Blog | EBE Talent
Category

Blog

Jun 14
0

5 Items to Include in Your Wedding Welcome Bags

By | Destination Weddings, Blog

Are you planning a destination wedding? What about booking a block of rooms at a local hotel so your guests don’t have to travel home at the end of the night? No matter where you’re planning to have your wedding, welcome bags are a must if you have friends and family staying in a hotel. These bags are a great way to show appreciation to your guests for making the trip to your wedding and ensuring their stay at the hotel is as comfortable as possible.

Here are five must-have things you should include in your wedding welcome bag.

  1. A wedding itinerary. Maybe you have a wedding website with a wedding weekend (or day) itinerary on it, but not all of your guests will commit that to memory. Don’t forget to include a list of the events happening throughout the course of the day, from the ceremony to when the wedding band comes on and everything in between. It’s helpful to include times and addresses as well. Providing these details gives your guests a better idea of where you’ll be and where they should be throughout the day. You can also include a list of approved contacts guests can reach out to with questions! A point of contact is helpful, so the couple doesn’t get an influx of texts asking where to park, who is playing at the wedding, etc.
  1. A QR code to a curated playlist. For your technology proficient guests, include a QR code that links to a Spotify playlist they can listen to while getting ready for the celebration. Include songs that mean something to you and your partner as well as your guests. Think concerts you’ve attended, bands that your family loves, and the songs that bring you back to a weekend away with friends. You can also include a few songs that tease your reception, like a single from the Philadelphia wedding band you hired to play or your Philadelphia wedding DJ’s most requested song!
  1. A heartfelt thank you. You’ll be sending out thank you cards to every guest after the fact, but that shouldn’t stop you from writing an additional thank you to the guests who may have traveled far and wide to be with you on your big day. Use stationery printer paper or whatever medium you choose, but the note itself should be hand-written and customized to each guest for the most impact.
  1. Custom snacks. Whether it’s a food you and your partner enjoy or something regional to the area you’re getting married in, snacks are always in order when it comes to wedding welcome bags. Providing food gives your guests something to nosh on while they get ready or enjoy after returning to their room between the ceremony and reception. For Philadelphia weddings, Tastykakes or Peanut Chews are a perfect addition. It also doesn’t hurt to include water in your welcome bags for after the reception!
  1. Hangover helpers. The next day can be rough for some of your guests. In addition to water bottles, consider adding mini packets of Advil or Tylenol to help with morning headaches. You can also include single packets of liquid IV to give guests an extra boost of electrolytes. You do want everyone to make it to breakfast if they can!

 

Start Planning Your Philadelphia Wedding

Curating your welcome bags is only one part of the wedding planning process. When you are ready to decide on the entertainment that will perform at your wedding, EBE is here to help. Learn more about our upcoming showcases.

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

May 11
0

Wedding Planning: Ideas and Trends for Newly Engaged Couples

By | Blog

After you get engaged, the first question everyone asks you is, “when’s the wedding?” If your engagement came as a surprise, you most likely don’t have your wedding plans set in stone. And that’s okay! Wedding planning should be an enjoyable time where you and your partner can talk about what you do and don’t want to do at your wedding.

Many of the trends for rescheduled pandemic weddings were inspired by the need to be flexible and fun. Other trends were inspired by pop culture thanks to all our TV binge-watching and TikTok scrolling. If you’re newly engaged and in the midst of wedding planning, here are some ideas and trends you can look to for inspiration.

Make memories with exciting entertainment elements. After all the wedding postponements during COVID, your guests will definitely be ready to party when it comes time for your big day. Give them unforgettable entertainment by hiring talent from EBE, known for the best wedding bands and DJs in Philadelphia. Aside from the music, have a photo booth set up where guests can take candids with each other. The photos captured here are a great way to create a photo album for yourself and a memorable favor for your wedding guests. From psychics to performers and even cotton candy artists, there’s no wrong way to incorporate entertainment into your upcoming wedding.

