Beautiful Wedding @ Fullerton Arboretum   Wedding Planning, Wedding Design and Wedding Coordination are very creative activities. These concepts work together and are presented here in a suggested sequence. Having the pieces of the puzzle, it is easier for one to see the bigger picture. Encarta Dictionary Excerpts:   Plan: (Verb) Work out how to do something. To workout in advance and in some detail how something is to be done or organized. To make arrangements to do something. Derivation: from Latin plantare “to push in the ground with the foot” “to plant”.   Design: (Verb) 1. Create Detailed Plan of Something. 2. Plan and Make Something. To plan and make something in a skillful or artistic way. Derivation (see Designate): From Latin designare "to mark out" from signum "mark". We're talking Wedding Design; decorate. Have fun with this!   Coordinate: (Verb) Organize Something Complex. To organize a complex enterprise in which numerous people are involved and bring their contributions together to form a unified whole. Derivation: From Latin co " jointly, together" plus ordinare "to set in order". An itinerary sketch is a planning tool that also helps with wedding coordination. In fact there isn’t a single part of a wedding celebration that isn’t impacted by a well written itinerary. For more about this please see: The Itinerary SKETCH by Elegant Music.   These concepts work together and are presented here in a suggested sequence. Having the pieces of the puzzle, it is easier for one to see the bigger picture.   Understandably, these concepts could be new to most couples, and are provided to help one  become familiar with the functions of services necessary for the success of any event. And now please enjoy Plan Design Coordinate Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 72. Note: Budgeting is certainly part of wedding planning. To help you get some idea of how much things cost and become familiar with Elegant Music services, please submit your name and email address to get your free copy of: Price Guide - Planning Your Wedding Budget by Elegant Music.  Price Guide Name * Email * reCAPTCHA Submit If you are human, leave this field blank.   Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650 DJ Master of Ceremonies Pianist Bandleader Host of Wedding and Event Podcast   If you have a question, comment or topic suggestion please contact Eric Zimmermann Host of Wedding and Event Podcast. Contact Us Name First Last Last Email We love hearing from our listeners. Please enter your question, comment or topic suggestion. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Host of Wedding & Event Podcast reCAPTCHA Submit If you are human, leave this field blank.

Wedding & Event Podcast

Plan Design Coordinate Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 72.

Throwing a party is a creative yet simple activity: Invite people you like… Provide food and music you like… Combine and mix gently. I think the reward for a host is knowing that their guests are having a good time. In addition to being a DJ and Master of Ceremonies I am also a Pianist and lead a number of ensembles in performances throughout Southern California. In this episode I relay a story of playing piano for 2 different holiday parties and the common thread that bound them. The first was a spirited gathering involving the entire neighborhood of the Venice Canal Historic District complete with a flotilla of decorated boats that cruised up and down the canals. The second was a Christmas house party; an open house. Neighbors and friends were coming and going. At any given time there were about 75 guests in the house. The kitchen was the focal point for food in a very large room with tall ceilings where the grand piano was.   Party Success The hosts of both parties thoroughly enjoyed creating their party making sure their guests had everything they needed. It might have been that hiring a caterer with service staff would have made the task of throwing these parties easier for the hosts. Though they worked hard to see to every detail, it was evident that their parties were a success and they had fun. And now please enjoy 2 Successful Parties. Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 71. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650 DJ Master of Ceremonies Pianist Bandleader Host of Wedding and Event Podcast

2 Successful Parties. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 71

Wedding Anniversary Breakfast - Eggs Benedict & Potato Pancakes. Happy Anniversary Sheila and Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 626-797-1795   "Though just one day, a wedding establishes an ideal to strive for in everyday living." I wrote that, I like saying it. It is indeed something my wife Sheila and I strive for. Anniversary Celebration Sheila and Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 626-797-1795 Recently we celebrated our wedding anniversary. Eggs Benedict & Potato Pancakes for breakfast - Horseback Riding in Topanga Canyon - A walk on the beach,  and Dinner at Inn of the 7th Ray. Sheila & Eric Zimmermann's wedding anniversary celebration. No doubt about it, food was an integral part of our celebration. Music greatly contributed to our celebration as did the location. Elegant Music has performed at the Inn of the 7th Ray since the 90s. Elegant Music 626-797-1795 provides Live Music - DJ Dance Music - Master of Ceremonies @ Inn of the Seventh Ray, Topanga, CA. Over an amazing dinner we talked about the weddings and events we had performed for at that location. All of these aspects came together for us, and along with our memories, shaped our perfect day. Tobey Dodge and Eric Zimmermann talk about Eric and Sheila's wedding anniversary celebration. And now please enjoy, "Anniversary Celebration.” Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 70. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650 DJ Master of Ceremonies Pianist Bandleader Host of Wedding and Event Podcast

