About 5 years ago I did the 45th year reunion for Leland that we celebrated at the Los Gatos Lodge. I do remember it was a good time when I looked up their playlist from their first event I did for them. This list was a little different from the previous party since it was all old school. Last time, they had some current hits sprinkled in. This year we had the party in Villa Regusa in Campbell. Downtown Campbell is not the easiest place to park but there is first floor parking in the garage. You have the option of taking your do gear up the elevator or take it up the stairs. There was another function but it did not interfere with the function we were having. I was all set up and I was playing 30 minutes before schedule.

  So getting music for this class was a good time. I looked at 1968 19691970 1971 1972 1973 and 1974. I found the best rock hits and dance hits. I always ask for a list to make each event custom. Then I combine all the songs on my computer. I strive to play all their songs on their list while incorporating songs I feel that would enhance the event.

  The night started with some words with the host then the comedian started. Comedian was a pro who also graduated with the Leland class. He was a very funny guy who connected with the crowd who had the crowd laughing the whole time.

Black and White Affair can you do an event on a weekday? Not a problem. Can you do it at noon? We can do it. Did we mention it is for 800 people? Only 800 people will be attending in Santa Clara, we got you. That is how we do it. We were emailed recently about doing this event and we didn’t flinch. They wanted to make some announcements and play old school music. They made sure we had insurance and added them to our policy for their protection. They had 5 LLCs and we added them all. They also had invited some food trucks so it was a festive time.

 We welcome corporate events when they call us. We take pride is quick and prompt responses since we too operate like a corporation. Time is of the essence. We show up in advance and create the vibe for the event. We make sure our music is appropriate and loud enough for everyone to hear but not to loud that it disrupts people conversation if its dinner time. We judge on when to go loud or if it needs to be background music.

 The stage was small so we had the presenters be the main attraction as we spread out the speakers in front of the stage to cover more area. The dj set up behind the stage but can still see what was going on so they can read the crowd. We love events like this because the employer is showing appreciation to their employees.

We had two SJSU graduates throw a celebration in San Jose. I arrived an hour early and I was all set up and ready to go with 20 minutes to spare. So what do I do? I start playing the jams. I did notice a lot of older latinos there so I went with the old school Spanish music. We went with the cumbia classics. When it my true time to play, I started with their playlist. It was a lot of reggaeton plus with some hip hop. I was playing as many of their songs as I could since I want it to be as custom as can be.

They were good hosts and multiple people were asking me if I ate or needed a drink. I felt at home with the crowd. They were into the same music that I was into. I felt I was with my right crowd. I was playing hits from the 2000s and 2010s. The folks were singing along with the songs. I felt I had them when I was playing bay area anthems and I felt the energy. We. were hitting hard with the cumbias then going to 2000s sing-along pop then hitting up with some bay area classics. I loved the energy in the room plus I was playing like a minute of a half per song.

They had a mechanical bull that got a lot of attention. I have never seen a mechanical bull at a private party but it was a huge hit. It was just funny seeing if people can get on it themselves without any help and to see how long they will last on the bull.

From the first announcement to the last, wedding music planning  plays an instrumental role in making a wedding memorable. With many weddings under our belt, we understand how essential it is to have the perfect music plan on your special day. That’s why we want to give you with knowledge: the top 10 mistakes wedding DJs often make, so you can be confident in making the right choice for your wedding dj.

1. Bad Equipment Setup:

One of the most common mistakes is not bringing appropriate equipment. It’s vital that the DJ’s setup is professional, with backups for essential gear. You wouldn’t want the music to stop due to technical glitches. It can happen and the professional DJs know this. They are fully prepared and have backup equipment ready to go, just in case. I believe in back ups to your back ups.

2. Ignoring The Couple’s Playlist:

Every couple is unique, and so is their wedding playlist. A DJ should never ignore the bride and groom’s music preferences or play songs that have been on the doo not playlist. Many DJs will often ignore the playlist and play what they think works. This is only okay if YOU are okay with that.

