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upscale weddings

Does photo booth work for upscale weddings?

Here is a very practical question: is photo booth a good fit for your upscale wedding? The very practical answer is “absolutely yes!” Photo booth is PERFECT for upscale weddings, especially when you use Crestline Entertainment’s photo booth.

Photo booth looks upscale

For starters, our photo booth looks elegant and upscale. And is staffed by a professional who knows how to handle your guests with finesse.

Ultimately, though, upscale weddings are similar to those of more modest means in this respect: your guests want to have fun. Even more, upscale wedding guests really know how to dress to the nines! That means they love to show off their finery, and they want pics, lots of them!

Photo booth provides your upscale guests exactly what they love at a fine affair. When they’re not mingling, they’re on the dance floor. When they’re not on the dance floor, they’re at the photo booth.

Create a cycle of fun

As Crestline Entertainment has pointed out in earlier blogposts, photo booth creates a cycle of fun that keeps your Chicagoland guests entertained for your entire wedding celebration.

We’ve noticed that some of the wealthiest guests at these affairs get the silliest in the photo booth. Photo booth provides an awesome opportunity for people in high-powered careers to simply “let their hair down.” Photo booth brings out the kid in them, whether they’re worth a million bucks … or simply a buck!

At the end of the party, your guests will go home with a treasure trove of beautiful, fun, silly, outlandish, and super memorable photo booth pics.

Planning an upscale wedding? You can’t afford NOT to have photo booth! Popular dates book extremely quickly. Call now to check on availability: 630-766-9898, or complete our contact form today.


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wedding venue tips

Wedding venue tips

Your Chicagoland wedding venue can make or break the quality of your wedding celebration in ways you may not realize. Having worked with wedding couples for so many years, we offer some super practical wedding venue tips to help your vision align with your reality.

This video is a good starting point. We offer more tips below:

Wedding venue tip #1

Your wedding venue is your biggest budget consideration. Most wedding planners suggest you set aside 45% to 50% of your total wedding budget for your venue.

By contrast, entertainment accounts for only 10% of your budget, but (and it’s a big BUT), entertainment accounts for 90% of the fun. Great wedding entertainment and a great venue are a great complement to each other. So watch your budget carefully when you’re selecting your venue so you don’t run out of money by the time you get to your entertainment.

Wedding venue tip #2

The main tip for selecting your venue is to lock in your guest list FIRST. No venue is a good venue if it doesn’t have room for all of your guests. Be aware that just because a venue says they have a capacity of, let’s say 200 guests, doesn’t mean 200 guests fit comfortably in the space.

You don’t want to feel cramped, that’s for sure. With Crestline Entertainment providing the entertainment, your dance floor gets a real workout. A cramped venue makes it harder for guests to join in the fun, especially if you add in a photo booth (which is fun on steroids!).

Think ahead. How many people do you really, really want at your reception, and what type of entertainment options fulfill your wedding dreams?

Wedding venue tip #3

When you meet with venues, have a clear vision of what is and what is NOT included in their package price. The biggies are obvious: is catering and the bar included? How about linens? Chairs, candles, parking.

Wedding venue tip #4

The video above offers helpful tips. One helpful tip is to ask what type of lighting and sound comes with your venue. That is a lesser issue if you use Crestline Entertainment for the entertainment. We provide state of the art sound equipment that surpasses any venue around. Even more, we provide a rich array of dazzling lighting options and shockingly affordable prices.

Wedding venue tip #5

Here’s another tip: contact us BEFORE you select your venue. We have worked at every venue imaginable, including some real gems that aren’t as well known as they should be. We may be able to point you to some of these gems once you tell us a little about your wedding dreams. Give us a call without obligation to pick our brain: 630-766-9898.

Crestline Entertainment is here to help your wedding celebration exceed your expectations. Happy planning!


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your music style

Can’t take that song off of you

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Crestline Entertainment plays your first dance song according to your music style. With some couples, style trumps the song itself.

The Knot compiled a nice list of first dance songs, and a few overlapped with our list, including the timeless classic, “Can’t take my eyes off of you.” The song was written in 1967 by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio and performed by Frankie Valli, one of his biggest hits ever.

Your music style

The song is so good that hundreds of artists have recorded it in a variety of styles. That means it has probably been recorded to mesh with your music style.

Lauryn Hill won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her hip hoppy rendition of the song. Check it out. Is this your music style?

39 million people have listened to Hill’s version on Youtube. Now you’re one of them!