Anniversary Celebration. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 70

Since March 2020 there have been a number of successful weddings and events I have personally presided over.  At each event attendees were mindful to create a safe environment. Simply, common sense prevailed and everyone had a good time and no one got sick.   See: Elegant Music Summer Concert June 28, 2020   See: Beautiful Wedding @ Rancho Las Lomas   See:  Beautiful Backyard Wedding San Marino   See: Autumn Dinner Party with the Elegant Music Jazz Trio   Christine and Hubert's Wedding See: Villa del Sol d'Oro Wedding Triumph! Though planned and executed under unusual circumstances everything went right aboutChristine and Hubert's wedding. As you listen, Christine reveals factors that were key to the success of her wedding. You can view a copy of her wedding itinerary in this episode on the Wedding & Event Podcast website. And now please enjoy Covid Wedding Triumph! Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 69. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Host DJ Master of Ceremonies Pianist Bandleader Host of Wedding and Event Podcast PS: Please note that a standard wedding schedule: Ceremony, Cocktail Hour and Wedding Reception usually occurs in a six hour block of time. To see a standard wedding itinerary sketch please see: A Full Evening Of Entertainment.  Below please find Christine's Wedding Ceremony and Reception Itinerary. To be in compliance with current restrictions it was necessary to conduct this wedding in 2 hours.

Covid Wedding Triumph! Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 69

"Events, Creativity, Problem Solving" Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 68 "Necessity is the mother of invention." There’s an old saying by Greek Philosopher Plato that “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Though he said it in Greek I think the concept is easy to understand.  Here is another quote with similar meaning, “If you want the house cleaned up, just throw a party. Miraculously, the house gets cleaned up just before guests arrive;" at least this is the way it works at my house.  Earlier this year I decided to have a neighborhood block party in my front yard.  My wife Sheila pointed out that we couldn’t possibly have a party with our font lawn looking the way it did. So, I fixed my front lawn sprinklers and let nature do the rest.  The result, a green front lawn and a successful Party which by the way turned into a neighborhood Concert featuring Motion Picture Themes performed by the Elegant Music Quartet. You are welcome to checkout the link to this event in this Episode on WeddingandEventPodcast.com. Elegant Music Quartet with special guests perform motion picture themes. 626-797-1795 See program of what we performed and pictures: Elegant Music Summer Concert 2020 Pushing through barriers & overcoming obstacles is part of event planning & event coordination.  One way or the other, creativity gets the job done. And now please enjoy, “Events, Creativity, Problem Solving” Wedding and event podcast episode 68 Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 626-797-1795 DJ Master of Ceremonies Pianist Bandleader Host of Wedding & Event Podcast Please select a valid form

Events, Creativity, Problem Solving. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 68

Beautiful Backyard Wedding by Elegant Music 626-797-1795 www.elegantmusic.com Traditionally weddings are the joining of 2 families. At a family gathering conventional etiquette would include shaking hands, an embrace, a kiss on the cheek. However, current health protocol as reported forbids such contact.  But please rest assured, this too will pass at which time it will be okay to freely express our selves. Understandably this serious subject of necessary restrictions imposed on one’s guests can be upsetting to say the least.  In this talk Tobey and I address natural interaction in sometimes humorous terms.  And now please enjoy Etiquette & Natural Interaction. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 67.     

Etiquette & Natural Interaction. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 67.

Most couples I meet with have not planned a large event before. Getting married is a new experience.  In working with a couple, it’s part of my responsibility to find out their level of understanding. Building on that, I can guide them through, to achieving a successful celebration. In this discussion, I relay a story of a groom who, due to lack of experience, was somewhat detached and just not tracking with planning his wedding . This was a problem for his bride, who was very certain of what she wanted and didn’t understand how her fiancee just wasn’t getting it. Gently I brought him through it. But it wasn’t until mid his wedding reception when it all dawned on him. And now please enjoy Experience and Understanding. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 66. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 626-797-1795 DJ Master of Ceremonies Pianist Bandleader Host of Wedding & Event Podcast   About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

Experience & Understanding. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 66.

