For a party to remember, consider these things while planning your event:

• Design the party so all the guests are gathered in one room at one time. For instance, cocktails can be in one space, and when dinner is announced the guests flow into an adjacent space for dinner and dancing, keeping everyone together so the party energy stays strong. If there is a bar, make sure it is in the same room as the party, as some guests will congregate around it.

• Beware too many (or too long) speeches. Brevity is the soul of wit!

• Please do let us know any and all special songs. If we don't know them, we will learn them in time for your event. However, please don't feel you must pick every song for the entire evening. The bandleader will have a real feel for the type of thing that is getting your guests up and dancing, and that is what makes a successful event!

• We will work with you on the schedule for your party, and the bandleader or lead vocalist can act as the emcee, guiding your guests as to what comes next. Then you can concentrate on what's really important - enjoying your party!

• Generally speaking, if your party is on a Sunday night people will tend to leave early if they have to work the next day.

• If one of your guests is a professional vocalist and wants to do a set with the band, please set this up in advance. We have had fantastic party experiences with professional vocalists when there is communication. If one of your guests is an amateur vocalist and wants to sing a song with the band, that's great, as long as it is only one song,so as not to interrupt the flow of the party. Please let us know in advance so we can make sure we have the right song, in the right key for your guest singer.

Things to remember during the party:

• Do have dancing between meal courses. That's the best way to keep the flow and energy of the party. Your guests can pace themselves, choosing to rest or dance but always having something to do.

• Don't use the dancefloor for posed group shots during the party. Let your guests dance!

• Do let the bandleader 'read' the crowd. He knows how to get your guests dancing and doesn't need to be 'micro-managed.' This is especially important when the event has a widely diverse guest list.