How Much Do You Charge? | Elegant Music

Stages of Successful Wedding Planning

January 13, 2015 By Eric Zimmermann

Eric Zimmermann Pianist, Band Leader, DJ & Master of Ceremonies

On that special day your wedding will start with music, continue with music and will end with music. Hello, my name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader. Though I am not a wedding coordinator very much of my presentation depends on good planning, coordination and timing. Though each wedding is unique there are basics essential to its success.

Essential: Your Wedding Location

A beautiful wedding location is easy to find in Southern California. But in planning your wedding, what are your needs? Will out of town guests need a place to stay? Can the facility accommodate an “outdoor” and “indoor” function? What about parking? Hours of operation (how late can the party go?) Menu options. An experienced wedding coordinator familiar with many locations can suggest locations based on your needs and wants.

Check out these wedding locations. Wedding Locationsand More Wedding Locations

With any location there are the times the event will start and end, what goes on between will give you your time line.

Essential: Your Time Line

Having your location one can sketch the itinerary for your wedding. This is general, like a bird’s eye view. This should be done at the beginning of the planning process because it helps to align all other vendors and activities. When working with a couple I do this as a beginning step to illustrate where music and announcing might be needed. Sure, it may change as your view of your wedding gets more clear but an itinerary sketch to refer to when you need it is an important planning tool. It is like a framework that you can hang your ideas on.

Essential: Scripted Announcements

Eventually scripted announcements will be included in the itinerary. Scripted announcements (that you approve of ahead of time) delivered by your Master of Ceremonies are essential to a successful presentation. Remember, on the day of your wedding your Master of Ceremonies will be representing you. It is best to script what he says. Please see: Scripted Announcements for Your Master of Ceremonies

Essential: Budget and What is Important To You

For most couples planning a wedding is a new experience. It is a learning experience. Determining your budget is a necessary first step; however as you determine what you like and what is important to you you will find it necessary to amend your budget. You will have the option of reallocating money in your budget as you go. It may be difficult starting out if you are not accustom to “entertaining” (throwing parties). People who throw parties for 50 to 100 guests that include: Catering, Parking and Entertainment already have some idea what to expect to pay for a wedding.

Communication is the Key

Costs can vary widely depending on the level of service you are accustom to. Make it your policy to talk to a lot of wedding vendors and locations and learn about the services you think you may need. Most wedding professionals are artists and nice people and will readily talk about their services and offer advice. Talk to your wedding coordinator. After several interviews an experienced wedding coordinator can help you set price ranges for the services you will be hiring. See: Planning a Wedding Budget – Where to Start – This article is a short talk with veteran wedding designer Tobey Dodge about budget.

Practice Party!

For those who insist on doing it themselves, I suggest that before you start planning your wedding that you throw a “practice party” for 25 guests. Take notes and measure your success. You might get the idea that you indeed can plan your own wedding or if hiring a professional is a better idea. See: Should I get A Wedding Coordinator?

Wedding Day Orientation

Just so you know, a wedding ceremony takes about 1 hour and a cocktail hour takes 1 hour. A standard wedding reception is 4 hours. Total time of the actual event can be from 6 to 7 hours depending on your location. Your location will have policy and guidelines on the additional time allowed for vendor setup and breakdown. Amenities, policies and prices between locations vary widely. Experienced wedding designers and coordinators can guide you to locations that fit your needs. An experienced wedding coordinator (after thorough interview and getting to know you) can also indicate price ranges for necessary vendors to be hired.

Again, having a wedding date and wedding location you can now plug in your 6 to 7 hour time line and start planning your colors, flowers, food, photographer, transportation, lodging and much more.

See: DJ/Master of Ceremonies and Live Music for a Wedding. This page has several additional links that include:

Wedding Time Line and Planning Templates (PDF)

Suggested Wedding Packages

Starting Wedding Planning Somewhere

I guess it is safe to assume that most couples planning their wedding haven’t been married before. Where to start? Please also see: Good Questions to Ask. It is like a “frequently asked questions” page that guides you through the Elegant Music website. Ultimately it is best to talk with lots of wedding professionals. The object is to find professionals you like and put together a good team. Most wedding professionals are artists and often are eager to tell you about their service and offer wedding planning tips. You will learn a lot and when educated in what it takes to produce a wedding you will be more comfortable with your choices.

Note: People are people and not all wedding professionals are created equal. See: Choosing A Wedding Professional.

Eric Zimmermann DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist & Band Leader, Elegant Music Los Angeles

Your Stage of Wedding Planning.

It may be that you are just starting out… or don’t know where to start. It may be you have already gotten a lot of information and are deep it. Good! It’s always time to talk about your wedding. See: Why Talk About Your Wedding?

