I really enjoyed participating in the recent Bridal Show at the DC Centre in Omaha Nebraska. Thanks to all who came by the Bandstand Music DJ booth to talk about your wedding day.

Bridal Shows can be very overwhelming for Brides and Grooms. My advice is to use the time to get ideas and information. Gather as much info and talk to as many vendors as you can.

While at the event be sure to set aside the cards and info of the vendors you were impressed with. If you don't do this it may be hard to remember the specific vendor you liked.

After the show go through your information and start calling back your favorite vendors to ask more detailed questions.

Here is unique Captain Morgan grooms cake from one of the receptions we DJed here in Omaha, Nebraska. I am always on the lookout for these wonderful and inventive grooms cakes at the wedding receptions I DJ. I hope you enjoy looking at these grooms cakes as much as I enjoy posting them to the Bandstand Music blog.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

From the Bandstand Music Blog: Nice job to Bandstand Music DJ Zack Sutton for going the extra mile to make the Wedding Reception of Brittney & Ryan Vincent special. I appreciate Brittney & Ryan for taking the time to write us this note. Positive feedback is always great to receive. This reception was held at Erin Court here in Omaha, Nebraska.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

As a Mobile Wedding DJ I am constantly on the lookout for unique things that I see at the receptions. Groom wedding cakes are often a source of just what I am looking for. My blog is loaded with some of these cakes I have seen over the years. I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing the creativity with wedding cakes.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I am very excited to have taken part in providing all the sound for the newest HyVee grand opening on 180th and Pacific in Omaha. I am always impressed at the amount of pride HyVee has in their employees and the magical way they approach customer service. I want to thank HyVee for their business with Bandstand Music over the years and I congratulate them on another successful store opening. I shot this photo on Tuesday morning November 1st in front of the new store. I provided the sound system for Governor Heineman during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

This photo was taken at a reception that Bandstand Music provided service for. Bandstand Music DJ Amy Cornic provided the entertainment for this event held at the Fontenelle Nature Center in Omaha Nebraska. The photo shows 5 generations starting with the youngest going all the way through to great great grandpa. Amazing.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bandstand Music DJ Service just DJed a Wedding Reception at the Omaha Country Club. The couple had their reception outside the club in a huge tent. It was beautifully decorated and plenty of dance floor space. Two words... awe some.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bandstand Music DJ Service is always on the lookout for interesting wedding cakes while out DJing events. This photo was taken during an event at the Omaha Country Club.

If you are a Seinfeld fan you will love this grooms cake. I DJed a reception a few weeks back and the groom decided to make his grooms cake into a Seinfeld tribute. Complete with puffy shirt, junior mints and more. As a big fan of the show myself I couldn't help but to think that this is the coolest grooms cake I've seen.

One of the recent receptions that I DJed featured a talented groom. Turns out he was a piano player... and a darn good one at that. Anyway this was the unique grooms cake. Very fun and a great reception.

Hello Omaha friends... Just DJed and awesome reception at one of my favorite places. I snapped this photo about an hour before guests arrived. Love this facility because there is plenty of room and there always seems to be a place for everything. Can you name the venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bandstand Music would like to congratulate Jeanna & Jeff on their marriage. I also want to thank them for taking the time to send us these images along with a nice thank you letter. We appreciate the feedback and with Jeanna & Jeff the very best as husband and wife.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Hello Omaha friends... Here is another exciting edition of "Name the Venue". This was a cool reception. Bride and Groom got married on the stage and immediately after I had about 10 minutes to get my DJ system set up on the stage to begin the background music for the cocktails and dinner. Great night with great people. Can you name the venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bandstand Music just DJed another enchanting Omaha Wedding and Reception last Sunday. This location is perfect for both the ceremony and reception. The outdoor courtyard (pictured) also has a built in speaker system for ceremony music. Can you name this historic Omaha venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

One of the wedding receptions that we DJed last weekend brought us a stack of their response cards a few days before hand. I wasn't sure why the Bride and Groom would want to bring their reception response cards to us (a DJ service) but I soon figured it out.

On the cards not only could the guests respond but they could also write down a song request that they would like to hear during the reception. I thought this was a great way to make the guests feel involved and feel included in the party.

Good stuff...

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I was shocked and saddened by the passing of Glenda Epperson on Monday of this week.

