Helpful Tips

As an organization, BADJA members have been part of thousands of weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, corporate events and school dances.  Below are a few helpful ideas to keep in mind while planning your event.

General

Meet Your Vendors - It is important to meet and communicate directly with the vendors you will be working with on the day of your event.  Direct communication will reduce the chance of errors or confusion.  Strongly consider this if you are hiring a company that does not allow you to meet/work with your day-of vendor.

Get It In Writing - While it is obvious that you would have a contract for some major vendors (caterer, DJ, photographer), others may operate without a formal contract, and treat your event like you are placing an advance order (some florists, bakeries, limo companies, etc.).  Make sure you get a contract and reduce any oral commitments or changes in writing so both parties are protected.

Weddings

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff - You've done your homework, now let your professional vendors do what they do best.  Don't try to micro-manage the details on your big day.  Don't overload your DJ with "must play" songs, but allow him/her to get to know your style and incorporate your requests with other proven crowd pleasers (as long as they are not on your "don't play" list).

Mitzvahs

Don't Hire Too Many Vendors - Overwhelming your son's/daughter's friends with a DJ plus several other types of entertainers may seem like a great idea, but more than often it leads to the kids having too much to do, and none of the vendors are utilized to their maximum abilities anyway (i.e. the DJ will have an empty dance floor because the kids are in another room playing video games).  Consult with your DJ or event planner for helpful suggestions on other vendors that have worked as party "allies" instead of "attention distractions".

Corporate Events

Lead The Fun - Many employees are nervous to just be themselves at holiday parties or corporate gatherings.  While you don't want to send a completely carefree message which could invite inappropriate behavior, you should ensure that the senior company managers are seen enjoying themselves on the dance floor and/or mingling with all of the employees and their guests.  This morale-booster is in some cases more valuable than any bonus you could afford to give your employees.

Schools

Discuss Your Music Expectations With Your DJ Before The Event - With music lyrics becoming more risqué than ever, you should be aware that students will want to hear songs that contain suggestive themes.  Professional deejays use only radio edits (appropriate for airplay on AM/FM radio stations) and you shouldn't worry that students will hear something they aren't already exposed to on a daily basis.  Eliminating all of these songs would be nearly impossible in the course of a 3-4 hour event, plus it would cause students to leave the event early because "their type" of music is not being played.  At a senior prom, for example, it is much safer for a group of 18-year olds to hear/dance to "Baby Got Back" then to leave the dance early for a drinking party at a nearby hotel room.