If you are reading this, most likely you are a business owner, part of the HR department of a company, or just a really sociable person at your company that wants to make sure you and your peers have a good time while making your company look great and put together the most successful corporate party possible.

Here are some essentials for your corporate event:

Mood, ambience & party Lighting.

I cannot stress enough to my clients how important is to have ambience lighting. Not only will it set the mood in the space you are holding the event; but it will also help fill the space with light, which can be set to match your company’s branding colours.
Also, don’t forget the party lighting. Avoid the cheesy dots and old disco balls. make sure your performing corporate DJ accounted for nice tasteful modern party lighting. It doesn’t have to be the most powerful in the world, but well programmed and in sync with the music.

Business networking area.

No matter what type of event you are having, there will always be a time to break and believe me, your peers will appreciate you thinking of them. Whether you create a bar with high tables and chairs for a few drinks (of course, if permitted and/or appropriate); or a lounge area for people to sit and have a coffee, they will all appreciate it.

Appropriate theme decor.

When I say appropriate, I mean the decor that will get you the feel you are looking for. Think also in terms of the activities you are doing.
For example, if you are hosting a networking event where drinks are part of it, you can have items such as plexiglass bars and tables, leather lounges, and of course, good lounge background music. This will give you a more dynamic, modern, and trendy feel to your event, helping people keep moving and talking.
Rather, if you are hosting say, a gala, you probably want to inject some warmth into the room with linens and different textures. This warmth will encourage guests to be more relaxed, and enjoy the night.

Logistics Logistics Logistics.

Always crucial for a successful event. Prepare for coat check (if applies), check-in area, meal choices tags, parking tickets, wifi access if needed, traffic areas, and handicap accessibility. Of course, this is not all, but it’ll get your mind going.

Event schedule and timeline.

Although is it part of logistics, I wanted to emphasize the schedule because it is essential for everything else to be worth the work. If your schedule isn’t quite good enough, people will not remember how good it all looked; rather, how disorganized it all was. Hiring a great corporate event planner and coordinator will help facilitate the evening’s planning and make your participants happier.

Prepare “fillers” (or at least, that’s what I call them).

I like to be ready for war! If something does not go as planned, i.e. food is delayed, you need to have a plan B to fill in that void. Could be a game (as easy as company trivia), or a more complex team-building exercise. A key to the success of this part of the evening is getting a skilled and interactive professional MC to guide the evening and integrate fun and captivating activities to have your participants maximize their networking or their relationship building.

Photo, video or any type of proof.

Whether we like it or not, in 2019 social media is king; pictures and videos are what people relate to and are accustomed to using to remember special moments. If you don’t want your event photos all over the net the next day, then be sure to hire a photographer or a videographer to capture the best moments of the evening. Nothing helps team building or sens of belonging when a staff member has access to a secure server and gets to remember the good times amongst his/her peers.

If you do not have the time to do all of this, perhaps a turn-key solution would be the answer for you. There are many companies (like ours), that can provide a professional look that matches your company’s image. Most of us work on budgets, that is, you set the budget and requirements, and we take care of the rest.

Keep working hard, and may the all-mighty be with you and all your eventful endeavours.
Regards,
Chris.-

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I know, I abandoned you for quite a while… but I am back!

We are halfway through the wedding season, and many of you lovely couples either just got married (Congrats!); or are about to tie the knot. If you still haven’t done so, do check my previous post with little tips and advice for the day of the wedding.

This time around, I decided to dedicate this post to all the brides and grooms that are too stressed out about the little details.

Many times, I have seen couples go through the day (and night) worrying and running around to make things “perfect”. Let me remind you, it is YOUR day, and you want to look back and remember the event with a lot of happiness.

So please, have a spa day before the wedding… Decompress and relax!

Most importantly, I am certain you spent a great deal of time researching vendors to choose the right one for you. Now, follow your instinct and choice, and trust that they will do an excellent job. After all, they are professionals.

Mean time, let me suggest a few spas that I L-O-V-E, and great thing is, you can go with your boo:

Bota Bota

botabota.ca

Summer or winter, there’s something incredibly captivating about that relaxing outdoor hot tub (with a gorgeous view), you MUST try it.

