Steve Bergeron's Bandstand Music Blog

The Alligator

2012-01-19T13:04:00.005-06:00

Hey... it's the alligator. You know I hardly ever see it anymore but occasionally at my events someone breaks out the Alligator. When they do it's always an absolute riot. I want to thank my good friend and photographer Doug Gunder www.douglasgunder.com for sending me this photo. Doug was the photographer for the reception and as always did a stellar job. Thanks Doug for capturing the Alligator and for helping to make the night run so smoothly.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

World's largest Wedding Cake

2011-12-15T10:49:00.005-06:00

Holy Wedding Cake batman! Last weekend I DJed a wedding reception up in Huron, South Dakota. As I walked into the reception I noticed this enormous wedding cake and couldn't believe my eyes. This has to be the biggest wedding cake I have ever seen. As I walked up to get a better view I realized the cake was simply a fancy wooden platform for the cupcakes. It's hard to see unless you're up close but those are actually cupcakes.

Bridal show at the DC Centre in Omaha, Nebraska

2011-11-22T13:30:00.001-06:00

I really enjoyed participating in the recent Bridal Show at the DC Centre in Omaha Nebraska. Thanks to all who came by the Bandstand Music DJ booth to talk about your wedding day.

Bridal Shows can be very overwhelming for Brides and Grooms. My advice is to use the time to get ideas and information. Gather as much info and talk to as many vendors as you can.

While at the event be sure to set aside the cards and info of the vendors you were impressed with. If you don't do this it may be hard to remember the specific vendor you liked.

After the show go through your information and start calling back your favorite vendors to ask more detailed questions.

Captain Morgan Grooms Cake... "Bottoms Up"

2011-11-14T12:45:00.004-06:00

Here is unique Captain Morgan grooms cake from one of the receptions we DJed here in Omaha, Nebraska. I am always on the lookout for these wonderful and inventive grooms cakes at the wedding receptions I DJ. I hope you enjoy looking at these grooms cakes as much as I enjoy posting them to the Bandstand Music blog.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Great Job Zack

2011-11-07T11:18:00.004-06:00

From the Bandstand Music Blog: Nice job to Bandstand Music DJ Zack Sutton for going the extra mile to make the Wedding Reception of Brittney & Ryan Vincent special. I appreciate Brittney & Ryan for taking the time to write us this note. Positive feedback is always great to receive. This reception was held at Erin Court here in Omaha, Nebraska.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Subaru Grooms Cake

2011-11-03T10:34:00.005-05:00

As a Mobile Wedding DJ I am constantly on the lookout for unique things that I see at the receptions. Groom wedding cakes are often a source of just what I am looking for. My blog is loaded with some of these cakes I have seen over the years. I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing the creativity with wedding cakes.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

New HyVee grand opening...

2011-11-02T13:36:00.005-05:00

I am very excited to have taken part in providing all the sound for the newest HyVee grand opening on 180th and Pacific in Omaha. I am always impressed at the amount of pride HyVee has in their employees and the magical way they approach customer service. I want to thank HyVee for their business with Bandstand Music over the years and I congratulate them on another successful store opening. I shot this photo on Tuesday morning November 1st in front of the new store. I provided the sound system for Governor Heineman during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

5 Generations

2011-10-28T12:40:00.005-05:00

This photo was taken at a reception that Bandstand Music provided service for. Bandstand Music DJ Amy Cornic provided the entertainment for this event held at the Fontenelle Nature Center in Omaha Nebraska. The photo shows 5 generations starting with the youngest going all the way through to great great grandpa. Amazing.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Wow... Very nice setting!

2011-10-27T13:48:00.007-05:00

Bandstand Music DJ Service just DJed a Wedding Reception at the Omaha Country Club. The couple had their reception outside the club in a huge tent. It was beautifully decorated and plenty of dance floor space. Two words... awe some.

Bandstand Music DJ's & MC's for Wedding Receptions - 402-393-5414

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Peacock Wedding Cake

2011-10-26T15:35:00.003-05:00

Bandstand Music DJ Service is always on the lookout for interesting wedding cakes while out DJing events. This photo was taken during an event at the Omaha Country Club.

Ultimate Grooms Cake

2011-10-25T11:06:00.004-05:00

If you are a Seinfeld fan you will love this grooms cake. I DJed a reception a few weeks back and the groom decided to make his grooms cake into a Seinfeld tribute. Complete with puffy shirt, junior mints and more. As a big fan of the show myself I couldn't help but to think that this is the coolest grooms cake I've seen.

Unique Piano style Grooms Cake

2011-07-12T10:08:00.004-05:00

One of the recent receptions that I DJed featured a talented groom. Turns out he was a piano player... and a darn good one at that. Anyway this was the unique grooms cake. Very fun and a great reception.

Name the Omaha Venue?

2011-06-27T16:34:00.003-05:00

Hello Omaha friends... Just DJed and awesome reception at one of my favorite places. I snapped this photo about an hour before guests arrived. Love this facility because there is plenty of room and there always seems to be a place for everything. Can you name the venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Great Wedding Couple

2011-06-20T13:48:00.004-05:00

Bandstand Music would like to congratulate Jeanna & Jeff on their marriage. I also want to thank them for taking the time to send us these images along with a nice thank you letter. We appreciate the feedback and with Jeanna & Jeff the very best as husband and wife.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue?

2011-03-29T14:59:00.002-05:00

Hello Omaha friends... Here is another exciting edition of "Name the Venue". This was a cool reception. Bride and Groom got married on the stage and immediately after I had about 10 minutes to get my DJ system set up on the stage to begin the background music for the cocktails and dinner. Great night with great people. Can you name the venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue?

2011-03-25T12:26:00.004-05:00

Bandstand Music just DJed another enchanting Omaha Wedding and Reception last Sunday. This location is perfect for both the ceremony and reception. The outdoor courtyard (pictured) also has a built in speaker system for ceremony music. Can you name this historic Omaha venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Kool Respond Card Idea

2011-03-14T13:57:00.004-05:00

One of the wedding receptions that we DJed last weekend brought us a stack of their response cards a few days before hand. I wasn't sure why the Bride and Groom would want to bring their reception response cards to us (a DJ service) but I soon figured it out.