About ten years ago I met Glenda Epperson. She was a driven and a no holds barred woman with an incredible ambition. That ambition was to see that Omaha and Council Bluffs had the best Bridal Show that our area had to offer.
Ten years ago after my eager encouragement Glenda joined the Omaha Party Mix group. We were a group of wedding and party vendors that dedicated our resources to making memorable events for our clients. Glenda eagerly joined and had one of the grandest booths in our Bridal Show. It was held at the Scoular Building that winter in Omaha. Her booth was spectacular. It was clear that we had gained a valuable member in our organization.
Upon tear down after the show I found myself alone with Glenda in the cargo elevator as we loaded out. There were hundreds of pieces of chewed gum that had been stuck to the wall of the elevator and I commented to Glenda about how gross the wads of chewed stuck on gum was. In the blink of an eye Glenda snatched one of the chewed pieces of gum off the dirty elevator wall and stuck it in her mouth and started to chew. I was not only grossed out but I was dumbfounded and curious at the same time. I'll never forget what Glenda said to me as she chewed the unknown wad of used gum. She said, "life is about taking chances... you never know what flavor lies underneath the surface".
It was that spirit and attitude that made Glenda the wedding icon that she was in Omaha Nebraska.
She quickly went on a mission to create the biggest and best Bridal Show Omaha had ever seen. For the last 5 years I have been honored to share the stage with Glenda and her beautiful daughter Karissa during these grand shows. Glenda's Bridal Shows not only brought in thousands of people every year but the shows entertained, gave more than expected, and left Brides wanting more.
Her spirit will always be a part of me.
Glenda then took the bull by the horns and was the founding member of Omaha Chapter of the Midwest Bridal Association. Members enjoyed the benefits of discounted booth prices at her show and a wealth of knowledge she provided to be the best we could be.

I will miss Glenda and will always cherish our friendship. Glenda... may you enjoy Gods peace.

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout at last Sunday's Bridal Show at the Regency Lodge Hotel. I want to thank all the Brides and Grooms that visited the Bandstand Music booth. We are proud to be on the Regency Lodge preferred vendor list for weddings and parties. In this photo Bandstand Music DJ Jared Kuller helped work the booth. Jared is an outstanding DJ and he always represents Bandstand Music in the best way.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

For those from the Omaha / Council Bluffs area I want you to know that I appreciate you humoring me with my "Name the Venue" posts. I realize for the people not from the area it is hardly worth playing. And... for those out of towners just know that as exciting as this game is that the prizes leave a lot to be desired. In fact, today's winner will receive a partially used 2" pleatherized lens cap.
Anyway here is the first video edition of "Name the Venue" and Good Luck!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I have the honor as a Dale Carnegie Leadership instructor to train a lot of managers in the art of confidence, people skills, and communication. HyVee has put tons of their managers through my training and I can't thank them enough. As a result I have built a lot of strong relationships with HyVee and am honored to DJ for their holiday events. Last Saturday the Fremont HyVee had their party at the 30 Bowl (in Fremont). I was asked to be the MC and crowd motivator for the event and let me tell you that I had a blast. From 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. HyVee had the run of the place and the party never slowed down.
Of all the company parties that I DJ I must say that HyVee is one of the most generous when it comes to prize giveaways and employee appreciation.
While at the event a few daring ladies took me up on making them crazy balloon hats (pictured). A big thanks to Brenda M. for bringing me in.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I just had to take another picture of a baseball grooms cake. This was from my 12/30/10 reception. I think this year that we (Bandstand Music)will be holding a most creative Grooms cake contest. Lot's of good cakes from last year and I'm looking forward to seeing what me and my staff of DJ's run across in 2011.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

At last weekends wedding I DJed I snapped this photo. It soooo reminded me of when my sister got married. With every wedding reception there may be a few demands from the parents of the Bride and Groom. When my sister got married my parents pretty much stayed out of the way with one exception. My dad insisted that at the reception there would be a guy at the end of the buffet line cutting the meat. In my dads mind having a guy cutting the meat was a true sign of class. To him it made the reception dinner seem official. So every wedding reception I DJ that has a guy cutting the meat I always think of my dad. Did your parents have any requests at your wedding?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

One of the most important times during the Wedding Reception is the "Bride and Groom Dance". As a DJ you want this moment to go flawless. All ears are on your announcement and all eyes are on the bride and groom. And no matter how many receptions I've done when that important moment hits the thoughts still creep in....please music don't lock up, please cd don't skip, please don't be the wrong song, please get the names right. Of course things always go just fine but the thoughts still haunt every time. Maybe it's those thoughts that keep me sharp. I guess the day those thoughts go away I should probably hang up my mic.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