Scandinave Spa (Vieux Montréal)

scandinave.com

It is in the heart of Montreal’s Old Port, and this place really is to relax! I tried their “silent room” and it is so peaceful. After the water circuit, you can have a little massage, and some time to meditate, this place is for you.

Rain Spa

rainspa.ca

Have a lot of fun, cherish each moment with your loved ones, and may the all-mighty be with you and your eventful endeavors!

Yours truly,

Chris

The post Top 3 Montreal spots to relax before your wedding day! appeared first on Baccino Event Group | Montreal corporate & wedding DJ.

As a professional event planner in Montreal, I am a strong believer that “it is all in the details”. I L-O-V-E details, and when done tastefully, and not excessively, can make a wedding table look marvellous.

Of course, a gorgeous floral centerpiece will definitely be splendid; however, not everyone has the budget for a super “wow” arrangement. Keeping this in mind, I have been thinking of how to create impact without, breaking the bank.

Here are a few things you can use:

1. Rent Color Napkins

First, fabric napkins give you an “oh-la-la” feeling vs. a paper napkin. They instantly add color to your table, they come in an incredible array of colors, and you can go nuts on how to fold them! Think about it, a wedding in Montreal, if you pick-up and return, it will cost about $0.75 to $1.75 each to rent, and you don’t have to wash. Music to my ears!!

Here is a link to pretty ways of folding your napkins.

2. Silk Ribbon

YES!! Love it, use it, and get creative. SO many types, textures, widths, colors and shimmers to choose from!
Make a bow around your napkin, or tie your utensils with it for a more casual look!
You can also use it to adorn your stationery on the table (if you have any), and it is perfect to add an accent and/or complimentary color to your table.

3. Organic Table Decor

What is that?! Well, pretty much anything you find in nature.
You could integrate branches, wood logs, leaves, rocks, corals, shells, fruits and vegetables (think mini pumpkins, cauliflower heads, pine cones, etc.). Depending on your theme, you can easily pick up some of these items as far as your backyard.

4. Beautiful Candles

There is nothing like the brilliance and warmth that candlelight gives out. There’s a “je ne said quoi” in candles that make people feel warm and fuzzy.
Try getting the ones that are 6-8hrs, they are a little more expensive; but it avoids you changing candles in the middle of the event, and they are usually better quality (i.e. won’t turn off halfway, and won’t give out black smoke). Thinking scented candles? I would only do it around the room if you want to create a feeling, but not on the tables. You want guests to smell and appreciate the aroma of your delicious food rather than the candle.

5. Sweet Wedding Chocolates

I have a few friends that are loving me right now.

Place a small chocolate square on each guest’s place. At first, it will be as a “hey, welcome, sit down”. Then, it will be a “yes, eat me, while you wait for the food”; and lastly, it will be a “wasn’t that chocolate great? Imagine what’s coming”.
In reality, it can be any type of treat, use whatever you like most!

6. The Power of a Single Flower

No, it isn’t cheesy. It is a fresh little gift to your guests, and it says “I was thinking of you”. Of course, go with not so pricey flowers, and pick the kind that come in a bunch (i.e. Not roses), and that can resist a few hours without water. Ask your local wedding florist for suggestions, and usually in-season flowers are more economical.
Some of my favourite: Dendroubiums, Orchids (for a classical look), Hydrangea, Hypericum berries (for a clean-cut look) & Calla lilies.

Wedding budget-friendly doesn’t mean it has to be bland. So, choose your theme and/or colors, and go nuts! Don’t forget we can help guide you in all your wedding decor needs.

Be creative, and may the all-mighty be with you and your eventful endeavors!

Yours truly,

Chris.

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Today, I’d like to talk about entertainment, more specifically your event DJ. It is the industry I am in, and after all, I’ve seen enough parties and weddings in Montreal to know that, without a doubt, entertainment is key to a lively event.

Believe me, although it might be a tiny bit difficult for some of you to picture a party without alcohol, I can tell you they do happen (more often than you think) AND they can still rock if you have the right entertainment.

