Apr 16

Turn your monterey wedding venue from standard to extraordinary!

We all have seen those amazing wedding on Platinum Weddings or Martha Stewart Weddings, but what really makes them “look” so amazing?

Lighting is the key!

The talented and professional event lighting staff at DNA Entertainment specialize in custom Monterey Wedding Lighting.

We are pleased to present a variety of lighting packages to improve and enhance the ambiance of your Monterey Wedding.

Up Lighting

Up Lighting is the most economical solution and can be the perfect touch to enhance any monterey wedding.

Up Lighting can be used in many ways: softening up walls, illuminating flowers and trees, and transforming any ordinary room into a spectacular room. Up lighting will give your event the depth and atmosphere you are looking for.

Pin Spot lighting

Pin Spot lighting is a perfect solution to enhance your tables, centerpieces, and cake.

By dimming the main lights and pin spotting important aspects of your event, like they do in an art gallery or fancy restaurant, your event will have the dramatic look and feel it deserves.

String Lighting

String lighting is the perfect solution to illuminate dance floors and dining areas.

We use commercial grade, pear shaped, 15 watt bulbs that are spaced 18″ apart which give the perfect amount of warm light.

When dining or dancing under these sting lights, your event will be one that is remembered by you and your guest forever.

Custom Gobos

DNA Entertainment can create a Custom Gobo of your names or initials and projected it on your dance floor or behind your head table.

A Custom Gobo truly adds a unique touch to your Monterey Wedding.

Please click on event lighting on our site to see pictures of different types of event lighting we can offer.

Contact us today to get a personalized quote and create the wedding of your dreams.

Jun 21
  1. Are you insured? Can you supply me with proof of liability?
    Many responsible business owners carry liability insurance to protect their businesses and the consumer. Many locations are beginning to require proof of liability. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Disc Jockey’s receive a Certificate of Liability which can be used as proof.
  2. Will you be willing to play requests and discuss music ahead of time?
    A versatile Disc Jockey is willing to listen to your suggestions, give you feedback and play from your desired song list. A professional Monterey Disc Jockey will also accept the fact you may not want certain songs played. A professional Monterey Disc Jockey cannot know everything about your musical preferences and entertainment needs without communication.
  3. Do you use Professional Equipment?
    Ask whether your prospective Monterey Disc Jockey works with professional audio equipment. If you are not sure, ask for their equipment list and check with a local music dealer or N.A.M.E to verify they are using professional-grade sound gear. Remember that professional gear does not guarantee an entertainer’s talent or service level, but is simply a tool for building an exceptional event.
  4. Do you provide backup equipment at my event?
    Although equipment failure is rare, do you really want your special occasion ruined because your Monterey Disc Jockey did not come prepared? It is also important to know if your Disc Jockey has a back-up plan in case of illness or an accident. Members of N.A.M.E. have many resources available to them in case of an emergency.

    Booking a reliable Monterey Disc Jockey is a very important decision for the success of your party. Selecting a Monterey Disc Jockey who is an active member of the American Disc Jockey Association will provide you with the confidence that you have selected a trained professional. N.A.M.E. members are more likely to be involved with other Monterey Disc Jockey’s who can help them out with an unexpected situation.

  5. Does the Disc Jockey know the proper etiquette for your type of party?
    A professional Disc Jockey will assist you with the planning of your special day. Most professional entertainers will coordinate, emcee and provide the music that you desire. Ask if they have experience with your type of event.
  6. How much time do you allow for set-up?
    Punctuality is a necessity. Most Monterey Disc Jockey’s arrive at least two hour prior to the start time you’ve given them. Your entertainer should be setup and in-place before your first guest walks through the door.
  7. Do you provide a written contract?
    It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing. Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.
  8. Will you be suitably dressed for our occasion?
    Specify the type of apparel that your Monterey Disc Jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a “themed” event, make sure your entertainer is informed.
  9. Do you belong to a professional organization or trade group?
    Although belonging to an organization or trade group does not guarantee the talent or professionalism of a disc jockey, it may indicate the company’s willingness to network, learn and grow. Monterey Disc jockeys can learn through local chapter meetings, national DJ conventions and seminars geared toward the entertainment professional.

