My worst experience as a live DJ as a favor to a friend for her birthday party, was having people come up and ask for song after song from Stevie Wonder's new double lp, "Songs in the Key of Life", and then having others come up and insist that I stop playing Steve Wonder. You couldn't win no matter what you did!

We hired a DJ from a bridal show for our reception, so he was supposedly a professional, and familiar with the routine. We didn't give him a complete playlist, but we did give him (in advance) a few special songs that we wanted to make sure he played. We didn't hear about it until later--I guess he waited until we were in the next room at the buffet, or something--but people told us he was making (amplified) cracks about our musical tastes, telling everybody "Hey, this stuff wasn't my idea!!" Well, umm, no--it was the idea of the people you were paying to be here. If that's a problem, you're in the wrong line of work.

The thing that pissed me off the most was that nobody told us about it until AFTER we'd given him a generous tip!!

Probably not what you're looking for, but good DJs are good and bad DJs are bad.  After that, it's all about good business practices.

Unfortunately, for the kind of DJing/MCing that you're going into, it's all about boring, uninterested, vanilla, homogeneous crowd pleasing with standards like YMCA and The Macarena. 

If you care about and love music, all I can say is I'm sorry.  Since you're starting a service oriented business, however, all I should say is that the customer is always right.

Give 'em what they want (which will be nearly universal in these kinds of events...you'll develop a standard set for weddings, another for the ___mitzas, another for sweet 16 parties, etc and you'll not need to infuse many new songs once you do so). 

If you do, they'll come back for their next 2 weddings as well (which could be a streaming source of constant new business when you factor in both parties to the wedding and their new spouses at each of these additional weddings...).

Good luck.

Working with a great DJ is the best thing ever! They know how to read the crowd and act appropriately to keep the evening moving along. Its hard to pinpoint exactly what makes them so great - good/fun personalities but it is so easy to pinpoint the bad qualities!! I would have to say a bad DJ uses the evening as an open mic night - cracking jokes, giving his own commercial and constantly "updating" the crowd with un-important information. Good luck with your business!!

This location probably doesn't fit your needs, as I think it requires pre-planning, but I recently attended a private party at Urban Light Studios, and was thoroughly charmed by the place. http://urbanlightstudios.com/ Honestly, one wouldn't know it's there. Just a glass door near 85th and Greenwood. Then you have to walk down a hallway to get to the space. But what fun awaits. I kept thinking it would made for a great quirky wedding location. There are several rooms, each with their own design/aesthetic. And there's an unfinished basement that was set up for karaoke at the party I attended, which was perfect.

But there are several nice choices at the different Seattle Parks. I've attended lovely weddings at Camp Long in West Seattle. It's an indoor space that can hold around 100 folks (from memory) and wasn't too expensive (which is a relative term, I know. But my pals wanted some space for less than $1000 and they said that this was definitely lower than their budget). And Daybreak Star at Discovery Park is a lovely lovely space. It's probably not so cheap, however, as it's BIG. But, as it's already in Discovery Park, you could always try to Flash Mob a wedding in there. It is generally open to the public unless it's booked for a private event. But I'd be prepared to be done in 15 minutes or risk getting busted/asked to leave (which might make for a fun wedding story, at least). Good luck.

I like the Fremont Troll suggestion for completely free and public space that is out of the rain. I've never noticed a pee smell (ewww). Had pals in the Balagan production of "Taming of the Shrew" that was performed at the troll. So spent several hours there seeing Shakespeare, and none of us seemed to have a smell issue.

Seattle Parks website lets you search by feature. Here are the MANY results from the "wedding venue" feature. http://www.seattle.gov/parks/search_byfeature.asp?ftr=9&searchSUBMIT=GO! But those probably require reservation and payment. Here's the search site, so you can do some sleuthing on your own. http://www.seattle.gov/parks/feature_search.htm

Magnolia Park has a lovely view and isn't always very crowded. They have reservable covered picnic area, so that's maybe an option (depending on how small your group is). It's just some picnic tables and BBQ grills under cover, but could provide an option, and does have a gorgeous view and a decent parking area. Also it's close to Discovery Park. I think your best bet may to plan a research trip and drive to all the parks that have reservable picnic areas, to check whether they are covered and the view. Then you can put in a reservation for that picnic space, if it rains. Congratulations and good luck!

The private dining room at Black Bottle is inexpensive, accessible, private and pretty. We had our rehearsal dinner there, and I bet they'd welcome a ceremony. There are lots of private dining rooms in the city that are generally pretty inexpensive. Maybe ask your favorite art gallery, cafe or restaurant if they'd accommodate a quick ceremony during off-hours?

I would suggest the Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park because it is a beautiful place in a beautiful setting and can be both indoors and out.

Here are some previous Q&A about weddings, but things change so you may want to ask them again and see what new options there are and whether any have dropped from the list (some of these are quite old).