When I DJ weddings I love having a some fun bantering with the wedding party. Bridesmaids are great because they will usually dance all night which helps to keep the party going. Groomsman on the other hand seem to have a different agendas. For instance it is very common to see a circle of bridesmaids on the dance floor having fun. However... you'd never see a circle of groomsman dancing around in a circle together.
So what's a groomsman to do? Often times the only choice is to take their groomsman gift (in this case it was a glass in the shape of a boot) fill it with beer and let the chips fall where they may. In this photo taken last week this kind groomsman took the bull by the horns, filled his boot and posed for this photo for me. We had a kickin' night.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

To say we packed in the Brides Sunday at the Bridal Showcase event at the MAC this weekend (Jan. 9th) would be an understatement. I would like to thank all the brides & grooms who came out. The weather outside was cold and snowy in the morning but not enough to really deter anyone from coming to the show. However, once the afternoon hit the snow picked up and things started to deteriorate quickly. By the time I was driving home from the show I was hearing schools were being canceled the next day. It was getting pretty messy out. So... bottom line is that had the weather struck 12 hours earlier I'm sure we may have had a much smaller turnout. I would like to personally thank the weather for delaying until the afternoon to allow for that window of opportunity for the folks to come out to a fantastic Bridal Show.

In this photo you can see the isle was packed. This is a photo I took of just 1 of 6 isles. All the isles at the time were as full as this one. WOW! Great turn-out...

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I was hit with a bit of nostalgia on Friday night. I DJed at a venue that I had not been at in 10 years. This event was a company party for the Best Western/Hampton Inn employees and was an absolute blast.
I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful people who attended the party and danced their you-know-whats off.
As part of the evenings entertainment they had some folks from a corporate planning event company do a mock "Let's make a Deal" game show and it was a huge hit.
Can you name this venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

When people ask Mobile DJ's how a particular event went you may hear a DJ say one of the following phrases:

1. I tore the place apart
2. I burned the house down
3. I raised the roof off the joint
4. I had em' tearin' up the dance floor

I must admit that as a mobile DJ I have been guilty of spouting off these very same comments to curious folk. Well FINALLY (after 22 years in the DJ biz) I can finally say that "I had em' tearin' up the dance floor" and mean it literally. Okay it's true that this dance floor may have been severely lacking in quality but I'll take what I can get...

Person: "Hey Steve... how did your gig go?"
Me: "They tore up the dance floor"

Amen

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

In this photo awesome couple Lacey and James (my Dec 30th bride and groom)pose after the cake cutting.

I have talked with so many people over the years about the bride and groom smashing cake in each others face during the cake cutting. It really is a 50/50 response. Either people say it's fun and okay to do and others think it's not a good idea.
There have only been a few occasions when I have seen this get completely out of control. Usually when the cake smearing is done is in a very spontaneous way and rarely gets out of hand.
I say go with the moment and do whatever feels right but Grooms beware of the beautiful bride and the potential for messing up her make-up. I'm just sayin'

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

When a bride, groom, and their entire wedding party arrive and are announced at the reception we call this the Grand Entrance. It is a fun and exciting way to get the crowd engaged and to start the reception off with a splash. The challenge for us DJ's is to corral the wedding party together as they arrive at the venue. It's not always easy to do and can be chaotic. On warm days I meet and get the wedding party lined up for the entrance while we are outside. On cold days however you've got to get the wedding party inside as quick as possible and line them up.
Venues that have lobbies are perfect for cold nights when you want to get the wedding party inside without all of the guests seeing them. It gives me the chance to line them up in a warm room before being announced as they enter the ballroom. On New Years Eve I was at the venue pictured. This is a photo of the lobby which worked perfect for getting everyone lined up for the grand entrance. CAN YOU NAME THIS OMAHA VENUE?

I am about to finish an article for www.omahaweddingarticles.com with some helpful tips when it comes to pulling off a successful grand entrance. Stay tuned...

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Any mobile DJ will tell you that an empty dance floor is a horrible feeling. It's like the crowd is just looking at you and you can at time feel helpless. Thoughts of "what's wrong with these people" enter our heads. My goal as a DJ is to make sure that every dance starts with a bang.
The best way to start the dancing at a reception is to invite all the married couples to the floor. It's a great way to celebrate the marriage of the new bride and groom and to remind the other married couples of how great marriage can be.
I've been starting all my dances like this for the last 15 years and it never fails to fill the dance floor for the first dance of the reception.
Last weekend I did three back to back weddings. I was at the Club Convention Center in Papillion on 12/30/10, Indian Creek on 12/31/10, and the German American on 1/1/11. These two photos from the first song of the evening at two of those events.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Back in 1987 I DJed my first wedding reception at this venue. I was there again last Saturday night 1/1/11. I was set up in the balcony that overlooks the entire room. I absolutely love DJing here and every event I've done at this venue always seems to go well. This venue is located in Omaha. Can you name it?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

