Good News for Late October Hatteras Island weddings

The new bridge connecting Hatteras Island to the rest of Dare County is scheduled to open by Tuesday, 10/11. Here's the story:
http://outerbanksvoice.com/2011/10/05/n-c-12-to-reopen-by-tuesday-ncdot-says/

Outer Banks weather

As Hurricane Irene is reminding us, the unpredictable nature of the weather on the Outer Banks means a back up plan for your wedding is essential. While it's still too early to know what the impact of the storm will be for this weekend, it seems likely that the Outer Banks will at least receive heavy rain. Those planning for outside weddings will rest easier with a backup plan for an inside ceremony/reception. If the storm becomes a major issue for our area, your event may have to be rescheduled. Check with your vendors and venue to see how flexible they are in changing times and/or dates.

using an iPod instead of a DJ

Some brides and grooms opt to use an iPod instead of a DJ, often to save money on reception expenses. I think iPods can work sometimes, especially if it is a small wedding and the bride doesn't think there will be much dancing. Another option some couples decide on is to use an iPod during the cocktail hour of the reception, then have a DJ start at dinner time. That way they save a little money but still get the advantages of a DJ for most of the reception. I think the biggest advantages of using a DJ over an iPod include the bride and groom not having to spend so much time creating a playlist and worrying about if it will go over well. A DJ also has the ability to change the music quickly to adjust to the mood of the crowd.

If you have questions about whether or not an iPod would be a viable option for you, give Matt a call at 252-722-2351 or send him an email to matt@outerbanksmusicmasters.com. We'll give you an honest assessment and never try to sell you a service you don't need.

July Heat

This has been one of the hottest July's I can remember on the Outer Banks. Thankfully, most of our receptions have been inside, so it hasn't been much of a factor. If you're planning a July wedding on the Outer Banks, you definitely want to keep the heat in mind, especially if you're thinking of an outdoor ceremony or reception.

Seating arrangements

Something you may want to consider when deciding where to seat your guests is the location of your DJ or band. If you have guests who are more sensitive to noise, or not as into music, you may want to seat them as far away from the entertainment as possible. The party people in your group will probably enjoy being closer to the music.

Verifying Your Music Selections

If you're choosing songs that aren't well known as some of your special selections, for the first dance, parent dances, etc., make it a point to verify that your DJ has the right version. I recently emceed a wedding where the bride and groom requested an unusual song. After finding two versions of the song online, I asked the bride if she wanted the 9+ minute version or the 5 minute version. She asked for the shorter version because who wants to have a first dance that lasts 9 minutes? Well, it turns out the versions are pretty different, with the shorter one being more rocking, and the longer one more acoustic and suited to the first dance. I started playing the short version and the bride and groom stood there staring at me like I had two heads. After a few awkward seconds, I cued up the long version. That was the one they were expecting to hear. Thank God I got both versions.

Toasts

One thing to keep in mind when putting together your time line is when to schedule the toasts. I’ve found that if you have a toaster who is not comfortable speaking in front of people, it may be better to do the toasts early in the cocktail of dinner hour. Several times I’ve seen a well meaning but nervous person end up giving a less than stellar toast simply because they drank a little too much to try to relax. You may want to also tell those who will be giving toasts that if they’re nervous, they can always keep it short. I’ve never heard a concise toast that bombed.

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