12 secret tips for a successful wedding reception! -Learn what the "wedding industry" isn't telling you.

Want a fun and stress-free reception? Want your guests happy, comfortable and amazed? Here are some secret tips the wedding industry doesn't talk about.

Here's just 12 areas that will change your reception from stress and frustration to fun and ease for you and your guests:

Venue vs type of music...
Value of Entertainment...
Noise Levels of DJ's...
Sit down tables vs cocktail tables...
Type of venue...
Wedding "Industry"...
Past Experience...
Yes, Yes, "I'll do it!"...
It's all about the Bride...
After the ceremony...
Cutting corners...
Ice Breaking...

My name is Rich Ferguson, AKA "The Ice Breaker". As a 15 year event professional and a recognized authority on observation and strategy, I've observed very common mistakes many brides and event professionals make. I feel compelled to share a couple important tips that people seem to miss again and again. Here's the deal- If guests can't talk, mingle or comfortably meet each other, they will feel stuck at their seat and not fully enjoy themselves. There are a couple common mistakes that cause people to leave an event early, not truly enjoy themselves or remember the event as less than "amazing," You want guests to remember your day as perfect and to feel special too! To help avoid people checking their watch and thinking "Maybe I'll wait for cake... then leave," read on! (By the way, I just got married. To even my own surprise, we had a 12.5 hour long reception! Noon to twelve thirty at night! I know how to throw a party, what matters and how to ensure people are comfortable and happy. It was awesome.)



1. I know that DJ's are supposed to "pump it up" and get the guests "going", but in many cases I've seen this attempt cause guests to literally get going ...home. What I mean is, depending on the venue, it might not be smart to turn an intimate event into a dance party too quickly. If there is not a place for guests to easily talk and mingle, you better be sure that everyone wants to party hard right away. Also, at high caliber events, I've seen DJ's be the smoothest and most fun as DJ's, Entertainers and MC's. However, too often I've seen DJ's pump the music as loud as possible, as early as possible and without enough speakers distributed around the venue, therefor killing the ears of the people sitting to close. Depending on the venue, you really need to consider the levels of sound and amount of speakers. I'll get more into that in a moment. But consider the venue when considering the music or DJ. Some venues are acoustically "challenged" and it will just kill the mood with nearly any loud music. Ask previous brides about particular venues. Look on forums or call other professionals. Ask your potential musician, MC's or DJ's what venues work best for the size of your group.

2. At events, I often see that people do not add the right "polish" for entertainment. Did you know- According to US Today, Bride Magazine, The Knot and others that "Brides, nearly 100% of the time, LOOKING BACK at their wedding WISH they spent more of their budget on the entertainment." Also, "4 out of 5 WISH they would have made entertainment their HIGHEST priority!" You see what the number are telling you! There are some very easy and affordable tricks to making events very memorable, sophisticated and fun! First of all, allow the music to be background music for a while. Think about the guests and be sure to use something unique like me, "The Ice Breaker", (see http://www.Party-Entertainer.com) as a way to keep your new friends and family having fun and helping them easily meeting each other. Plus something unique like me is mind-blowing, unique and fun without taking away from anything else. Think about simple things like a background guitar player as an elegant touch for the first part of the reception, or strolling servers, etc. It adds so much class and fun for guests. It gives them something to see and enjoy while they wait for you. You have to remember one important thing- Guests are waiting for hours to say congrats to you. You are busy like mad running around, getting pulled in all directions, changing clothes, fixing makeup, saying hi to everyone and much more. Your guests are not. Make SURE they are taken care of. I can help. Check out my wedding video at http://www.richferguson.com/media_entertainer_for_hire.html or http://party-entertainer.com/wedding-event-pics/wedding-slideshow and see for yourself.