On the cards not only could the guests respond but they could also write down a song request that they would like to hear during the reception. I thought this was a great way to make the guests feel involved and feel included in the party.

Good stuff...

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

A sad day...

2011-03-03T01:11:00.004-06:00

I was shocked and saddened by the passing of Glenda Epperson on Monday of this week.

About ten years ago I met Glenda Epperson. She was a driven and a no holds barred woman with an incredible ambition. That ambition was to see that Omaha and Council Bluffs had the best Bridal Show that our area had to offer.
Ten years ago after my eager encouragement Glenda joined the Omaha Party Mix group. We were a group of wedding and party vendors that dedicated our resources to making memorable events for our clients. Glenda eagerly joined and had one of the grandest booths in our Bridal Show. It was held at the Scoular Building that winter in Omaha. Her booth was spectacular. It was clear that we had gained a valuable member in our organization.
Upon tear down after the show I found myself alone with Glenda in the cargo elevator as we loaded out. There were hundreds of pieces of chewed gum that had been stuck to the wall of the elevator and I commented to Glenda about how gross the wads of chewed stuck on gum was. In the blink of an eye Glenda snatched one of the chewed pieces of gum off the dirty elevator wall and stuck it in her mouth and started to chew. I was not only grossed out but I was dumbfounded and curious at the same time. I'll never forget what Glenda said to me as she chewed the unknown wad of used gum. She said, "life is about taking chances... you never know what flavor lies underneath the surface".
It was that spirit and attitude that made Glenda the wedding icon that she was in Omaha Nebraska.
She quickly went on a mission to create the biggest and best Bridal Show Omaha had ever seen. For the last 5 years I have been honored to share the stage with Glenda and her beautiful daughter Karissa during these grand shows. Glenda's Bridal Shows not only brought in thousands of people every year but the shows entertained, gave more than expected, and left Brides wanting more.
Her spirit will always be a part of me.
Glenda then took the bull by the horns and was the founding member of Omaha Chapter of the Midwest Bridal Association. Members enjoyed the benefits of discounted booth prices at her show and a wealth of knowledge she provided to be the best we could be.

I will miss Glenda and will always cherish our friendship. Glenda... may you enjoy Gods peace.

Regency Lodge Bridal Show

2011-01-18T00:37:00.002-06:00

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout at last Sunday's Bridal Show at the Regency Lodge Hotel. I want to thank all the Brides and Grooms that visited the Bandstand Music booth. We are proud to be on the Regency Lodge preferred vendor list for weddings and parties. In this photo Bandstand Music DJ Jared Kuller helped work the booth. Jared is an outstanding DJ and he always represents Bandstand Music in the best way.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue - Video Edition

2011-01-17T12:08:00.004-06:00

For those from the Omaha / Council Bluffs area I want you to know that I appreciate you humoring me with my "Name the Venue" posts. I realize for the people not from the area it is hardly worth playing. And... for those out of towners just know that as exciting as this game is that the prizes leave a lot to be desired. In fact, today's winner will receive a partially used 2" pleatherized lens cap.
Anyway here is the first video edition of "Name the Venue" and Good Luck!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

HyVee Rocks... it's that simple!

2011-01-15T01:15:00.005-06:00

I have the honor as a Dale Carnegie Leadership instructor to train a lot of managers in the art of confidence, people skills, and communication. HyVee has put tons of their managers through my training and I can't thank them enough. As a result I have built a lot of strong relationships with HyVee and am honored to DJ for their holiday events. Last Saturday the Fremont HyVee had their party at the 30 Bowl (in Fremont). I was asked to be the MC and crowd motivator for the event and let me tell you that I had a blast. From 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. HyVee had the run of the place and the party never slowed down.
Of all the company parties that I DJ I must say that HyVee is one of the most generous when it comes to prize giveaways and employee appreciation.
While at the event a few daring ladies took me up on making them crazy balloon hats (pictured). A big thanks to Brenda M. for bringing me in.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Go Red Sox... Another cool Baseball Grooms cake

2011-01-14T10:23:00.005-06:00

I just had to take another picture of a baseball grooms cake. This was from my 12/30/10 reception. I think this year that we (Bandstand Music)will be holding a most creative Grooms cake contest. Lot's of good cakes from last year and I'm looking forward to seeing what me and my staff of DJ's run across in 2011.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

What did your parents want???

2011-01-13T10:31:00.005-06:00

At last weekends wedding I DJed I snapped this photo. It soooo reminded me of when my sister got married. With every wedding reception there may be a few demands from the parents of the Bride and Groom. When my sister got married my parents pretty much stayed out of the way with one exception. My dad insisted that at the reception there would be a guy at the end of the buffet line cutting the meat. In my dads mind having a guy cutting the meat was a true sign of class. To him it made the reception dinner seem official. So every wedding reception I DJ that has a guy cutting the meat I always think of my dad. Did your parents have any requests at your wedding?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Don't Mess it Up... Please!