Play with pretty pastels. If you’re thinking of having a spring or summer wedding, consider using lush, playful pastel colors. Let shades like sunflower yellow, sky blue, and mint green inspire your wedding decorations, including the invitations, floral arrangements, and uplighting on your big day. Other dreamy shades like sage green, mauve, blush, and lavender work wonderfully for warm-weather weddings. You can also work any of these colors into your bridal party. Mix pops of color into your groomsmen’s attire with pocket squares or bowties and dress your bridesmaids in these hues.

Throw a Bridgerton wedding bash. Pop culture constantly influences wedding trends, and Netflix’s Bridgerton is no exception. You can lean into the theme and have your guests come in period-appropriate attire or incorporate elements from the period piece more subtly into your wedding. Have your bridal party dress in Prussian blue tones and accessorize your venue with plenty of bows. Get creative with your seating chart and name tables after places and titles from the show, like the “Lady Whistledown Table.” You can also hire an ensemble to play classical covers of popular songs during your ceremony or cocktail hour.

Opt for a weekday wedding. Since so many couples had to move their 2020 and 2021 wedding dates, weekends in 2022 — and even 2023 — are booking up quickly. If you want to have a wedding in the next year or two, consider a weekday! Having a weekday wedding can help cut back significantly on costs, especially in the summer months when weekend wedding prices tend to skyrocket.

Go minimal where you can. Another emerging wedding trend is minimalism. Since life is stressful enough, people want their wedding planning to be a happy time! Many couples are embracing the less is more motto. Those who choose to get married outdoors are letting the surrounding nature be the decor. And some couples are doing away with physical wedding favors, opting to give their guests a parting gift of food or donating to a cause they support.

Are you inspired by any of these wedding ideas or trends? When you’re planning your wedding, EBE is here to help. Contact us today to see how we can help you with all the aspects of your wedding.

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Apr 11
0

Why You Should Hire a Wedding Videographer

By | Uncategorized, Blog

Once your wedding is over, that’s it — all you have to look back on are your memories! Preserve them with a wedding video captured by a professional videographer. And if having your special day preserved forever isn’t enough, here are five more reasons to hire a wedding videographer in Philadelphia.

  1. You’re creating a family heirloom. Whether it’s for your future kids or to pass down to another loved one someday, your wedding video instantly becomes something special for your family to treasure forever. Plus, you’ll have something to share with the people who may not have been able to make it that day.
  2. You’ll instantly have a wedding anniversary tradition. Flipping through a photo album of your wedding pictures is one way to celebrate your anniversary. But having a video to playback all of the special moments from that day is even better! This tradition can help you remember the little details of your day and may even inspire you to get up and recreate your first dance.
  3. You give your guests a chance to unplug. More couples have been asking their guests not to use cell phones during the wedding ceremony. If this is something you’d like to enforce, having a professional photographer and videographer at your wedding can alleviate the stress of trying to capture and preserve every moment. These professionals are trained to capture the moments every couple wants to look back on, like the first look and first kiss. Plus, you’ll be able to request certain shots to ensure nothing gets missed. Give your guests the freedom to relax and enjoy your wedding with you by hiring a professional videographer.
  4. You’ll get to see everything you might have missed. Your wedding day is a bustling affair with a lot going on. Sure, you’re present for the big things like walking down the aisle, saying your vows, and cutting the cake. But plenty is going on with your guests that you won’t get to see on the big day. Having a professional videographer capture those moments helps cement them in time and gives you something totally unique to look back on whenever you want to. Wedding videos are entirely customizable, so you can have the videographer capture any special moment you know you’re going to miss.
  5. Video captures more than photos ever could. Movement and sound — which there is a lot of at a wedding — are best captured in video. From the walk down to the aisle to significant speeches and important dances, you’ll want more than photos of those moments. Help preserve them forever with a wedding videographer.

Hiring a videographer for your wedding in Philadelphia is an investment worth making. You’ll be able to look back on your memories whenever you want to and get a look at the moments you weren’t present for, like your significant other getting ready for the day.