Other Items to Note
Disc Jockey rates vary based on talent, experience, emcee ability, service, coordination, equipment needed, music knowledge, mixing ability and personality.

Rates for theMonterey DJ industry vary greatly, ranging from $500.00 to over $3,000.00 with an average of $1,200.00 for a 4 hour booking. The best price is not always the best deal, especially if you are planning a Monterey Wedding. As a matter of fact, surveys conclude that nearly 100% of brides would have spent more money on their entertainment and made it their #1 priority in hindsight.

A full-service Monterey disc jockey company will normally invest 12 to 30 hours to your special event but it may appear that you are only paying for “4 hours”. Consultations, music purchasing & editing, preparation, set-up and tear-down, education and other business related endeavors add up to the overall success of your special occasion.

Jun 05
wedding music
Getting married in a Catholic ceremony without a mass, meeting with the music director soon- However I’m looking for dramatic music that will fit with our evening ceremony. What songs have you used or heard in Catholic weddings?
Apr 23
wedding music
Wedding songs are the life and soul of your wedding celebrations. They set the mood of the celebrations from the beginning to the end. Choosing the best songs for your wedding day celebrations can enhance the joyous mood of the day and make it a memorable event.

The weddings of the past featured traditional wedding songs. Today, couples can choose from a wide range of music. Choosing the best songs for their wedding celebrations is the most exciting aspect of the wedding day celebrations.

Couples usually select songs that are deeply significant to them in a special way. Playing such songs on the wedding day makes it a unique and personal experience for them. For example, a couple could select a song that they heard during their first date or a few songs of their favorite singer.

Consider the following points when you select your wedding day songs:

1. Venue

Select songs that suit the venue you have chosen for your wedding day celebrations. Wedding ceremonies are usually conducted in a church, and couples must first ascertain whether the church authorities allow their favorite music to be played within the church premises. Some churches are particular about the type of songs that should played during the services.

Other venues might not have placed any constraint on the type of songs that can be played. In any case, choose sober songs for your wedding ceremony, not the type of songs that might be in sharp contrast to the solemnity of the occassion. You can play all the amusing and entertaining music you like at your reception.

2. Music Band

Select a good DJ or music band that will create great wedding music for you. If you have decided to have a traditional wedding, you might hire a classical ensemble to play at your reception. If you are having a quiet wedding at home in the company of your friends and family members, you could get a flute trio, a solo pianist, or a string quartet to play your classical wedding music.

3. Planning Wedding Songs

Couples have to select several songs for their wedding. In fact, you have to select different types of songs for six different aspects of the wedding.

Prelude music is joyous and festive and is played chiefly to welcome family members and friends to your wedding ceremony.

The wedding procession marks the beginning of the ceremony, and the songs played at this time are to welcome the gathering and to alert the guests that the bride is about to enter.

A bridal procession is the most important part of the ceremony. Many prefer the conventional bridal march. However, the practise of playing different type of music during it can make it a unique and memorable event. Besides, it is quite acceptable in the modern days.

During the interludes, you can use a variety of songs to enhance the emotional charging of the environment.

Festive wedding songs should played during the recessional because the music is to celebrate the fact that the couple are now officially united.

The music of the postlude is more grateful, full of thanks to the guests who have made it to the wedding ceremony.

Apr 23
wedding music
There was a time when couples had ‘their song’ and the decision of which track to use for the first dance at a wedding was a simple one. However, in the new millennium, this choice is not as easy as you might think for some couples. Whether this is due to a glut in good quality modern love songs and ballads is debatable, but with the growing popularity of hip hop, dance and house music, the likelihood of the newly-weds favourite song being at the right tempo and having appropriate lyrics, becomes more remote.

