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12/23/2018 0 Comments

Top 10  Things to do for New Year's eve 2019, in Austin/central Texas!

Top 10 NYE Events in Austin, TX Austin's Best DJs
Top 10 NYE Events in Austin, TX
New Year's Eve is always a big deal! We all love celebrating anything, but New Year's Eve is different! It's a great way to get out with your significant other, best friends, and family, and celebrate the new year! A new year means a chance to start over, to realign your goals and make this next year, your best year!

That being said, we all want to celebrate New Year's in a fun, special way! Though New Year's Eve parties in Austin, Texas aren't quite the same as New Year's Eve in NYC, Austin still has plenty of fun 2019 New Year's Eve events! Whether you want to go out on the town, and celebrate, or simply go to a gathering with only the people you know, chances are, you're celebrating NYE 2019, somewhere! If you still don't quite know what to do, we're here to help. 

If you're that early planner, or that last minute, "let's just see what happens" person, this list is for you! There is no particular order to the list, so I did not number them. The top 10 list is for the Austin area, but someone asked us why we did not include other areas, so we decided to change it and include a few other events, near Austin (so there are now more than 10). Each event has their own, unique appeal. So read through them and see what works best for you and your squad! :)


New Year's Eve at The Belmont

What to do on NYE Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
New Year's Eve Bash at The Belmont
The Belmont - 305 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701

The Belmont is a long time establishment in Austin, with a great downtown location. You can be in the heart of downtown Austin, in the middle of it all, right here at the Belmont. You can join 500+ people, with a variety of ages, from their 20's - 40's, all celebrating, together. 

The celebration starts at 8 pm. They'll have their house DJ playing at 8 pm. At 10 pm, they'll have a Silent Disco Party (everyone wears headphones to hear the music they prefer - 3 different DJs are playing different genres). By the way, one of our DJs usually does all the Silent Disco parties in Austin. :) No, we're not being paid to promote this or any event on this list. We're just trying to help you figure out what to do!

​Here are the important details: 

Prices: $50 - $300
Valet parking and coat check available
*Special dance vignettes throughout the evening
*Silent Disco from 10pm to 2am featuring three live DJs
*Photo booth to capture all of your best NYE moments
*NYE Countdown with party favors, 2 balloon drops and complimentary champagne toast at midnight

General Admission ticket includes: Silent Disco, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, party favors, photo booth and balloon drop. No Refunds.

VIP ticket includes:
Includes light hors-d'oeuvres for noshing, complimentary sponsored beverages featuring beer, wine, bubbly, and select liquors from 8pm to 2am and exclusive access to a heated/tented VIP Rooftop deck.


Vices Vs. Virtues - W Hotel Austin

Vices vs Virtues W Austin - Austin's Best DJs
W Hotel - 200 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

The W hotel is one of Austin's finest hotels. You can ring in the new year, here, and enjoy two different parties, on two different floors! The "vices" party is downstairs and has a cash bar. The "virtues" party is upstairs and has included drinks and a few more activities for your ticket price. Both parties start at 9 pm, and tickets range from $75 - $375. The tickets are actually refundable, until 12/29/18 at 6 pm, which is different (most events are nonrefundable).   

Here are details from their event site:
VICES PARTY is 9 PM - 2 AM
Welcome to Vice City - a modern underground of debauchery and excess, virtue flipped upside down. Whatever you're resolving to give up in 2019, your last hurrah is here in the Living Room Bars, each themed with a different vice for you to live it up one last time. Beats by SolFire. Cash bar and champagne toast at midnight.
Hotel guests complimentary. 
TICKETS: $75
BOTTLE SERVICE RESERVATIONS 

VIRTUES Party 9 PM - 2 AM
Gold, glitter and extravagance meet Arete, the Goddess of Virtue. A glamorous ascent into a year of living your best life yet. Whatever you're resolving to do in 2019, your experience takes flight on the 2nd floor. Music by CAPYAC and beats by Kid Slyce. Includes entry, drink vouchers, champagne toast and a midnight snack.
General Admission Tickets: $150** early bird or $175
VIP TICKETS: $300
VIP includes an upgraded bar, reserved seating, exclusive experiences, & opportunities to win incredible prizes. *Drink vouchers are provided with each ticket.

