A huge concern for brides and grooms regarding their wedding day is that their reception is spectacular, which is something not easily accomplished without knowing how to plan a wedding. Actually, couples say that they want people to get their boogie on, but in reality, as long as their guests have a blast, they will consider their wedding party a big winner, even though not everyone danced. Here are ten unusual but basic wedding day downers that most newly engaged people, wedding consultants, site and catering people, and more never think about. No more than several might not apply to the upcoming celebration in your life, but I have a feeling the majority will ring true.
Dinner is just…dinner.
If your invitees are engaged in lively conversation, and having a blast during the meal, you should be fine. If not, your energy in the crowd is at a 2 out of ten and then when it’s time for everyone to start dancing at level 10, they can’t make that jump. You’ll need to do something fun and engaging to get the buzz going in the wedding hall so when dancing sets out, the wedding guests are ready to rock. I want your wedding to go to an eleven! Ask your deejay for some ideas that are interactive that you can do or go to Wedding Planning/Wedding Songs if you need some suggestions.
The bar is not in the reception hall.
This one is not one you’d consider an issue, but it definitely will have a will have a consequence on your celebration, which is why I list it in this top 10. A lot of engaged couples think having their bar outside on the terrace or in the vestibule, or in some situations, way off the beaten path someplace, is a great idea because their guests can take a break from the reception room to go have a cocktail. The issue they don’t see is quite a few of your guests will be out of the room ordering up shots of booze at potentially essential times like the blessing, father daughter dance, or some others. A second bad thing is half of your guests like to hang out at the bar and these are generally the crazy fun crowd. Notice how your party is not as full as it could be and the more outgoing inebriates aren’t with the rest of the group. The way to fix this is to make your reception site will put a bar in the room. If you want, just have another bar in the foyer for overflow but having your main bar in the room will keep most of your guests there.
The newlyweds get pinned down in the foyer talking to the people who are leaving.
If the couple go to the restroom, on the way back, some of their crowd will inevitably catch them in the entrance way and want to embrace them and speak to them and sometimes wish them well and go . I know, using the restroom can be a 30 minute ordeal for the bride, and sometimes that’s how it goes. My suggestion is, if guests want to talk to you for a long period of time, have them follow you back in to the reception room and talk to you there. This way, your friends and family can see you haven’t bailed out for your honeymoon and you can’t wait to hit the dance floor.
The cake cutting.
Some planners or dee-jays will set up the cake cutting ceremony for late in the night. This will work if you’re having a uneventful party where no one will dance. If not, there are two problems with this. One, a lot of the crowd will already be gone so they don’t get a piece of your cake, leaving a lot of left over cake. Also, late in the night is when the dancing is usually going strong. You have to switch off the awesome beats and turn up the lights, thereby ruining any semblance of a party air. My idea is doing this event right after dinner is about to wrap up. Don’t worry. People don’t leave because of the cake cutting. They leave because of were the cake cutting is scheduled. Besides, who gets excited about this event?
The photographer decides to get artsy with the couple at an inopportune time.
If this takes place your wedding crowd may try to find where you are, believe you’ve left for your honeymoon, and use this as the perfect time to jump ship. Once in a while, the newlyweds may want to get sunset pictures or something of that nature. If that’s the situation by all means be sure to make your way back as soon as possible or sooner! If you can, it’s best to finish your all your shots during the hors d’oeuvres hour.
Remember, I’ve done weddings, parties and events where people have said that it was the most awesome reception they’ve experienced—and the dancing was nonexistent. Don’t think your party begins and ends on the dance floor. Direct your direction on getting your crowd into the wedding in fun and unique ways, and your wedding will turn out great. For the rest of these unknown party killers, go to my blog at get wedding insurance, and for more helpful information.
Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding. Show all posts
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A Great Wedding Planning Tool: Wedding Songs Timeline Planner!
♥ "What are some of the best wedding dance songs for 2010?"
♥ "I can't afford a coordinator so how in the world do I plan my ceremony & music? What order do the events go in?"
♥ "I need some original ideas, please, for the reception music-- songs that aren't overplayed--REAL suggestions that actually work!!!"