2011-01-12T10:51:00.003-06:00

One of the most important times during the Wedding Reception is the "Bride and Groom Dance". As a DJ you want this moment to go flawless. All ears are on your announcement and all eyes are on the bride and groom. And no matter how many receptions I've done when that important moment hits the thoughts still creep in....please music don't lock up, please cd don't skip, please don't be the wrong song, please get the names right. Of course things always go just fine but the thoughts still haunt every time. Maybe it's those thoughts that keep me sharp. I guess the day those thoughts go away I should probably hang up my mic.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Job of a Groomsman

2011-01-11T10:12:00.003-06:00

When I DJ weddings I love having a some fun bantering with the wedding party. Bridesmaids are great because they will usually dance all night which helps to keep the party going. Groomsman on the other hand seem to have a different agendas. For instance it is very common to see a circle of bridesmaids on the dance floor having fun. However... you'd never see a circle of groomsman dancing around in a circle together.
So what's a groomsman to do? Often times the only choice is to take their groomsman gift (in this case it was a glass in the shape of a boot) fill it with beer and let the chips fall where they may. In this photo taken last week this kind groomsman took the bull by the horns, filled his boot and posed for this photo for me. We had a kickin' night.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bridal Show - In the NICK OF TIME

2011-01-10T00:36:00.004-06:00

To say we packed in the Brides Sunday at the Bridal Showcase event at the MAC this weekend (Jan. 9th) would be an understatement. I would like to thank all the brides & grooms who came out. The weather outside was cold and snowy in the morning but not enough to really deter anyone from coming to the show. However, once the afternoon hit the snow picked up and things started to deteriorate quickly. By the time I was driving home from the show I was hearing schools were being canceled the next day. It was getting pretty messy out. So... bottom line is that had the weather struck 12 hours earlier I'm sure we may have had a much smaller turnout. I would like to personally thank the weather for delaying until the afternoon to allow for that window of opportunity for the folks to come out to a fantastic Bridal Show.

In this photo you can see the isle was packed. This is a photo I took of just 1 of 6 isles. All the isles at the time were as full as this one. WOW! Great turn-out...

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue?

2011-01-09T00:55:00.005-06:00

I was hit with a bit of nostalgia on Friday night. I DJed at a venue that I had not been at in 10 years. This event was a company party for the Best Western/Hampton Inn employees and was an absolute blast.
I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful people who attended the party and danced their you-know-whats off.
As part of the evenings entertainment they had some folks from a corporate planning event company do a mock "Let's make a Deal" game show and it was a huge hit.
Can you name this venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I literally tore up the dance floor....

2011-01-08T01:48:00.006-06:00

When people ask Mobile DJ's how a particular event went you may hear a DJ say one of the following phrases:

1. I tore the place apart
2. I burned the house down
3. I raised the roof off the joint
4. I had em' tearin' up the dance floor

I must admit that as a mobile DJ I have been guilty of spouting off these very same comments to curious folk. Well FINALLY (after 22 years in the DJ biz) I can finally say that "I had em' tearin' up the dance floor" and mean it literally. Okay it's true that this dance floor may have been severely lacking in quality but I'll take what I can get...

Person: "Hey Steve... how did your gig go?"
Me: "They tore up the dance floor"

Amen

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

The Cake Smash

2011-01-07T12:20:00.003-06:00

In this photo awesome couple Lacey and James (my Dec 30th bride and groom)pose after the cake cutting.

I have talked with so many people over the years about the bride and groom smashing cake in each others face during the cake cutting. It really is a 50/50 response. Either people say it's fun and okay to do and others think it's not a good idea.
There have only been a few occasions when I have seen this get completely out of control. Usually when the cake smearing is done is in a very spontaneous way and rarely gets out of hand.
I say go with the moment and do whatever feels right but Grooms beware of the beautiful bride and the potential for messing up her make-up. I'm just sayin'

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue? I love grand entrances

2011-01-06T10:49:00.004-06:00

When a bride, groom, and their entire wedding party arrive and are announced at the reception we call this the Grand Entrance. It is a fun and exciting way to get the crowd engaged and to start the reception off with a splash. The challenge for us DJ's is to corral the wedding party together as they arrive at the venue. It's not always easy to do and can be chaotic. On warm days I meet and get the wedding party lined up for the entrance while we are outside. On cold days however you've got to get the wedding party inside as quick as possible and line them up.
Venues that have lobbies are perfect for cold nights when you want to get the wedding party inside without all of the guests seeing them. It gives me the chance to line them up in a warm room before being announced as they enter the ballroom. On New Years Eve I was at the venue pictured. This is a photo of the lobby which worked perfect for getting everyone lined up for the grand entrance. CAN YOU NAME THIS OMAHA VENUE?

I am about to finish an article for www.omahaweddingarticles.com with some helpful tips when it comes to pulling off a successful grand entrance. Stay tuned...

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Full Dance floors are awesome...

2011-01-05T00:00:00.005-06:00

Any mobile DJ will tell you that an empty dance floor is a horrible feeling. It's like the crowd is just looking at you and you can at time feel helpless. Thoughts of "what's wrong with these people" enter our heads. My goal as a DJ is to make sure that every dance starts with a bang.
The best way to start the dancing at a reception is to invite all the married couples to the floor. It's a great way to celebrate the marriage of the new bride and groom and to remind the other married couples of how great marriage can be.
I've been starting all my dances like this for the last 15 years and it never fails to fill the dance floor for the first dance of the reception.
Last weekend I did three back to back weddings. I was at the Club Convention Center in Papillion on 12/30/10, Indian Creek on 12/31/10, and the German American on 1/1/11. These two photos from the first song of the evening at two of those events.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue?

2011-01-03T12:19:00.003-06:00

Back in 1987 I DJed my first wedding reception at this venue. I was there again last Saturday night 1/1/11. I was set up in the balcony that overlooks the entire room. I absolutely love DJing here and every event I've done at this venue always seems to go well. This venue is located in Omaha. Can you name it?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bride and Groom Sing

2011-01-02T23:41:00.006-06:00

First off let me just say that the three back to back weddings I did over the New Year Holiday were amazing. Great Brides and Grooms and lots of great pictures for this blog still to come.
My Bride and Groom for my 1/1/11 reception were fantastic. Johann and Jessica were hands down the most enthusiastic couple I have ever worked for. Not only was the dance a hit but they also had me provide karaoke which was a huge hit as well. This photo shows the Johann and Jessica singing a duet of "Stand by me". The guests ate it up and I must admit that I did as well. What a fun night!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Table Magic - It's more for me

2010-12-06T10:55:00.004-06:00

Mobile Wedding DJ's are usually the people who release tables to go through the buffet line at wedding receptions. Years ago I discovered that a great way to make this task more enjoyable for me was to perform close-up magic as I released those tables. What's funny is that a lot of my clients now request this as part of the reason they hire me.
This table magic thing is a great way to give the bride and groom something different and it always breaks the ice for a lot of people during the dinners. In addition it's just one more reason for the guests to remember how much fun they had at the reception. Ultimately (as any magician would tell you) I do this because I LOVE to watch the reactions people have to magic. That look of astonishment on a guests face is priceless for me. I guess I'm greedy in that way.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Cupcake trend is getting huge...