A quick search of U-tube will show you that this doesn’t pose a problem for everybody, with plenty of comedy clips of elaborate ‘first dances’ to tracks like ‘I Like Big Butts and I Cannot Lie’. However, such a theatrical approach is not to everyone’s taste and a return to the more traditional ballads of the twentieth century is still very common. Indeed, out of the top ten songs rated by users of www.occasionsongs.com only one was written within the last ten years.

It may seem obvious, but having selected a track, a quick check of the lyrics and some research into the premiss of the song is well worth doing. For example, at first listen, Lou Reeds ‘Perfect Day’ might be regarded as particularly suitable, with a great tune, tempo and seemingly appropriate lyrics. However, if you dig a little deeper, you will find that many people suggest that this song was written about Lou Reeds heroine addiction. Even if it wasn’t, the final line “you’re going to reap just what you sow” isn’t exactly the most romantic line ever.

Another classic song to be regularly misinterpreted is ‘Every Breath You Take’ by the Police. A quick google search will show you that this song is widely regarded as being about Stings break-up with his first wife (hardly a fitting sentiment for the first dance of a newly wed couple).

So how do you navigate your way through the pitfalls of choosing a song for the ‘first dance’ at your wedding, if you don’t already have a suitable favourite? Well, if you can’t face reading through the sleeve notes of your record collection, you can try some of the many internet sites offering suitable suggestions, such as www.occasionsongs.com , which as well as providing popular lists and song lyrics, also gives useful additional information about each song, allowing you to assess how appropriate it really is. If all else fails, you could just play safe and plump for an instrumental track instead (occasionsongs.com recommend Santana’s Samba Pa Ti).

Apr 23
wedding music
The wedding ceremony is very important on this momentous occasion and using live music can give the ceremony a unique perspective to the wedding. A ceremony that has no music or a wedding ceremony that does not have the appropriate music may work out but it will not have that romantic feel and it will feel lifeless

The wedding ceremony is the more serious part of the wedding while the reception in the grand celebration which congratulates the couple on their marriage. There are 2 general types of music available for a modern wedding, they are a DJ or live musicians. A DJ is a person who plays CDs through a sound system at your reception and provides stage lighting for additional effect. The advantage to hiring a live band for your reception is that there is a certain synergy that occurs when live musicians perform together that cannot be achieved with a DJ, and live musicians can are also able to adapt to the “vibe” of the room – playing faster, slower, louder or softer depending on the preferences of you and your guests.

Unless, of course, you’re determined to have a band sing at your wedding. One of the critical steps during wedding music planning is to decide the type of music to be played, and who will perform it, a live band or a DJ. Regardless of a live band or a DJ, your goal is to hire the right person(s) for the job to enliven your wedding.

A four or five-piece band with a small PA system is generally required if the party is 100 or more. Listen to recordings of the band performing live, where available. If the band is having fun on stage, so will you on the dance-floor. You need a band that wants to party as much as you do.

Here are some tips you can use when you choose music for your wedding. When choosing the music for your wedding make sure you choose something that you and your guests will dance to. Experienced musicians are able to play songs that will be appropriate to the wedding even if you don’t know what songs to choose from.

If there is no theme and you are having trouble choosing the song this means you will have many choices to choose from. Why not walk down the aisle to an appropriate pop song or soundtrack from a favorite movie or musical. Choosing music for your wedding you need to find a piece that stands apart from other music.

Many people are still using traditional bridal songs, but many are not because most want to walk down the isle to music that fits their personalities.

There should be songs that are exciting and that will make the guests get up and dance. During the first dance of the wedding most people never forget how their spouses looked. The most enjoyable part of the wedding reception is the dance music. When choosing dance music for your wedding, you need to decide if you want the services of a DJ or a band for your wedding.

When your marriage is over many grooms and brides can recall the songs that were played at their wedding are able to relive the day they were married. There are so many wonderfully romantic and very suitable songs available today.