Remember, this is YOUR wedding and you should be in charge of what is played on your big day, not the DJ. I know this may sound weird, but we truly believe this. Yes, we’re experts and know what to play to keep people dancing. However, we want to fulfill your vision of your wedding day, so we let you decide what we play. All pro DJs should do this (but they don’t).

3. Poor Volume:

Whether it’s blasting music during dinner or a too-soft first dance song, improper volume levels can mess up the mood. It’s crucial for a DJ to understand and adjust to the venue’s acoustics and adjust the volume throughout the evening. This is done with proper sound checks through out the night.

4. Lack of Interaction with the Crowd:

A good DJ and MC does more than just play songs; they engage with the guests. From reading the room’s energy to making announcements, an MC and DJ’s interaction can make or break the wedding vibe.

It’s important to note that, again, we believe that every event is about the couple, and not the DJ. So we’re never going to be obnoxious and talk too much on the microphone, or try to steal the show. You are the star of the show, not us!

5. Not Being Adaptable:

No matter how well-planned out things may be, weddings can be unpredictable. A top-notch DJ should be flexible, whether it’s handling last-minute song requests or adjusting to schedule changes.

A good DJ is also going to know exactly how to handle a situation where the schedule is off. They should be able to know what to do to get back on track and save time, as needed. Professionals should always look at your tentative timeline and see where adjustments may be needed, and suggest any changes that may be helpful. Some examples could be dinner being too long for the amount of guests you’re expecting, or starting the pre-ceremony too early, etc.

6. Playing Overly Explicit Songs:

Weddings typically have guests of all ages. It’s a significant misstep to play explicit songs, especially without the couple’s consent. Clean versions or more family-friendly tracks are always a safer bet.

If you want to hear the explicit songs, a good idea would be to perhaps wait until later during the dance, when the older relatives or those with kids are gone.

7. Lack of Professionalism:

Arriving late, dressing inappropriately, or being unprepared are signs of unprofessionalism. Couples should seek DJs who treat their wedding day with the seriousness and respect it deserves.

Your wedding day is every bit as important to us as it is to you. This should be the case for EVERY vendor you hire.

8. Not Coordinating with Other Vendors:

Your DJ should be in sync with the photographer, caterer, and event planner/coordinator. For instance, they need to know when it’s time for the bouquet toss or cake cutting to ensure they play the right song and create the desired ambiance.

We always make sure everyone is aware of what’s happening before it happens. This helps your vendors and you know what’s happening throughout the evening. Vendor communication is key.

9. Missing Pre-Wedding calls:

A pre-wedding consultation is essential. It’s an opportunity for the DJ to understand the couple’s vision, discuss song choices, and get a sense of the wedding’s timeline.

It is absolutely critical for you to talk with your DJ before your wedding. It can be online or in-person, but it definitely needs to happen. If you have a hard time reaching your DJ, or he/she is slow to respond, even before you book, be careful hiring this DJ!

10. Not Having a Diverse Playlist:

A diverse guest list means a variety of musical tastes. It’s not a good idea to stick strictly to one genre or era. A diverse playlist ensures everyone gets on the dance floor at some point.

Of course, if you absolutely want to hear only one genre, you can ask the DJ to do this and he/she should accommodate your request.

In a Nutshell:

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, and the right music plays a significant part in that. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can make informed decisions and ensure that the music at your wedding is nothing short of perfect.

If you’re looking for a DJ who avoids these pitfalls and prioritizes your vision, Black and White Affair is here to help. With our years of experience and dedication to excellence, we promise to make your wedding soundtrack unforgettable. Call us today and let’s make it memorable.

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Crafting the perfect playlist for your event is both an art and a science. It can be tricky to get just the right mix of songs that will keep your guests engaged, entertained, and dancing. But with some planning and careful consideration of genre-specific tracks, you can create a dynamic playlist that will deliver the ultimate experience for everyone.