VICES & VIRTUES ELITE
Full access to both parties including cocktails* plus access to the Devour in Trace. 
TICKETS: $375
Limited tickets are available

DEVOUR
DEVOUR in TRACE: 6 pm - 2 am
An open smorgasborg of the most gluttonous and sinful eats you can desire. A queso fountain, brisket, fried chicken, pizza rolls, a truffle Bourbon milkshake.....and that's just the start. All served reception style and includes champagne. Beats by DJ Mova. Diet starts tomorrow. 
TICKETS: $75
Cash bar. 
​

Alternative New Year's Eve Celebration

Picture
Kadampa Meditation Center Austin South (Chittamani) 106 East 8th Street Austin, TX

The Alternative New Year’s Eve Celebration is well, an alternative to the normal NYE activities. :) It is short, and runs from 7:30 – 9:30 pm. They'll have hors d’oeuvres & non-alcoholic refreshments from 7:30 - 8:15 pm. Afterwards, there will be chanted prayers and guided meditations of Avalokiteshvara – the Buddha of Compassion. 
​
Join a group of like-minded individuals for their annual New Year‘s Eve celebration! Ring in the New Year in a meaningful and positive way, with compassion and beneficial intentions! It's family friendly and tickets are: $15 in advance, $20 at the door (1/2 price for members). By the way, there is no experience necessary, and everyone is welcome!

A Country New Year's Eve - San Jac Saloon

Country New Year's Eve party - Austin's Best DJs
Celebrate NYE at San Jac Saloon 300 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78701. 

​
The party starts at 5 pm, with live music, all night! Tickets range from $10 - $800. General admission tickets will get you in the center of all of the NYE action and if you're looking for something more, they are offering a VIP experience upstairs that will have complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a more intimate setting. They also offer bottle service options. Two venues, with two vibes, and of course some TWO stepping is welcome! :)


Willie Nelson & Family New Year

Willie Nelson NYE Austin's Best DJs
ACL Live at the Moody Theater - 310 Willie Nelson Blvd Austin, TX 78701​

The Country music icon is back, for another NYE event! Willie Nelson is playing 3 back-to-back shows at the ACL Live venue! Tickets range from $99 - $157 each and tickets are limited to no more than 6 tickets per person. The NYE show doors open at 7 pm, and the show starts at 9 pm! Austin loves Willie Nelson, so this event is sure to sell out! 

Gatsby's House Austin NYE - Omni Hotel

Gatsby's House NYE - Austin's Best DJs
Gatsby's House - Omni Austin Hotel Downtown 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

This event will offer a 5 hour prepaid bar, 4 areas to mingle and have fun, 3 top rated Texas DJs, 2 floors of fun, and of course 1 amazing countdown, in the heart of downtown Austin! Here are some of the highlights from their site:
  • Top Austin DJs playing your favorite EDM, Top 40, & other hits
  • Multiple fully staffed bars
  • VIP Lounge with:
    • First come, first serve' open seating
    • Private premium prepaid drinks
    • hors d'oeuvres
    • Private DJ
    • Limited exclusive access to VIP areas
    • Upgraded Party Favors
  • Complimentary Party Favors for everyone
  • Coat Check Available ($3.00)
  • Casino Night With Craps, Roulette, and Black Jack
  • Cash In Your Casino Chips For Your Chance To Win: 
    • $250, $100, and $50 Gift Certificate To VIP Nightlife Events
  • One Spectacular Countdown Experience!
​

Speakeasy's Legendary New Year's Eve Bash

Speakeasy's NYE bash - Austin's Best DJs
Speakeasy - 412 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701

Doors open at 8 pm for this legendary party! Speakeasy is offering numerous tickets and options. Tickets range from $49 - $175 (plus service fees per ticket purchase). Each ticket price offers different options. They offer VIP areas, all-inclusive bar, all access, bed seating, terrace seating, and more! 
​

New Year's Eve Masquerade - Parlor & Yard

Picture
Parlor & Yard 601 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701.

Parlor & Yard 
 is throwing their annual NYE party, presented by Found Media Group. This event is Carnival themed and starts
 at 9 pm. They will offer a complimentary appetizer buffet catered by Hot Mess. Live Music starts at 10 pm by Boss Street Brass Band and the private, all-inclusive bar continues until midnight, capped off with a champagne toast at midnight. Late night buffet also provided by Hot Mess keeps the party going and DJ sets start the party at 11 and continue for the rest of the night!