I’m not saying don’t drink! I’m not that crazy!! However, I am saying that a party can happen without (the unthinkable) alcohol; but cannot “HAPPEN” without good entertainment.

There are a few things I want to “clear up”, that might help you choose the right entertainment for you (IF you absolutely have to choose between one or the other):

Live band vs. Professional DJ

Consider the type of event first. Is it a gala? A wedding? Or is it a corporate event? The crowd attending will tell you the type of entertainment you might want to get.

If you have a young, clubbing crowd, then DJ is most definitely your match. If you have an older crowd, and/or you are looking for an intimate, more of a mingle kind of event, then a live band would work best.

In my very own personal opinion, I believe a professional DJ is the most versatile option. He/she can adapt and/or respond very quickly to the crowd, which brings me to my next point.

Choosing the right DJ for your event

Yes, a DJ will most likely be more cost-efficient than a live band; however, be careful with the DJ you choose.

I cannot stress enough to my clients how important good music is. You can have good food and drinks; but that will only last so long. You obviously don’t want bored guests.

Price is not always the most important thing. Remember, you get what you pay for. I am not saying to spend your life savings on it, but think reasonably. Experienced DJs will cost you more, good sound equipment does cost more, and of course, that translates into a higher fee. Why should this matter?

Well, an experienced event & wedding DJ should be able to gage the crowd and react to your guests’ response to music. That means if he/she puts on rock and roll and people start leaving the dance floor; then, the DJ should quickly realize it and transition to another type of music.

What about the equipment? Let me put it this way. If a speaker that is 10 years old blows during the night (yes, it happens when inexperienced DJs crank up the volume too high), you might end up with an unbalanced sound during the event, or what I consider worst, an endless annoying buzz.

Finally stage presence and safety is a big point as well. After all the hard work you put into making your wedding or event look spectacular, why would you accept a mess of hanging wires and an unattractive stage.

Purely for illustration purposes, this is what an amateur and a professional DJ look like:

Ask for different stage options. Does the DJ have different DJ booth models? Can he change the color of his stage lights? Does he offer upgrades? Downgrades? Can he accommodate your event style and look?

Club DJ vs. Event DJ vs. Wedding DJ

Yes, there’s a difference.

A club DJ has a style. They prefer a specific type of genre, and most of them specialize in one or two types of music. Some club DJs don’t take requests or don’t even ask clients what type of music they want.

Events and wedding DJs are trained or have experience in adapting to what the client needs for that very specific type of event, and for that specific time period of the event.

Note, I am not saying not to hire a club DJ; rather, my intention is for you to be aware of the difference between them.

Think of it this way, if you are a chef, and you have one prospective employee that can wash, cut/prep, and plate dishes; and another one that can only cut/prep… Who would you hire? The answer is, you hire what you need.

Another thing to consider is the music’s quality. Is it all Youtube downloads? Have you ever noticed that some songs are very loud, and others not so much? Well, it has got to do with the quality at which the songs have been uploaded and downloaded. Needless to say, you don’t want this. A proper DJ should have a legal library of high-quality music.

The Professional Master of Ceremonies (emcee or MC)

If your event has more than 100 guests, I’d say it is a must.

Your DJ is there to DJ, play music. He/she can probably do some introductions, but that is not the DJ’s focus, or it shouldn’t be.

The professional MC works for the crowd, orients your guests, and most importantly, makes sure the night goes smoothly and seamlessly. No gaps, no empty moments.
As a professional event planner, I can say that the biggest No-Nos for an MC are: inappropriate comments/jokes, swearing, and excessive drinking.

And, last but not least, a very important thing to watch out for: The look. Yes, it is important. In my view, if your guests take the time to look AND smell good for your event, so should your DJ (and staff). It’s that simple.

Biggest tip, READ REVIEWS. Let past clients tell you more.

The entertainment company you hire should have liability insurance.

Yes, better safe than sorry. The last thing you want is to be responsible for a DJ’s laptop or speaker because one of your overly excited friends decided it was a good idea to lean over the DJ booth to request a song and spill his beer all over the equipment.

The DJ company you hire should have a place of business.