Congratulations.

http://questionland.com/questions/15221-cool-wedding-venues

http://questionland.com/questions/17916-wedding-venue-locations-in-seattle-for-a-small-party

http://questionland.com/questions/2512-good-seattle-reception-hall-banquet-facility-for-100-people

http://questionland.com/questions/12968-good-really-cheap-place-to-have-a-wedding

http://questionland.com/questions/7158-what-are-some-good-places-in-seattle-to-shop-for-wedding-dresses

http://questionland.com/questions/14970-lets-talk-about-wedding-cakes

http://questionland.com/questions/8669-wedding-photographers-in-seattle

http://questionland.com/questions/10914-what-are-good-songs-to-put-on-a-mix-for-a-wedding-to-get-people-dancing

http://questionland.com/questions/12014-i-need-to-get-wedding-bands-you-know-rings

If it is a total downpour you should do it in front of the Fremont Troll under the overpass.

I've been turned away from "black tie"/"ultraformal" dress-code events for not wearing a tux. It has a specific meaning ;)

Black Tie does usually mean tuxedo for men (there might be a handful of nice black suits, but they'll definitely be the minority!!).

While Black Tie implies full length gown or skirt for ladies, dress code rules always seem to be more fluid for female attire. Yay! I work at several black tie events in Seattle each year, and easily half of the attendees will be in nice cocktail dresses. Even though this isn't Seattle based, as long as your dress is nice/classy, I don't think it will matter if it is knee length, etc.

Tom is right that these events can be a great chance to show off some amazing jewelry pieces, but it doesn't have to be diamonds/expensive. I've a LOVE for vintage jewelry and have some amazing rhinestone pieces. These events give me a chance to wear some gorgeous sparkles (that only cost $25 to $50 at an antique market).

Presumably, as you're traveling to this wedding, you're close to the bride or groom. I'd think this is something you could ask them, if you're concerned about having the only shorter skirt length. But it seems to me, ESPECIALLY if you're paying to travel for their wedding, that they wouldn't expect you or want you to have to buy a new dress, too. *smile*

I waited for a good first answer to occur that spoke from personal experience, thank you Tom.

Like some questions here, this sent me off reading to improve my own knowledge on a subject. I perused a couple of websites and wanted to point them out. But that is the perpetual complaint here about 'googling' something for someone else. Still they are worth looking at:

Obviously: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_tie

From the man's perspective only: http://www.blacktieguide.com/

But the next answer is prompted by the fact that most invitations come from family, friends or folks we know, or rather that we usually know some of the players involved in the event. I think your best resource is to make friendly queries of others attending and find out what they are planning for wardrobe. That way you are assured of hitting the common mark of dress.

The best tact is to plan your outfits together so that you and your escort look fabulous together. J and I attended a family wedding last year (afternoon on beautiful renovated rented farm and grounds) with some rather broad formal descriptions for dress included in the invitation. We planned our look to go with a kind of Gatsby afternoon garden event. I in white coat and dark bow tie and brown slacks and straw hat (parts rented), she in a beautiful teal dress with gathered bodice and some beading from France (Ebay with shipping less than $60) and period hat and bag (other inexpensive rentals and Ebay purchase). I turned out to be the only one dressed in white but we complemented each other so well that people came up to us continually to comment on how nice we looked (including bride and groom). Get some info from others and then plan a coordinated look and you can't go wrong.

I make it a point not to include full face shots of myself and significant other here, but can't resist showing this photo I snapped of J observing the pre-wedding photo shoot happening on the front lawn and porch.

Tierras del Sol is a fantastic place, the very last "hotel" (really just a handful of rooms and a palapa) on the road before you enter the Sian Ka'an nature reserve, but they are tiny and when I checked their prices have gone WAY up since we were there.

Ana y Jose's is probably where most wedding parties head to, but they too are expensive. Really, all the hotels along the strip south from the ruins are fantastic. We saw weddings there.

Oh, wait, you said "all-inclusive". Ergh. I'm not a fan of all-inclusives, because there is so much more to Mexico than steam-table buffets. But I guess if you're going to the Tulum area it doesn't matter TOO much, since the restaurant options along the beach road are somewhat limited.

Do make an effort to get out of the bubble, though -- the puebla or town of Tulum, up on the highway (just past the turnoff to the beach road) is an interesting place to walk around. I STRONGLY recommend taking at least one organized tour, at the very minimum a visit to a couple of cenotes (freshwater swimming holes opened up when the thin limestone crust of the Yucatan caved in). We also did an amazing walk and float through the three lagoons in Sian Ka'an, arranged out of the Weary Traveler hostel in the puebla. Your hotel should also be able to set you up with something.

As I've never stayed at them, I can't recommend one, but when we went I found the forums at playa.info and tulum.info to be extremely helpful. They're the same people; playa.info is for Playa del Carmen, but gets the bulk of the Tulum discussion as well. They have a whole section for All-inclusives. Do a search for "wedding" and dig around a little. Most of the people who post there heavily are American ex-pats or frequent visitors who really know their stuff.

If you're really bored, you can read my entire "Trip Report" that I posted back in 2005, before I knew anything about anything. I don't actually get to Tulum until Page Three. There's not a lot in there that speaks to your needs, but you might laugh.

http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/12969-where-i-went-holiday-trip-report.html

Jenny gave you a good list. Here are a couple more to add:

Shaffer Baillie Mansion
Fred Wildlife Refuge
Spring Street Center

Don't know the price at all, but I attended a wedding at the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Food and toasts in the main entrance, dancing & ceremony in the lower level/basement area. Catering by Seattle Art Museum ONLY - for art safety reasons.