2010-12-03T14:40:00.007-06:00

In lieu of the traditional multi-layered wedding cake more and more couples are looking at an exciting alternative. On back-to-back receptions that I DJed in November the traditional wedding cake was replaced with colorful assortments of cupcakes. Its a nice change of pace and offers variety to the guests. I have not investigated the cost so I don't know if it's cheaper, the same or more expensive than regular wedding cake. The nice thing is that the trend doesn't have to take away any business from wedding cake makers because cupcakes is more than likely already part of their business.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Feedback is so valuable... thanks!

2010-11-11T14:06:00.002-06:00

I just love getting feedback from the Bandstand Music customers. To think that someone took the time to hand write a note and send it to us means so much not just to me as an owner but to the employee that it is written about as well.

My challenge to everyone out there who reads this blog post is to take the time to drop a note to any business when the service goes above and beyond. You will feel great giving that sincere appreciation and for the businesses it is a great reminder of how important our customers are. Not only that… we can also use your comments to inspire new clients who may be on the fence about whether or not to use our services.

So for all of those that have taken the time to write I thank you a millions times over. To see some of the nice things people have written you can visit the Bandstand Music Facebook fan page at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/bandstandmusicdjs

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Thanks to Mrs. Lukes 3rd Grade Class

2010-11-10T12:10:00.004-06:00

I want to thank Mrs. Luke's third grade class for their thoughtful thank you card. I was the entertainment for their Halloween party and i've got to tell you that it was a blast. I love getting these kind of notes of appreciation. It's always a challenge to entertain kids. The key is to keep them engaged at all times and the best way to do that is to keep things moving fast and somewhat furious.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Wedding Toasts

2010-10-29T12:42:00.005-05:00

I love wedding toasts. Whether given by the best man, maid of honor, parents or whoever the toasts are always fun to listen to. You can always tell when someone has put a lot of time and prep into their toast and you can also tell when they are very off the cuff and impromtu. Either way toasts come in all varieties.
As a Wedding DJ in Omaha, Nebraska I get Best Men all the time who will ask me what they should say right before they make their toast. My advice is to come up with a brief and tasteful story you can tell that gives an example of your bond. Then just speak from the heart and always compliment the Bride.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Time saving convenience for your Wedding

2010-10-27T11:23:00.002-05:00

Attention Omaha Friends: Can you name this venue?

For time saving and convenience many Brides and Grooms will choose to have their Wedding Ceremony at the same venue the reception will be taking place. This can be a very practical idea and many venues can accommodate brides and grooms who want to use their venues as their ceremony sites as well.
This is a photo of one of those venues. This is the backroom of the venue that can easily be made into a ceremony site. It is separate from the main room and this venue also has and outdoor deck for ceremonies as well.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Congrats HyVee Council Bluffs

2010-10-26T10:47:00.004-05:00

Last Friday was the big grand opening meeting for the new HyVee store in Council Bluffs. The store officially opens to the public this week and let me tell you that the store is beautiful. Bandstand Music ran the sound for the folks that spoke at the meeting including the CEO. HyVee has been great to Bandstand Music and I just wanted to thank them for their support. Good luck to all of those in the new store. HyVee is a great company to work for and I'm sure everyone is going to be tremendously successful.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Jazzin' up the background music

2010-10-25T11:58:00.005-05:00

Last Fridays wedding reception that I DJed in Omaha was a blast. Instead of me playing typical background music they had a jazz trio for 2 hours during cocktails and dinner. From "fly me to the moon" to "cheek to cheek" they covered all the classics and were a pleasure to listen to. They are known as the Kevin Pike Trio. If you are looking to add a nice touch to your next event I couldn't recommend these guys enough. You can contact Kevin at:

Phone: 402-618-2662
Website: http://www.kpikemusic.com/jazz.html
email: kevin@kpikemusic.com

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

I LOVE full dance floors!

2010-10-17T00:55:00.003-05:00

Did you know that a Mobile Wedding DJ's worst nightmare is an empty dance floor. Honestly... as a DJ, I can't think of anything worse when the dancing at a wedding begins. Recently on my Facebook page I asked my Facebook friends what song they would play to get a wedding reception dance kicked off. The responses were all over the map. For years I struggled with this. The bottom line is that if you want people to start dancing right away don't play a fast song. You've got to get em' out there with something easy and slow.
I always dedicate the first dance song of the night to the bride and groom and all the couples who have come to celebrate their special day. For years I've been doing this and it never fails to fill the dance floor. This picture is from the reception I DJed tonight and it was the first song of the evening. The song I always play is "Can't help falling in love" by Elvis. What's great about this photo is that you can see the bride and groom right in the center. They will always remember that their reception started with a full dance floor. Awesome!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Standing the test of time...

2010-10-10T12:13:00.011-05:00

I remember the first wedding reception I djed back in 1987. I was working for another company at the time and I remember proudly hanging my disco ball before the gig while at the same time grinning about how cheesy the disco ball effect was. Well twenty three years later I (along with thousands of other DJ's) still proudly hang my disco ball for every gig. This is a photo from the wedding a DJed last night. I've got a full dance floor and I'm pretty sure the reason for that is because of my shiny disco ball. I still get a kick out of how fascinated the kids are with the disco ball. It's not uncommon to see a young child just standing there staring at it.