Jason & Deb's Don't Go Downtown NYE Party

Jason & Deb's Don't Go Downtown NYE - Austin's Best DJs
High 5 2700 W Anderson Ln Suite 101, Austin, TX 78757
​

This New Year's Eve event is sure to be a lot of fun! It's a plus for those that hate the downtown parking and massive crowds of people. This NYE party is for 21+ only, and includes a ton of different activities for the $95 ticket price! ​For the ticket price, you'll get select bar drinks, all night, hors d’oeuvres and a loaded player card for games and virtual reality, plus karaoke, bowling, a DJ, spinning great music, and NYE masquerade favors with a champagne toast at midnight!


New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball - Vulcan Gas Company

Picture
Vulcan Gas Company - 418 E 6th Austin, TX 78701. 
​
The Masquerade Ball is a long running event in Austin. Tickets are reasonable and range from $35 - $85. VIP tickets will get 8 complimentary drinks. 8 is plenty of drinks, especially for the lightweight drinkers, like us! :) The party starts at 9 pm.

New Year's Eve Events in Kyle, TX


​New Year's Eve at Evo Entertainment - Evo Entertainment 3200 Kyle Crossing Kyle, TX 78640

Evo Entertainment has a few great options to choose from, for your NYE. They have a package for two, which includes a bottle of house wine or champagne, an appetizer of your choice, two entrees, and any dessert! The drinks and food can be redeemed anytime, from 6 pm - 1 am, on December 31st. 

For families, they have a great option, as well. They offer the "Games, Lanes, & Champagne package."  Each ticket includes an appetizer buffet, champagne toast, video game card, and exclusive access to a variety of arcade games, bowling lanes, and champagne.  Half-price bowling is available that night only. Tickets are reasonably priced between $19.99 - $50.00 

Railhouse 2019 New Year's Eve Bash -  Railhouse 107 E Center St, Kyle, TX 78640


The Railhouse is a great entertainment spot for everyone! It's one of Kyle's premiere night spots and is ALWAYS busy! For New Year's, the Railhouse is featuring live music from One Ton Country and George Mercado Jr. Band! They'll also offer free photos at the NYE Photo Booth, inside. They'll have champagne bottle specials, a champagne toast at midnight, and you get all this for only $5 cover at the door!

They also have two great packages. The first package is priced at $50, and includes: cover charge for two, dinner for two, a bottle of champagne, and a reserved table! Unfortunately, it looks like they sold out of the $50 packages, last week! :( 

The second package is priced at $175, and includes: cover fee for two, a one night stay at the Hampton Inn for two, a cab ride to-and-from The Railhouse, appetizer, dinner, and dessert for two, a bottle of champagne, and a reserved table. This is great option for those who may be coming to celebrate from out of town! We love the cab ride and room idea! The packages are very limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis.  

New Year's Eve - Buda, TX

Buck's Backyard New Year's Eve Bash - Buck's 1750 s fm 1626 Buda, TX, 78610

Buck's Backyard is hosting a NYE bash featuring live music from Broken Arrow! They also offer a breakfast buffet and a champagne toast at midnight! The cover is only $8. 

​Overall, there are TONS more NYE events happening in and around the Austin, Texas area. If you're looking for family-friendly NYE events in Austin, you can check out "Austin's New Year" at Auditorium Shores. They'll have 3 stages of live music, art, food, and more. The day starts at 3 pm and ends at 10 pm. 

As a side note: we were not paid to endorse any particular event. We're simply trying to help our readers. We chose not to book any NYE events, this year, even though we received several inquiries to book with us. We've worked every New Year's, every year, and decided to give our team and ourselves a break to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. We hope this article helps you to choose a fun, NYE event! Happy holidays and we want to wish you a happy new year! 

​- Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
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12/22/2018 0 Comments

Inclement Weather Planning, For Central Texas Outdoor Weddings/Events

plan b blog Austin's Best DJs
Always have a plan b! www.AustinsBestDJs.com
Outdoor weddings and events in Austin and central Texas are always fun! The weather is usually warm and we rarely have extreme temperatures in the central Texas area. This is great, since all your DJ, photo booth, photographer, caterer and other vendors will need to set up outside, too! However, we're here to let you know a few tips for "plan b."

Let's face it, no one wants to create a plan b, since we all envision the perfect wedding/event with perfect weather! Just saying the "r word" (rain) upsets some brides and grooms. We've even had a client from another state not hire us, since the planner said, "it's always warm in Austin, especially in February, right?" We replied, "honestly, it can be warm, but it can also be cold, too. We've done many outdoor events in February, and it was usually cold." The bride and planner didn't appreciate our honesty. This was 6 months ago and we had no idea that most of February was actually going to be warm, this year, who knew?