Did the last DJ you contacted ask to meet you in a coffee shop? How about a bar? Or better yet, at your house? These are all red flags. What happens if you are not satisfied with the provided service and you want to go see him? You check his website and there is no address. Even Google can’t find him. Be aware of the “DJ on the GO”. I am not saying they are all out to get your money but would you feel comfortable hiring a lawyer with no place of business? How about a doctor that only makes house calls?

Well, I think this is, in a nutshell (as much as possible) my two cents on DJs, MCs, and entertainment.

A shout out to all DJs out there doing an awesome job, and may the all-mighty be with you and your eventful endeavours!

Yours truly,
Chris.-

The post The ultimate guide to hiring the best corporate, social or wedding DJ appeared first on Baccino Event Group | Montreal corporate & wedding DJ.

How to celebrate our dads!

Thinking of my dearly beloved father, who recently passed away, all I can say is, celebrate your “daddy” with a bang!

Getting married during this festive day? Why not dedicate a special song to him, or simply give him a little something that reaches his heart?

Brides and grooms listen up! A nice customized embroidered handkerchief, or a special tie YOU help to put on, will give you the opportunity to create a special moment just for the two of you, not to mention the great pictures. Savor that moment!

Not getting married? Not a problem.
You can still celebrate your father by treating him to a nice and relaxed day.

Which dad doesn’t like a good old fashion BBQ?! Well, get on it! Make it special with a theme in mind, one of his favorite things, perhaps.

Can be as simple as ribs, burgers, or beer theme; or you can even center it around his favorite sports team. In my case, I would have done a karaoke night… Yes, I’m Asian, and yes, my father LOVED karaoke!! Remember, it’s all about him!

Here are some DIY father’s day party theme ideas:

Food/beverage theme

ribs, burgers, tacos, sandwiches (the awesome sauce-dripping, mouth-watering kind), pasta night, cheese lovers, wine and cheese… Think tastings, think variety, think yummy.

Sports team theme

easy peasy. Take his favorite sport team, and basically use the team’s trivia to entertain and decorate. For example, instead of table numbers, use players names; serve food that is inspired by the country of origin of the team. Brazilian team=Brazilian food!

Other Sporty themes: bowling night, pool party, golf day, etc.

Various themes

arts day (think galleries or museums tours; or theater shows), karaoke night (self explanatory), board-games party, or even try a cigar-lounge party.

Other over-the-top themes

Cars fan, take him to a race track experience; animal lover? Safari experience perhaps? If he loves the sea, maybe a yatch rental.

Go wild! Options are truly endless. Just PICK one, DO it, and CELEBRATE.

My love to all daddies out there, and may the all-mighty be with you and your eventful endeavors!

Yours truly,

Chris.-

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We are all warmed up in the wedding season, and it is execution mode all the way.

Many of you have been in the planning process, and the day is soon coming up. So, let’s talk a little about the day of the wedding.

Hire a Wedding Day-of Coordinator

For all you DIY be-you-tiful brides, please remember at all times, that you will be insanely busy! You, and of course your hubby to be, will be the stars of the day; and there is very little time for you to do work.

Always have a designated person (perhaps a really good cousin) that will be willing to help you that day. Let me call it your “designated deputy”.

I would usually recommend having an Event Coordinator, not because is part of my job, but truly because there are so many little details to be taken care of, that it could take up all your (and your helper’s) fun time.

That being said, I absolutely understand that it is not in everyone’s budget. So, let’s get back to the subject.

Notice that I did not suggested your Maid of Honour as a first option to be your designated deputy. That is because your MoH and your bridesmaids will all be busy getting ready and helping you getting ready. They’ll be almost as busy as you will.

Make a Wedding Day Checklist

I am incredibly obssessed with them. It gets so overwhelming, that lists will just keep you on track of things.

The main lists I would have are:

• Things to be brought to the ceremony and reception, with the names of those who are responsible for bringing it to the corresponding place.
• List of emergency contact numbers. The last thing you want is to be searching through your emails and contracts.
• Special rituals and/or things that have to be done during the day and/or night (speeches, toasts, special presentations, etc…)

Double Check your Vendor Contracts

Make sure that you have enough of everything for all your guests, and confirm with all your vendors the time and place they have to be at.