Guests were able to walk around all the public areas to view the art.

I"m not sure what your budget is, but there are a handful of great venues on the hill:

Sole Repair
Pravda Studios
Century Ballroom
Melrose Market
Seattle Asian Art Museum
DAR Rainier Chapter House

I went to a wedding reception that was catered by Rancho Bravo about a year ago. The wedding and reception were both outdoors and they did actually bring park the taco truck at the party, which was fun. I understand it was pretty affordable compared to more traditional catering, too.

The lines were a bit long, but they moved really quickly so I wasn't bothered by it. This was a very small wedding, though. I don't think the truck would work if you had a ton of people.

We used a song to walk to that meant alot to both of us. there is no need to choose anything that doesnt mean something to you and your fiancee, the tradition stuff is just bullshit.

One word: AQUANET!

I'm only kidding. I was a teen in the 1980's so I felt compelled to say that. It is remarkable any of the girls from then made it out of the girls' bathroom at school alive!

Just wanted to provide a little comic relief. :)

Unlike the other answers, I am not familiar with the different parts of the ceremony itself, but I would recommend the following songs in general for mushy feelings -

David Bowie - "Be My Wife"
Sparks - "Marry Me"
Magnetic Fields - "The Book of Love" (I personally would play "Take Ecstacy with Me")
Phyllis Dillon - "Don't Stay Away" (it is about unrequited love, but it is s beautiful song and the sentiment is sweet)
Betty Wright, "Just You"
Sugar Pie Desanto - "I Love You So Much"
Willie Nelson, "Can I Sleep In Your Arms"
Little Willie John, "Need Your Love So Bad"
Lefty Frizzell, "I Love You a Thousand Ways"
Solomon Burke, "I'm Hanging Up My Heart for You" (he will stop his slipping around for you)
Dusty Springfield, "Make It With You"

Some of my good friends used El Camion for their wedding and it went really well. The food was delicious and everyone loved it! I know they had to call them a few times in the beginning to get it set up, but the day of the wedding there were no problems and it was really cheap.

They didn't roll up with the taco truck, though. It was served buffet style.

http://www.elcamionseattle.com/El_Camion/Home.html

Most food trucks aren't used to handling large parties where everyone must be fed at the same time. Lines can quickly get backed up if the food is made to order and guests become frustrated. They're better used as late night snack options (party people love taquitos!) instead of dinner. If you do find one that will take this large of an event, make sure it has experience and check references.

An alternate option is to have your caterer set up a taco bar with fresh grilled meat and all the fixins.

A round of tequila shots for the table, please.

In additional to the products listed in the other comments, I'd definitely recommend picking up a bottle of Ben Nye's Final Seal to set your makeup. You can get a small bottle for about $6 at most costume/party supply shops. You just spritz it on over your completed makeup and it'll set everything and keep it matte for hours.

I like the Tyee Yacht Club on Lake Union. Their caterer is tops, too. I have been to several receptions there - the view is great, the staff is pleasant, and the space is intimate. Parking is a little less generous, but no worse than any other Lake Union venue (Lake Union Cafe, Skansonia).

I agree that the song should represent you as a couple, but as that song is usually saved for the first dance, I would pick something else that suits the mood you want to create for your wedding. If you are looking for a more reverent and romantic ceremony, pick something that for the two of you conveys that tone. If you more in to a casual, breezy ceremony, choose something that falls in to those lines. I am a huge fan of "non-traditional" songs for processionals because they really personalize the wedding, but they can be slow, sultry, or somber OR upbeat, funky, toe-tappers that everyone knows... whatever you think represents your wedding to each other - and it doesn't have to be a song you've loved together for years - it can just be one you land on that you agree suits your marriage :)

I think it should represent the couple rather than just one of you. The first dance (if you do one) should be the song you two consider to be your song and the walking down the aisle song should be something you pick together that kind of shows the world who you are--whether it's Pachalbel's Canon or the theme from Star Wars or whatever it is that represents the two of you.

I made my own. I picked out a headband-style tiara I liked with a pretty jeweled, wiry design. I think I just got it at David's Bridal.

Then I went to the Galleria/Special Occasion fabric section of Pacific Fabrics (near Northgate, http://www.pacificfabrics.com/locations/4/), bought a few yards of a pretty white gauze, grabbed the center of the fabric, and just whip-stitched it to the tiara.

Turned out great, and was super-easy to do.

Marconia,

Congratulations on finding your perfect Dress!! There is the MOST amazing woman - Debbie Turnbull - she would be a great person to talk to. She makes all different styles of veils and will make sure it goes perfectly with your dress.

Here is her email :: turnbulls@verizon.net

Also - if you want to check out Bravo Bride - they are the craigslist for weddings & have a buy/borrow/share program, it will help you save money and get some fun ideas! http://www.bravobride.com/

Best luck on finding the perfect veil!