Hot off the presses, here it is: everyone's favorite "Wedding Crasher" is soon to be the groom. Yes, Vince Vaughn of "Swingers" fame is finally hanging up his infamous bachelorness for an everyday girl, and "set to marry 29-year-old Calgary realtor Kyla Weber shortly, her father confirmed Thursday.” The newly famous father-in-law also reported that Vince proposed on V-day with a $125,000, four-carat ring. Also interesting is that "double-down's" mother was ALSO a real estate agent. Talk about location, location, location. 

That said—and we know this party animal will have stellar tunes at his bash—wedding season is fast approaching so lots of brides and grooms are looking to GigMasters for entertainment ideas on how to wow their guests—and stretch a budget. So, we polled those just hitched in hopes to lend advice to those about to take the plunge. Here’s some of what we found:

• 25% of respondents said they’d be upset if their best friend chose the same wedding song.
  
• Only 4% of respondents said that in retrospect, they would change the song they picked for their first dance, but 15% revealed that they’d consider it.
  
• When asked how they came to choose their first dance song, almost 60% had known it before even being engaged.
  
• 38% of couples had DJ’s; 26% had live bands; cover bands, tribute acts and variety performers are on the rise.
  

Economize: Once you have a set wedding budget, think in terms of taste and time, as well as dollars. If you and your fiancé are big rock concert fans—a band for the whole duration is probably a good fit for you. But if you’re fans of the theater, or have guests that like a variety of different entertainment, think about multiple acts—and maybe something unexpected, like a magician for kid guests or an impersonator! 

The big celeb wedding news right now is Fergalicious and the details are still tumbling out. The songstress married her "Las Vegas" actor Josh Duhamel a few weeks ago in an all-white Malibu wedding. After the ceremony, the couple treated their guests to a video mix of Ms. Stacy Ferguson's hit songs, to which her Black Eyed Peas bandmates danced along to. Also married over the holidays were late-night host Craig Ferguson and free spirit/former "Cheers"-er Woody Harrelson, both to their longtime girlfriends.

CELEBRITIZE: If you're not exactly a "Dutchess," why not invite your besties on the dance floor once the signature songs are done to celebrate? A favorite comtemporary song, or perhaps a classic cover (think "Aint No Mountain High Enough") might really get everyone's blood pumping and set the tone for a fun-filled dance party of a reception. Also in the wedding pages: New holiday engagements include Alyssa Milano to her agent (now who's the boss?) and Gisele Bundchen to Tom Brady. A lot of celebrities who've been engaged throughout 2008 are also set to tie the knot in '09, meaning there will be lots of new trends in bridal to be on the lookout for. This list includes the likes of Carmen Electra (wedding gowns with mini-skirt hemlines, perhaps?) and tennis star Andy Roddick. A-listers like Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie might also become brides in 2009, but I doubt they'll be invited to each other's weddings. So with big-name women and men taking the plunge this year, perhaps the most exciting fashion trends will finally be in the menswear department. After all, if the bride goes to all the trouble she does (the dress, the veil, the shoes, the hair, the makeup.heck, most brides even buy a new perfume!) where does he get off just renting a tux? Ladies, discuss among yourselves, but that doesn't seem fair to me. In fact, the average gown is $1,056! But if that's by the yard, perhaps Ms. Electra's will be less.

BOTTOM LINE: Whatever your stye and whoever you are--from star athletes to regular Joes--embrace that part of you and make your wedding your own. A cover of your favorite song or a jam that says something about the two of you (Ms. Milano might pick something by "The Boss" or Patriot's QB Brady might pick "Born in the USA")...make sure there are a few songs on the playlist, aside from the signatures, that'll bring a smile to your face...and your guests.

 

...guest-blogger Beth, or as we like to call her Bride-chilla. She'll be dishing up the hottest in weddings and wedding entertainment --everything from celebrity nuptials to the do's and don'ts on the dance floor.

From what I can tell Poughkeepsie-based wedding and event planner, Meghan Peak, is no ordinary wedding planner. After all, she named her business Trees & Marmalade, gushes obsessively about her favorite movie, Across the Universe, oh and she's vegan. With those credentials, how can she not plan a super-cool, one-of-a-kind event? Inspired by her new fav movie, her recent blog talks about her search for a Beatles tribute band:

"My search was beginning to drag super fast! Maybe I was searching wrong? Maybe all those chocolate cookies have made me brain dead? But then! The clouds parted and there it was: GigMasters.com!"