♥ "What do I do if NO ONE at my wedding is DANCING?!?!" (I give you this FREE BONUS TIP in the WHAT YOU GET section)
These are just a few of MANY wedding planning questions answered with
The Wedding Songs Timeline Planner
(As featured in "Planning the Perfect Wedding!" at SimplyWed Magazine)
It's exactly what it says it is: A planning program that will take away your fear and anxiety and give you TONS of song ideas for EVERY wedding event!
"I am really impressed with the planning tips given in this program. Even I learned some secrets! Planners cost thousands of dollars, but this program does it all for practically nothing!"
-C.M. Williams, Wedding Coordinator, APCWC
Based on over 20 years of planning the most successful weddings & receptions, these ideas get people up dancing and help keep people there all night. I want your wedding to be a success! You get one chance to do it right--If it's just mediocre or even bad, you can't say, "Well, that didn't work. Let's try it again next weekend!" Here's how to do it right! Download The Wedding Songs Timeline Planner INSTANTLY right now and start planning in MINUTES!
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Thursday, January 7, 2010
3. Wedding Songs For The Second Processional
Now we're going to focus on the wedding song for your Second Processional. By now you've chosen your First Processional, or your parent's processional. Now, you have a few choices to make. Do you want the minister, groom, and groomsmen to walk to the altar/ceremony gazebo, etc. together (usually not down the isle, but from the audiences right side) or would you prefer the minister, groom, and best man come in first (also entering from the right side) and have the bridesmaids escorted down the center isle by the remaining groomsmen? Your decision here will impact the next song selection, because you will either have both guys and gals walking down the isle, or just the gals. If it is just the bridesmaids, you can feel free to get a little "girly" with your wedding song choice if you want! Now, let's move on.
Your Second Processional, or bridesmaid's processional is very similar to your first processional. It's usually a classical or contemporary piece, but with a twist. Since you're dealing with younger people, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, they are typically less offended. This opens up the door to have a little fun, if you so choose! Many of the suggestions made earlier also apply to this song, but going with a contemporary or new song would work even better here. Songs like Amazed by Lonestar, Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole, and Fairy Tales by Enya have been used by some of my clients. Notice these are still slow and romantic, but, this is your wedding so do whatever you want! For instance, if you want to really go crazy, you're bridesmaids can walk down to Chapel of Love, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, or even Beyonce's Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)!
Finally all of this may be a moot point, and here's why: If you only have a few parents walking down to the First Processional, you might not need a different wedding song for your Second Processional. You may only need 20 seconds of music for your parents to make it down the isle, and it would seem quite odd to cut off that first song! this may make your life easier, because now you'd be able to combine your First and Second Processionals into one. Choosing one song may be your only option here.
Again, to find different versions of the same song performed by different artists, do a search for songs you like and leave the artist blank. And again, don't forget movie soundtracks!
For those of you who purchased my Wedding Timeline Planner, you'll have an easier time by going through the Song Suggestions List and searching those on iTunes or Amazon.
Good luck and thanks for stopping by Wedding Songs and Music Ideas!
Your Second Processional, or bridesmaid's processional is very similar to your first processional. It's usually a classical or contemporary piece, but with a twist. Since you're dealing with younger people, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, they are typically less offended. This opens up the door to have a little fun, if you so choose! Many of the suggestions made earlier also apply to this song, but going with a contemporary or new song would work even better here. Songs like Amazed by Lonestar, Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Isreal Kamakawiwo'ole, and Fairy Tales by Enya have been used by some of my clients. Notice these are still slow and romantic, but, this is your wedding so do whatever you want! For instance, if you want to really go crazy, you're bridesmaids can walk down to Chapel of Love, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, or even Beyonce's Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)!
Finally all of this may be a moot point, and here's why: If you only have a few parents walking down to the First Processional, you might not need a different wedding song for your Second Processional. You may only need 20 seconds of music for your parents to make it down the isle, and it would seem quite odd to cut off that first song! this may make your life easier, because now you'd be able to combine your First and Second Processionals into one. Choosing one song may be your only option here.
Again, to find different versions of the same song performed by different artists, do a search for songs you like and leave the artist blank. And again, don't forget movie soundtracks!
For those of you who purchased my Wedding Timeline Planner, you'll have an easier time by going through the Song Suggestions List and searching those on iTunes or Amazon.