In addition to all that you do in your professional life if you have the time to plan your wedding it can be a lot of fun!

I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader – Elegant Music 626-797-1795

Please fill out this form and get started planning music for your special event:

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Elegant Music Price Ranges

December 19, 2013 By Eric Zimmermann

Wedding Reception Viennesse Ballroom Langham Hotel Pasadena

Wedding Budget

Certainly price quotes are important to planning a budget for a wedding or special event.

There are several parts to any event and each can have its own music. Additional services including planning, announcing and presentation come together to create a satisfying experience. Elegant Music has provided high quality services since 1990.

Understanding Your Wedding

A couple planning a party or wedding who do not usually entertain (throw parties) might not know what it takes to throw a successful event for their guests.

Hello. My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader. To give a proper quote I will need to understand your event.

Wedding Reception DJ Eric Zimmermann Crystal Ballroom Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles, CA

It’s very simple…

A quote for a service must be accompanied by an understanding of what the service entails. Just getting a “number” would be like receiving a price for something wrapped in a box and not knowing what’s inside. By talking with the vendor the savvy shopper would understand the service and can look at the quote and have more certainty about what they are planning to buy.

download-3 — Wedding @ The Fairmont Hotel Santa Monica, CA. Congratulations Lauren and Matt!

Elegant Music provides a high level of service.

I think planning a successful event is almost as much fun as making it happen. A wedding is a step forward and a new beginning for a couple and their families; a very creative activity.

I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Sincerely,
Eric Zimmermann
DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader
www.elegantmusic.com 626-797-1795

PS: Price Range

Let’s talk about your wedding ideas. Here are some general guidelines:

A wedding ceremony and cocktail hour is usually a 2 hour block of time.

A wedding reception is usually a 4 hour block of time.

For a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour plan on $350 – $1650

For a wedding reception plan on $575 – $3600 and up.

More importantly I look forward to speaking with you. 626-797-1795

Please fill out this form and get started planning music for your special event:

[form form-3]

Elegant Music Sample Quotes & Wedding Packages

March 18, 2013 By Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music Trio @ Los Angeles Convention Center

Hello Clint and Elizabeth:

My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Bandleader.

Elegant Music Quartet

You heard the Elegant Music Flute and Harp Duo perform at the Los Angeles Convention Center Bridal Show.

Here is a brief Sketch of your wedding ceremony program:

3:00 – 3:30 Prelude Music as guests arrive.

3:30 Wedding ceremony processionals start on cue.

Officiant, Groom & Groomsmen Music:__________________

5 Bridesmaids Music:___________________

Bride and Father Music:____________________

Recessional Music: _____________________

Here is a quick breakdown of costs for Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour from 3:00 – 5:00 on March 16, 2019 at your home in Bellflower..

Solo Piano: $425

Flute & Piano: $650

Trio: $900

Quartet: $1150

We will provide a microphone for the officiant if needed.

You are invited to our office where we can play for you to help choose music. For your convenience we can do this step by phone. Please see: Mini Concert Choosing Wedding Ceremony Music

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,
Eric Zimmermann DJ / Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Bandleader

Office: 626-797-1795 Cell: 323-270-3650

www.elegantmusic.com

Here is a quick summary of Elegant Music services:

Flute and Piano

Elegant Music started in 1990 with my wife Sheila and I playing Flute and Piano music in beautiful locations throughout Southern California.

Since then we have grown to include many services for weddings and parties.

Eric Zimmermann with the Elegant Music Quartet Elegant Music Quartet

Here is a link to a page on the Elegant Music website that includes a video “Reflection” from Disney’s Mulan and a contemporary music song list for Quartet. See: Alternative Wedding Ceremony Music

Elegant Music Jazz Trio

Here is a link to the Elegant Music Jazz Trio. This group plays traditional Swing and Latin Music as well as Covers of Contemporary Music.

See: Elegant Music Jazz Trio Video Sampler

DJ Dance Music

In addition to live music Elegant Music provides DJ Dance Music and Professional Announcing for parties and wedding receptions.

Please see: DJ Dance Floor Surround Sound Video

mission-inn-riverside-ca-wedding — Elegant Music performs wedding ceremony @ Mission Inn Riverside, CA

You can afford Elegant Music services.

Hello. My name is Eric Zimmerman. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader. There are several parts to a wedding:

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner/Luncheon

Dancing

Announcing

Elegant Music provides a variety of music options for weddings and parties.

Each wedding is unique and we really should talk.

Price range: $1350 – $3550.

