Aria

Overview:

From DJ Mike H:

I had the opportunity to tour Aria with the two event managers: Katey (pronounced Kate) and Kastina. They gave me a lot of information regarding what they've liked/disliked about DJs in the past and how they can make our lives (and we can make their lives) easier.

First of all, they prefer email rather than a call. They're not at the offices very much and will likely not be able to answer phone calls. Shoot them an email rather than the usual venue call to ask your questions to gather information about the event. 

You'll load in from the street. Turn your flashers on and bring your equipment into the main door. Pretty simple load-in.

Aria is a very changeable venue; meaning the location of the head table, dance floor, DJ table, etc... is not always the same. Email ahead so you know exactly where it is you'll be setting up and where each element of the night will be. 

The one relatively similar location is the cocktail hour. This will take place in a different location from the main reception in a hall about 50 feet from where Aria's stage is. Simply move one speaker out to the cocktail hour location and plug your wired microphone into the speaker to make the announcement so people know they need to be moved for dinner. No need for two speakers in this space.

Once your table is set-up, that is where your table is set-up. Do not under any circumstances move your table to give yourself what you believe is a better set-up. This is a pet peeve for Katey and Kastina because clients choose to have their wedding at Aria for the aesthetics and beautiful photo opportunities. If you move your table from where it was, you're more than likely turning a would-be beautiful photo, into a photo with you and your light tree as the focal point. 

Gaff tape is a necessity at this venue! If duct tape is placed on their floors, when the duct tape is removed, it will remove the color of the flooring. Both Katey and Kastina said this is very important, so if I notice you're at Aria, I will put gaff tape into your system. Use the gaff tape and do not under any circumstances use duct tape. :)

You are done playing music at 12:00. If your last song ends at 11:58 and everybody's chanting for 'one more song!', you cannot play another song. People need to be out of the venue at a certain time and if they're not out, the bride and groom get charged an additional amount. So although the guests might want to hear another song, you're ultimately doing the bride, groom and venue's staff a favor by stopping at the time you're supposed to.

Aria's building was originally created as a theater and you'll notice the ceilings are very high which could (and has for some DJs) potentially cause some acoustic issues (echoes and feedback). Be sure to do a very good soundcheck and microphone check once you get there. The high ceilings can actually be good for dinner/speeches, but once the dance begins, keep those speakers low to the ground to contain the sound. Low speakers lead to bodies absorbing the sound, meaning our sound waves are shooting out onto the dance floor, but not all the way throughout the entire venue.

The venue does NOT provide a table cloth. You will need one and I will provide it for you on top of your system.

Ceremony Information:

There are several different potential ceremony locations, so email ahead asking where you'll be set up for the ceremony. Typically, the ceremony occurs between two pillars and the DJ sets speakers on each side of the pillars, while your main DJ set up is on the stage. You'll be able to see the ceremony just fine through a door. You may need additional XLR cords for this set up. It's difficult to give specific ceremony information, because not every ceremony is the same.

Special Considerations:

Aria requires that every couple has a day of coordinator working with them. It's very important you get to know this person and are able to work side by side with them throughout the entire night. Touch base on the timeline, dances and anything else that will ensure you are both on the same page.

The managers at Aria would be more than happy to meet up with you beforehand to take a look at the layout and be sure you know exactly what you're doing and what your expectations are. This could go a long way in preparing you for the big day, as well as builds rapport with the venue's staff.

Aria brings every couple in to the main ballroom for a first look, while the cocktail hour is going on. This is a perfect opportunity to play a romantic song in the background. Something along the lines of Frank Sinatra would be perfect.

Extra Venue EMAIL questions: 

Where is the cocktail hour located?

Where is the dinner/dance located?

Where is the DJ set up at?

Website:

http://www.ariampls.com/weddings/

The Knot:

https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/aria-minneapolis-mn-535077