Good luck and thanks for stopping by Wedding Songs and Music Ideas!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
2. Wedding Songs For Your First Processional
Choosing the right wedding songs for your processional should be a simple process. The problem is most people don't have any idea what songs fit in this particular ceremony event. I’ll first review what the processional is and how to plan it then go over music ideas for you. I will include a list of traditional (and non-traditional) First Processionals at the end of this article.
First, here’s a brief description of the processional. This is where the parents and any other special people (aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, etc.) are honored by having them walk down the isle. They can be escorted by an usher or groomsman or they can process as a couple. The groom’s parents, for instance, could walk down as a couple if still married. Don't go too crazy and include everybody in the processional (like your 3rd cousin, twice removed). It should be reserved for the most important people in your life. I’ll go over the entrance order in reverse. The last person down the isle would be the bride’s mom. Before her, would be the groom’s mom. And before her would be the bride’s grandparents, then the groom’s grandparents. Any other special people would come before the grandparents. Notice how the most important, the more special the person is, the later they walk down the isle? I know, it seems backward, but it’s like a movie. The most important stuff happens at the end! Start with your close special people, then the groom’s grandparents, then the bride’s grandparents, then the groom’s parent’s, then, finally, the bride’s mom finishes the first processional. She won’t be escorted by the bride’s father, as he will be walking the bride down the isle. The bride’s mom can be escorted by her son (I know, you can say “awwww!) or any other person she’d prefer. This is the First Processional, or the Processional for the Parents. What follows is the Second Processional, or the Processional for the Bridesmaids. Finally, the Third Processional, or the Bride's Processional follows next. We'll cover those processionals next time.
The wedding song you choose for your parent’s processional can range from classical to contemporary and should reflect your style and/or your parent's sensibilities. Some traditional songs are Air On A G String by Bach, Greensleeves, and of course, the ever-popular, much overused Canon in D Major by Pachelbel. Now, if you've always pictured your family walking down to an over-played wedding song, that's fine. There are so many different versions of these songs available, you can always find one that has a new, unique feel to it. I currently have 16 different versions of Canon in D in my music library! Another way to go is using contemporary songs, such as Con Ti Partiro by Andrea Bocelli (or by anyone else, for that matter) or even a Josh Groban song. If you’d prefer no vocals, many times you can find instrumental versions of these songs that will work well. I’ve even had some clients have tons of fun with this, the very start of their wedding day, by playing a fun, over-the-top song like Chapel of Love by the Dixie Cups.
First, here’s a brief description of the processional. This is where the parents and any other special people (aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, etc.) are honored by having them walk down the isle. They can be escorted by an usher or groomsman or they can process as a couple. The groom’s parents, for instance, could walk down as a couple if still married. Don't go too crazy and include everybody in the processional (like your 3rd cousin, twice removed). It should be reserved for the most important people in your life. I’ll go over the entrance order in reverse. The last person down the isle would be the bride’s mom. Before her, would be the groom’s mom. And before her would be the bride’s grandparents, then the groom’s grandparents. Any other special people would come before the grandparents. Notice how the most important, the more special the person is, the later they walk down the isle? I know, it seems backward, but it’s like a movie. The most important stuff happens at the end! Start with your close special people, then the groom’s grandparents, then the bride’s grandparents, then the groom’s parent’s, then, finally, the bride’s mom finishes the first processional. She won’t be escorted by the bride’s father, as he will be walking the bride down the isle. The bride’s mom can be escorted by her son (I know, you can say “awwww!) or any other person she’d prefer. This is the First Processional, or the Processional for the Parents. What follows is the Second Processional, or the Processional for the Bridesmaids. Finally, the Third Processional, or the Bride's Processional follows next. We'll cover those processionals next time.
The wedding song you choose for your parent’s processional can range from classical to contemporary and should reflect your style and/or your parent's sensibilities. Some traditional songs are Air On A G String by Bach, Greensleeves, and of course, the ever-popular, much overused Canon in D Major by Pachelbel. Now, if you've always pictured your family walking down to an over-played wedding song, that's fine. There are so many different versions of these songs available, you can always find one that has a new, unique feel to it. I currently have 16 different versions of Canon in D in my music library! Another way to go is using contemporary songs, such as Con Ti Partiro by Andrea Bocelli (or by anyone else, for that matter) or even a Josh Groban song. If you’d prefer no vocals, many times you can find instrumental versions of these songs that will work well. I’ve even had some clients have tons of fun with this, the very start of their wedding day, by playing a fun, over-the-top song like Chapel of Love by the Dixie Cups.