When you’re ready to decide on all the aspects of your wedding, EBE is here to help. Contact us today to find out how we can make your wedding day unforgettable!

Mar 09
0

Guide to Spring Wedding Trends 2022

By | Uncategorized, Blog

Planning a wedding can be a little chaotic if you don’t have any sense of direction. If you’re planning a spring 2022 wedding and are looking to be on-trend, we’re here to help! These are five of the most popular wedding trends for spring 2022, with tips on how you can incorporate them into your big day.

Use shades of green to dress your bridal party or decorate your reception hall. Spring has sprung, which means flowers are in bloom, and the trees are starting to grow back their leaves. Celebrate the renewal of greenery that comes with spring by incorporating shades of green into your big day. Some of the most popular shades of green for spring 2022 include seafoam, sage, eucalyptus, mint, and emerald.

Skip the buffet for your spring wedding. We’re certainly in a better place with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But out of an abundance of caution for your guests, keep everyone’s health and safety a priority and opt for individualized, plated meals. Check with your venue to see if you can do the same for your cocktail hour. Eliminating the buffet will help prevent people from crowding and create less of an opportunity to pass germs.

Formulate a wedding playlist with help from TikTok. TikTok is one of the most popular apps right now and can be helpful when planning your wedding, too! This app is a great place to discover new music and can help soon-to-be-married couples choose popular songs to add to a playlist for their wedding DJ or wedding band. Incorporating songs from TikTok into your wedding reception will help get all of your guests onto the dance floor, including the younger generations!

Incorporate crisp, clean style into your spring wedding. Despite what the HBO series Euphoria implies is popular, it’s not all about body crystals and jewel tones. Spring weddings are all about fresh, clean styles. Think neutral makeup palettes for brides and navy or canvas-colored suits for grooms. When it comes to flowers, ask your florist for seasonal suggestions like sweet peas and pansies.

Add some sparkle to your cocktail bar or dessert station. Weddings call for sparkles any time of the year, but especially in the spring. While we don’t suggest body glitter, edible glitter is a growing wedding trend that can quickly dress up the food and beverages served on your big day. Use it to rim your champagne glasses or sprinkle on your cake.

Allowing the season to dictate some of your wedding elements will make planning your special day that much easier! When you are ready to decide the entertainment that will perform at your spring wedding in Philadelphia, EBE is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our DJs and live bands!

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Feb 10
0

Unique Wedding Venues in Philadelphia

By | Uncategorized, Blog

Are you a big music fan looking for the perfect unique wedding venue in Philadelphia? You’re in luck! Philly is home to some of the most incredible music venues in the world, most of which can be transformed for your big day! Tying the knot at a music venue is especially ideal for those couples looking to have wedding bands perform. It’ll feel like you and your guests are at a special concert dedicated to you and your partner.

Discover four unique music venues in the city where you can host your wedding.

The Fillmore. Located in the Fishtown neighborhood, The Fillmore is modeled after the venue of the same name in San Francisco, a focal point of psychedelic music in the ’60s and ’70s. Philadelphia’s Fillmore is the perfect wedding location for the couple looking to capture the essence of early rock and roll. Because it’s a concert hall, the Fillmore can accommodate weddings of all sizes, ranging from 50 to 3,000 guests. Plus, it’s the perfect space for wedding bands and DJs to set up so you can throw the ultimate reception.

City Winery. For those couples looking for a more rustic, urban vibe, City Winery is the perfect wedding venue. The best part about City Winery is that floor plans are highly customizable, so the team there can adjust to the needs of your big day. You’ll be able to plan a wedding that showcases you and your partner’s personalities, and you’ll be able to have a full band or ensemble of your choice for your music needs.