The timeless British chanteuse, Petula Clark, had a jazzier take on the song:

Speaking of timeless, Nancy Wilson has a dreamy, soulful take on “Can’t Take My Eyes off of You.” Can’t you picture yourself dancing to her beautiful rendition of this classic?

Is this your music style, or do you need something even more romantic? How about the late, great Andy Williams?

Then again, maybe tradition defines you. You may prefer the original version of the song that is forever etched in everyone’s memory, the one sung by the legendary Frankie Valli:

Let us MC and DJ your event

A great song lends itself to many interpretations by great singing artists down through the ages. Crestline Entertainment will flawlessly MC your celebration and make announcements at the right time and introduce your first dance with flair and style.

We’ll play the version of your first dance song that complements YOUR music style. Get ready for a celebration characterized by customized entertainment built around you.

 


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mother-in-law advice

Future Mother-in-law advice

Mother-in-laws have been the butt of jokes down through the ages. Let’s face it, though, sometimes a mother can be kind of touchy when she marries off her son. You know how it can go, she views her new daughter-in-law as a rival for her son’s affections. It doesn’t have to be that way. Here is some simple mother-in-law advice for engaged women.

Jealousy can be the problem

In other other words, the root cause of friction is often jealousy. Mom thinks her son still belongs to her. Wifey think he belongs to her. Wifey is right that marriage becomes a man’s primary relationship.

Great future mother-in-law advice

The key to a sound relationship is to make your mother-in-law your friend. Here are some ideas how:

  1. Communicate. Involve her in your wedding planning where appropriate. Don’t shut her out. Don’t treat her as an interloper. Let her know you value her role in her son’s life and in your marriage.
  2. Ask for her advice. This lets her know you value her and helps to reduce and eliminate potential jealousy issues.
  3. Keep a sense of humor. For example, if she criticizes your cooking, you might simply deflect it with a little levity, “You know, though, I’m getting better. Now the dog will even eat it.”
  4. Embrace her good points. She has them. Don’t dwell on the negative, because that’s a loser for everyone.
  5. Thank her at the wedding. You can do it privately, of course, but for maximum impact, make a toast where you can publicly thank her. Some readers may retort that the bride doesn’t make a toast at the wedding. Why not? It’s your wedding! Here’s what you might say:

“David and I have so many people to thank. And over the weeks to come, we’ll do that in a more personal way than I’m able to tonight. For now, I can only say that people are built for joy, to experience profound happiness in their life. That’s why we come together at an event like our wedding: to celebrate. We’re celebrating the best life has to offer: love. I am so grateful to my parents for all they’ve given me which has led me to this turning point in my life. And I am especially grateful to my new in-laws, Linda and Fred, for giving me the greatest gift of my life: David. I will be eternally grateful for the two of you for the rest of my life. I love you both. Thank-you.”

Mother-in-law jokes like the one Jeff Foxworthy tells in the video above will never go away. But if you cultivate a good relationship with your future mother-in-law, you can both laugh at his joke together.

Have fun together!

Here’s some final mother-in-law advice: Another way to forge a good relationship is to have fun together, starting at your wedding! Crestline Entertainment is a wedding reception specialist who will pack your dance floor and unite your party in a spirit of fun. Learn more today without obligation.


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bridezilla

How to be a bridezilla: Part 2

Last week’s blogpost on the art and science of becoming a bridezilla was a big hit. We obviously struck a chord. Suggestions gushed in from bridezillas throughout the area on their secrets for becoming a world class bridezilla.

The ‘Extravagant Wedding Shower’ technique

A recent bride, we’ll call her Brandi, said she had tremendous success by making endless demands on her bridesmaids. She insisted on an extravagant wedding shower at a cool out of town destination. She insisted they pay for it. She insisted that everyone attend, even if it strained their budget … or else.

She said it worked like a charm. Those bridesmaids who still talk to her have no problem calling her bridezilla to her face.

The ‘Destination Wedding’ technique

And then there’s a gal named Brittany (you may know her, so we changed the name) who not only planned a destination wedding in Hawaii, but insisted that her guests all wear color-coordinated attire to complement her color theme. Sadly, none of her invitees could make it, but Brittany and her hubby were glad to save the money and use it to go para sailing wearing color-coordinated swimming suits, no less!

The ‘Keep Guests Waiting’ technique

We heard about this next idea from quite a few bridezillas. They loved the idea of keeping their guests waiting for hours at the reception while their photographer took lots and lots of pics back at the church. The extra time allowed him to be sure he got nice posed shots as well as photo journalism, documentary, and edgy pics.