Jai guru deva om....

I just love seeing examples of couples who don't just plan a wedding, they create a whole experience.

The self-proclaimed Hippie Newlyweds, did just that. Since becoming a couple, Eric and Hannah discovered a shared love of country-string music, a la Nickel Creek. They thought it beyond their dreams (and budget) to find a string quartet to accompany them down the aisle.

Until they found the St. Charles String Quartet. 

"A simple Google search brought me to GigMasters, which allowed me to read reviews and look over prices for several string groups at once. I was able to send a request for a price quote to a bunch of them with one click. And soon enough I heard from St. Charles String Quartet."...Eric

Check out their blog for all the details of their truly unique, homegrown wedding.

Wishing you both much peace and love...

 

I think we can all agree that an economic crisis isn’t going to stop people from falling in love, getting married, or having kids. After all, these are some of the most joyous, memorable moments in our lives. Right now, I bet, many guys (and some gals too!) are prepping to pop the big question this Christmas and New Years. The one asking feels the pressure to make the moment absolutely perfect – the right ambiance, the gorgeous ring, the background music. I swear, if they could make a deal with the weather gods, they probably would.

After the much-awaited “yes” comes the passionate kiss, the champagne toast, the family phone calls…the couple is on their way to marital bliss!

Well, not quite yet. Before happily-ever-after they have to plan the biggest, most important event of their lives. With this comes some serious planning, budgeting, compromising, family-feuding, and bridesmaids crying. Add to this stress the reality of increasing unemployment and declining bank accounts…ugh!

Despite it all, every bride and groom (even though he may not admit it) want their wedding day to be perfect. For more and more couples, this means making a celebration that is truly a reflection of them – not another cookie-cutter wedding. Times like these force creativity and individuality!

Here at GigMasters, we’ve noticed in the past two years signs of this weakening economy. Couples in 2008 spent 13% less on their wedding entertainment than in 2006. This is because more and more couples are choosing some truly unique wedding entertainment. In fact, in 2008 alone, GigMasters helped over 15,000 couples find the just-right entertainment for their big day!

In addition to DJs, wedding bands, and classical ensembles, here are some non-traditional entertainment choices we’ve seen this past year:

• Magicians
• Elvis
• Impersonators
• Beatles Tribute Bands
• Frank Sinatra Tribute Acts
• Clowns
• Hypnotists
• Comedians
• Soloists
• Duos / Trios
• One-Man Bands
• …even Santas

Keep in mind that the best weddings are those that truly celebrate all that is special about the bride and groom. So, my advice to couples is simple:

1. Think about your personal and shared interests.
2. Imagine your perfect party.
3. Remember why you fell in love.

Happy holidays!

Marissa

Kelly Osborne plans Elvis-themed wedding

Looking for some ideas to get your own guests talking?  We've noticed that from 2006 to 2008 the number of couples booking Impersonator Acts and Tribute Bands for their weddings have increased by 50%!  Here are some unusual types of entertainment booked for weddings on GigMasters.

• Bring the Las Vegas Wedding to you ... With over 100 Elvis Impersonators on our site, you will be able to hire the King, himself, no matter where you live.

Elvis Impersonators on GigMasters

• Bring your guests to a Tropical Destination Wedding ... With Steel Drum Bands, Hula Dancers, Fire Eaters, or even a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band.

No matter what the occasion, GigMasters has great entertainment ideas to make your event a success.

(Check out the "Gig Idea" coming soon to the GigMasters homepage.)

Check back with us every Monday for more GigMasters and entertainment news.  For daily updates, follow us at Twitter

We always love hearing how GigMasters has helped couples land the perfect wedding entertainment for their special day. One blogger, and recent bride, Jen, created a list of her top wedding day tips and lessons. She shared lots of unique ideas that put a personal stamp on their special day.

For tip #7, she says:

“Oh my gosh, get yourself a band! This does not have to blow your budget! We booked a blues band (Third Degree Blues) from gigmasters.com for less than $500 (for 6 hours). Cheaper than most DJs, cheaper than the cost of my invitations after my thousand trips to Paper Source. AND THEY ROCKED IT. Seriously, they were so amazing. Keep in mind that there are so many bands out there trying to make it and develop a reputation or may just want to play for the fun of it.”

For more of Jen’s tips and lessons, visit her blog at http://weddingathome.blogspot.com.