Black Friday Marriage Proposal

One of my favorite things about meeting engaged couples for the first time is that I get to hear the story of how the Groom (sometimes the Bride) proposed. What makes these stories even more fun is that, just like snowflakes, there are never 2 that are exactly alike. And, each proposal usually includes significant amounts of creativity and detailed preparation to provide for an element of surprise.

Perfect example, a Black Friday, 11/28/08, marriage proposal at a Best Buy in the Mall of America, Minneapolis, MN. Here's a link to the video.

Learning From A Master

I'm heading to Los Angeles on Thursday morning to spend the weekend with one of the premier wedding entertainers in the country and one of my best friends, Peter Merry. Peter is also the author of "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!", founder of the Wedding Entertainment Directors Guild™ owner of Merry Weddings , mentor to 100's of entertainers nationwide (including me) and the most creatively gifted and talented individual I've ever known. I'm honored that he's allowing me to "shadow" him at a wedding and wedding reception on Saturday. In the world of wedding entertainment, this unique opportunity is a pretty big deal and I'm excited about watching a master at work and to learning something new.

By the way, "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" is a fun and resourceful tool for any couple planning a wedding and wedding celebration and would make an excellent gift for the holidays. Purchase a copy by clicking on the book cover below!

MAGIC - Creating Moments & Memories Pt. 3

Back to "The MAGIC Behind the Perfect Wedding Reception!" which, in simple terms, are a few easy and inexpensive measures a Bride & Groom can do themselves to create a memorable celebration.

You've set the "tone" for your reception with your hand-picked background music genre, room lighting level and decor; each coinciding with the atmosphere you wish to project. You've chosen just the right song(s) for the wedding party introductions for emphasis and you've asked your bridesmaids and groomsmen to make the most of the moment as they are presented to your guests. You're ready to continue the MAGIC, adding to the excitement of your celebration with fun, memorable, personalized introductions of your attendants.

It's safe to say that each member of the wedding party holds some significance in your life. You obviously think of them as your closest friends if you invited them to stand by your side on one of the most important days of your lives. Maybe they're a sorority sister, fraternity brother, former teammate, longtime coworker, relative, friend since childhood, confidant, mentor, etc. Odds are, though, that most of your guests will only recognize members of the wedding party because they're all in the same "uniform."

Now, you could have them introduced by name only, but how much fun would that be? Or you could take advantage of this opportunity to engage your guests by having your master of ceremonies incorporate little tidbits of information about each of your attendants as they are being introduced.

Imagine you are introducing one set of your friends to another set of friends. You have a special relationship with each. What would you share to break the ice? How do you know each other? When did you meet? Where did you meet? How did you meet? What do you enjoy doing together? What do they do? Are they finishing a degree, serving in the Armed Forces or living and working in another state? What hobbies, sports or interest do you share in common? Are they famous for accomplishing or inventing something? What fun facts or amusing story from your friendship can you tell? Do they have a nickname? You need not include everything but these questions will get you started in the right direction.

You'll not only be imparting the magnitude of your friendship and how much you care for these individuals but, delivered properly, these personalized introductions will captivate and entertain your guests, add a personal touch and further energize the room, preparing your family and friends for one of the most exciting moments of your celebration...the introduction of the Bride and Groom.

If you have questions, I'd be happy to help. Please feel free to post your questions in the comment section below.

Ron Ruth is the author of 2, popular wedding workshops,
“The MAGIC Behind the Perfect Wedding Reception!”
and “The Best Groom…Ever!"
To book Ron for your wedding or to speak to your group,
please call 816-224-4487 or email ron@ronruthweddings.com.
©2008 All Rights Reserved - Reproducing any portion of this blog and/or "The MAGIC Behind The Perfect Wedding Reception!" is strictly prohibited.