To help you plan your budget here are some options to consider:

Wedding Music Ceremony and Cocktail Hour (usually a 2 hour block of time)

Costs for Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour music can range from $350 – $1150.

(Note: There was one bride, very creative, who asked me to put together a Choir accompanied by a 5 piece ensemble performing music not published for this combination of performers. In this case I had to write music (arrangements) for the ensemble to play. Though her wedding ceremony stretched the limits of what Elegant Music provides it was absolutely beautiful! I encourage creativity and “thinking outside the box” and do not want to limit your choices to “price only.”)

Solo Piano – Solo Piano – Video

Larger ensembles such as: Harp and Flute or Piano or String Quartet – Elegant Music 10th Anniversary Concert Video

Music Wedding Reception (usually a 4 hour block of time)

DJ and Master of Ceremonies service includes the planning of the itinerary and scripting of announcements, programing dance music requests, Professional JBL EON speakers.

See: Beautiful Wedding @ Fullerton Arboretum.

Also see: How To Tie A Bow Tie – Video.

Options for Wedding Reception music and announcing range from $1000 – $1400 and up.

Note: A combination of Live Music and DJ Dance music performed for wedding is totally possible. See this beautiful wedding at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica, CA: Wedding At the Fairmont Hotel Santa Monica

Also see: Elegant Music Wedding Packages

Additional Services:

Elegant Music Jazz Trio

Live Band

Elegant Music Jazz Trio plays traditional and contemporary music for wedding receptions and cocktail parties. This group plays background music as well as dance music.

At wine dinners or dinner dances we can play between courses; alternating between dinner music and dance music. This is a lot of fun for guest.

See: Video – Elegant Dinner Dance with the Elegant Music Jazz

Dance Floor Surround Sound

An additional to high quality live music Elegant Music also provides DJ dance music and professional announcing.

Dance Floor Surround Sound (4 speaker setup)

Most DJs bring a 2 speaker setup. (With a 2 speaker setup dance music tends to bounce all over the room making the atmosphere too loud.)

With a 4 speaker setup dance music is focused on the dance floor where the dancers are and unfocused sound is not bouncing all over the room. The 4 speaker surround sound setup also works well in outdoor locations. There is a big difference with “Dance Floor Surround Sound” a 4 speaker setup.

See: Dance Floor Surround Sound – Video

Wedding Music Quote; let’s talk!

The first step is to talk by phone and kick around ideas. Then, part of our service includes that you can come to our office where we can play for you to help workout music. See: Choosing Wedding Ceremony Music

Here is our address:
Elegant Music 3190 Crestford Drive, Altadena, CA.
91001

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann DJ/MC, Pianist and Band Leader, 626-797-1795

Planning a Wedding Budget; where to start.

March 10, 2013 By Eric Zimmermann

It is valuable to find someone who is at the top of their field of expertise who is also freely willing to help.

The following is an answer to an e-mail I sent to veteran wedding coordinator Tobey Dodge. Her approach to wedding planning is very logical and can be applied to planning any special event. She is a joy to work with. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music.

Hi Tobey:

I have been meaning to interview you about what a couple planning a wedding should expect (price ranges) for items for their wedding.

But then I realized that there must be a sequence to planning a wedding and talking about “price” right from the beginning probably isn’t the best place to start.

So now I am thinking that this would need to be a series of educational articles in some kind of logical sequence that would help orient a couple…

…As I write this e-mail I am realizing that there are so many variables to consider and I am getting an appreciation for what “a real wedding coordinator” does. Eric

Tobey Dodge: “The information below is a brief outline of the process of properly determining how to create a budget that will serve as the foundation for making decisions.”

Wedding and Special Event Coordinator, Tobey Dodge

Tobey Dodge: “Hi Eric, I would be happy to to talk to you about pricing and organizing a wedding. You will soon be convinced that I’m either crazy for what I do, or that what I do can make anyone go crazy if you really try and figure this process out in a linear fashion. There are so many variables that’s why my service exists. There just isn’t a quick fix to figuring out what things will cost initially.

The truth is, the priorities of the Bride and Groom are the most important focus to begin with. It doesn’t really matter about percentages and ranges unless you understand “what” and “where” they want to put the money they have to spend.

Once you establish their top priorities then it’s time to find out what their taste level is in each of their priorities and the other categories they will be spending money on to really determine if they are in the ballpark they want to be. Here’s where it gets interesting. There are times when a couple has definite priorities and they know and feel fine spending their money in those places.

What sometimes happens once the taste level is discovered and their taste is not only high among the top priorities, their taste continues to be well above the average on lesser important items or services for the wedding.

There is no simple straight forward way to determine when all is said and done what is reasonable to spend when someones desires and their pocketbook are not in sync.