Back to plan b. Here are some tips:

1. Budget for a tent rental.

Always have a budget set aside for a possible tent rental. I know this is very difficult to do, but trust me, you'll be glad you did, if you need to actually rent one! 

2. Get quotes.

Search for event rental companies in the area and get quotes, early! Find out what their rates are, deposit, available sizes for your number of guests, etc. Also, be sure to ask your venue manager if they have a tent rental. Many venues offer this at a much lower rate than rental companies. Find out the costs for the company to set up and tear-down the tents. Theses are often extra charges, unless you want to DIY, but we'd recommend letting the pros do it. You'll be too busy that day, anyway, and it's not as easy as it looks. 

3. Make the call to rent a tent, early, 3-5 days before the wedding/event. 


It's wise to watch your weather app (we use Wunderground, which is very accurate) and a few days before the wedding/event, make the call to rent a tent. We advise a few days before, so you won't be stuck calling around at the last minute and no one has any tents available! Find out if the event rental company has a cancellation policy. If you decide to cancel your rental (ideally because you don't need it after all) find out about the charges.

4. Don't use make-shift tents/tarps!


We actually just completed an all outdoor wedding, last weekend, and it rained 90% of the time! Their family and friends scrambled to buy tarps and canopies, the day of the wedding, to cover their guests. They managed to get them all up in time, but it wasn't the best idea. Right after the ceremony, the tarp lines broke and everyone got wet! It was tough to see and we weathered the storm right along with them. They decided to just have the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and the first dance, only. They ended their wedding 2 hours early, due to the non-stop rain. So don't make your own rain coverings.

5. Read your vendor contracts. 

Last, but not least, read all your vendor contracts to find out about their inclement weather plans.  Most vendors will not refund any portion of your fees, even if you end your event early or cancel that day. (We actually gave our couple above the additional 2 hour fees back, even though our contract says we don't). 
We require a cover in extreme temperatures and in rain. We will also turn off the equipment, if lightning is within 1 mile from the location (using the cloud to ground measuring technique). Also, if there are extreme or imminent weather warnings, most vendors will end their services, since it may be life-threatening. 

Overall, do your research and plan early, for all possibilities! You'll be glad you did! 

- Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
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12/21/2018 0 Comments

wedding/event uplighting 101: Uplighting explained by the pros

Uplighting placement ideas for weddings/events Austin's Best DJs & photo booths
Uplighting placement ideas for weddings/events
When it comes to weddings, quinceaneras, or any event, really, one thing is for sure: everyone ​wants their event to look and be AMAZING! Everyone also wants their event to be different from all of the other weddings and/or events that they have been to in the past. This is certainly understandable, and believe it or not, easy to do with your decor, lighting, and uplighting! Let's discuss what uplighting is, how it works, and why it's perfect for your wedding, quinceanera, or event. 
​

What is Uplighting?

Uplighting is lights that are placed on the floor, around your venue space, that shine upwards. Uplighting can be halogen lights, which are the older style, "can lights." Halogen lights look great, but can consume a lot of power, sometimes causing power issues at venues, since too many of the halogen lights can "flip" the breaker. Additionally, these lights can get hot to the touch. :( The halogen lights can change colors, easily, by placing a gel filter on the light, in whatever color you choose. The upside to these lights is that they are very bright! 

Now, most companies, including us, use LED uplighting. These consume less power and they can be wired (plugged in) or wireless (battery powered). The colors can easily be changed by using the menu on the light, itself, or with a remote. For more color options, companies can use a light controller (DMX) and mix/blend colors, easily. 

The best part about uplights is that they can really bring the space and theme colors together. If candles and string lights aren't enough, you should certainly consider uplighting. It's a quick, easy way to make your space look amazing! 
For the above pictured event, they actually did not even add uplighting. We brought our own, just in case, and the red uplighting made the stage area pop, and look much better! 
​

Where Do You Place Uplighting?

Wedding Uplighting 101 Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
Wedding Uplighting 101
Uplighting placement is totally up to you and your uplighting provider, but as a general rule of thumb, you should place the uplights around the main areas that are the focal points of the room. We usually place them in places such as: behind the cake table, behind the sign-in table, behind or near the head table, along the walls (evenly spaced), along columns, and generally in areas that simply need more lighting. The above pictured wedding was at the W Hotel, in Austin, and they wanted all blue uplights. 