Planning the Structure of Your Playlist

The first step in creating a great playlist is to plan out the overall structure. Start by creating sections based on genre or vibe, like Pop & Dance, Electronic & House, Hip Hop & R&B, and Classics & Throwbacks. This will help you differentiate between each part of the night for your guests. Once you have these sections established, you can choose specific tracks to fit into each one. Make sure to pay attention to which genres are more popular with your crowd so you know what type of music they’ll be most likely to dance to. This way you can easily choose a few bangers from those genres to start off the night with a bang! Make sure you don’t use all your bangers so early. It is good to build it up. It does not make sense to  put all your songs right away  before everyone has arrived.

Break Times & Interludes

I went to a dance  to  chaperone  and the  dj  actually took a   break. That totally killed the vibe. As a professional dj, the show must go on. Most of the time, the music is on a  playlist so  no breaks are needed.

Creating a playlist for your event should be an enjoyable journey where you get to showcase your DJing skills and delight guests with tunes they love. With some careful planning and an eye towards genre-specific tracks, you can create an unforgettable experience that will have everyone jumping up from their seats and grooving all night long! So go ahead - get creative and make that party playlist shine!

One of the best ways to have a memorable wedding is to plan a destination wedding. It combines the joy of getting married with the chance of exploring a new destination across your country or even abroad! But, planning a destination wedding requires careful consideration and planning in the aspects of choosing a location, setting a sound budget, and making it easy for guests to travel and enjoy the event. In this article by BWADJ, we’ll explore the step-by-step process couples can take for planning a successful destination wedding.

Choose a Great Location

The whole point of a destination wedding is to host it at a great location. Hence, the first step will be to brainstorm the best locations and then rank them based on feasibility, cost, and preference.

• Weather: For those planning to host the ceremony outdoors, weather should be one of the first factors to consider. Research your destinations’ average weather patterns and temperature during your preferred dates. Additionally, it’s best to steer clear of locations that are prone to extreme weather conditions.

• Accessibility: Hosting a wedding on an island or mountain top are great ideas, however as the host, it’s important to ensure that all guests including seniors and those requiring health accommodations can attend your wedding. For this reason, it’s best to choose locations that are easily reachable by cars or public transportation.

• Preference: At the end of the day, it is your wedding and you have the freedom to choose the location that best meets your needs. Whether it be a place with which you have a personal connection or a destination inspired by your favorite movie, your preference should take priority while making a decision.

Set a Budget

Setting a clear budget is crucial for any wedding, but it becomes even more critical for a destination wedding, where expenses can quickly add up. As reported by Bankrate, the average cost of a wedding and reception as of 2022 stood at $30,000. Consider the following steps to establish a realistic budget:

• Research Local Costs: The cost of decorations, catering, and other wedding-related activities vary across locations. Conduct online research to ascertain how much you’ll be paying based on the location(s) you shortlist.

• Include Travel Expenses: Remember to account for the travel expenses of you and your immediate family, given that there is a high chance you will be traveling together. Additionally, flight and train fares constantly fluctuate, hence it’s best to book well in advance and take advantage of group discounts to keep costs low.

• Create an Emergency Fund: Unexpected costs and last-minute charges are more common than you think, as reported by Brides. Hence, it’s best to set aside an emergency fund of 10-20% of your total budget to safeguard yourself from surprise costs.

Save Money with DIY Invitations

While decorations, catering, and other big-ticket items are best left to the professionals, you can save a considerable amount of money by designing your own invitations. 

• Use Online Design Tools: There are various great online design tools using which you can create a great wedding invitation within a few clicks. You can also personalize it based on your theme, location, and other preferences. Click here to try one of the best tools for designing wedding invitations. 

• Share Invitations Digitally: Additionally, instead of spending hundreds of dollars on printing cards, consider sharing them via email or messaging apps. 

Help Guests With Accommodations & Travel Plans

Helping your guests with planning accommodations and travel will result in a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. 

• Negotiate Group Bookings: For close friends and family, consider getting buy-in from everyone to purchase a group package. This will result in considerable savings and an organized travel schedule. 