3. I've already touched on noise levels, but let's get into why it is so important. Just like when I perform, it is about the guests and what is needed most to ensure they are laughing and smiling. It is not about me insisting that they watch me. Sometimes, less experienced DJ's, Bands or entertainers seem to forget their role at a wedding! It's a wedding, not a club or theater and things need to handled with care and class. I'm telling you with certainty that if music is too loud, most people will not enjoy themselves because they want to hear and talk. Now, if it is supposed to be a show or concert, then by all means, crank it up! Put it this way, I just got married and I had a 12.5 hour long reception! It was easy, fun and memorable. I'm not knocking DJ's or music... In fact, I highly recommend music as a background immediately and at all times... but if people are yelling to talk to each other, the most important mood will be killed. There will be plenty of time to dance after dinner. (I know several fantastic DJ's and musicians on the Central Coast of California if you are confused). Don't you want people from both sides of the family to meet? Have you ever been to an event where you can hardly talk to the person directly next to you? It might be fun at a bar, but not at a wedding. Keep in mind that there are two new families coming together for the first time. You need them to meet and talk. If you are in a small venue, the music can echo and make it hard to hear. Believe it or not, a much lower volume will cause people to stop talking during speeches and make it easier to hear overall. Each venue and event is different, but blowing people's ear out to ensure they can hear announcements is a big mistake. You just can't make sense of what the DJ is saying if it is cranked up too loud. So, look for a DJ that has numerous speaker to make sound levels even and someone who is willing to not be the center of attention and create a club before people have a chance to laugh and talk with each other. Also, be sure to place older people and children away from the speakers. Even if the DJ is reasonable with the volume, nobody wants to be stuck next to the speakers. Considering this when doing seating may be a large help to some.

4. Here's a HUGE tip for making an event fun for people. One word. TABLES! Yep, tables. Some venues lend themselves to this more than others, but trust me, if you want a really fun event, be sure to have sit down tables and cocktail tables. Think about it. If you attend an event and have to sit at a table (likely assigned seating too), how can you talk to others easily? Hover over them while they are at a table elsewhere? Perhaps you get a chance to talk only in lines for drinks or food? It can be a little uncomfortable to mingle once people are stuck at their tables. The very best events and venues I've been to lend themselves to having a room with regular tables and several cocktail tables sprinkled in and out of the main room. This actually causes people to easily mingle and talk comfortably. It causes some variety and freedom from being stuck at a table. It is an easy task to get people back to their seats for ceremonial things once that part of the night comes so let them mingling if they want. Also, even later when the dancing starts, some people need an escape. If they do not have it, they will say their goodbye's. You can't expect people to be able to sit for hours without talking. Cocktail tables enable people to meet and enjoy themselves. Trust me.

5. Is your reception in one simple room with no side rooms, patios, outside areas, walkways or variety? Venues with no escape from the sit-down table might be okay if you have a very small group. However, the very best events I've attended in the past 20 years have all had the variety of tables I've mentioned above and separate rooms for the bar, additional cocktail tables, indoor and outdoor features, etc. Again, this promotes mingling and fun for guests. Do not underestimate that value of escape for guests. Also, when a reception is in one square room, there is no variety for where to put gift, to talk, to cry, to catch some entertainment, to snack, etc. Sure, it might be easier for us event planners, DJ's, Photographers or entertainers to see everyone, but it is not about us. It is about the comfort and fun for you and your guests! Period. I'll take the extra second to mingle in another area. Heck, I actually prefer a change of pace.

6. In short, the wedding industry is a huge engine telling brides what is important or not. How do you cut through the hype and decide that to do? Just think from a common sense approach. What do you really need at an event to make it a blast? What have you seen at an event where you had a great time? Events are successful when everyone has an easy time and a reason to talk, smile and laugh! Trust me, having unique services like mine make all the difference in the fun and the memories. This should not be a time to juggle and stress. It should be easy to sit down at home with each other and plan out what you want and then go get those services accordingly. You can go to wedding fairs and research all types of services and then go back home and decide what is important and really needed for best impact and fun for your dollar. Listen to professionals but know when to draw the line on what is needed for what you are paying.