Wedding Music by Elegant Music 626-797-1795 Live Music - DJ Dance Music - Master of Ceremonies A Wedding Director is not a wedding planner and is not really a wedding coordinator. Essentially the wedding director represents the ceremony site and makes sure the couple gets down the aisle on time. But on “the day of” it is the wedding coordinator who would be responsible not only for the wedding ceremony going smoothly but for every aspect the entire event. Many parts and services come together on the day of a wedding. Services need to arrive at the right time, to setup in the right place, to be able to start and end on time. In a word, these services need to be coordinated. The coordinator's responsibilities would also include ensuring that guests also arrive on time and go to the right place etc… And, that the bridal party and family are dressed and arrive at the right time and are directed where to go and are found if missing. It is a lot to be responsible for :-) And now please enjoy More About Wedding Coordination Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 65. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann DJ Master of Ceremonies Pianist Bandleader Host of Wedding & Event Podcast Elegant Music 626-797-1795   About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

More About Wedding Coordination, Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 65

Picture: Wedding @ Fenyes Mansion Pasadena Museum of History. Music by Elegant Music 626-797-1795. See: 9 Beautiful Pasadena, California Wedding Locations by Elegant Music I discovered this valuable conversation in the raw footage archives of Wedding & Event Podcast. The original conversation is well over an hour and describes situations handled by an experienced wedding coordinator. This conversation then went on to define important terms specific to wedding and event planning. It has been divided into separate episodes to to better present this information. Once planning and design are complete it is now in the hands of the wedding coordinator to successfully execute the event. This episode illustrates the "boots on the ground actions" taken by the wedding coordinator. Experienced coordinators, work in the future of what is happening right now. During the course of the event they foresee situations and solve problems before they happen all the while making sure the next activity is in place and ready to go. And now please enjoy: Wedding Coordinators, What Do They Do? Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 64. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann DJ Master of Ceremonies Pianist Bandleader Host of Wedding & Event Podcast Elegant Music 626-797-1795 PS: Following the itinerary, the wedding coordinator directs when the Master of Ceremonies makes announcements. Please see: The Relationship between the Wedding Coordinator and Master of Ceremonies.   About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

Wedding Coordinators, What Do They Do? Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 64.

I have had the pleasure of performing for weddings and parties at some of the most prestigious hotels and private clubs throughout Southern California. These locations and their staff consistently deliver a high level of service that their patrons have come to expect. Basically, a high level of service resides in the individual, who is helpful. For more about this please go to the Wedding and Event Podcast Website and see the article: “The Value Of Interest”. Most event professionals are artists, and find it artistically rewarding to collaborate with their clients on a happy occasion. The conversation in this episode however verged on a separate subject I call “the disagreeable individual”. Now let me be clear. Helping someone who has a vision for their event is a lot of fun. If they are demanding and specific that’s just fine. That’s not a disagreeable individual. The the “disagreeable individual” for reasons only they understand are at odds with the very people they have hired to help them. Their attention is on something else and their intention isn’t constructive. There is much more that could be said about the “disagreeable individual” who indeed seems to get pleasure from making others feel on edge. Probably a good rule of thumb is to hire people you like, and put together a good team.   Another rule of thumb could be, don’t invite people who create problems for you. If you can’t avoid doing this, then let your event planner know so they can be on the lookout.   And now please enjoy, “Level of Service” Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 63. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Host of Wedding & Event Podcast 626-797-1795 About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

Level of Service. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 63

Trio: Violin, Harp and Keyboard. Backyard party in San Marino, CA In designing your event, you are the artist.  With the help of event professionals many art forms contribute. Depending on your location, time of day and what’s important to you, your event may need additional lighting. What about natural light? Is lighting more important than flowers?  What could be more important at an event than lighting or flowers? Lighting. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 62. With Tobey Dodge. Hosted by Eric Zimmermann 626-797-1795 These subjects and much more are addressed in this episode. And now please enjoy Lighting. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 62. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Host of Wedding & Event Podcast 626-797-1795 About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

Lighting. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 62.