First off let me just say that the three back to back weddings I did over the New Year Holiday were amazing. Great Brides and Grooms and lots of great pictures for this blog still to come.
My Bride and Groom for my 1/1/11 reception were fantastic. Johann and Jessica were hands down the most enthusiastic couple I have ever worked for. Not only was the dance a hit but they also had me provide karaoke which was a huge hit as well. This photo shows the Johann and Jessica singing a duet of "Stand by me". The guests ate it up and I must admit that I did as well. What a fun night!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Mobile Wedding DJ's are usually the people who release tables to go through the buffet line at wedding receptions. Years ago I discovered that a great way to make this task more enjoyable for me was to perform close-up magic as I released those tables. What's funny is that a lot of my clients now request this as part of the reason they hire me.
This table magic thing is a great way to give the bride and groom something different and it always breaks the ice for a lot of people during the dinners. In addition it's just one more reason for the guests to remember how much fun they had at the reception. Ultimately (as any magician would tell you) I do this because I LOVE to watch the reactions people have to magic. That look of astonishment on a guests face is priceless for me. I guess I'm greedy in that way.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

In lieu of the traditional multi-layered wedding cake more and more couples are looking at an exciting alternative. On back-to-back receptions that I DJed in November the traditional wedding cake was replaced with colorful assortments of cupcakes. Its a nice change of pace and offers variety to the guests. I have not investigated the cost so I don't know if it's cheaper, the same or more expensive than regular wedding cake. The nice thing is that the trend doesn't have to take away any business from wedding cake makers because cupcakes is more than likely already part of their business.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I just love getting feedback from the Bandstand Music customers. To think that someone took the time to hand write a note and send it to us means so much not just to me as an owner but to the employee that it is written about as well.

My challenge to everyone out there who reads this blog post is to take the time to drop a note to any business when the service goes above and beyond. You will feel great giving that sincere appreciation and for the businesses it is a great reminder of how important our customers are. Not only that… we can also use your comments to inspire new clients who may be on the fence about whether or not to use our services.

So for all of those that have taken the time to write I thank you a millions times over. To see some of the nice things people have written you can visit the Bandstand Music Facebook fan page at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/bandstandmusicdjs

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I want to thank Mrs. Luke's third grade class for their thoughtful thank you card. I was the entertainment for their Halloween party and i've got to tell you that it was a blast. I love getting these kind of notes of appreciation. It's always a challenge to entertain kids. The key is to keep them engaged at all times and the best way to do that is to keep things moving fast and somewhat furious.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I love wedding toasts. Whether given by the best man, maid of honor, parents or whoever the toasts are always fun to listen to. You can always tell when someone has put a lot of time and prep into their toast and you can also tell when they are very off the cuff and impromtu. Either way toasts come in all varieties.
As a Wedding DJ in Omaha, Nebraska I get Best Men all the time who will ask me what they should say right before they make their toast. My advice is to come up with a brief and tasteful story you can tell that gives an example of your bond. Then just speak from the heart and always compliment the Bride.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Attention Omaha Friends: Can you name this venue?

For time saving and convenience many Brides and Grooms will choose to have their Wedding Ceremony at the same venue the reception will be taking place. This can be a very practical idea and many venues can accommodate brides and grooms who want to use their venues as their ceremony sites as well.
This is a photo of one of those venues. This is the backroom of the venue that can easily be made into a ceremony site. It is separate from the main room and this venue also has and outdoor deck for ceremonies as well.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Last Friday was the big grand opening meeting for the new HyVee store in Council Bluffs. The store officially opens to the public this week and let me tell you that the store is beautiful. Bandstand Music ran the sound for the folks that spoke at the meeting including the CEO. HyVee has been great to Bandstand Music and I just wanted to thank them for their support. Good luck to all of those in the new store. HyVee is a great company to work for and I'm sure everyone is going to be tremendously successful.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Last Fridays wedding reception that I DJed in Omaha was a blast. Instead of me playing typical background music they had a jazz trio for 2 hours during cocktails and dinner. From "fly me to the moon" to "cheek to cheek" they covered all the classics and were a pleasure to listen to. They are known as the Kevin Pike Trio. If you are looking to add a nice touch to your next event I couldn't recommend these guys enough. You can contact Kevin at:

Phone: 402-618-2662
Website: http://www.kpikemusic.com/jazz.html
email: kevin@kpikemusic.com