7. Another thing to consider is experience. I just got married and threw the party of the century and I know how many choices of vendors there are out there. It is hard! I really think it is hard to put a price on experience though. Take me for instance, I've been a professional Ice Breaker for 15 years. There is not a chance that I could simply train someone to take extra gigs for me. There is a good reason I'm at the highest end parties around the country. So, you might be a tiny bit concerned by companies that have not been around long, have not had tons of real life event experience or someone who is in practicing on your most important day. I think someone like myself is so specialized, that we should be "valued" at many times that of another service that can train a new worker in a few weeks to essentially replace them. I'm not necessarily referring to may times the price, but the value you are getting. It is something to consider. You get what you pay for sometimes. Experienced florist, musician, event planners, photographers know how to handle things if something unusual comes up- and they always seems to! Change in weather, technical problems, late people, missing gear, distractions of all types fluster inexperienced "professionals" and distract from your event. I've always been a little confused when a videographer, DJ or photographer "trains" someone to be the new DJ they give you. When you book "The Ice Breaker", you get me. Period. I know that many services need help or assistance or even employe a roster of quality talents, that is different. Also, don't underestimate the importance of experience from the venue itself! Many venues have wonderful staff that know how to handle anything that comes their way. I've seen it time and time again how the banquet person at a venue is the lifesaver at the event. They know their venue far better than any event planner, caterer, entertainer, etc. I think you get the point. The other side of the coin is the full time vs part time argument. Most wedding professionals seem to moonlight as wedding professionals. Many of them are AWESOME too! However, I've been full time for years and have the appropriate contracts, insurance, customer service, expertise and schedule control to ensure a professional job at all times. Again, you sometimes get what you pay for. Any shortcuts up front are potential shortcuts at your event as well. Now, there are all sorts of tricks to saving money and sticking within a budget. I'm not saying you need to spend any more to have a blast of an event. I'm saying being smart, being aware of what really is important and not be stressed by the wedding "industry". Put your money where it counts. Many of us can really help you make it easy... the experienced ones can for sure.

8. A professional just saying "yes" to any event and having no real questions for you is a sure sign of someone who is not ensuring that your event is unique. It would be a cinch to accept any event that came my way... and in my case, I nearly can because of the huge flexibility and uniqueness of what I do. However, I've seen other vendors that shouldn't act so quickly. In business, it is important to say "yes" to clients, but it is equally important to be honest to them and yourself. If the event does not suit you or the vendor smoothly or services need to be adjusted, the vendor should refer you to someone else or find ways to ensure everyone is satisfied. If the event does not lend itself to their equipment, the ages of the people attending, the particular venue, etc, everyone can win if the right fit is met. Although it may seem painful, if a professional does not care about anything but getting paid by you, how are you any different than any other event they have done?! As a potential customer, you really need to understand that it is also strange to many of us if someone calls asking "What is the cost for a wedding?" I personally need to at least know how many people, how many hours, is it indoors or outdoors, if there is a theme, who else is working that I might know, general ages and personalities of the guests, what is the venue (there are a few I love to work at), etc... Then I need to make sure it is a good fit for you. Are you aware of my unique style, are there other ways to take advantage of me at the event, do you have a backup plan if it rains, etc. Remember, if you call car salesman #1 and ask "What does a car cost?" and he tells you only $15,000 ... then you call car salesman #2 and ask "What does a car cost?" and he says $15,500. Which is the better deal? Well, turns out car #1 was a beat up utility van which was over priced for what you got and it came with no warranty or extra services. Car #2 was just a bit more and it turned out to be a mercedes convertible roadster with a warranty and free oil changes for life. I'm simply saying that "price shopping" gets you nothing but a price for something unknown. It is a big mistake to assume that we all do the same thing and price is the only thing that varies between us. It isn't more true with Ice Breaking and magic. That is another topic.

9. It is your wedding day and it should be perfect! I agree that it should be focused on the bride... but we can't forget what makes up the "bride"- family and friends, your husband, support, love, admiration, respect and more. People have come a long way to celebrate with you and for you. Although the day is about you, the guests have to be well taken care of in order to serve you and each other best. I know I have eluded to it already, but just don't forget the immense importance of making sure the guests are smiling and having a great time when you are not talking to them! Do the math yourself.- If you only spend 2 minutes with each guest at a typical wedding of 120 people, that's already 4 hours! Where the heck is the time to do all the ceremonial stuff!? I think you can appreciate how there is no time for the bride and groom to go around introducing people! I'm not here to stress you out, I'm here as one person who feels like it is time to lay it out as it is. You need to make sure that the flow of the day works for you. You need help. You will not have time to babysit friends or family on your special day so take steps now to make it easy on you and them. The wedding industry is making money off focusing on the bride. It makes sense. Weddings happen. Weddings are very important! Weddings are special! However, before you get all caught up in the decisions, know ahead of time what is it all about. It is about celebrating each other and supporting the bride and groom. Take a few breaths and simplify what is going on. Imagine throwing the best party ever for your friends and family. Then imagine you are the guests of honor. If you imagine the event as something for everyone, in the end it will lend itself to you better! People will have more fun, remember your event over others, celebrate with you all night and be much more comfortable.

