Down De Isle: Caribbean Wedding Music - 1, 2, 3, 4...Palaance

This next tune is PERFECT to get your party started. If you don't know this song...WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN. In the Soca world this song is boss. Now many of us/you are probably tired of hearing it but come on...admit it, when you hear it you can't help but to jump and put your hands up. This is easily the new "Who let the dogs out" and the new "Electric Slide".

If you have no idea what I am talking about, take a listen and a look:




Oh, and did I mention there is a dance (every good wedding song has to have one):



One of the factors into making a Caribbean wedding A Caribbean wedding is the energy. And this song will certainly bring it out of you and your guests. Palance and enjoy!

Planning: Let's get this Party Started!

Are you Team (Wedding) Band or Team (Wedding) DJ?

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Based on the response from my JunePlumm Event's fan page, Team Band is certainly getting more love. So let's take a moment to examine both options:

Team Band Pro's:

• The excitement of the live music
• Bands/Band leaders are very interactive with guests and can get everyone involved in the performance. Sing-alongs , getting in the mix with the guests... they can certainly get it started.
• The sound quality... VERY sharp
• A live singer can take your favorite tune and change the tempo and feel to be more suitable to your event / style
• Are you having a 60's style wedding? There is a band for that! 

Team Band Con's

• We mentioned the sound quality as a pro.. but the sound volume can definitely be a con. 
• Cost: you will find some of the better bands come at a price. Most wedding bands start at $2,000 - $3,000+ for a 4-piece band and goes up from there. Remember popularity, size and geographical region will seriously impact your cost.
• Wedding Bands have more than one member. So you will have to account for the space to accommodate all the members and equipment and for meals (remember your vendors need to eat)
• Band members need breaks, and unless they take breaks in stages. Be prepared for a cd or recording of some sort
• Request are a hit or miss. If they do not know the tune, you will not hear it (so get your song list ready for your band in advance)

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Team DJ Pro's:

• If your favorite song is "Single Ladies" by Beyonce, then you will hear "Single Ladies" BY Beyonce
• The cost, a good Wedding DJ can cost anywhere for $600 to $1,400+ depending on choice of package and perks
• Wedding DJ's occupy less space than a Wedding band
• The arsenal of music is far greater than that of a band
• Because DJ's tend to travel in packs (sometimes 2) breaks will not be as broken as with a band
• DJ's can read the crowd and quickly change pace and tempo to get people on or off their feet

Team DJ Con's:

• For goodness sake, make sure your Wedding DJ dresses like a professional and not like he or she is going to the laundry mat (believe me I have seen things)
• DJ's can have a one track mind. If they like to play rock music, no matter how much the crowd is not into rock music...they will play ROCK MUSIC. 
• There is nothing worse than a DJ with no energy and umph...NOTHING. Choose wisely

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There is no fool proof, quick fix, one perfect answer in what YOU should choose for YOUR wedding day. It's your wedding so you make the rules BUT before you choose ask yourself this:

• What is your entertainment budget?
• Do you prefer clubs or the symphony?
• What is the formality of your event?
• How much (venue) space are you working with?
• Did I mention what's your budget (yeah...well in case you missed it I am asking again)

and remember: If they see you dance...THEY will dance so HAVE FUN!

Planning: What I'm Pinning

Are you on Pinterest? JunePlumm Events is and I am LOVING IT. It took me a while to warm up to it but I have officially been bitten by the pinning bug and I am running with it. As an event planner I am constantly strolling the Internet for inspiration, information and whatever else and Pinterest gives me the best option to keep all my inspirations in one place.

For instance, look some of my recent pins.

From my "Gowns" board

From my "Gowns" board

From my "For The Home" board

From my "Green Inspirations" board

From my "Blue Inspirations" board

From my "Stationary" board

From my "Cool Photos" board

From my "De Islands" board

From my "Aisle Decor" board

From my "Beauty" board

From my "Little Ones" board

From my "Yummies" board

It's not just about the weddings. If your on Pinterest follow JunePlumm Events we'd love to check your boards out as well.

Down De Isle: Perfect Proposal - Caribbean Wedding Music

Another wedding song selecion for your caribbean or caribbean inspired wedding:

A great reggae selection to get you down the aisle. The Perfect Proposal, sung by Wayne Wonder and appropriate for a feel good time.

Planning: The Outdoor Wedding

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The weather is warming up and more and more wedding ceremonies are moving outdoors. GREAT! But as the weather heats up so will your guests, so keep them comfortable and consider adding one or two of these to help shield the sunshine:

• Sunglasses: Especially if you don't mind the cool factor
• Fans: Unless your ceremony program doubles as a fan, give your guest some fans to help keep them cool and breezy. There are so many fan options so I am sure you can find one to compliment that style and colors of your wedding
• Draping: You can still keep your ceremony outdoorsy and still block some of the sun with light organza draping. it's also keeps your ceremony space feeling intimate but NOT small
• Parasols: Too big a parasol could be distracting to your other guests but at the right size it could provide allot of shade (and they are too cute)
• Plan Ahead: The hottest times of the day is usually around 3pm. So plan your outdoor ceremony earlier in the day before the sun begins to peak and is at it's warmest, or later when it is on it's way to cool down mode.
• Communicate: Either word of mouth, on your wedding website or carefully worded on your invite, let your guests know that your ceremony will be outdoors. This way your guests will arrive knowing they will be in the sunshine and will dress accordingly. 
• Bottle Water: Take it one step further and personalize them with your logo, picture or a fun message

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Sure your ceremony may be short but 20 minutes can feel like 20 hours if you are hot and uncomfortable. And remember...your guests aren't the only ones baking in the sun YOU are too. Considering the style and weight of your bridal gown, you may be more uncomfortable than they are.  So plan ahead and make it easier on you and your guests.

Sunglasses: Credit

Down De Isle: Who Let The Dogs Out - Caribbean Wedding Music

In keeping with our Down Di Aisle series in which we feature Caribbean inspired wedding and event information and details, we will be putting you on a to some tunes that you can play at your event to get your party started, keep the party going, get you down de aisle or just enhance the wedding mood.

Today we are sharing with you this song:

"Who Let The Dogs Out". I am sure you all have heard it and seen the video. BUT did you know that it before the Baha Men made this song popular it was originally a soca song co-written and recorded by Anslem Douglas.

Take a listen:

This is a GREAT song to keep your party going. Especially since it has so much cross over appeal, your Caribbean and Non-Caribbean guests will know exactly what to do. Get up, dance...and don't forget bark.

NOTE: For you brides/grooms that love your pups and are including them in the wedding, why not preface their little strut down de aisle with Who Let The Dogs Out. *wink*

Planning: The Blushing Bride

I am extremely fascinated but NOT surprised in any way by the increase in the use of color for bridal gowns. I have ALWAYS applauded brides that step outside the box. I may too venture outside that box come my wedding day and if I do, I am 99.9% certain I will be a blushing bride. Pink or pale pink aka blush has always been my favorite color for colored wedding dresses. It suits may complexions and it looks sweet without looking pageantry. Here are some of my faves...SO FAR

Vera Wang

White by Vera Wang

Kitty Chen Couture

Lazaro

Monique Lhuillier

Maggie Sottero

Romona Keveza

Oscar de la Renta

Would you dare to wear color?