02bride re: 2 more questions

No, you do not need to have a DJ and MC. Eddie of Parameters was our DJ/MC, and he handled the intros, my dance with my dad, our dedication to my brother and sister-in-law, anniversary game dance, cake cutting, etc. so beautifully. For intros, we used a different song for us than for our wedding party, and it was flawless .. though we also had a bugler as part of the intros too. But, I just wanted to point this out so you don`t feel the job can`t be handled by just one person. Eddie did have an assistant, but I think he was basically in charge of handing out the goodies, and helping set-up and tear-down. Other than that, I really can`t say, because the assistant was 'invisible.' As for lighting, this is also something you shouldn`t feel you NEED to get. While I think it added a nice, subtle touch to our evening, I`m sure people wouldn`t have even noticed if they weren`t there, or if they had stopped working during the night. Just be careful with lighting, or if anyone tries to sell you on smoke machines. My brother-in-law had smoke machines at his reception, and in my opinion, it really got overpowering at times and was not something I cared for .. but he loved it, and that`s what matters! As for lighting, I`ve seen really harsh lighting, and I didn`t care for it either .. made things seem too much like a disco or something rather than the elegant affair I was trying to achieve. It really all depends on your tastes and how you want your reception.

Thank you

I've definitely learned a lot in the last few days! Everyone- thanks for your help! I'll let you know who I meet with and I who I choose.