The Kimmel Center. If you’re looking to get married in the heart of the city, the Kimmel Center is the perfect reception hall. What’s more, there are four venues to choose from! Hamilton Rooftop Garden is one of the most popular venues for weddings, boasting a glass rooftop atrium with spectacular views. The Academy of Music Ballroom is a popular option for couples looking for a more elegant vibe. Meanwhile, Commonwealth Plaza is a dramatic indoor space with a stunning vaulted glass roof. Finally, the Perelman Theater features a turntable stage perfect for those theater-loving couples. No matter which Kimmel Center venue you choose, Garces Events is their exclusive caterer, which means your reception will feature a menu curated by Iron Chef Jose Garces.

The Met Philadelphia. Another gorgeous and historic wedding venue in Philadelphia is The Met, a historic opera house built in 1908. This property once hosted theater performances, but today is a popular concert venue that could become your reception space! With an open-plan lobby and ample seating for up to 3,500 people, The Met is the ideal venue option for those couples who have booked wedding bands, DJs, and other forms of entertainment.

Although Philadelphia has many beautiful wedding venues if you’re a couple whose first date was at a concert or you bonded over a particular band or music artist, getting married at one of the city’s music venues is a no-brainer. Each space comes with its own vibe—edgy, rustic, artsy, and historical—so you can choose the one that speaks most to your relationship.

When you are ready to decide the entertainment that will perform at your wedding, EBE is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding DJs and live bands!

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Apr 13
0

Outdoor Wedding Checklist for Couples in Philadelphia

By | Ask The Experts, EBE Real Weddings

Outdoor weddings are ideal for adventurous couples who love to be outside. But with COVID-19 restrictions still in place in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, many brides may need to shift their 2021 wedding plans to an outdoor venue. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, here are six things you need to remember.

  1. Reconsider your guest list. Ultimately, your venue will determine how many guests you have at your wedding. After all, backyard weddings are often a lot smaller than those held in catering facilities. If your guest list is substantial, consider booking an outdoor wedding ceremony in Philadelphia that will be able to accommodate that number of people.
  1. Provide the right accommodations. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, you’ll want accommodations in place to keep your guests comfortable. From tables and chairs to tents, lighting, decorations, and restrooms, there are several things you’ll need to consider renting for the big day. And don’t forget the dance floor! In some cases, you may need to rent an outdoor flooring option.
  1. Consider your catering. Outdoor weddings can be fun and beautiful — until it’s time to sit down and eat. For the sake of your guests, think about the food you’re planning to serve. Is it easy to eat? Are most items hand-held? Make sure you have a mix of high-top tables and lower tables so that your guests have plenty of places to post up and enjoy their hors d’oeuvres or meal.
  1. Obtain permits if you have to. In some areas, permits might be required for your outdoor wedding. If you’re planning on a restroom trailer or need a generator for your event, a permit could be necessary. Conduct research on the types of events that require permits in your area ahead of time, so you’re prepared. In most cases, vendors are more than willing to obtain the necessary permits for an additional fee.
  1. Think about parking. When booking your outdoor wedding, don’t forget to ensure there’s a place for your guests to park. The parking area should be easily accessible for guests of all abilities and relatively close to your venue. If you’re booking an outdoor wedding in an urban area, don’t forget to check for restrictions regarding street parking.
  1. Check with your vendors. While most vendors are willing to accommodate outdoor weddings, there are some that aren’t. Be as straightforward as possible with your vendors and communicate the exact location of your outdoor wedding. This will give them a better idea of whether or not they can provide their services.

When you are ready to decide on the entertainment that will perform at your outdoor wedding, EBE is here to help. Contact us today to find out more information about our DJs and live bands!

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Jan 20
0
Where to Take Engagement Photos in the Philadelphia Area

Where to Take Engagement Photos in the Philadelphia Area

By | Ask The Experts, Uncategorized

Are you one of the lucky couples who got engaged over the holidays? Congratulations! Even though we’ve entered the new year, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic still leaves wedding planning up in the air. Forget thinking about the guest list and venue for now. Instead, soak up the joy of being engaged. If you’re planning to have engagement photos taken to share your big news with friends, there are plenty of beautiful places in and surrounding Philadelphia that will make for some great engagement shots.