10. After the ceremony, some people are at the reception right away, while some take a while after changing clothes or getting lost, among other things. I've been at receptions that have taken two hours for the bride to "appear" from organizing, driving, extensive pictures and unforeseen issues. What do your guests do while they wait after the ceremony? It's a good idea to have some snacks and drinks ready at the instant the reception starts. It should be very clear where people can sit and put things so they do not run around like bumper cars as they wait for you;) If they are waiting and pampered with some basic food and drinks, know where to put their stuff and have quality entertainment and ice breaking, you are set. Now you can rest assured that they can enjoy themselves while you comfortably handle what you have to handle! Your guests will be thrilled when you arrive instead of thinking "What do we do?... Where are they?..." It has always been a mystery why this very important transition is not handled with more attention. I've been to high dollar receptions (when I'm not working) where the hour between the ceremony and reception is awkward for us all. In fact, I've been at events which I have worked and found it always interesting that there is no videographer or photographer catching some of the best moments from guests. When I'm entertaining the guests with subtle walk around magic and ice breaking, I'm getting people jazzed up and helping the time seem short as they wait. There are people saying the wildest things and having a blast, yet the bride will never see it without a backup photographer there. What a great time to capture candid interviews on DVD for the bride to see later. The music is not too loud to hear them, there are less distractions and there is time! Just think about it. Whenever the bride is busy doing something, which is the entire day, guests are essentially waiting. I've already given tips on how to help with keeping guests pampered. I wanted to simply make you aware of moments between the ceremony and reception that are never talked about.

11. As the stats have shown, people need and remember entertainment more than anything else. Stats show that almost 100% of brides wish they spent more of their budget on the entertainment. You can learn from their mistakes and know going into your planning the huge value entertainment brings. If you need to cut corners, do not compromise the entertainment. Take a good look at harpists, extravagant flower arrangements, very unique services like mine (http://www.TheIceBreaker.com), guitarists, chocolate fountains and endless other items that truly polish up your reception and help make it an event to remember! Look at traditions around the world. Friends and family gather and they have entertainment all night. That's what people remember and what makes a difference.

12. I've already mentioned unique things like my services already, but lets talk clearly about what ice breaking is and what it does for you. After the ceremony, guests are headed to the reception. Here, they wait for several hours to say congrats to you. Even though there are some activities we all look forward to like cake, toasts, and the first dance, you have to keep in mind that guests wait. There is a lot of time that you are busy saying hello to people all over your reception. During that time, everyone else is waiting. When you are off doing picture, they are waiting. Like any social event, when you put a lot of new people together, having an ice breaker like me is essential to getting them to meet each other and pass the time with excitement, smiles and laughter. To be clear, I mingle with the guests, introduce people and entertain them personally with mind blowing sleight of hand magic, comedy, mentalism, wit and charm. If I see someone sitting at a table alone, I entertain them. If I see a group standing around with that "we don't know anybody" or "what do we do look", I pamper them with entertainment and introduce them to the people near them. I work very closely with other event professionals and when I know something important is coming, I can be another set of eyes on the floor telling people to get into the main room for something. I get people talking with excitement as they witness something very special and unusual. This excitement is contagious. They just saw you get married and you want to keep the magic going! Bored people cause others to feel bored... excited people cause more people to get excited. It is an easy formula. In addition, I help people meet so the bride and groom does not have too. They don't have time for that. I am known around the world for my award winning entertainment and I specialize in receptions and private events because of the amount of benefit it is to have me break the ice at events where people mingle with each other. I bring people together and making it a blast. It makes your reception more special and unique. Besides the obvious benefits of having me, the entertainment itself is high caliber and unbelievable. It is not just personality but many years of mastering the arts of sleight of hand and metalism that allow me to confidently engage guests with style, class and fun. I've been recognized internationally as the best at what I do. It is a real important feature to consider since my structure allows my high caliber entertainment to be extremely affordable. Plus, it's just very cool! You'll get compliments for years for providing "The Ice Breaker" for guests! However you handle your ice breaking for guests, you can't dismiss it.