To make this process as clear as possible, I would suggest making three categories according to the event space they are selecting.

Example:

1. Private estate or other off premise space

2. Hotel

3. Banquet Center

Each of these categories brings with it specific benefits and challenges in time, logistics, costs, and rules and regulations. Once you know what type of site they have selected, then you can begin to estimate the range of cost per category for each setting.

Example:

1. An estate will probably be the most expensive option. You have to pay for parking and sometimes that includes renting a lot to park as well as the valet service.

2. Hotels will have valet as well as self park depending on the space and standards of the location

3. Generally banquet centers have both self and valet services making it potentially the least inexpensive under the category of parking.

Sorry to go on like this, but that’s how I begin and then once I know what is the vision, the priorities, and the size of guest count etc. I can determine after discussing their priorities of services and taste level a way to establish a working budget once I know what type of location/s they are selecting to have for their ceremony and reception.

Hope that helps.

Smiles,

Tobey”.

Visit The Wedding Connection by Tobey Dodge

The value of “Interest” a unique observation by Los Angeles DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Bandleader Eric Zimmermann of Elegant Music

January 5, 2013 By Eric Zimmermann

Hello, My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Band Leader and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. I perform for parties and weddings in some of the most beautiful locations in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California.

Beautiful Things

Anyone could cram a lot of beautiful things into a room. I guess you would then have a museum.

But what contributes to an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and has a good time?

Elegant Music Jazz Trio at The Valley Hunt Club

It has been my pleasure to perform at some of the most prestigious private clubs throughout Southern California. These are stunningly beautiful locations steeped in tradition. There you will find the finest food and beautiful decor. What could be added to all of that? What makes it all come alive?

Welcome? or Not Welcome?

I am sure it has never happened that you walk into the Post Office or DMV for example and were ignored by the attendant. I don’t wish that on anybody; that’s not a good feeling. This could happen anywhere and sometimes does. I suppose the attendant may be preoccupied in thought and didn’t notice someone just walked in or that you have been standing there waiting.

Jazz Trio Instruments: Piano, String Bass, Drums Los Angeles Pianist Eric Zimmermann 626-797-1795 — Elegant Music Jazz Trio Third Floor Terrace California Club

Essential Human Aspect

In contrast, what is most apparent to me about the finer clubs is the level of “interest” that accompanies “great service” by dedicated staff who really care.

Even before entering the club this quality can be observed in meeting the valet parking attendant, doorman, and the receptionist; they are interested in you. This is something special. A quality different than mere beautiful surroundings. And yes, this is certainly the opposite of being ignored. You could say this comes under the heading of “essential human aspect.”

The Host

Looking closer I observed another even more personal and yes essential interaction initiated by “the host.” This is someone with deft communication skills who comes to the table and cordially greets guests. He conducts himself as a gentleman with perfect manners. He is warm and friendly and genuinely interested in the guests at the table he is visiting. His communication is very light and cheerful; he is there only a short time. When he leaves the table, the guests he briefly spoke to are happy and interacting with each other.

Pianist Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 626-797-1795 — Dinner Music, Solo Piano

Magic

When appropriate, I apply this when I perform as a solo pianist at restaurants. Before I start playing I observe the guests at their tables and determine whether or not they are engaged in conversation; if they are conversing I do not interrupt them. But let’s say guests at a table are not so engaged; lost in thought or possibly looking at their phones. I say hello, and introduce myself as the pianist for the evening. Usually I receive their music requests. Then during the evening I’ll play their request. It is as simple as that. I have found the result to be quite magical.

How could you apply this? This is actually natural to do.

Today when going about your business “show interest” in the people you meet. You will brighten their day and yours.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Master of Ceremonies

Pianist

Bandleader

Host of Wedding & Event Podcast

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

Essential: Your Wedding Location

Essential: Your Time Line

Essential: Scripted Announcements

Essential: Budget and What is Important To You

Communication is the Key

Practice Party!

Wedding Day Orientation

Starting Wedding Planning Somewhere

Your Stage of Wedding Planning.

Please fill out this form and get started planning music for your special event:

Wedding Budget

Understanding Your Wedding

It’s very simple…

Elegant Music provides a high level of service.

PS: Price Range

Please fill out this form and get started planning music for your special event:

Wedding Music Ceremony and Cocktail Hour (usually a 2 hour block of time)

Music Wedding Reception (usually a 4 hour block of time)

Additional Services:

Live Band

Dance Floor Surround Sound

Wedding Music Quote; let’s talk!

Beautiful Things

Welcome? or Not Welcome?

Essential Human Aspect

The Host

Magic

Beautiful, Successful Weddings & Events