We’ve had some interesting weather for outdoor weddings this season. Lots of hardworking wedding vendors on our teams, with brides and grooms dedicated to their vision of an exciting site for their ceremonies and receptions.
In Chicago we get some beautiful days, rain-free, sunshine, lovely late Spring, gorgeous Summer sun and some perfect Indian summer days in the Fall. Although sometimes it might rain on our parade, we all work hard (and advise our clients to think ahead), to make wedding dreams come true.
So it’s easy to say that our smart clients always plan ahead and have a Plan B option for their outdoor settings.
But what about Plan B for crucial entertainment plans. What if the lead singer of the band you saw and then hired, turns out not to be with the band that sets up at your wedding? Or how about the DJ that you thought you hired sends a substitute.
Here are some words of wisdom to help couples ensure their dream day will be full of dreamy, romantic, fun, and memorable moments.
Six tips for a pain-free Plan B
1. Start early–When you are looking to book your entertainment nothing puts you more in the drivers seat than looking and booking early.
2. Book a DJ with a smart Plan B for emergencies–Find out what the DJ’s emergency plan is. Then find out how a DJ has actually successfully used that plan. There’s nothing worse than a DJ saying they have a plan and then never having tested it. Heaven forbid anyone should have to experience the added anxiety, but it’s better to know there is a plan in place that actually works.
3. Hire a DJ with a Personal Guarantee–A Personal Guarantee puts the DJ’s name in the contract. It states that the DJ is personally committed to performing your wedding.
4. What is the probability of the DJ you are interested booking up with someone else before you decide. Some dates fill up more quickly. When my best friend married my wife’s best friend I recommended a great photographer. Later when my wife and I got engaged we wanted the same photographer. She wasn’t available. Don’t lose your favorite choice. (We had another great photographer BTW. Check out our preferred vendors page for more)
5. Cover all your entertainment bases. Will there be cocktails in another area? Who will provide music? How will guests move from one area to the next smoothly? Who is providing ceremony audio support, with the best quality microphones, the best approach for the best pictures, and the savviest advice for song selection?
6. Think about other areas where a Plan B might be appropriate.. and then plan NOT to use your Plan B. Such things as: reminders from your catering manager, wedding planner, or entertainment director on what to do next. The last thing you want is to look around and not see someone in charge, and be wondering when to cut the cake. Have someone there that can make things happen for you, when YOU are ready for them.
The best Plan B is one you have in place that you will never have to use.