Interesting fact: In 1991 I was driving in my truck on interstate 80 coming back from a gig at Iowa Western. After hitting a bump I looked in my rear view mirror just in time to see my disco ball go flying out of the back of my truck and proceed to follow me down the interstate. Shards of glass were flying everywhere and the disco ball eventually rolled into the ditch. I never slowed down but did say a quick prayer for my disco ball. It is probably still laying in that ditch. If you find it you can keep it. It's somewhere over by Mall of the Bluffs.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Showcasing the Cake

2010-10-07T13:17:00.003-05:00

One of the things I love about DJing wedding receptions at the Millard Plaza Ballroom is that everything has its place. In other words the layout of the room works great for wedding receptions. Here is a photo I took last Saturday night at the Millard Plaza Ballroom of the cake. I love how the cake is set up under the canopy with lights surrounding it. The set up just makes the whole cake cutting experience come alive. A big "well done" goes to Dee over at the Millard Plaza Ballroom.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Photo booth at the fair

2010-09-23T10:22:00.006-05:00

Hey... last Friday we had our photo booth out at the Quality Living Inc. event at the Quest Center. I was an evening at the fair and I have to give Quality Living Inc a ton of props for putting on a very fun, interactive, and classy event. I also want to thank my two lovely assistance from Quality Living Inc. Gail and Michelle for helping me with the photo booth.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Wedding vendors working togeher is best for everyone!

2010-09-23T09:43:00.007-05:00

I have been lucky enough to have been a participant in the Wedding industry since 1988. During that time I have had the good fortune to work with some fantastic people who also provide wedding services. From photographers to florists it seems I have worked with everyone. One of the elements to a successful reception is for all the vendors to work together and help each other out when needed... we are simply talking about professional courtesy. We owe this to the bride and groom because after all we are all there because of them.

Every once in a while, though rare, I do run into other wedding vendors that do not see things in this way. And in an environment in which we are all referring each other those particular vendors are doing themselves and their clients a disservice. At a recent reception I was told by the reception venue that I would have to pay $20.00 for a table to set up my equipment on. This has never happened in my 22 years of being a DJ and quite honestly I thought the venue was kidding. All I had on me was $11.00 cash. I was told that if I couldn't pay right there and then that they would have to charge the Bride and Groom. I was not going to let this happen so my only alternative was to set up on the floor. Although it was awkward and looked weird the reception went great.

I am by no means blogging this to complain and that is why I will not post the name of the venue. This is simply an opportunity to remind wedding vendors of the importance of working together. After all, it's all about providing our Brides and Grooms with a wonderful day and if we can help each other do this we will all succeed.

P.S. If you know the name of this venue please do not post it as this is not the point of this blog post.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Facebook Grooms Cake

2010-09-21T15:06:00.004-05:00

Bandstand Music DJ Jared Kuller took this photo of the grooms cake during the wedding reception he was the DJ for. Very creative. There is always a story or a meaning behind creative grooms cakes and I'm dying to know what this one is. Did the bride and groom meet on facebook? The world may never know!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

The Gift of WINE

2010-09-16T11:28:00.005-05:00

I really loved last Fridays reception that I DJed. The Bride and Groom (Anthony & Monica) provided bottles of wine for the guests to take with them. I've seen a lot of guest gifts and souvenirs over the years and I've got to tell you the bottles of wine are definitely in the top 3 coolest.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue

2010-09-13T10:29:00.003-05:00

Had a blast Friday night at the reception I DJed. Got to work for a great bride and groom (Anthony & Monica) and I also got to work with one of my longtime photographer friends Doug Gunder. Before the reception started I went out front and snapped this photo of the entrance. Can you name the venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Musical Toast!!!

2010-09-10T15:16:00.003-05:00

Last Sundays reception had a lot of different twists throughout the night. It was a riot. The Best Man presented a very creative toast by sitting up on the stage with his guitar and singing a song for the bride and groom. Much like the groom cakes I've been showing in my blog the toasts are becoming more and more creative.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

What drink would your Grooms Cake Be? Dr Pepper Grooms Cake

2010-09-08T11:08:00.007-05:00

As you've seen in this blog over the last year I am on this Grooms Cake kick. One of the first things I do after setting up to DJ a reception is go over to the cake table to check out the cakes. This grooms cake is fairly simple but it definitely doesn't leave any doubt at to what the grooms favorite drink is. Dr. Pepper Grooms Cake

I've never been a big soda pop fan so if I had to choose a drink as a grooms cake it would have to look like a glass of iced tea. What you your grooms cake drink be?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue

2010-09-07T12:03:00.004-05:00

Sunday I DJed a rockin' reception in downtown Omaha. I took this photo from the stage before any of the guests arrived. So the question is... can you name the venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Yea... Bubbles

2010-09-07T11:39:00.003-05:00

The bride and groom I DJed for on Sunday requested that I bring the "bubble machine". I took this photo from the stage and the dance floor was packed. I love to be the DJ for receptions when people dance all night and this was one of those parties. Congratulations to Ben and Kim and thanks for letting me be a part of a great night.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Fish Cake

2010-09-03T12:43:00.004-05:00

Another fine Grooms cake from one of our wedding receptions. I really loved this one. Let's hope the cake didn't taste like it looked.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Fighting Irish - Notre Dame Grooms Cake!

2010-09-02T11:02:00.004-05:00

Loved this Notre Dame grooms cake from the last wedding reception I DJed. Based on the cake you could probably imagine how much beer was consumed at this reception... Yes, it was a lot! Great time.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

The ol' ball n' chain

2010-09-01T12:14:00.003-05:00

In this unique twist on a grooms cake one of DJ's Jared took this photo at one of his receptions. It looks like the links are made of black frosting... any way I thought the picture was unique and worth sharing.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Danny & Hillary

2010-08-24T10:20:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday one of my favorite guys in the world got married. Danny (the groom) has been my son's baseball coach for the last 5 years. He has done so much and given everything he has to my son and the rest of the team. As a result our team the Millard Knights has been one of the most successful little league teams in Nebraska. The reception was held at the DC Centre and it absolutely rocked. I DJed the first couple of hours and then turned it over to one of my assistants so that I could join in with my friends. Hillary (the bride) was stunning and I can't thank her enough for all the time she has given up with Danny for the sake of the team. Love you guys!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Top o' the bus!

