AboutAlan Mckenzie Expertise All music related questions for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Questions on timelines, unique reception ideas, hiring wedding entertainment, finding entertainment professionals.
Experience Over 23 years experience as a Disc Jockey with the last 15 years as a wedding entertainment specialist. Experienced in planning, helping to coordinate and entertaining clients and guests in a professional, fun and elegent manner.
In addition I have taught several seminars on interaction (as an entertainer), microphone skills, business plans, keeping yourself educated, digital DJ'ing and more.
Organizations American Disc Jockey Assoc., Pacific Coast Disc Jockey Association (Past President & also a founding member), Southern Calif. Entertainers Assoc., ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants), Bridal Assoc. of America, Oxnard Chamber of Commerce.
Education/Credentials I have attended several seminars specifically related to mobile dj's as well as workshops and seminars for coordinators, speakers, team building, presentations, voice skills and more.
Awards and Honors Past President of the Pacific Coast Disc Jockey Assoc.
Past/Present Clients We keep our clients information confidential. However, if you need some, please specify how many and we will contact some of our clients to get permission to give you their contact information.
Question Hello,
i am looking to have a small informal ceremony on the beach with about 50 people. we then either want to have a party in a house that we rent on the beach or have a sit down dinner. we are trying to cut down on people and save money. we want to do this in Connecticut. Do you have any ideas at all for places to have the wedding or some sites to look on to find venues.? Basically i'm pretty clueless so ANY help you can offer would be great. Thanks so much and let me know if you need more info- i just didn't want to write a book. :)
Answer Hello Carrie!
I can't really answer your question as to places to have the wedding in Connecticut. I am on the opposite coast (California). However, I do have several ways to save some money for you!
First one is to SELF CATER the event. That means you either cook or buy the food in large packs (many restaurants and such will do this at a great rate!) then rent the chairs, Tables and such from a rental company. Around here that could mean a total cost per person of around $20 for a decent italian style meal. If you want you can hire servers or just assign a couple of people to do it for you (bridesmaids or groomsmen make a great choice as do any teenagers who would like to make a few $$'s).
Another is to forget about the 'party favors' that many people put out on the tables. Most of the time these get left behind anyway and nobody will miss them if they are NOT there. That alone can save you $100 or more.
Do flowers yourself. Find a local grower to buy flowers direct - this can save you about HALF what it would cost. OR, better yet, if it's a BEACH theme, use NON-floral items as decorations instead.
Cake - This can be expensive, especially for just 50 people. Check your local grocery store for Wedding cakes - and remember, only about half to two-thirds of your guests will even eat cake.
Places NOT to skimp to much - Entertainment, Photography and Officiant. They can make or break the wedding and memories you will have.