MAGIC - Creating Moments & Memories Pt. 2

OK! You've set the stage for the "mood" you wish to convey for the beginning of your wedding reception with the proper ambient music, room lighting and decor. Your guests are being subtlety, almost subliminally, coaxed into a frame of mind that blends with the atmosphere you wish to project.

You and your new spouse have arrived at the venue with the wedding party, anxiously ready to be introduced to your friends and family. Now is the time when some of the most obvious, personal touches come into play, allowing you to create some extremely memorable moments.

How do you want your guests to respond as your attendants are introduced? Are you ready to transition from elegant and romantic into fun? Do you want to take the upbeat level of the fun you've already created to the next level? These are important questions when considering the music choice(s) for the wedding party introductions. Keep in mind, however, that your selections will help move your guests where you want them to go emotionally.

Note: For a complimentary list of wedding party introduction music, send me an email at ron@ronruthweddings.com. Please place "Wedding Party Introduction Music" in the subject line and I'll send you a few suggestions.

And then there are your attendants. How do you want them to perform during their introduction? Your reception is a time of great happiness and those that you have chosen to be active participants in your special day help set the tone for what lies ahead for all of your guests. Even the most stylish introduction still allows your wedding party to include a smile, a wave, a dip or a spin

upon entering the room. For more upbeat introductions, I've seen couples leapfrog their way to the dance floor, or grab a guest or 2 from a table to dance and celebrate along with them. I've experienced bridesmaids and groomsmen that perform their own impromptu choreography as they made their way to their places...all to the enjoyment of everyone in the room.

Recently, for the first time in my 20 year career, I had a Groom offer $50 to the bridesmaid and groomsman that made the most original, high energy entrance. It was a bit of an awkward situation for me as he also decided I should be the judge and determine the winner. I'm not suggesting that a "prize money" is needed or necessary. But, "WOW!" The end result of that competition was incredibly entertaining and so much fun to watch.

The one major element that has been left out of this entire scenario, thus far, are the photos that will be taken of these special moments, creating a catalog of memories for you to enjoy for years to come.

For next time: Personalizing the wedding party introductions...recognizing those that have honored you..

Photo Credits: Top right - http://www.sandersandross.com/
Middle Center - http://www.tjstudios.com/
2 Bottom Center - http://www.flashesphotography.com/

Ron Ruth is the author of 2, popular wedding workshops,
“The MAGIC Behind the Perfect Wedding Reception!”
and “The Best Groom…Ever!"
To book Ron for your wedding reception
or to speak to your group or association,
please call 816-224-4487 or email ron@ronruthweddings.com.
©2008 All Rights Reserved - Reproducing any portion of this blog and/or "The MAGIC Behind The Perfect Wedding Reception!" is strictly prohibited.

MAGIC - Creating Moments & Memories Pt. 1

In a prior post, we discussed the importance of putting a little "MAGIC" in your wedding reception.

With this post, we'll start to focus on creating Moments and Memories. It has been my experience that the most memorable moments (that lead to the most memorable wedding receptions) are those that are created through the addition of personal touches that will produce an emotional connection between the newlyweds and their guests.

One of my favorite post-event comments came from a bride that said "I knew it was an extraordinary evening when I looked around the room and saw my guests laughing one minute, crying another and then laughing again." But how did that happen and what's the value to you?

Think about the last DVD you rented. When you popped it in the player you some expectations that it would entertain you. And, without really thinking about, you knew within the first few minutes if the movie would live up to your expectations or not. If it didn't, you most likely turned it off and returned it. What helped you make the final decision was whether the storyline made an immediate, emotional connection with you. Did the storyline go directly to a scene that made you laugh or cry? Did it draw you into the plot with suspense or horror? Or, did it just bore you?

A wedding reception is much the same. Just like a movie, the need to make an emotional connection begins during the opening credits. Or, in the case of a reception, as the guests arrive. Does the arrival music set the tone for a "storyline" that reflects your personality and style and project the appropriate ambiance that you desire (i.e.: romantic, elegant, high-energy, fun, etc)?

