Suddenly a guy in bowling shoes, black jeans and a camp shirt with half the tail of the camp shirt hanging outside his pants, steps into the center aisle from the pews, blocking the brides progress. All eyes turn to this shabbily dressed man as he lifts a camera, snaps 2 pictures and disappears back into the pews.

This is a true story, that I personally witnessed at my cousin’s wedding 4 years ago. Sadly I would have to look up pictures I have of the wedding to tell you what my cousin looked like in her dress, but the poorly dressed appearance of her wedding photographer is burned into my mind, especially at that moment. My cousin had sent out invites that said formal dress required and all of the guests were properly dressed. It was disgusting, he stuck out like sore thumb and my aunt asked him to leave early into the reception.

— Jennifer Berman

Jennifer is a friend of mine from Chicago. I called and asked her to write her story down after reading this post from Preston Bailey. Frankly the poor dress of some vendors has become a real problem in the wedding market, especially among photographers, videographers, photo booth hosts and disc jockeys.

Here at Ft Wayne Weddings we have seen photographers in similar dress to what Jennifer describes and even muscleman tshirts. We recently saw a photo of some videographers running around a wedding with “staff” printed on the back of their polo shirts covering three quarters of the fabric. One local photo booth company shows up to weddings in sweatshirts and blue jeans or tshirts in the summer. DJs can be the worst offenders, blue jeans and Def Leppard t-shirt was one of the all time worst we have seen.

Some brides may shrug their shoulders and say, we don’t care, it’s no big deal but the truth of the matter is that it is. Yes we have somewhat become a casual society and guests will show up n bluejeans themselves. However the problem with vendors dressing down is that it is like waving a flag saying “here I am, I’m dressed poorly”. A vendor is different from a guest because as Jennifer describes, here was a photographer that stepped in front of a bride on her way down the aisle to be married. All eyes were on her and when that photographer stepped out into the aisle in front of her, all eyes were now on him and he was a distraction! A poorly dressed guess can disappear into a corner, or into a group of people, a vendor is front and center, in front of everyone and when a person who is poorly dressed steps into the spotlight next to someone who is dressed to the nines in their wedding gown or tux, the contrast between the two is like a flare being lite. Where as if the person is properly attired so that they look like 80% of your guests, the contrast drops.

In our opinion at Fort Wayne Weddings, you are paying a vendor to behave like a professional and respect you and your guests. An improperly dressed vendor is not only unprofessional, they are an insult to your wedding, party, event which you have planned so diligently for so long! Demand that the person you are paying respect you, ask them how they will dress and don’t be afraid to demand that their dress code is written into their contract!

- Amy

As Fort Wayne brides plan their spring weddings, the authority on colors to check for the latest in color palettes is Pantone’s spring 2012 fashion color trends. The colors are fun, bright and modern.  As Bridal color’s are not limited to decor and bridesmaids alone, 2012 wedding dresses are just as colorful.

There is also a color palette for the gentlemen.

I love the Tangerine Tango and if you don’t think it can work as a color check out this Pinterest gallery!

But as we said, the bride and groom set the energy level of the wedding reception! If you want people walking out the door exhausted from having fun, and you have a DJ or Band then both of you need to get out on the dance floor! Good DJs and bands will get people on the dance floor, but as we said many guests take their cue from the bride and groom and if the two of you are out on the floor shaking your bon bon for long stretches at a time then your guests will be out there with you. And yes we mean both of you, sorry grooms who don’t like to dance. A good band or DJ will always have people dancing and the one half of the bride and groom getting on the dance floor is good, but it is the energy of both of you partying out on the floor will get the more reticent guests to join in on the celebration!

A bride and groom participating can also overcome a bad DJ and take an empty dance floor and bring out at least a few people to dance.

The same applies to other activities like a photo booth. Your guests really do take the cue from you, as the bride and groom, and if they see you having fun in the photo booth, they are more likely to enjoy it themselves. We have seen people who absolutely refused to step into a booth and have their picture taken, change their minds once they see the happy couple enjoying it themselves.

You have spent thousands to enjoy your wedding day in and if you join in the activities your Fort Wayne wedding will be one to remember for years to come by all of your guests!

Brian Peterson
Brian is the owner of Fun Zone Photo Booths, serving the Fort Wayne region. Prior to Fun Zone he owned River City Music for 20 years, a successful wedding entertainment company.

There are many different types of DJs (Club, Radio, Teen Dance, Mitzvah, and Corporate), so be sure to ask what types of events their company usually performs at. Once you’ve contacted a Wedding DJ, that you like, be sure to schedule an in-person consultation so the DJ can learn more about your wedding vision.

Services A Professional Wedding Entertainer Provides Personalized Pre-Planning: Most performers will meet and stay in touch with
you to organize your time line and to customize your music requests.

Professional DJ Equipment: Ask if your DJ will bring an appropriate sound system for the size of your function space, and if they bring backup equipment with them?

Music Library and Programming: Your DJ entertainer can create an elegant atmosphere that will keep your guests on the dance floor by playing the right music at the right time, to give your party personality and timing! Your disc jockey should welcome requests.

Master of Ceremonies: The #1 fear in America is public speaking; Having a polished Emcee (or “spokesperson”) is essential to making your
announcements in a timely and considerate manner, and engaging your guests to participate in the wedding reception festivities.

Entertainment: Look for a disc jockey who will create a “Family Friendly Environment” and one who will provide the level of interaction that you desire.

Coordination: While most wedding DJs do not offer the same level of service as a professional wedding coordinator or wedding planner, your wedding entertainer will play a major role in making sure your reception runs smoothly and communicate with the other wedding vendors.

If you are interviewing with a larger mobile DJ company or an Entertainment Agency, make sure to meet with the person they have selected for you BEFORE you sign the agreement.

During your DJ search, you may notice that there is a wide range of pricing options. The reality is that every DJ company offers different levels of planning, expertise, experience, talent, and commitment. An experienced professional wedding DJ that will truly make your Fort Wayne wedding reception a magical experience to be remembered will not be cheap. So if the price seems too good to be true, it is probably the sign of inexperience and lack of talent.

Paul Chamberlin is the owner and operator of the Music Machine! Based in South Bend the Music Machine serves all of Norther Indiana, including Fort Wayne.

Swarovski rhinestones on this Amada Tiara!

The Veronica comb, my favorite

The matching Amada combs that go with the tiara.