IMPORTANT TIP: When you use this bridezilla technique, be sure you have a CASH BAR. There’s nothing for your guests to do while they’re waiting but to drink, which can get sort of pricey for you. Let them pick up the tab. Oh, and be sure no food is served to tide them over. These well lubricated guests will really be ready to party when you finally make your grand entrance!

The “Treat Your Future Mother-in-law as an Outsider” Technique

Here’s one more idea, which comes to us from a recent bride who must remain anonymous, she said, because her personal safety is on the line if her name gets out. Anyway, she found great success by treating her future mother-in-law as an outsider, an interloper, and as a trespassing irritant.

“After all, this is my wedding, not hers. Every suggestion she made caused my skin to crawl!” said Miss Anonymity. “And MY MOM was picking up the tab, not her.”

Evidently, the bride’s attitude didn’t sit too well with mom-in-law to-be, whose brother Luigi had connections to a colorful collection of characters who got wind of these bridezilla shenanigans. Which might explain the bride’s need for anonymity.

How about you? Do you have some good bridezilla techniques you’d like to share? We have not yet begun to scratch the surface!

In the meantime, Crestline Entertainment offers great online planning tools which relieves brides’ stress. It’s hard to be a bridezilla when everything is nice and easy. That’s what you get with us. Great entertainment. Nice and easy professionals to work with. And stress free planning.

Why wait? Check on available dates today! Or simply pick up the phone and call right now: 630-766-9898.


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bridezilla

How to be a Bridezilla

Are you a woman who has aspired to be a bridezilla your entire life? In our quest to be a valuable resource to our readers, today’s blogpost reveals a step by step approach you can use to becoming the bridezilla you’ve always dreamed of being.

1. To begin, remember that this wedding is all about you. Your fianceé, your family, and your friends come second. Your every whim is what counts. Be assertive. Don’t let them get in your way.

A bridezilla should talk about nothing other than her wedding plans

2. Along that line, it is vital that you talk about your wedding. All. The. Time. Be ready to defend your position. For example, let’s say you’re having coffee with a girl friend who just gave birth to her first child. Your self-centered friend just can’t stop cooing over the little attention-grabber. Cut her off at the knees. You might want to say something kind of like this:

“I am appalled at your selfishness, Louise. After all, knowing you, you’re probably going to have a bunch more babies. But I am planning to get married only once. This is my time to talk. So next time we meet, I must insist that you get a baby sitter. That’s the only way I know I’ll have your full attention.”

That’ll put her in her place! Sometimes tough love is necessary with friends!

A bridezilla doesn’t believe in a budget

3. Okay, here’s another key element of achieving your Bridezilla dream: throw your budget out the window. Remember, this is YOUR day. If you don’t splurge for your wedding day, then when will you? Beg, borrow, or steal the money if you have to. You’re worth it. If you want a wedding gown of sumptuous, pale ivory silk taffeta and antique lace, adorned with thousands of pearls and a jaw-dropping 25-foot long train, go for it.

So what if the average cost of a wedding in the US is $35,329 (according to The Knot). If the Bridezilla in you thinks you won’t be happy with a penny less than $100,000, well, tell your father or fiancee’ that’s what overtime is for.

4. Finally, pamper yourself. Need a manicure or a massage? Do it, even if it means cancelling lunch with your fiancee’. After all, he’s going to have you for the rest of his life. You want to look and feel your best for your big day. Don’t let anyone, even him, get in your way.

Ready to become a Bridezilla worthy of your own television show? Just follow the 4 easy steps above.

If you’re not the bridezilla type…

On the other hand, if your view your wedding as being about more than you, in other words, as a celebration to be shared with people you love the most, don’t do any of the above.

You’ll be sensitive to your parents, your friends, and especially your fiancee’, and you’ll dote on your friend’s new born baby. You’ll live within your means and stick to your budget, because you’ll know that entertainment makes the event. And great entertainment as provided by Crestline Entertainment is more than affordable, it’s priceless.

We believe the wedding planning process should be fun, exciting, and stress-free. No need to be a bridezilla, especially with the great planning tools we offer clients. Learn more today about planning the wedding of your dreams on a budget you can live with!


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marriage is good for your heart

Marriage is good for your heart

The case for marriage keeps getting stronger, because new medical studies reveal that marriage is good for your heart. Make that shockingly good for your heart!

Doctors tell us we need to exercise, because it makes our heart stronger so we live longer. Now medical science reveals that love and marriage is the absolutely best tonic for our heart. Do you want to live longer? Fall in love and get married!