Guided To Success. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 61 It is true an event is guided to success. In able hands, it may seem that an event just happens with no effort at all. This is the sign of complete planning and excellent coordination. In a word, good control. Okay, that’s two words. To some "control" is a four letter word. This can be traced to a bad experience in some cases.    We have all experienced the discomfort of a toast that has gone on too long, or a DJ who talks too much, or someone who has had too much to drink. It would be wrong to give that person a microphone. How about an event that seems disorganized and doesn’t flow. These, every one of them, are examples of something or someone out of control. When an event is going well, it’s best to let what’s happening just happen. As an event professional it is one’s job to make sure the next thing is ready and happens at the proper time. And now please enjoy, Guided to Success. Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 61. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Host of Wedding & Event Podcast 626-797-1795 About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

Guided to Success. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 61

Congratulations Kevin and Lyneth! Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 626-797-1795 A very good friend of mine recommends not to make decisions while you’re upset. That’s good advice. The current situation is upsetting as of May 5th 2020. No doubt about that. Emotions are running high in the media; it seems they’re upset too. You can turn off the news, put on a colorful bandana and take a walk around the block until you feel better. Don’t worry, you can always turn the news back on. But I recommend getting creative. I enjoy cooking for my family. Currently I am letting friends know that we are all okay here in Los Angeles. I wrote a song. Who knows, I might even clean out the garage! And now please enjoy “Certainty in Your Decisions.” Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 60. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Host of Wedding & Event Podcast 626-797-1795   About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

Certainty In Your Decisions. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 60

Tournament of Roses Suite - Penthouse @ The Langham Huntington Hotel Pasadena, CA. Pianist Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 626-797-1795 A high level of service can be simply defined as, the event professional taking responsibility for the needs of the client. It is an important part of the coordinator’s job to know the scope of service of each vendor and to confirm these arrangements with the client before the event. The event is going smoothly. Guests are enjoying each other. No one wants to end a party before its time. Seeing that the party is going well the coordinator checks with the client to either end as scheduled or to extend the event. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 59. Extending The Party. 626-797-1795 In this discussion Tobey illustrates the logistics necessary to wrap up an event or to seamlessly extend the event. And now please enjoy, “Extending the Party” Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 59. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Host of Wedding & Event Podcast 626-797-1795 About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

Extending the Party. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 59.

Shakespeare Club Weddings & Events. Picture a table beautifully set for dinner. The centerpiece could be regarded as the focal point for the table contributing to the decor of the entire room. Centerpiece Creative Centerpiece designs by Jordan Stringfellow JordiandCo 626.665.4222 Usually at an event the centerpiece is the same from table to table. However, I have seen table settings, each of a different design, representing for example, where the guests had traveled from, such as the New York table or the Miami table. I have also see centerpieces that represent the interests and activities of the celebrants. A great deal of care can go into the design of a centerpiece. It shouldn’t be too big, obstructing the view of the other guests at the table or obstruct the view of the rest of the room where important activities will be taking place. It could have lights or be lit from above. All by itself the centerpiece can be regarded as one of the unifying factors in the visual presentation of an event. Master of Ceremonies In much the same way the master of ceremonies conducting the festivities of the evening is a focal point and unifying factor for an event; he’s the man out front.  Being interesting and entertaining the MC yet strikes the proper tone. Unless otherwise instructed he is not there to make wisecracks or use profanity and otherwise make guests feel uncomfortable. For more about this please see the link:  Your Master of Ceremonies, What Does He Do? on the Wedding and Event Podcast Website. Design Focal Point & Presentation. Eric Zimmermann Master of Ceremonies 626-797-1795 In this episode, I relay a story of a wonderful retirement party that I particularly enjoyed being part of that took place at the Shakespeare Club in Pasadena. And now please enjoy, Party at the Shakespeare Club. Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 58. Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Host of Wedding & Event Podcast 626-797-1795 About Tobey Dodge "Tobey is about as good as you get. She simply cares about her clients and makes sure every detail has been taken care of..." John Scott Senior Event Consultant, Classic Party Rentals Tobey is a published author and Wedding and Event Consultant. Available on Amazon. Contact: tobey@tobeydodge.com   About Eric Zimmermann Eric is a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader, and Co-founder of Elegant Music. Eric is also a commercial actor in Los Angeles and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast. Contact: eric@elegantmusic.com Website: www.elegantmusic.com Office: 626-797-1795

Party at the Shakespeare Club. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 58.

Podcast discussions for event professionals and those planning successful events.