These are the top five locations to take engagement photos in the Philadelphia area.

Old City. If you and your significant other were born and raised in Philadelphia or frequent downtown, Old City is an ideal location for your engagement photos. Get candid outside of your favorite Old City bars, restaurants, and hot spots. Then, take a few posed shots in some of the area’s more iconic locations. From the old cobblestone paths of Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, to the Merchant’s Exchange Building and the 18th Century Garden, there’s a location for every couple hidden within Old City.

The Navy Yard. Are you an adventurous couple? Have your engagement photoshoot in Philadelphia’s bustling Navy Yard. Several businesses operate out of this location, including the very contemporary Urban Outfitters. As such, there are a wealth of landscapes and backgrounds to choose from, including historical buildings and, of course, Urban’s photogenic campus.

Longwood Gardens. If you consider yourself an outdoorsy couple, Longwood Gardens is the perfect location for your engagement photoshoot. The botanical gardens are beautiful all year round, but you may be able to get some extra special shots depending on the time of year you schedule your shoot.

Covered Bridges. For a romantic engagement photoshoot, visit one of Bucks County’s 12 covered bridges. They’re the perfect location for the couple that enjoys the farmhouse style vibe. With locations in New Britain, Erwinna, and Tinicum, and Springfield townships, you have plenty of options to get the perfect shot. Choose the destination that speaks to your relationship or the one that’s closest to where you live.

Lambertville. While Lambertville is technically in New Jersey, it sits right on Pennsylvania’s border and offers some pretty amazing views of the Delaware River. Pro tip: have your engagement photos taken near the bridge to New Hope — this way, you can have a few shots taken in each quaint town! From railroad tracks to antique shops and canal waterways, there are a ton of unique locations to have engagement photos taken in Lambertville.

Choose any of these Philadelphia engagement photo locations for some beautiful shots! And when you are ready to make decisions about the entertainment that will perform at your wedding, EBE is here to help. Contact us today to find out more information about our DJs and live bands!

Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Vendors We Love? New Products?

Sep 18
0

How to Plan a Safe Wedding at Home

By | Uncategorized, EBE Real Weddings

This year will no doubt go down as one of the strangest and most challenging in living memory. For couples who hoped to tie the knot, many have chosen to cancel, postpone or change their existing plans.

While the destination wedding or large-scale even might be off the cards, it’s still possible for two people to come together to celebrate their love. For example, we are seeing more couples host smaller, more intimate weddings, and put their plans for the reception on ice for now.

To get you feeling inspired, we have spoken to Blue Nile<https://www.bluenile.com/>, the world’s leading online retailers of diamond jewelry, to share our best tips for hosting a small wedding at home<https://www.bluenile.com/blog/love-brilliant/how-to-plan-a-small-wedding-at-home-during-the-pandemic>.

There are quite a few additional considerations to address when planning a home reception in today’s COVID world. Here are some pro tips:

Size matters

Given the current situation with rapidly changing restrictions on gatherings, we are seeing many couples host small, intimate ceremonies at home, followed by “micro wedding” receptions in their backyards with their immediate families and closest friends.

Creating a wedding venue in your backyard requires a lot of planning. We recommend keeping it small so it doesn’t become overwhelming and everyone stays safe. Small doesn’t have to mean lacklustre, it can still be an elegant, fun, memorable day.

Postpone your reception

Many couples are rescheduling their full wedding receptions to be held one year after the wedding day, marking their one year anniversary.

This allows the couple to move forward with their timeline as they’ve planned it while keeping everyone safe. Plus, they get to have the wedding reception they’ve always envisioned at a safer time.

This approach really offers the best of both worlds and even gives couples more time to plan and enjoy their time as newlyweds.

Plan your space

Count your guests by household groups to determine how many guests you can seat together and the size tables you will need to accommodate them. Then make sure you have enough space to spread each table 6-feet apart.