What about the lighting in the room? Low level lighting expresses intimacy whereas higher level lighting encourages more socializing.

And then there is the decor. Rich, deep colors communicate romance. Pastels are lively and fun.

These are just a few considerations that set an emotionally charged stage that will further draw your guests into one of the most incredibly memorable moments of your event...your introduction as husband and wife.

Next time we get together, get ready to meet the Wedding Party!

Ron Ruth is the author of 2, popular wedding workshops,

“The MAGIC Behind the Perfect Wedding Reception!”

and “The Best Groom…Ever!"

To book Ron for your wedding reception

or to speak to your group or association,

please call 816-224-4487 or email ron@ronruthweddings.com.

©2008 All Rights Reserved - Reproducing any portion of this blog
and/or "The MAGIC Behind The Perfect Wedding Reception" is strictly prohibited.

History Made!

Like most Americans, it is difficult for me this morning to ignore the historical significance of yesterday's Presidential election.

Regardless of age, race, ideology or party affiliation, we would be naive to deny that a new, positve chapter in American history has been written and is one we will all be able to vividly remember as we tell our children and grandchildren of the day when the first African-American was overwhelmingly voted to the Presidency of the United States.

The MAGIC Behind ThePerfect Wedding Reception - Introduction

What is your vision of the ideal wedding reception? Is it elegant and romantic? Or high-energy and exciting? Perhaps you lean more towards emotional and engaging.

Regardless, there's little doubt that, in the end, you want your wedding reception to be fun, or at the very least, entertaining and memorable. But, how do you get there? What is the most direct route to assuring that you and your guests will enjoy an unforgettably fun celebration? That's easy! All it takes is a little MAGIC.

No, we're not talking about the kind of MAGIC that involves sawing the Groom in half or making the wedding cake disappear right before your eyes (although, either act would be highly entertaining). The MAGIC comes from implementing what are probably the 5, most overlooked key elements to the success of any wedding reception.

--Moments and Memories
--Attention to Detail
--Getting Your Guests Emotionally Involved
--Innovation and Interaction
--Celebrating Your Way

What makes the MAGIC even more exciting is that, even though the value of these elements are priceless, the cost to you is usually nothing more than a little imagination. Don't try to copy what someone else has done. Moments can rarely (actually, almost never) be repeated in exactly the same manner from one event to the other and invoke the same memory. Your moments should be exclusive to your individual personality and style...resulting in very personal memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

We'll talk next time about what most couples soon discover to be their favorite part of the MAGIC...creating Moments & Memories.

Ron Ruth is the author of 2, popular wedding workshops,
“The MAGIC Behind the Perfect Wedding Reception!”
and “The Best Groom…Ever!"
To book Ron to speak to your group or association,
please call 816-224-4487 or email ron@ronruthweddings.com.
©2008 All Rights Reserved - Reproducing any portion of this blog and/or "The MAGIC Behind The Perfect Wedding Reception" is strictly prohibited.

Eftink/Cary 10/18/08

This past Saturday, October 18, I was invited to be the Master Of Ceremonies and to provide the entertainment for Bryce and Rachel Cary's wedding reception at the Loretto.

Rachel, a Kansas City native, and Bryce, raised in Omaha, Nebraska, met 4 years ago while she was attending Creighton University and they were both working at a Panera Bread. Bryce proposed to Rachel in August, 2006.

Although their wedding ceremony and reception was an intimate affair with 100 guests in attendance, many of their friends and family traveled from as far away as Oregon, New York and Florida to join in the celebration.

Rachel and Bryce shared a common vision for their idea of "Kansas City's Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" They wanted it to be FUN for everyone. There is no doubt they realized their dream as their guests, young and young at heart, kept the dance floor packed all evening with their song selections from the 50's through the 90's.