2010-08-19T11:37:00.003-05:00

Bandstand Music DJ Zack Sutton got to rock it out last weekend on top of a bus. I'm still not sure how he got all his stuff up there because I keep forgetting to ask him. This is the advantage to mobile DJ setups... Hence the word mobile DJ. Just tell us where you want us, we will set up and then make the party happen.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bandstand at Regency Lodge Hotel

2010-08-08T23:37:00.004-05:00

This Saturday I took a step out of my DJ shoes and was a proud photo booth attendant for one of the Bandstand Music photo booth rentals. It all took place at the lovely Regency Lodge Hotel in Omaha. One of the Bandstand Music DJ's Jared Kuller was the DJ for the reception in the main ballroom. I was in the next room over where the bar, cake, and photo booth were located. What a fun night it was!!! Congratulations to the the bride and groom Marisa and Sam.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

This would make for one heck of a grand entrance!

2010-08-05T10:22:00.003-05:00

Hey, it is pretty hard to narrow down which of your 18 besties can be your bridesmaids. Why not just go with all of them? Unless of course there’s a symbolic reason she went with 18. According to Wikipedia, the number 18 can represent:

- The number of chapters into which James Joyce’s epic novel Ulysses is divided

- Russ Wheeler’s car number in the film ‘Days Of Thunder’

- In Chinese folklore, the Shaolin temple had a group of 18 bronze Monks.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Return of the Mack

2010-07-26T12:08:00.004-05:00

Last year in this blog back on June 30th 2009 I posted a photo of a groomsman who entertained everyone with his spot on vocals. At last Fridays reception the same guy was there again. Only this time he wasn't a groomsman but rather he was a guest. Without missing a beat he took over again at the end of the night. He's a one man party and the people eat him up. I love this guy.

One of these photos was from last years reception and the other was from last Friday night.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bouquet from Balcony

2010-07-21T10:32:00.004-05:00

I love it when a bride has the option to really let the bouquet fly. Here's a reception I DJed at the beautiful Renaissance Mansion in downtown Omaha. The bride (Junith) was able to throw her bouquet from the outdoor balcony. Without the limitation of a ceiling Junith really let the bouquet fly. It's kind of hard to see but you can see the bouquet about 10 feet above the bride. It's that little white spec to the upper right of the window.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

More name that venue?

2010-07-17T12:49:00.005-05:00

Just DJed another wedding reception Friday night in downtown Omaha. This is actually a place that my company DJs at a lot. Fits up to about 100 guests and there are three floors available for the events. Most weddings will utilize all three floors for guests seating. The main floor is where you'll find the bar, buffet, and cake. The lower level is where the DJ sets up.
Can you name the venue?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue?

2010-07-15T08:35:00.006-05:00

I will admit that this weeks edition of name that venue is pretty challenging. The was from a wedding reception that I DJed last Saturday. It is one of those locations that I've been to a million times and I always seem to have great gigs there. The room was divided in half. One half was set up for the wedding ceremony and the other half was set up for the reception.

Here are 2 hints:

1) Venue is in downtown Omaha
2) It's in a hotel

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Video Picture Montage... Still a treat!

2010-07-14T11:26:00.005-05:00

A few years ago someone in the wedding biz told me that the video slide shows shown at wedding would run its course within a year. Well here we are five years later and they are still as popular as ever. This is a picture from the wedding I djed last Saturday.
FYI - To have the most impact with your slide show follow these 3 pieces of advice:

1) Always test it with the projector in advance to ensure everything works.
2) Mix in some fun music with the slide show (it makes it more fun to watch)
3) Keep it to under 12 minutes in length. Any long and people start losing interest.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

How in the world???

2010-07-12T12:02:00.004-05:00

As an Omaha Nebraska wedding DJ I see all kinds of cool centerpieces at the receptions. For years I have seen centerpieces similar to this one. I will admit that they are very eye catching. My question... How is it that these top heavy centerpieces never fall over. You'd think that will all the commotion that can happen once the party at the reception starts that these things would start toppling over but they never do. Amazing!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the Venue?

2010-07-07T11:59:00.003-05:00

Just DJed Saturday night here in Omaha and had a blast. Towards the beginning of the evening I snapped this photo of the dance floor. Can you name the Venue? Hint: There is a beautiful outdoor area included in the rental. This weeks winner will receive a set of used pipe cleaners. Good luck!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Dancing at the Ceremony

2010-07-06T12:49:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday I had the honor of being the DJ for both and outdoor wedding ceremony and the indoor reception in Omaha Nebraska. After the bride and groom were pronounced husband and wife the bride (Paula) wanted me to play "Forever" by Chris Brown. I thought it was a cool idea for an exit song and I was shocked when it turned into an all out dance. The bride and groom and their wedding party danced up and down the isle for the entire song. It was a riot! Congrats Paula and Rich.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Emiline Ballroom Kansas City

2010-06-23T23:46:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday I DJed a fun reception in Kansas City. I really liked the facility and the staff was awesome. I love it when wedding vendors work together and everything comes together. The facility was beautifully decorated and was absolutely the perfect setting for a wedding reception. Props to the bride and groom and the Emiline Ballroom.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Polish Pop

2010-06-15T13:44:00.008-05:00

Nothing like a family brewed beverage to toast the Bride and Groom. This was a photo from my gig last Saturday. Everyone was treated to the family brewed "Polish Pop". As a DJ I love watching family traditions. This was a really fun night and I just want to wish my Bride and Groom Maxine and Jeff a wonderful life together.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

How fun would it be...