Consider a served meal

Things like food trucks or grab-and-go dining will be safer. It’s best to avoid buffet-style food service at this time. Also, utilize disposable flatware. There are some cute options online!

Keep it clean

Make sure you thoroughly clean and sanitize restrooms, doorknobs, and any surface your guests will touch before and after your event. Also, offer masks for guests to utilize when they are not seated at their own table and individual hand sanitizer bottles.

Prepare for the weather

Bring in a tent for shade or day-of rain, but also have a rain date. If it rains the morning of or the night before your celebration, the ground will likely be too soft and muddy for an event. Make sure you have a backup plan. It’s also wise to consider having your lawn treated for ticks and mosquitos before the event.

Get creative!

Social distancing won’t stop you from having to-die-for centerpieces or amazing live music in your own backyard — get creative with your decor and entertainment.

Inspiration for Your Micro Wedding

Couples have come up with some very sweet ideas to tie their micro-wedding and their full reception together such as:

*   Putting aside a special bottle of wine at the micro wedding to open at their full reception a year later.
*   Planning socially-distant photos or video and displaying them at their full reception a year later.
*   Planning to freeze their cake and try it a year later in front of their guests at the full reception rather than cutting a new one.
*   Preserving their flowers by drying them or having them cast in resin to display at the full reception.
*   Asking their DJ or live musicians for a copy of their playlist or setlist and incorporating the music into their cocktail hour at the full reception.
*   Wearing their wedding dresses and suits twice! It’s so amazing to see couples get more use out of their wedding day ensembles.
*   Ask guests to leave advice notes and read them to see if they came true a year later.

Whether you plan to tie the knot in your city apartment or in the garden of your home, there are plenty of beautiful and creative ways to mark this special occasion and seal your love for a lifetime.

Sep 03
0

How to Choose Your Virtual Wedding Playlist

By | Wedding DJs, Ask The Experts

Are you a 2020 or 2021 bride? If so, listen up! You can still plan and execute the wedding of your dreams, despite the restrictions that may be imposed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. From backyard weddings to small, intimate gatherings indoors and even virtual ceremonies, there are plenty of ways to tie the knot during these unprecedented times.

If you’re one of the brides who have chosen to make it work and are hosting a virtual or micro wedding instead, you’re going to need an amazing playlist! Coronavirus can’t stop you from safely getting married! So you’ll want to add songs to your playlist that remind your friends and family that nothing can stop you from celebrating your love!

How to Pick Songs for Your 2020 Wedding

You may not be hosting a typical cocktail hour or reception at a micro or virtual wedding, but you should still incorporate some classic, slow songs that transport your friends and family back to their own wedding days. Additionally, you want your guests to get up, move around, and dance as they would have at your venue. Aside from classic wedding songs, think about songs that became popular during the quarantine. Did the kids in your family memorize TikTok dances while at home? Give them a chance to show off their skills!

Here are some of the best wedding songs for your virtual wedding.

  1. Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake.
  2. Happy by Pharrell Williams.
  3. Can’t Help Falling In Love by Various Artists.
  4. Twist and Shout by The Beatles.
  5. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley.
  6. Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.
  7. Intentions by Justin Bieber.
  8. You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates.
  9. Sucker by Jonas Brothers.
  10. 1999 by Prince.

Having your loved ones with you on your wedding day is important, no matter how they attend. Choose songs that are meaningful to you and your significant other, connecting you to your virtual guests through your phones and computers. Overall, remember to curate a group of upbeat songs to keep the mood light, fun, and festive.

Incorporate these songs on your virtual wedding playlist to get your wedding guests excited, even though you may not have everyone together for your special day. If you’re a bride in 2020 — we’re here for you! Want to learn more about our EBE Team Members? Micro Bands and Ensembles? Industry Professionals We Love? New Products? Contact us today!

Aug 04
0

Finding a Wedding Band During the Pandemic

By | Bands, Ask The Experts, EBE Real Weddings