Even though there were some incredible memories created before the party began, a few of the most entertaining moments of the evening came from the music requests of both the newlyweds and their guests. At one point during the party, their guests could hardly contain themselves as they enjoyed each other's attempt at dance routines made famous by some of the greatest "boy bands" of the past. Their enthusiastic response to those selections further validates the reason "New Kids" has decided to launch a comeback. LOL

I have to admit, their music requests allowed me to play songs I haven't been asked to play in what seems to be forever. I can't remember another reception (if ever) where almost every guest hurried to the dance floor to "get their groove on" to "Happy Together" by the Turtles. What a hoot and what a great feeling to see everyone having the time of their lives.

I thank Bryce & Rachel for allowing me to be a part of it all!

How Has The Economy AffectedYour Wedding Plans?

With the economy in a state of flux, how has it affected your wedding and/or reception...if at all?

What extras are you cutting back on or cutting out completely? Have you decided to postpone your wedding until the economy improves? What vendor's services do you feel you can live without? What vendor's services do you rufuse to give up? Were you planning an elaborate affair but have now chosen to become a DIY bride instead?

Share your thoughts and how you've adjusted your budget. Other couples can benefit from your input.

And, don't forget Thursday is "Q & A Thursday" from 10a to 4p, right here on my blog. We'll address any question you have regarding your wedding reception and how you can make yours an unforgettably fun celebration...regardless of your budget.

Wilcoxon/Foster 10/04/08

Jimmy & Jennifer Foster tied the knot on Saturday, October 4th, 2008, and celebrated in grand style at the Sawyer Room in downtown Kansas City, MO. Surrounded by over 300 of their closest friends and family, Jimmy & Jennifer wanted to make sure that every guest, including the very young children in attendance, were made to feel involved in their party.

From the personalized introduction of their wedding party, a teddy bear toss for the kids, to the emotional telling of their love story and so much more, every moment was filled with fun and laughter. Jimmy and Jennifer had the time of their life and, along with their guests, danced the night away.

Creating a memorable reception is a "team" effort and it is a tremendous attribute to be in a venue that is as beautiful and unique as the Sawyer Room. The owners, Eric and Jodie DeLeon, go out of their way to assure that the services they provide are absolutely perfect. It was also nice to work with Teri with Flashes Photography, again. Teri's personality is so vibrant that you just can't help but smile when she's shooting the photos. Working with her is a joy.

Thank you, Jimmy & Jennifer, for allowing me to be a part of your special celebration!

Hawes Photography

I met Aaron and Heather Hawes with Hawes Photography at a reception celebrating the marriage of Kyle & Laura Branson on June 28, 2008 at the National Golf Club. What I quickly discovered was that their style of photography is unlike so many others. They have an eye for emotion and an incredible talent for capturing it. When you look through their portfolio you'll see real people in real moments...just being themselves. And, even though you probably won't even know the individuals in the photographs, it's amazing how easy it is to feel what they must have been feeling at the time.

Just take a look at the Hawes Photography web site. That's Kyle & Laura on the home page. You can't help but feel their love.

PWG Bridal Show - FREE TICKETS!!

I've got 5 pairs of FREE TICKETS to the Perfect Wedding Guide's annual Fall Bridal Show on October 5th from 11:00-5:00 at the Overland Park Convention Center. You'll be able to visit with over 200 of Kansas City's top wedding vendors! Fashion shows will be at 12:30 pm and 3:30. Additional info here!

Want to save $20 at the door? Simply send an email to Ron@ronruthweddings.com with your name and address and I will drop one pair in the mail to you. These FREE TICKETS* will not last long, so don't delay.

While you're at the show, learn first hand how 4 of my former, client brides celebrated "Kansas City's Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" this past year. You'll find them waiting to talk to you at booth #56 (just to the right of the main stage). See you there!

*Do not post your personal information here! Only one pair (2 tickets) per request and address. No purchase necessary. They're FREE! Really!