Air – Handel
Air on a G String – Bach
Ave Maria – Pavarotti
Canon In D Major – Pachelbel
Con Ti Partiro (the Bellagio song) – Bocelli
Flower Duet – Traditional
Greensleeves – Traditional
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Minuet – Mozart
My Heart Will Go On (Piano) – Christopher Peacock
Ode To Joy – Beethoven
Prelude No. 1 In C Major – Bach
Sheep May Safely Graze – Bach
Siciliano – Bach
The Wedding Song – Petula Clark
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
1. Wedding Songs For Your Ceremony Background Music
When guests arrive for your wedding ceremony, they should be greeted by a beautiful setting, a comfortable atmosphere, and appropriate wedding background music. These songs are heard before the official start of the ceremony, which is usually keyed by the first processional, or the parents processional (which will be covered later here at Wedding Songs and Music Ideas). Of course, Metallica and the Black Eyed Peas are probably not what you want to play here, but that doesn't mean you have to use music that will put your guests to sleep!
A lot of people will go the classical route, playing string quartet or trio music from artists such as Bach, Brahams, and the like. Another typical route would be piano, guitar, or some other solo instrument playing the same. If this is what you have always dreamed of hearing before the start of your wedding, then go for it. Many couples use classical for their ceremony music or have that solo instrument playing classical. These are fine, but in today's wedding arena, people are spreading their wings and branching out!
I recently had a string quartet playing love song arrangements from the Beatles, Journey, and Dave Matthews. of course, they needed to get the sheet music for these songs, but they did so for free, as an investment for their group. There's also modern pianists, like Steve Siu, who recently put out his versions of contemporary songs from Toni Braxton, Josh Groban, and even Coldplay! There is an electric harpist named Hillary Stagg that has some great pre-ceremony music on CD or on iTunes. Another popular artist is Enya. I know, seems a little too early 90's but she's always putting out new stuff that works great for before the ceremony.
Finally, picking love songs, old or new, works well if kept at the appropriate level. Just about every artist on the planet has recorded a love song so it shouldn't be too hard to find the 5 to 10 artists that work for you. Give your list of 20 songs to your DJ or put them on a disc and you're ready to go.
The wedding songs you pick for before the ceremony should reflect your music ideas, style and taste. Don't be afraid to express yourself. It is, after all your wedding. Choose your wedding songs. Your music ideas. Be yourself and your guests will love you for that!
A lot of people will go the classical route, playing string quartet or trio music from artists such as Bach, Brahams, and the like. Another typical route would be piano, guitar, or some other solo instrument playing the same. If this is what you have always dreamed of hearing before the start of your wedding, then go for it. Many couples use classical for their ceremony music or have that solo instrument playing classical. These are fine, but in today's wedding arena, people are spreading their wings and branching out!
I recently had a string quartet playing love song arrangements from the Beatles, Journey, and Dave Matthews. of course, they needed to get the sheet music for these songs, but they did so for free, as an investment for their group. There's also modern pianists, like Steve Siu, who recently put out his versions of contemporary songs from Toni Braxton, Josh Groban, and even Coldplay! There is an electric harpist named Hillary Stagg that has some great pre-ceremony music on CD or on iTunes. Another popular artist is Enya. I know, seems a little too early 90's but she's always putting out new stuff that works great for before the ceremony.
Finally, picking love songs, old or new, works well if kept at the appropriate level. Just about every artist on the planet has recorded a love song so it shouldn't be too hard to find the 5 to 10 artists that work for you. Give your list of 20 songs to your DJ or put them on a disc and you're ready to go.
The wedding songs you pick for before the ceremony should reflect your music ideas, style and taste. Don't be afraid to express yourself. It is, after all your wedding. Choose your wedding songs. Your music ideas. Be yourself and your guests will love you for that!
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