Host and Toast!

Photos by:

The Casa Monica Hotel, WeddingWire

Engagement parties and bridal showers are notorious for their various themes, filled with games and gift giving specific to the bride and groom. Many of these themes have been replicated again and again, with little room for creativity and thought. Which is why we're introducing you to "Host and Toast", an engagement party/bridal shower theme for the bride and groom who love to entertain and are clearly natural hosts.

 This themed celebration is the perfect opportunity for guests to contribute to the couple's entertaining tool box. Most couples accumulate these items over time, such as board games or a set of horseshoes. And a good majority of these items are not usually considered wedding appropriate gifts to give. For the couple who may already have a lot of household items, guests can give them the gift of entertainment.

You can even make it nostalgic! Games such as Twister or Battleship, even Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots, these games were probably childhood favorites for the couple. Let the whole party be a throwback of yesteryear!


**We love the idea of creative engagement party themes! Have you heard of one and want to share it? Tell us about it! We're always looking for new and creative ways for our couples to celebrate their engagement!

              Love,
                  The Emily Weddings Team

iPod Your Wedding?

Thinking of ditching your DJ ideas to save some money? Considering your iPod instead? Let's discuss the costs and the benefits of using an iPod as your "DJ" and actually using a professional DJ.

Okay, so using your iPod might save you some dollars on your reception costs, but it may just cost you more than you think. Numerous scenarios can happen when opting to use an iPod at your wedding.

 #1- You've made this "great playlist" of songs but apparently it's not what your guests want to hear! The result...no one is dancing! What a disaster!

 #2-You've got your computer (iTunes) hooked up and ready to go...but it dies halfway through the wedding! What's your back up? Do you even have one?

#3- You want someone to help organize when the first dances are (mother with groom, father with bride etc.), so you ask a friend?
 

Deciding to use your own computer/iPod for your wedding looks great in a budget, but it will cost you something more than money could be worth sometimes....the overall effect of your wedding and how happy your guests will be. 

~On the brighter side! DJ's can be a world of a difference! And here's why! = )

 #1- DJ's have an almost infinite source of music for every occasion and for every mood. They're good at switching up the playlist to match the guests' mood and get them on their feet!

 #2- A good DJ is a GREAT MC! And this is probably a key component in any smooth running wedding. The DJ can instruct the flow of the event through music and also through his/her ability to coordinate important moments like the father/daughter dance or a special toast!

 #3- Another important detail...DJ's (good DJ's anyway) should also provide a backup if for some reason their equipment malfunctions during your wedding. You always have to think about the "what ifs", and more often than not, there will be some electrical malfunction or technical difficulties. Having a back up and being overly prepared is what the event professionals are for.

 DJ's are fun! They help make your wedding a seamless, flawless event that's memorable for everyone! They engage your guests in the nights events and make for a truly unforgettable wedding.

 **Tell me what you think? Are you planning to ditch the DJ at your wedding and iPod it? 

            Love,

                   The Emily Weddings Team