2010-06-10T14:01:00.004-05:00

How fun would it be to decorate cakes. With all the cake posts that I make here in my blog i've never commented on the actual process of doing the decorating. Some of the cakes I see are just fantastic and I can't imagine the time that went into them. My good friend from Omaha Pastry is Dorothy Thompson. She does some incredible stuff. Here's a grooms cake in the shape of a record player. I'm sure some of the younger guests at the reception had no idea what they were looking at.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Still waiting for a Cowboys Groom! Vikings Groom Cake

2010-06-02T10:45:00.004-05:00

Here's a cool Vikings grooms cake. Football grooms cakes seem to be very popular and I keep waiting for my team to show up on one of these cakes. Dallas Cowboy Grooms where are you? I am still waiting for a Cowboys grooms cake. One of these days I guess.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

The "Stroll" live on!

2010-06-01T13:26:00.004-05:00

Something you never see anymore is the Stroll. The Stroll was a popular line dance in the 1950's and has faded a bit through the years. Every now and again my dance crowd will ask for it. For some of the younger folks they may not know what to do right away but they catch on quickly and will usually ask me to play it again. So the guys line up on one side and the girls on the other. They face each other and the man an woman on the end of the line meet in the middle and stroll down the isle. It's always a blast!

LONG LIVE THE STROLL

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Photo from inside the Photo Booth

2010-05-27T14:52:00.003-05:00

During last Saturday's event we jumped into the photo booth with the Bride and her friend for this photo. We actually set 2 records this weekend with the photo booth rental.
The first was the record for the most amount of people in the booth at one time. We had 13 adults cram in for the record.
The second record was for the amount of photos taken. Average number of photo strips is about 125 per event. At this event we hit 190. Wow!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Holy Buckets! Now that's a lot o' cake...

2010-05-25T11:42:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday nights wedding reception had a huge cake and it proved to be a very popular attraction. Believe it or not most of the cake was gone by the end of the night. What is it about cake that people find so exciting. At one point the line for cake at this reception was 30 people deep. People sure do like cake.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

You've lost that lovin' feelin'!

2010-05-24T00:50:00.005-05:00

Okay... I use the word serenade loosly but I've got to give the groomsman props as they serenaded the bride (Patty) 8 days ago at the reception I DJed. They all hung in there for the entire song and Patty was gracious enough to take it all in. By the way... years ago the groomsmen singing to the bride was common place. I don't see it much anymore and that's a shame. It's always a very fun part of the night and is just another way to remind the Bride of how special she is.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bridesmaids are often the Yardstick

2010-05-22T13:30:00.004-05:00

One of the goals of a Wedding DJ is get the Bridesmaids dancing. We figure that if the Bridesmaids are having fun that part of our job has been successful. The reception I DJed on Friday night was fantastic. The bridesmaids were all over the dance floor for most of the night. It's always nice when a bride see's here friends having a good time. By the way... my Bride and Groom were Angie and Cole and they were great fun.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Old School Nintendo Cake

2010-05-22T01:33:00.003-05:00

Well here we go... Another grooms cake in the style of a Nintendo gaming system. I love these groom cakes lately. It seems the trend is to be as creative as possible. Attention: Have fun with your grooms cake. Find out what the groom loves and model a cake after it. It's fun and the guest's love it. Plus it gives your cake decorator a chance to really be creative.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

YELLOW CANDY

2010-05-20T11:34:00.004-05:00

I love it when people ask me what my favorite color is. Since the day I can remember (and I am not sure why) my favorite color has always been YELLOW. Imagine my excitement when the candy table at last weeks wedding reception was yellow themed. WOW! Yes I get excited about yellow candy. Although I refrained from indulging in the candy I was surprised to find out that the Gumball looking things in the middle were actually Malted Milk Balls.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Husker Groom Cake

2010-05-19T10:37:00.002-05:00

As you all know I love to check out the grooms cake at all of the receptions I DJ. Here is the groom cake from last Saturdays wedding reception. Very cool!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Cool Wedding Transportation

2010-05-18T12:29:00.002-05:00

For mobile DJ's we are one of the first to see the wedding party arrive at the reception. The way they arrive is always fun to see. I've seen everything from formal stretch limos, the hum-v limo, the VIP Party Bus, Ollie the Trolley, horse & carriage, hotel transport buses, and converted school buses. Over the last month I have DJed 4 receptions now that have used the Jone-Z party bus. At last Saturdays reception I snapped a shot of the bus and also got a great photo of the Bride (Patty) and the Groom (Dustin) stepping out of the bus. What a blast!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

2010-05-18T00:21:00.001-05:00

Now this is the way to end a night!

2010-05-16T00:46:00.004-05:00

Let me say that a wedding DJ's worst situation is when nobody is dancing. Reality is that any mobile DJ will tell you that an empty dance floor will happen from time to time. And then... there a receptions where every song we play is eaten up by the guests. They just can't seem to get enough and we as DJ's can do no wrong. This picture is from the reception I DJed on Saturday night. This was the last song I played and as you can see the dance floor was packed. I could not think of a better way to have the bride and groom wrap up their reception. They will always remember that their evening ended with a full dance floor. Ultimately... that's what you want.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Once again!!! Name that Venue?

2010-05-15T09:47:00.004-05:00

Here's a place in Omaha that is great for any kind of social event. This was the set-up right before the last reception I DJed there. The bar is in the upper left hand corner. This venue offers full service bar and catering. I love the layout of this room and it has plenty of space for anything you want to do. Also has a big open dance floor. Can you name the venue? Today's winner receives a huge pat on the back from the first person you see. Good luck!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Ipods for a wedding??? Not a money saving solution!

2010-05-13T00:56:00.003-05:00

Okay... so this has been on youtube for a while now but it is worth taking another look. I just talked with an upcoming bride who said she did not want to spend the money for a wedding DJ. She said she had an IPOD with all of her favorite music that she was going to play over the venues house speaker system during the reception.
I will admit that currently the music I play at receptions comes off of an IPOD. They are convenient and reliable. With that said, they can never replace a professional announcer and reception motivator.
Even though this video is painful to watch it is a great reminder of how you should be careful when cutting corners. Just my 2 cents!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name the venue???