Proof that marriage is good for your heart

Skeptical? Need proof? Here it is. Dr. Arshed Quyyumi is co-director of Emory Clinical Cardiovascular Research Institute and professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta. The results of a study of 6051 patients revealed shocking results. Compared to their married counterparts, unmarried people were:

•24 percent higher risk of death from any cause;

•45 percent higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease; and

•52 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death/heart attack.

And specifically, the risk of cardiovascular death/heart attack was:

•40 percent higher for those who were never married;

•41 percent higher for those who were divorced or separated; and

•71 percent higher for those who had been widowed.

“I was somewhat surprised by the magnitude of the influence of being married has (on heart patients),” says Dr. Arshed Quyyumi, lead researcher and professor of medicine at Emory University, in an American Heart Association news release. “Social support provided by marriage, and perhaps many other benefits of companionship, are important for people with heart disease.”

We’ve all heard the term ‘dying of a broken’ heart, and you can see that it’s true in light of the higher risk of a fatal heart attack for those who have been widowed.

Love not only makes the ‘world go round,’ it makes us live long IF we are married.

Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage!

This study brings to mind a song made famous by Frank Sinatra with catchy music written by Jimmy Van Heusen and timeless lyrics by Sammy Cahn. The song introduced itself to a whole new generation in the opening credits for the television show, “Married with Children:”

Whatever you do, don’t let Al Bundy (above) sour you on marriage, because doctors have the hard data: marriage is good for your heart.

And when in your wisdom you get married, call us in the planning stage for the wedding entertainment that makes the event. Crestline Entertainment is a proud supporter of love and marriage!


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suits vs. tuxedos for weddings

Suits vs. tuxedos for weddings. Which is right for you?

 


Is a suit or a tuxedo right for your Chicagoland wedding? Trends change over time. Windsor ties really gained popularity over the past ten years, but now bowties are making a comeback, as you may have noticed on recent award shows. So when it comes to suits vs. tuxedos for weddings, anything goes.

The video below is helpful, as it begins by clarifying the distinction between a suit and a tuxedo. For example, a suit uses plastic buttons and tuxedos use cloth buttons. For example, suits don’t typically include a vest, but tuxedos do. For example, a tuxedo uses satin embellishments, suits don’t.

The most popular tuxedo colors are black, like funnyman Seth Meyers (above) wore when he hosted the Golden Globe Awards, followed by grays, blues, browns, ivory, and white. You’ll also note Mr. Meyers is sporting a bowtie which Hollywood fashionistas are trending towards these days.

The video points out that one of the worst questions asked at a wedding is, which man is the groom? This is a problem when every groomsman wears the same suit or tuxedo as the groom. The video suggests that you coordinate the groom’s tie and vest with the bride’s colors so there is no doubt who is getting married, and have the groomsmen forgo the vest, or wear a different colored vest.

Here’s another tip if you’d like to distinguish your ushers from the rest of the groomsmen: they can wear windsor ties and the rest wear bowties, or vice versa.

Suits vs. tuxedos for weddings: it’s your call

A final thought. Men wear suits to work or a funeral. But a wedding is special. This is your chance to go all out and look the best you’ve ever looked. If you don’t wear a tuxedo now, then when?

For the record, Crestline Entertainment djs will wear a tuxedo to your event, unless other attire is requested. Check us out. We offer the finest wedding entertainment for Chicagoland brides and grooms.


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wedding posing techniques

Wedding posing techniques for awkward brides and grooms

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Wedding photography is such a wonderful art form. But traditional photography has lost a little popularity over the years. The best photographers have compensated by developing better wedding posing techniques which result in far better planned shots than your parents had.

What to do with the hands?

The problem with so many awkward brides, grooms, and wedding parties is what to do with their hands. We’ve noticed that with the best posed shots, creative photographers have put the subjects’ hands to good use to create a more natural posed look.

With the groom, a simple technique is to simply have him grab his lapel.

For a fun couples shot, the bride can tug on the groom’s tie.

For a fun shot of the groomsmen, the bride can simply put her hands on her hips and let them gawk. Or the groomsmen can put their arms around the groom with their hands held high.

For drama, let the groom simply extend his open hand to his adoring bride.

There are some good photographers we’d be happy to refer you to who have developed artful wedding posing techniques. They know how to make your wedding portraits fun and memorable.

In a previous blogpost, we discussed the four most popular styles of wedding photography. The are: traditional, documentary, fine art, and edgy. Contemporary traditional photography has blurred the lines between these styles with fun wedding posing techniques that put the hands to good use.

When the photographs are finished, we’ll put everyone’s hands AND feet to good use by packing the dance floor. Check out Chicagoland wedding entertainment at its finest.