Apr 22
wedding music
Wedding ceremonies and receptions would not be the same without music. The main role of a Monterey Wedding DJ is to keep the couple and their guests on their feet at the ceremony and the reception. The couple usually walks to beautiful songs as they come into the church at the beginning of the ceremony. Most of them enlist the services of nuptial Disc Jockeys to help them choose the best songs; find their favorite songs or songs that have special meaning s for them. A wedding DJ in Monterey or any other place is usually expected to sit down with the couple to know their tastes and preferences. They are also expected to lend some useful advice concerning wedding music to the couple. Since Disk Jockeys often attend nuptials, they usually offer advice on other matters concerning the wedding to the couple either directly or indirectly.

Finding a wedding DJ in Monterey or any other big city is not as difficult as many people would imagine. Marriage Dee Jay companies are very common and offer satisfactory services to their clients. Some of these professionals work as individuals. One can find these companies in directories used in their country. Wedding Dee Jays and their respective companies abound on the internet. They offer their services at different rates based on different criteria.

The fact that there is fierce competition in the industry in various locations makes it easier for couples that are seeking these services offered by professionals. A wedding DJ in Monterey or any such location that do not conduct him or herself professionally is not worth a try. A professional in this field is always well groomed and has impeccable manners. A marriage Dee Jay whose rates fall in line with a couple’s budget is the most ideal to hire. Since there are many to choose from, one can opt for the most affordable. A nuptial’s DJ should also be well versed with different kinds of events to play the appropriate music for these. Experience on the part of the DJ is very important. They always know the songs to play during different phases of the ceremony. They also know how to gauge if the music they are playing are having any impact on the guests and usually make changes if they are not having any impact. If the couple is dealing with a DJ company, they should always inquire and request the company to send them over prior to the ceremony so that they can be well acquainted to each other. If the couple does not like the DJ, they should ask the company to provide them with another.

A reason for a couple engaging the services of a Monterey Wedding DJ or any other city is one is likely to get professional service at their nuptial. Another benefit is since they are experienced, they will keep the dance floor packed through out as there will be no boring moments as opposed to if one had asked a relative or friend to play the music for them.

Apr 22
If there were an ideal wedding planning guide, someone would already determine its price and many people would already buy the perfect wedding planning recipe. When you want something to go smoothly and without much stress and unexpected moments, you must have a good plan and prepare it in advance. With a good wedding planning guide and appropriate budget, your wedding can be the one from breathtaking romantic movies or can even convey the message of unforgettable scenes and moments that will everybody remind of and enjoy. Wedding planning is worth spending every second and coin. You organize this lovely event because of you and your love. You can hire the most successful team to organize everything for you and you can always do that yourself- whatever way you choose, plan every single detail. Still don’t know how to start? Here are some useful ideas.

First, be aware of your budget! Wedding day is one of important days in your life, but not the only and the most important one. Life goes on after the wedding day too, so do not let it be a fairy tale, which will turn into a nightmare on the very first morning. Wedding budget should also be part of your wedding planning guide. Pin down everything you want and everything you need and see if there are any matches between your wishes and their prices. If the wedding list is too long, make a selection of its components. Cross out everything, you really do not need or try not to choose the most luxury and expensive models and brands, as your wedding is not an advertisement. On the contrary, it should reflect your own ideas, images and of course love.

Second, your wedding planning guide should consist of the precisely specified number of people you are going to invite, which directly depends on the type of wedding you want- an intimate and small one or a pig party where you expect to see journalists and paparazzi. Once you determined this, make a list of your wedding guests. It should be your list, not your parents’ list or your parents-in-law. Their friends and relatives are of course welcome but you must have some priorities in order to avoid the terrible mix of people who cannot stand each other, not talking about any unwilling events.

Third, the wedding venue and wedding music can contribute to the wonderful picture you plan to have all your life. They can be as different as you can or cannot imagine- on the top of the skyscraper in the moonlight or by the sea in the splashing, fresh sea and sand atmosphere, on a desert island or most attractive tourist destination or traditionally in a good restaurant or hotel. Whatever your choice is, everything you want should be part of your wedding planning guide and do not forget to search for and book everything in advance. The wedding place and wedding music are place and melody of your love, so try to make them romantic, joyful and bright!