2010-05-12T13:34:00.004-05:00

Today's name that venue is a bit of a challange. Two weeks ago I DJed a wedding at this location. Take a look and see if you can figure it out. Good luck and today's lucky winner will receive and beautiful pleather grooming sponge.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Name that Venue?

2010-05-11T10:08:00.003-05:00

Welcome to another round of "Name that Venue". Today's venue is located in Omaha. I took this picture from the stage looking out over the dance floor. Over the years I have DJed at the place a bajillion times. Good luck and the right guess gets a free genuine, leather-like, imitation vinyl trim, lens cap carrying case. Good luck!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

A great party drink idea...

2010-05-10T10:06:00.003-05:00

Some may say that I'm getting desperate for blog posts but I say Nay Nay! At last weeks reception I wondered what all the hub-bub was over by the cake table. It seemed they couldn't keep the punch bowl full fast enough. So I trot over and took this photo. Turns out the punch bowl for cool refreshing treat of orange sherbet and 7up. I actually tried some and it was very tasty. For a cool party idea try this one. And for the adult gatherings spiking it with something may an adventure. I'm just not sure what you'd spike it with.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Wait! CD players can still be useful!

2010-05-07T11:22:00.004-05:00

You know it's been a while since I have actually used one of my CD players at any of the events I have DJed. Now it's all computers, ipods, and other types of mp3 players. I always bring my disc players with me just in case someone brings a CD for me to play. At a recent reception I was discussing this with the photographer and he came up with a great reason to keep my CD players. Open CD tray and you've got an instant cake shelf. Brilliant!

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Guess the Venue???

2010-05-06T11:29:00.004-05:00

I took this shot during the dinner at a recent wedding reception I was DJing in Omaha, Nebraska. Can you guess the name of this venue based on this photo? It has been around for a long... long time and is one of my favorite places to DJ.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Scrapbook Videos Alive and Well

2010-05-05T10:07:00.004-05:00

I honestly thought this trend of showing slide shows at weddings would have ran its course by now. Actually it's quite the contrary. More and more people are doing it and it has almost become a "traditional" staple for wedding receptions. These slide shows are easy to create and almost anyone can do them on their own. This photo was taken at the Scoular Ballroom during a reception I DJed.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Oooo... look at the pretty rainbow!

2010-05-04T10:51:00.004-05:00

I was driving down 156th and Harrison heading out to DJ a Wedding Reception last weekend when suddenly this beautiful rainbow appeared. I took this photo with my cell phone and it hardly does the moment justice. I really wished that I had a wide angle lens because this rainbow was perfect and went from one side to the other. It just goes to prove that sometime life really can be sunshine & rainbows.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Omaha Bridecast Episode 7

2010-04-30T11:43:00.004-05:00

The latest edition of our OmahaBrides.com web show is out and I want to thank Jeremy Johnson for sitting down with me for this interview. Jeremy is a great wedding photographer and give some great tips and insight to Brides looking to hire their wedding photographer.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Wedding Wish Tree

2010-04-29T10:52:00.004-05:00

This is from a reception I just DJed at the Millard Social Hall. These trees were covered in wish cards that guests could fill out and drop in the box. Some guests even put money in the wish card envelopes. This was the first time I had ever seen wish cards and I thought it was a creative idea. For the Bride and Groom those wish cards will be fun to look at in 10 years.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Up-lighting effect

2010-04-28T11:36:00.004-05:00

Recently I have been experimenting with up-lighting at some of the weddings I have DJed. Here is some simple up-lighting I used behind the cake table. I thought it really made a difference. We have not gone full blown yet but a lot of DJ companies have been finding extra ways to make money and offering up-lighting around the reception venue is one of them. And why not? This effect is easy to do and really can have a dramatic appearance when placed properly.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Swiss Rolls Grooms Cake

2010-04-26T10:02:00.005-05:00

As silly as this sounds I am always very eager to see the Groom's cake every week at the receptions I DJ. Over the years I've seen some pretty creative stuff. Props to all the cake makers in Omaha who have managed to pull off some pretty impressive designs. Here's a cake from the Wedding I DJed on Saturday night. Can you guess what the grooms favorite snack is?

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Bride vs. Groom dueling cakes

2010-04-24T13:59:00.004-05:00

Just did a wedding Friday night where the Bride was a Husker fan and the Groom was a Hawkeye Fan. So why not have your cakes go to battle. So not only did they have their standard wedding cake but they also had a Hawkeye Grooms cake and a Huskers Bride cake. Now that's a lot of cake. Just for the record more people at the Husker cake than the Hawkeye cake. I don't really know what that means.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Photo Booth After Prom

2010-04-22T10:01:00.004-05:00

We just recently provided our Photo Booth services for an after Prom party. What a riot! I am very happy to say that out of all the different things available to the students during the party that the Photo Booth was the most popular attraction. During the 5 hour event we never had a break in the action and over 300 photo strips were printed. Happy prom season everyone.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

The choreographed Bride & Groom Dance

2010-04-16T12:34:00.003-05:00

The Bride & Groom dance is one of the most important parts of the reception. For the most part I always see a very typical slow dance between the bride and groom but every now and again I see a very tasteful dance they have choreographed. This always makes the dance a lot more enjoyable to watch and I always appreciate the effort the bride and groom have put in. In this photo from a recent reception the bride and groom had a beautifully coordinated waltz and it was a really unique and tasteful way for them to get things started on the dance floor.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com

Play Ball!

2010-04-14T11:20:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday's wedding was awesome. The groom was the head coach of a local youth baseball team and 7 of his players served as the ushers. This photo is of the grooms cake. It was a fun night and you could tell the kids really loved there coach. Congratulations to R.J. and Jami on their marriage and good luck.

Steve Bergeron
www.bandstandmusic.com
www.bandstandmusic.blogspot.com
www.weddingreceptionsecretsrevealed.com