.  Do you want a "thief" working for you?  They purchase On-line "planning" and "timeline" programs for their customers (several hundred dollars).  They may donate a show or two, to a friend or community event, so they can practice and polish their skills.  They make sure their gear is top of the line, and carry "backup" gear in case of a failure.  They purchase professional business cards/fliers/handouts/ newspaper ads/phone listings/wedding site ads... and on and on at several more thousands of dollars.

The next step is to write up a "plan" for their business... goals, and wishes.  There is a strategy to becoming a professional DJ, that is often overlooked by the "hack".  The professional learns how to treat a customer, and puts them ahead of their own wishes.  The "plan" is to make the customer so happy, that they will recommend the DJ to their friends, who will then hire them.  They continue to give 100%, and understand what hard work is.  They actually charge a fee that represents all of the above, and they don't apologise for charging more than the "hack".  They have probably taken out a sizable loan to get this off the ground (unless mom & dad are helping).

I have a saying that I really believe: "The fee a professional charges, is a testament as to their real feeling of what they are worth".  If they are a true professional, they get what they're worth... or they go out of business.  A professional understands that this is a once in a lifetime "fairytale" for most brides... "let's do it right the first time". 

Here's another saying that I think puts it all in proper perspective:  "The bitterness of poor quality, remains long after the sweetness of a cheap price is forgotten".  More couples should be aware of this... but unfortunately, are not.