We like to place the lights in pairs and evenly space them throughout the venue, just for continuity and perhaps we're a little OCD. :) Most of our clients add uplighting in sets of 4. They'll get 4, 8, 12, 16, or even 20 lights. There is no limit to how many you can get, but 20 can pretty much cover any large venue.

Most companies offer "wired" (lighting that needs to be plugged in) and wireless (battery powered) uplights. Both lights usually have the same watts (or brightness) and look great. The key difference would be power needs. Some venues have plenty of power outlets, while others may not. Battery powered uplights also are perfect for outdoor areas, such as trees and other outdoor places that you'd like to accent. Just be sure to ask your uplighting company if the lights are waterproof, just in case. 
​

Bring the Theme Together, With Uplighting

Bring your wedding/event theme together, with uplighting austin's best djs & photo booths
Bring your wedding/event theme together, with uplighting
One great thing about uplighting is that it can really change the entire vibe of your venue space. Uplighting can be set to match nearly any theme or decor colors. At this sweet 16, above, the colors were pink, so pink uplighting was place all over the area. It looked great!

You can also choose more than one color, too. Two - three colors would be the most we would recommend for uplighting. ​Any more than that, and it may look odd to have so many colors, everywhere. 

Is Uplighting Necessary?

String lighting also looks great for weddings/events! austin's best djs & photo booths
String lighting also looks great for weddings/events!
The last question is one that we hear a lot from brides and clients, "is uplighting necessary for my wedding?" Well, in a short answer, no, it's not. Though it looks great with your theme and decor, it's not necessary. If it's in your budget, it certainly can transform your wedding venue space. However, if your vision is simply to have string lighting in your venue space, we've done many weddings with only string lighting, which can also look great! 

Many venues have their own wall lighting that makes the venue look great, when dimmed, too. If you decide not to get any lighting, that's totally okay. However, we do recommend that if you don't have any lighting, at least ask your DJ for dance floor lighting. This makes the dance floor more inviting and it feels more like a party, with dance floor lighting. 

Overall, the choice is completely yours to make. Only you know what your wedding day vision is. Your wedding vendors are simply there to help you achieve that vision. If you're booking with us, be sure to check out our wedding DJ & photo booth packages page, to see all of our optional upgrades that you can add on, to make your wedding day unique!  

​- Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
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12/20/2018 0 Comments

3 tips for personalizing your wedding/event!

Easy tips to personalize your wedding/event! Austin's Best DJs & photo booths
Easy tips to personalize your wedding/event!
Events go from good to great when you start to personalize the details. From choosing a wedding processional song that speaks to your love rather than keeping it traditional to adding a photo booth to your event where you can make memories that you will keep forever, these little decisions will make all the difference.

If you’re planning on hosting a holiday party this season, or a wedding, quinceanera, party or event, here are a few great ways you can personalize your event!
​

Choose the Right Music

Personalize your wedding by choosing all your favorite music! Austin's best djs & photo booths
Personalize your wedding by choosing all your favorite music!
Begin by choosing music that you and your guests will enjoy. For holiday parties, try to incorporate a mix of classic holiday tunes with a variety of more modern hits. For weddings, parties and events, definitely add all of your favorite genres, and be sure to consider music that your guests may want to hear, too. If you're not sure, simply ask your guests to requests music.

Many couples will set up a wedding website, and guests can often visit the website and give song suggestions for the wedding. Simply ask your guest, what 2 songs will make you get up and dance?  Collect the responses and be sure to filter through them, since you'll have the ultimate say in what your DJ plays at your wedding or event. Be sure to give your DJ a list of all the suggested songs ahead of time so that they know what to play, as well as the kind of vibe you’re trying to set. If you need some song ideas, check out our Top 200 Wedding & Party Songs article. 
​

Create Unique Decor

Wow your guests as soon as they step in the door by transforming the venue with new, unique decor. A fun way to do this is by creating statement floral balloon garlands. FTD has 3 floral balloon garland tutorials to help you personalize your decor. Just pick the one that fits your theme and give it a try! The tutorials make it simple to easily create your decor by breaking it down in a few, easy steps. 
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​
Classic Balloon Garland Austin's Best DJs
Classic Balloon Garland
Christmas Floral Balloon Garland - Austin's Best DJs
Christmas Floral Balloon Garland
New Year's Eve Balloon Garland Austin's Best DJs
New Year's Eve Balloon Garland
The top picture shows the classic balloon garland. This will look great at any wedding, party or event. You can also add your choice of colored balloons to match your theme colors. For a holiday party or event, or even a wedding/event that occurs in December, you can add the Christmas Floral Balloon Garland, pictured on the right. New Year’s floral balloon garlands also look great for New Year's Eve parties and events! ​
​

Take the Memories With You

Be sure to document your entire wedding or event. by hiring a photographer, videographer, or set up a themed photo booth to capture all the special moments. Photo booth photos also double as the perfect favor to take home at the end of the night! You can also add props to go with your theme, to tie in the photo booth to your decor. 