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Did you know that a Mobile Wedding DJ's worst nightmare is an empty dance floor. Honestly... as a DJ, I can't think of anything worse when the dancing at a wedding begins. Recently on my Facebook page I asked my Facebook friends what song they would play to get a wedding reception dance kicked off. The responses were all over the map. For years I struggled with this. The bottom line is that if you want people to start dancing right away don't play a fast song. You've got to get em' out there with something easy and slow.
I always dedicate the first dance song of the night to the bride and groom and all the couples who have come to celebrate their special day. For years I've been doing this and it never fails to fill the dance floor. This picture is from the reception I DJed tonight and it was the first song of the evening. The song I always play is "Can't help falling in love" by Elvis. What's great about this photo is that you can see the bride and groom right in the center. They will always remember that their reception started with a full dance floor. Awesome!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I remember the first wedding reception I djed back in 1987. I was working for another company at the time and I remember proudly hanging my disco ball before the gig while at the same time grinning about how cheesy the disco ball effect was. Well twenty three years later I (along with thousands of other DJ's) still proudly hang my disco ball for every gig. This is a photo from the wedding a DJed last night. I've got a full dance floor and I'm pretty sure the reason for that is because of my shiny disco ball. I still get a kick out of how fascinated the kids are with the disco ball. It's not uncommon to see a young child just standing there staring at it.

Interesting fact: In 1991 I was driving in my truck on interstate 80 coming back from a gig at Iowa Western. After hitting a bump I looked in my rear view mirror just in time to see my disco ball go flying out of the back of my truck and proceed to follow me down the interstate. Shards of glass were flying everywhere and the disco ball eventually rolled into the ditch. I never slowed down but did say a quick prayer for my disco ball. It is probably still laying in that ditch. If you find it you can keep it. It's somewhere over by Mall of the Bluffs.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

One of the things I love about DJing wedding receptions at the Millard Plaza Ballroom is that everything has its place. In other words the layout of the room works great for wedding receptions. Here is a photo I took last Saturday night at the Millard Plaza Ballroom of the cake. I love how the cake is set up under the canopy with lights surrounding it. The set up just makes the whole cake cutting experience come alive. A big "well done" goes to Dee over at the Millard Plaza Ballroom.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Hey... last Friday we had our photo booth out at the Quality Living Inc. event at the Quest Center. I was an evening at the fair and I have to give Quality Living Inc a ton of props for putting on a very fun, interactive, and classy event. I also want to thank my two lovely assistance from Quality Living Inc. Gail and Michelle for helping me with the photo booth.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I have been lucky enough to have been a participant in the Wedding industry since 1988. During that time I have had the good fortune to work with some fantastic people who also provide wedding services. From photographers to florists it seems I have worked with everyone. One of the elements to a successful reception is for all the vendors to work together and help each other out when needed... we are simply talking about professional courtesy. We owe this to the bride and groom because after all we are all there because of them.

Every once in a while, though rare, I do run into other wedding vendors that do not see things in this way. And in an environment in which we are all referring each other those particular vendors are doing themselves and their clients a disservice. At a recent reception I was told by the reception venue that I would have to pay $20.00 for a table to set up my equipment on. This has never happened in my 22 years of being a DJ and quite honestly I thought the venue was kidding. All I had on me was $11.00 cash. I was told that if I couldn't pay right there and then that they would have to charge the Bride and Groom. I was not going to let this happen so my only alternative was to set up on the floor. Although it was awkward and looked weird the reception went great.

I am by no means blogging this to complain and that is why I will not post the name of the venue. This is simply an opportunity to remind wedding vendors of the importance of working together. After all, it's all about providing our Brides and Grooms with a wonderful day and if we can help each other do this we will all succeed.

P.S. If you know the name of this venue please do not post it as this is not the point of this blog post.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bandstand Music DJ Jared Kuller took this photo of the grooms cake during the wedding reception he was the DJ for. Very creative. There is always a story or a meaning behind creative grooms cakes and I'm dying to know what this one is. Did the bride and groom meet on facebook? The world may never know!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I really loved last Fridays reception that I DJed. The Bride and Groom (Anthony & Monica) provided bottles of wine for the guests to take with them. I've seen a lot of guest gifts and souvenirs over the years and I've got to tell you the bottles of wine are definitely in the top 3 coolest.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Had a blast Friday night at the reception I DJed. Got to work for a great bride and groom (Anthony & Monica) and I also got to work with one of my longtime photographer friends Doug Gunder. Before the reception started I went out front and snapped this photo of the entrance. Can you name the venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Last Sundays reception had a lot of different twists throughout the night. It was a riot. The Best Man presented a very creative toast by sitting up on the stage with his guitar and singing a song for the bride and groom. Much like the groom cakes I've been showing in my blog the toasts are becoming more and more creative.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com