Remember, it is wedding season, and most companies are running around to supply yours and many other events. So, re-scheduling can be hectic (if not impossible), and if you wait until the last minute to do things, it might just cost you a lot more than what you think.

Please allow me to be blunt. All the vendors out there are in the business of ‘making money’; and time, is money. We all value our time as much as you value yours.

The Essentials for the Big Wedding Day

Now that that’s out of the way, I have just a few more little tips for you:

Pretty, cute, comfy Flats

Believe me, it will save your night. After a whole day of smiling on those gorgeous heels you chose, the pain on your feet will be turning your mile intoa weird grin. I wouldn’t really go too crazy on the flats (you barely see them), unless shoes is your thing, and you plan to use them again! I like TOMS (no, I get no commissions at all), they are very comfortable, simple but cute, and they come in a wide range of colours and styles (there’s even a vintage line!). On top of that, for every TOMS you buy, they help a person in need. And, as if that was not enough, my dear canadian lady friends, It is in BC! You don’t have to go crazy trying to find a friend who’s going to get it for you in the States!

A spare shirt for your future hubby

Spills, or just a lot of sweat may overwhelm the first one (yes, yuk!). He’ll probably be drinking, and dancing a lot; and most importantly he’ll be around people that will be drinkingand dancing a lot!

Have a small touch-up kit

Your lipstick, powder, and even glue (in case one of your lashes decides to rebel). Although I do suggest my brides to have a touch-up session with a professional make-up artist, I know it can be pricey. So, if you have a talented friend that can give you a hand, a small little kit can make those pictures even better! Remember, especially if you are a party girl, you will be dancing, jumping, and doing a lot of hugging and kissing. You will definitely need a little freshen-up halfway your reception. The set on the picture (on the right), is quite simple; yet sufficient. If you’d like to be extra sure, I would add glue (if you are wearing faux lashes), eyeliner, and your regular pressed powder.

Pain killers!

YES! Advil, tylenol, or whatever calms your pains. Whether you have a cramp or a headache, you do not want this to spoil your day.

Now, just relax, and get ready to have one of the best days of your life!
Oh yes, and please be safe! Have one or two taxi companies’ numbers ready for your guests, in case they need it.

Cheers to all the future newlyweds, and may the all-mighty be with you and your eventful endeavors!

Yours truly,

Chris

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It has been long overdue for us to have a little space to share our thoughts with all of you out there preparing for your event(s) in Montreal or any city you are willing to pay our travelling expenses to..

So, let this be our “formal” invitation to participate in our blog:

“YOU are cordially invited to chit-chat, about nic-nacs, themes, colors, trends, cool things and pretty things, serious stuff and relaxing casual affairs, what’s hot and what’s passé. We can also help with the stressing and enigmatic issues of your event, so tell us how we can help. It is an open invitation to all of you, whether you are the fashionable, chic, romantic, modern, naturist, bohemian, or purely sophisticated… all of you simple and complex individuals”

Our philosophy stands for the character and individuality of each event we design, stemming from the personality of the people behind it. That is why we love getting to know each one of our clients; the more we know them, the more will the event reflect who they are.

So, let’s get this started!

My name is Chris. I am a professional event planner right here in Montreal. On behalf of the Baccino Events’ team, I welcome you to our site, our blog, and our family.

We offer great services here at Baccino and they are all tailored to meet you very high expectiations.

We offer the best DJ services in Montreal, with careful attention to procedures, music programming, evening logistics and yes we even offer animation.

We also love working with our clients’ wild imaginations so much that we have an entire team dedicated to design, planning and coordination.

To our Francophone friends, Je suis désolée, but mon Français est encore en mode d’apprentissage!
Mais vous êtes toujours bienvenus à participer, et si vous avez des questions,
je ferai tout mon possible pour vous répondre.

Last but not least, in this first introductory post, if you like us, please show us the
love by liking us on Facebook and Instagram, or simply by talking about us to your friends!

Here the virtual journey begins, and may the all-mighty be with you and your eventful endeavors!

Yours truly,
Chris.

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