• Provide a Wedding Guide: Once your wedding plans have been finalized, consider creating a guide that encompasses all the information things guests should know, such as the date, ceremony schedule, best accommodation options, and more to keep everyone informed and on the same page.

When it comes to hosting a destination wedding, planning will be key. In addition to choosing a location, you'll need to create a sound budget and utilize the best ways to keep costs in check, by creating your own invitations and making group bookings.

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  I was asked to be part of a 60th birthday part at Capital Club. It has to be one of the best views to have downtown at the spot. I made sure I made more time to get my gear ready since its on the 17th floor. Best bet is to unload everything in the loading zone and take it up the elevator. Then come back to your car and move it in the garage. One of the positives is that they validate your parking with no questions asked.

  I was able to set up with 20 minutes to spare. We were playing a lot of 70s and 80s music. The guest of honor did not show up till 620. I was playing for the other guests while they waited. It was a surprise event so we all got quite when she arrived. The food we exquisite and the host took care of me and made sure I had a chance to eat.

At the end of the night, the hosts asked his family to help me put my gear away. He insisted that I take the help. It was very nice of him.

 Over all it’s a good spot to have an event. The waiters are very helpful and did everything to accommodate me. I did have an issue with the coordinator. In all the years I have been in the business I had two times I have been disrespected by staff. The first time I was at a Night Spot called Willow Den where the owner asked if this backpack I was about to put away asked me if that was my backpack and then he kicked it and said put it away. I moved my backpack and played the rest of the night and he called me to do another event but I didn’t accept it. Even though the owner disrespect me I still did my job as I was supposed to. The second time I have not been treated nicely was by the coordinator at the Capital Club. I was wearing a dress shirt and black jeans and nice Jordans. Coordinator asked me if I had other shoes and I said I didn’t it and she mentioned a dress code. I told her I was unaware of it but I will follow it next time. About 10 minutes later she mentions it again in-front of the clients and the clients told me not to worry about it. Keep in mind the coordinator did not hire me, but she was thinking I was her employee as she shoved a few chairs and told me to move them. And of course since I had a job to do I did not put up a stink but did what I had to do. But she did make me feel uncomfortable with her tone of voice. I did get a glowing review from my client. I did reach out to management but did not get a response. So please if you do do book the Capital Club please do not ask for Julee Winterbourne. Everyone there is pleasant but Julee may disappoint you.

For those of us in California, it’s hard not to feel the Spanish influence—especially when prom rolls around. From Latin-inspired dance moves to delicious Mexican food catering, a California prom is nothing without a little bit of Spanish flair. And what better way to add a dash of culture than with some music? Here are some great Spanish songs that are sure to make your California prom feel like you’re partying in Spain!

 “Mi Gente” by J Balvin and Willy William - This upbeat song packs the perfect punch for any prom playlist. With its contagious rhythm and bright guitar riffs, it's sure to get everyone on the dance floor. Plus, its upbeat lyrics will give your party a positive energy.

"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee - No list would be complete without this classic bop! It has an infectious melody that will have everyone singing along and a beat that is irresistible for dancing. It’s no wonder why this song was one of 2017's biggest hits!

"Bailame" by Nacho - This upbeat pop track is sure to be a hit with your guests. Its summer-like vibes will get everyone grooving and singing along in no time. Plus, its message of self-confidence is great for building up your classmates’ spirits before they head off into the world post-prom.

"Pa' Que Me Invitan" by Ozuna - Perfect for those who want something more laid back but still lively enough to keep people moving and grooving on the dance floor. With its slow tempo and relaxed vibe, it's perfect for winding down after an exciting night of celebration at prom.

Whether you want something fast-paced or laid back, there are plenty of Spanish songs that are perfect for setting the tone at your California prom. These four tracks alone should ensure that your guests leave feeling like they just stepped out a latin party! So don't forget these songs when you're planning out your playlist—your classmates won't regret it!