If you have any questions or want me to entertain your special guests, I can guarantee that you'll be stoked that you used me. I'm your secret weapon to getting guests laughing, smiling, amazed and ready to party all night. I'm the "icing on the cake" so to speak. I can be reached via my websites at http://www.TheIceBreaker.com or my official website at http://www.RichFerguson.com or at my exclusive wedding site at http://www.Party-Entertainer.com. Reach me toll free anytime at 877-RICHFUN or on the central coast of California at 805-234-7469 or my office at 805-543-0251! You have nothing to loose except maybe the fun for your guests. Call me. I'm here to help.

Hot Engagement Photos! R+T

Thanks to Mike Larson, (www.mikelarson.com) we can view some sweeeeet pics of me and Traci on a private beach...

What a fantastic evening shooting near the water... and in the water.  Here are just a few samples of incredible moments captured yesterday. I could chat forever about Mike's talents, but I'll let his work speak for itself - like it always does:)

These were taken July 28th, 2008 and we are getting married on 8-8-08... These and many other pics will be used in a wonderful sign in book at the reception! 

Chamber Challenge... Dang CLEVER DUCKS!

"Good Morning SLO!" is what I hear every so often when attending the Chamber of Commerce breakfast and business meeting. Today was very fun...

I was a "speaker" today which was perfect timing being that I was on the cover of the New Times for being voted Best Entertainer. After making the crowd believe that I make my fortunes with my new drug company, they watched a promo of me doing entertainment poking fun at those pharmaceutical commericals (with the endless side effects!). After the laughter subsided, I performed one effect. The person was chosen by a thrown airplane into the crowd of about 300 business owners and the like. Boy oh boy, the plane crashed landed 4 feet in front of me directly onto Amy Kardel from Clever Ducks. I ended up rushing through the effect to get a partial prediction of freely chosen thoughts and ended the timed speech with, "On the bottom of the flyer at your seats you'll see that there is a challenge... the first to find Dave Garth on my website gets $500 towards a appearance!"... (Dave Garth is the CEO/President of the Chamber of Commerce). We'll guess who won only hours later!?... That is right, Amy Kardel from Clever Ducks. Here's the funny part- I didn't remember or notice that Dave Garth signed my chamber certificate that is on my media/press page on the site. I had planned on giving people a hard challenge of finding the PICTURE of Dave Garth hidden within the album on the site... Oh, well... Better planning next time!

Congrats to Amy Kardel of Clever Ducks for searching and finding "Dave Garth"! As promised, I've posted the winner on the blog asap. The rest of you will have to hire me and see what she is so excited about. After being involved in an effect upclose and personal, she was determined to win this challenge today. There is certainly a big difference between watching an effect and being part of one.

Rich picked as "Best Entertainer"! Thanks Central Coast!

Great News! I was just named Best Entertainer by the annual New Times Readers Poll on the Central Coast. If you live on the central coast of California, grab a May 8-14th copy. I'm on the cover of the newspaper, the cover of the magazine insert, have an interview and several other magical pictures that introduce the other winners in each category! Take a look online at New Times... or take a look at all the parts at my website!

Being recognized as a quality entertainer means a great deal to me. If the category was Best Magician, it wouldn't have been as big of a deal since there are FAR fewer magicians than there are entertainers, actors, singers, dancers, solo artists, jugglers, comedians, etc. THANK YOU so much for those who voted for me.

This should make a huge difference regionally for those event planners who are not familiar with my responsibilities and value as a strolling entertainer. Guests are number one and the magic is just one of several ways I engage to make events more memorable and sophisticated for guests.

Hey kids... it's a lot harder than you think!

I spoke at Laguna Middle School a few weeks back during "career day". I'd strongly recommend it if you want to help teens see what it takes to be successful in your type of career... it also helps you think about your own career a little differently.