Overall, these are just a few great ways to add unique, personalized decor for your holiday party, wedding, or event. Be sure to check out our other articles to learn about the latest 2019 wedding trends!  

​- Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths

​Guest Contibutor:

​Alexandria Heinz of FTD
0 Comments

12/19/2018 0 Comments

Free wedding budget spreadsheet!

Sample Wedding Budget

Free Wedding Budget Spreadsheet! Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
Free Wedding Budget Spreadsheet!
If you're planning your 2019 wedding, then you know that the first step in the wedding planning process is to create a budget for your wedding. You can't plan anything else until you know what  your budget is. Many people aren't too savvy with spreadsheets, so we've done the hard work for you, because well, we're here to help everyone, even if you're not our client (though we couldn't understand why you would not be). :) 

We've created an easy wedding budget spreadsheet to help you plan and track all your wedding day expenses. You can add your guest list, add food expenses, entertainment, your venue, and everything else you need to add, to track exactly what you're spending. It also has the correct formulas built in, so it adds everything up for you. So this template also doubles as a wedding budget calculator, too! 

We've even added a sample timeline on it, too! All you have to do is change the info to fit for your wedding details. If you're looking for a more thorough wedding timeline, check out our wedding day timeline template article, for your free wedding day timeline template! Here is our free wedding budget spreadsheet. We hope you're able to use it and it helps you plan your big day! Simply click the button, below, to download it! It is in XL format, as well. 
wedding_budget_template.xlsx
File Size: 26 kb
File Type: xlsx
Download File

As always, feel free to contact us if we can help answer any other questions!

- Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
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12/18/2018 0 Comments

Top 2018/2019 Quinceanera Trends

2019 Quinceanera, Sweet 15 & Sweet 16 trends - Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
2019 Quinceanera, Sweet 15 & Sweet 16 trends - Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths

2019 Quinceanera Trends

If you're planning a Quinceanera, Sweet 15 or Sweet 16 in the Austin, San Antonio, or central Texas area, or anywhere, then you have probably noticed that there is far less information available for Quince planning, than say, wedding planning. Fortunately, we're here to help!

As 2019 is just beginning, more and more, we're getting asked "what are some new, 2019 quinceanera trends that you're seeing?" Every year, we see different trends, and often, similar trends from the prior, but slight variations of the previous quince trends. As the leading provider of Austin and central Texas Quinceanera DJs and Austin photo booth rentals,  (including sweet 15/16s, school dances, fundraisers and proms), we get to be a part of numerous Quinces & sweets, and we get to work with a lot of great teens! We also help many families plan their events. We already have several events booked for 2019 and we've seen some trends. Here are the top 3 trends we're seeing for 2019 (we also included some of the 2018 trends for reference). 
​

1. New Quinceanera Dress Colors!

For most quinces and sweets, we usually see the more traditional pastel colors and lighter colors, like Pink, Tiffany Blue, Emerald Green and often Red. For 2018 events, we noticed changes to these traditional colors. More people broke the traditions and went with new, different colors! We saw more Burgundy theme colors really taking over! Darker colors definitely made their way into many quinces, in 2018.  New dress colors are were trending, especially Rose Gold and Mariachi style Quince dresses! Here are some pictures below of those dresses. They'll still look great for your 2019 quince! 
Rose Gold Quinceanera Dress - Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
Rose Gold Quinceanera Dress
Mariachi/Charro Style Quinceanera Dress - Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
Mariachi/Charro Style Quinceanera Dress

2019 Trend: Green Quinceanera Dresses


​For 2019 quinces, these colors are changing, again! What we're seeing now, is newer, fresh colors. Green quinceanera dresses are making their way into 2019 quinces and sweets. There are different variations of the green dresses, such as a Mint Green dress, Turquoise, and even Lime Green dresses! 