Apr 21
Music has been an integral part of every wedding ceremony since several decades. Originally just the church hymns and other religious music were the only part of wedding celebrations But with the trend of more destination marriages, music has become quite popular. Secular music is being chosen by most of the couples these days for their weddings as it suits their taste and personality. For a perfect religious touch and belief, the religious music is still preferred. A bit of contemporary touch in the wedding music works great for more interest and enjoyment of the guests.

The music plays a vital role in every marriage ceremony and helps the guests to make them comfortable in the environment. In order to avoid the guests getting bored, and shun away the irritating sounds of babbling allover the marriage venue, it becomes your duty and a necessity to entertain your guests with some music.

The wedding processional music is another form of music; it mainly depends upon the size of your wedding party. The music and the songs should be dedicated to the bride on receiving the news of her arrival.

Next is the mid ceremony music. You can either hire some professionals or your friends can participate in this musical service. This is carried out when the candle ceremony takes place or while signing the registry.

Then is the recessional music which mostly engages some upbeat or celebratory music for setting the mood of the guests for a dance. When the guests start bestowing blessings on the couple and begin congratulating both the families, then the atmosphere should be filled with either a soft jazz or some love songs. At this point of time, the couple can perceive a few solitary moments before marching to the reception hall.

The reception carried out at the last is traditionally the time for acknowledging your family members and friends. Music of different styles is usually woven with dance steps at this time. The soft romantic tones with various dance numbers get hold of the mood of the guests during the whole wedding ceremony.

Apr 21
wedding music
Music is something that is a key element in any good wedding. Deciding what type of music you’d like to play is one of the trickier aspects of planning a wedding. Not only do you have to find music that you like, you also have to choose music that the guests would enjoy. Playing nothing but sappy love songs for hours on end will not only bore the guests, but overdo the whole celebration. So, what type of music should be played at a successful wedding? Variety!

Yes, love songs are to be expected, but they should also be limited. Playing ten love songs back to back can get very tiresome. And no one wants to slow dance for ten consecutive songs, except maybe the love birds. But remember, not everyone that is celebrating your wedding with you is in a relationship. A good idea would be to mix things up a bit. If you’d like to play a lot of romance songs, doing them back to back wouldn’t be the best idea. Perhaps playing a love song, and then something different in between would be a better idea. The top most played love songs at weddings include, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, and “Your Song” by Elton John. These songs tend to sum up quite a lot of emotions that couples may not be able to vocalize themselves. Which is why for the first dance these songs, and songs similar, are ideal, but for other parts of the wedding these songs are best to be avoided.

Parts of a wedding where music is to be expected can be broken down into groups. We start off with the ceremony, where the traditional songs can be played. After that music begins to be more of a challenge as we enter into the celebration. There should be different music for the bride’s dance with her father, the groom’s dance with his mother, the first dance (which was previously touched upon), the garter and bouquet toss, the cutting of the cake, background music for dinner, music for the celebration, and finally music for the last dance.

For the mother dance and the father dance, similar music can actually be used. Both dances are thanking the parents; therefore the music should be thanking the parents as well. Music for the celebration should be a wide variety, since your guests will also be all ages and have very many different music variations that they like. These songs can be anything from an Abba song, to a Justin Timberlake song, or even if you want a song from Queen.

More of a laid back song can be used when cutting the cake or a funny song that plays with the idea such as “Cut The Cake” by Average White Band can be used. And how amusing would it be to have the song “Wild Thing” by Tone Loc plays as the groom strips off the garter. The bouquet toss can take on a different approach. An amusing song such as “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper can play, or a softer song may be selected.

As the celebration comes to an end, a song for the last dance should be played as well. The guests are leaving, and the couple will be beginning a new life together. A song for goodbye to the guests, but hello to a new life would be a perfect song. “Last Dance” by Donna Summer would be a good song for this. But overall just remember to play music that you like, because in the end this is your day, and you’ll remember every piece of it. Remember it with good background music!