Step 4
A simple guide to
booking professionals…
Entertainment
Yummy food, interesting guests, stunning decor, and fabulous entertainment are the basic components which combine together to make a great party. Too often people forget one element, and in particular tend to skimp on entertainment. While you don’t necessarily need a magician or caricature artist at every event, good music is essential, even if you just attach your ipod to good speakers. Take the time to create a top notch play list.
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Many people prefer DJ’s to live music. The tunes are clearly identifiable and the guests seem to relate better. Also, an experienced DJ will know how to pace the party and keep the everyone entertained. Be sure to not only ask for references but get permission to observe him/her in action. This is one area of the budget I would not skimp on. All Dj’s are not created equal. In this area, you tend to get what you pay for. A word of warning: be sure to ask the DJ for all the costs. DJs tend to quote you the price of the car but fail to tell you, you have to pay extra for the engine and the tires. This is one area Party Idea Pros can be of little help because the talent is local. Ask for recommendations from your church or temple, your venue, and your friends and any professionals you may have already hired. There are many web sites claiming to maintain comprehensive listing of professionals by region. Very few live up to their claims. So don’t waste a lot of time searching. We have done the work for you! If we find others worth checking out, we will post it here.
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Find a DJ for your party or special event celebration
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And of course, there is always live music. Party Idea Pros recently had an intimate New Year’s Eve party for friends and family featuring an amazing live band. Everyone agrees, it was the best New Year’s Eve ever!
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Michael, Kristen, and the rest of the band are not only talented but also bring a warmth to a party seldom experienced!
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Nationally renowned entertainment company. If you want the best!
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Or create your own party mix …
iTunes: All Your Music, All In One Place
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New and Fabulous!
We just stumbled across this new nationwide company and can’t stop smiling.
Talented Tables actors and models mingle with your guests while serving cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, handing out brochures, samples or giveaways.
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Photographers
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The range of your photography options is enormous. You definitely want pictures of this occasion. The leading professional photographers tend to be very expensive so if you are on a tight budget or are just not that into it, think abut hiring a photography student or soliciting a friend to assemble a digital party archive. If you are including a church or temple service as part of your celebration consider taking family pictures a day or two prior to the service or at least an hour and a half before services begin. This is another area Party Idea Pros can be of little help because the talent is local. Ask for recommendations from your church or temple, your venue, and your friends and any professionals you may have already hired. There are many web sites listing professionals. Here are a few of the better sites we found
Professional Photographers of America: Find-a-Photographer
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Easy to use, comprehensive directories ((not just for weddings) …
Wedj.com: Local DJs Disc Jockeys, Photographers, Videographers
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With today’s amazing technology, many families are choosing to save money by skipping the professional photographer. First, know you get what you pay for. Having said that Party Idea Pros, did just that. We cornered our family member with the nicest camera and implored him to act as photographer for the day. Although not quite professional quality, the photos captured the day just fine. We use Shutterfly to create easy, yet lovely keepsake photo books.
Videographers
Often significant occasions call for a lasting memory. Consider hiring a videographer to capture both the ceremony and the celebration. Each church and temple has its own policies regarding videotaping the ceremony. Do not be surprised if it is not allowed. If you are on a tight budget or are just not that into it, solicit a friend to capture some video highlights of the party. This is another area we can be of little help because the talent is local. Ask for recommendations from your church or temple, your venue, your friends, and any professionals you may have already hired. As with DJs, there are very few sites worth wasting your time on. We will keep you posted if we find any other sites worth checking out.
Find a videographer for your party or special event celebration
Creating a Photo or Video Montage
Many events include a photo or video montage highlighting the guest of honor. It has become increasingly easy to create such a montage on your own computer.
Some of the easier software applications include:
Wondershare DVD Slideshow Builder 4
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If you prefer to hire a professional or just don’t have the time (which most of us don’t), ask your DJ, your photographer, and your videographer for professional recommendations.
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This might also be a great opportunity to create “memory insurance.” Rather than throwing your favorite photos back into the box, instead contact Scantastic Photos to preserve your cherished memories. They will scan, digitize and organize all your photo boxes and albums. Ask to speak with Liz and tell her Marcia sent you!
Contractual Arrangements
Most vendors require you to sign a contract to lay out the terms and details of your agreement. Read all contracts carefully and make sure you know exactly what you are and are not getting for your money. Pay particular attention to cancellation clauses and confirm that all the dates and times are correct. If for some reason, the vendor does not provide you with a contract, offer up one of your own!
Independent Contractor Agreement
Step 5
Start planning your celebration now!
Just point and click your way to a meaningful, beautiful, festive celebration.
Identify your event Explore party ideas and themes
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