2019 Trends: Royal Blue Quinceanera Dress

2019 Quince Trend: Green Quinceanera Dresses! Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
2019 Quince Trend: Green Quinceanera Dresses!
2019 Quinceanera Dress: Mint Green Austin's Best DJs & photo booths
2019 Quinceanera Dress: Mint Green
Royal Blue quince dresses are also the new trend! Also, if you haven't noticed, quince dresses are also making their way to more than one night the quinceanera's life: Prom! As Austin's favorite school dance DJs, we provide prom DJs and photo booth rentals for many Austin and central Texas proms. We see many young ladies with similar dresses that look like they could be a quince dress, and well, why not? Who says you can't wear these dresses to prom? We love it! :) 

Also, if your guests aren't sure about the quince attire, be sure to have them check out our article, what to wear to a quinceanera. Here are some of the Royal Blue dresses and of course, last year's trend, tied with this year's color, in the picture on the right. 
2019 Quince Trend: Royal Blue Dress Austin's Best DJs
2019 Quince Trend: Royal Blue Dress
2019 Quince Dress: Royal Blue, Charro Dress
2019 Quince Dress: Royal Blue, Charro Dress
2. Beauty and the Beast & Other Disney Themes
We also noticed that many Quinceaneras opted to have themes, paired with music from the theme. We did many Quinces with a Beauty and the Beast theme. Sometimes, the Chambelan de Honor (the Quinceanera's escort) even dressed up exactly like the beast, with a Beast mask/headpiece! It was awesome! We played most of the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack, as well, for the different ceremonies.

Other Quinces are also discussing other Disney movie themes, like Cinderella, The Little Mermaid (the court is even dressing up as characters from the movie), and Frozen! 
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3. More Entertainment Options & Decor
2019 Quince Trend: Giant Letter Rentals Austin's Best DJs
2019 Quince Trend: Giant Letters!
We're noticing that more and more Quinces and sweets are choosing to go "all-out" and add as many options as they can. As we previously stated, Quinces and sweets are like weddings, but for 15 year olds, now. Most Quinces are planned 12-18 months in advance, and have many of the same options. From us, they'll now add a photo booth, uplighting, a personalized monogram, giant lighted marquee letter rentals, giant games, glow sticks and balloons, projector and screen (for slideshows and/or videos) and even now, Karaoke! 

Additionally, many quinces will have limo service or a party bus, sparkler entrances/send-offs, and even choreographed father/daughter and now, mother/daughter dances, too! Things are changing for 2019 and we're excited! 

Still have more questions? Be sure to contact us, today, and let's celebrate, together! 

- Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booth
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12/17/2018 0 Comments

The Top 10 Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Places in Austin & central Texas

The Top 10 Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Places in Austin & central Texas
The Top 10 Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Places in Austin/central Texas
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​The Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: 
The wedding rehearsal is really just another great party, with your closest family and friends, which typically happens 1-2 nights before the wedding. If you expect it to be a lively party, with alcohol and ending late, then perhaps you should opt for 2 nights before your wedding date, just in case. :)


DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE A REHEARSAL DINNER?


​Do you have to have a rehearsal dinner? No. Sometimes there's just not enough time on the weekend of your wedding, to fit everything into your schedule. If you do have the time, then this is a great time to enjoy some time with your closest family and friends. You'll have the time to talk to them, and really enjoy their company.

Another great thing about the rehearsal dinner is that you don't have to watch the clock, as much. This time is usually a great time for those who want to give toasts/speeches to the newlyweds. Fathers, mothers, friends, and anyone else who may be at the dinner, can give a speech or toast and go on as long as they want to! It's hard to sum up years of experiences and how you feel about your son or daughter getting married, in just a few minutes; so the rehearsal dinner can be the extended speech. On your wedding day, things are on a schedule, so speeches and toasts are often limited. Couples also often find that they're so busy with all the wedding details, and time simply flies by!
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THINGS TO CONSIDER, WHEN PLANNING YOUR WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER


​So if you decide to do the rehearsal dinner, you'll need to know which places in the Austin and central Texas area are the best to be able to accommodate your wedding rehearsal dinner. First, consider your venue packages and what they offer. Often times your venue will have packages to allow you to have your rehearsal dinner on site! This can be helpful, since you can actually rehearse things at the venue where they will happen, if needed. The only issue with this, is that often times the more popular venues are booked for numerous events, every weekend, so they may not have the space available, unless you've already booked the venue when you initially booked. 
​