Of course, I started with a mind blowing trick to get their attention;)... then proceeded to explain that there is a heck of a lot more to making it in any sort of performance art than being talented in that art. I explained the ins and outs of a daily business day and all the typical responsibilities of running any business and being self employeed. "Light bulbs" went on all over the room. They really got it... I think there is a misconception because of the "glamour" of TV shows and "instant" fame and so called "success" on these realities shows. Too many teens think that if they are insane dancers that they'll make millions of dollars.

Anyhow, my point is that it felt great to obviously see kids see another side to pursuing this type of career and it was additionally amazing to receive many dozens of letters of thanks from the kids! Seriously, when I opened my mail up yesterday, I was amazed to read some of the long explanations from the kids about the presentation and how much it meant. Amazing really how little effort can help guide so many and make such a huge impression. I'll do it again next year if the schedule permits for sure!

St. Louis - Pay it Forward...

This week I was in St. Louis performing for CHA. I had a couple great experiences.

One, the venue/colloquium and people I performed for were just amazing. They took incredible care of all details, communication, accommodations, etc... By far, better than any corporate or private planning to date. During the shows, it was a blast to make such deep thinking people turn into kids. The multiple days were filled with meetings about ethics, health, etc. Having me at the receptions and dinners was a fantastic idea by Father Russel Smith
who was my contact and the person who requested my services. The Chase Park Plaza was amazing... multiple theaters, beautiful architecture, several classy bars and restaurants.

From the deck of my "penthouse suite", you can look into town and see the famous St. Louis Arch.... which leads me to the next experience.


To continue, I had to find a moment to shoot over to the Arch. On day two, I left on foot to walk a bit of distance to a subway terminal. When I got there and looked at the ticket machine with slight confusion, several down and out folks approached looking for handouts. Of course, I have a great response to this type of behavior if I don't have time to deal with it... I act foreign! There I was, speaking garbage language and then hearing several guys turn away saying "f@#$ing tourist... ain't got no money for me... don't speak the language... " etc. One guy was so helpful and gave up on his desire on trying to get a couple dollars from me. Without getting into too much detail about the "conversation" we had, lets just say that using gestures and very basic yes and no's with a "German" type accent, he (Ralph pictured below) really wanted to help me find my way easily to the Arch. Ralph turned out to be a heck of a guy who was down and out on his luck. He got me to the arch and was heading off on his way... I stopped him and inquired with a "language barrier" why he would burn up his only one hour pass to get me here and where was he trying to go, etc. This was a fantastic, gentle and giving older black man out of money. Of course, I gave him the 9 dollars required to get him the several trips away to home. This was a very interesting social experiment ending with a guy who made a friend with a "foreigner" needing help. I'm sure it made his day as well as it did mine. I continued with my day by going up to the top of the arch followed by a nice walk back to the hotel from the subway trip back across town.

Koei-Kan Karate-Do... protect those hands!

I just can't help it, I have to pursue another style of martial art. Koei-Kan is a very intense and high contact style of traditional Japanese karate. Myself and my family were highly involved in martial arts when I was younger and after many, many years of worrying about my "pretty" hands, I've decided to join a dojo locally (actually Chuck Liddell's home/discipline for 12 years!). I'll do my best to keep my hands injury free... and am looking forward to more exercise and life balance. With 2.5 hour classes, I'll be in great shape in no time;)! I really like how the focus is on the art and students and not endless colors of belts and money making practices like some "gyms". This style has only 3 colors of belts under black: white, green, brown. In some styles, you can "earn" a black-belt in a year or more(more of the sport and exhibition styles). In more traditional and intense styles, expect many years between belts at times. My good friend Hieko is a brown belt in a style that has a 2 year minimum between rankings and 8 years between degrees of black-belts! Talk about a life time commitment! When I turn 40 in 2010, I want to back in Olympic level shape! Wish me luck!

If interested, check out koeikanslo.com. We are looking for another couple adult students and he in excited to have a newly expanded junoir program too! The instructor is Larry Rhodes, also a professional photographer... Check out his art at isrhodes.com.

...and remember, you better "pick a card"... and not pick on me!;)