AUSTIN'S TOP 10 WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER PLACES


Where should you have your wedding rehearsal dinner in Austin/central Texas? Well, If you decide to have your rehearsal dinner off site, there are several great options in the Austin/central Texas area. We did some research, as well as asked our fellow wedding professionals, and here's what we came up with. Though there are numerous great places, here are the Top 10 Places:


  1. Punchbowl Social 
  2. ​​The County Line
  3. Deep Eddy 
  4. The Salt Lick
  5. ​Duchman Family Winery
  6. ​Trudy's 
  7. Moonshine Grill 
  8. Bucca di Beppo
  9. Olive & June
  10. Maggiano's

Of course there are so many great places to eat dinner, in the number 1 city to live in, in the United States (recent news from US News & World Report). ​These are the ones most people recommended. If you know of a great place that did not make the list, feel free to email us and let us know! :) Check out The Knot's Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Basics, for planning tips. Next, we'll discuss some great brunch options, for the day after the wedding! 

- Austins Best DJs & Photo Booths

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12/14/2018 0 Comments

Win a Free Wedding DJ Package!!

Win a FREE wedding DJ package, courtesy of Austin's Best DJs!
Win a FREE wedding DJ package, courtesy of ABDJs!
Win a FREE wedding DJ package, from Austin's best wedding and event DJ & photo booth services! We are very grateful to be one of the top wedding DJ companies in the Austin and central Texas. We have so many amazing clients, choosing us to be a part of the their special day. This holiday season, we want to give back to our community.

We know that there are many couples out there who want to have a great wedding, but may not have the budget to have the wedding of their dreams. We're here to help make your dream wedding a possibility! We also know that there are many great people out there who do great things in their community, too, who also deserve a gift back, for all that they give! Tell us your story, we want to hear it! 

In the spirit of the holidays, and because we believe in giving back, we want to give a gift to one deserving couple. We will gift our wedding DJ package, FREE, which includes:
  • No-charge setup/breakdown
  • 4 hours of DJ/MC services
  • 2 sound systems (1 ceremony sound system, 1 reception sound system, 1 lapel mic for the officiant, and 1 handheld wireless mic for the reception)
  • Custom music playlist
  • Dance floor lighting
This package is valued at $1,200! Additional hours and optional upgrades can certainly be added to create your custom, dream wedding package, just for you. We also offer: photo booth, uplighting, a personalized monogram light (your name or logo, in lights), giant games, lawn games, personalized glow sticks, additional hours, sound for live ceremony musicians, and much more! Austin's Best DJs' owners, Jason & Diana, will personally DJ your event! 

Here are the contest requirements:
  1. ​Please send us a quick video (up to two minutes), telling us why you and your significant other deserve to win the free wedding package!  (if you need longer than two minutes, that's okay, just don't send us huge video files, please). 
  2. Tell us your story. It doesn't necessarily have to be budget-related. You can be someone who always gives back to your community, too! 
  3. Tell us your wedding details. Where is the wedding taking place, when, what type of music will you and your guests want to hear, etc. 
  4. Share, Tag, and tell EVERYONE you know, and have them tell everyone they know, to vote for you! :) Like our Facebook, and/or follow our Instagram, for contest updates. 
  5. Please send your video to our email: austinbestdjs@gmail.com; video submissions will be accepted until January 25, 11:59 PM, central time.
  6. We will announce the top 3 finalists on our social media channels, on Friday, 2/8/2019, at 5 PM. We'll share the top 3 potential winners and ask for voters' input and opinions. People can vote for you, share it with others, tag you, etc. The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 6 pm, central time. We realize this is after Christmas, but we want to keep the contest open longer and start off your new year with great news! This will also be a great Valentine's Day gift! :)

The Fine Print - but it's not really fine print, because it's the same size :) 

  • Please note: this will not solely be a "popularity" contest, since that gives some people an obvious advantage (more friends/followers = more votes). We will consider the poll results, but also make a decision with our team.
  • Ideally, we want to help someone who is having their wedding in the Austin/central Texas area, but we will certainly consider other areas based on video submissions and other factors. Feel free to share with your friends and family, or if you know anyone getting married in 2019, who needs a free DJ!
  • This wedding DJ package giveaway only applies to 2019 wedding dates. This excludes dates occurring in September/ October 2019 and 12/31/19, as we are already booked for those months/dates.
  • Please submit only one video per couple. Thank you and best of luck to you. We look forward to hearing from you, and hopefully, working with you on your special day! 

- Jason & Diana
Austin's Best DJs & Photo Booths
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