Tag: Wedding

Creative Ways To Tell the World You Are Engaged

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

There are few moments more exciting in life than the decision to get married. After you’ve spent years with your partner, you likely are ready to take your relationship to the next stage. Naturally, you’re going to want to spread this news to all of the people you love. If you love to get creative with such announcements, you may wonder how to tell loved ones about your engagement. Consider these suggestions to discover the perfect method to tell the world you’re about to tie the knot. 

The Preliminary Decisions

Before you finalize your method of announcing the engagement, you must ask yourself a few crucial questions. First, do you want to tell everyone in one swoop or are there specific people you would like to inform first? Typically, parents and siblings are people you want to make the announcement to separately from the rest of your relatives and friends. You also need to consider whether you’d like to have photos taken. If so, try and get the pictures done before you make the announcement. This gives you media you can utilize in your message about the milestone. 

The Traditional Method

In some cases, the classic options are the best. If you’re someone who loves to send and receive messages via traditional mail, you may want to consider snail mail for your announcements. Though it is not a speedy method in any capacity, sending your messages out in this manner is a charming option to consider. With this option, however, you will need to make sure you have the mailing addresses of everyone you want to receive the message. You will also need to print enough copies of your engagement photos for each announcement you mail out.

The Digital Divide

Though plenty of people still use traditional mail for making important announcements, a large chunk of people have switched to digital methods of communication. Social media has radically transformed the way that most people interact and discuss big life events. The easiest and most effective way to make your engagement announcement online is by making a post on your social accounts. Facebook and Instagram are the perfect platforms for such announcements, as you can share some of your favorite engagement pictures and write a message that captures how excited you are to take this next step. 

Social media isn’t the only way to make the announcement online. Though it isn’t as popular a choice, using email is still an option worth looking into. This is a fast, effective way to get the message out to hundreds of people with one single email. Again, to see success with this choice you will need to make sure you have the email addresses of every person you want to receive the message. 

The Surprise

Hosting an intimate gathering of your closest friends and family members can also make for a lovely way to announce your decision. Invite everyone to your house for a dinner or a party, then make a speech thanking them for their presence and slip in the news about the engagement. The party will instantly turn into a joyous celebration of your relationship. If you’re looking to knock out the announcement and the engagement party in one shot, this is a great way to cover all of your bases in a single moment.

The Choice

While it is an important decision to make, you should not spend weeks debating the best method of announcing your engagement. All you need to do is think about which option aligns best with your personality. Whether you decide to surprise family at a party or make the announcement through email, there are a ton of exciting options that can help you along your way.

How To Use Perfume To Make Your Wedding Day Memorable

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

On your wedding day, every detail, from the dress to the decorations, will stick in your memory for years to come. One often-overlooked aspect that can significantly enhance your wedding experience is perfume. The right scent can evoke emotions, create lasting memories, and add a personal touch to your special day. Here’s how you can use perfume to make your wedding day more memorable.

Embrace the Power of Perfume

The mind has a unique connection to scent, and certain smells can even trigger memories and evoke emotions. Choosing a perfume for your wedding day is one way to add another layer of memory. Whether it’s the delicate fragrance of gardenias or the warm embrace of vanilla, the right perfume can transport you to the joyous moments of your wedding day. That’s the power of perfume.

Match Your Perfume to the Season

Perfumers use thousands of ingredients to create bottled fragrances, and each one can smell different depending on the season and the weather. If you love light floral fragrances with freesia and lily-of-the-valley, you might be disappointed by how they smell in the winter. Here are the types of fragrances that work best for each season:

  • Spring: Opt for light and fresh floral fragrances with notes such as jasmine, peony, grapefruit, tuberose, lotus, and gardenia.
  • Summer: Embrace uplifting and fruity fragrances with notes such as lemon, coconut, seawater, pineapple, tiare flower, bergamot, and pink pepper.
  • Fall: Look for rich and cozy amber and spicy fragrances with notes of vanilla, apple, cinnamon, tobacco, tuberose, rose, incense, and spices.
  • Winter: Choose elegant and intense woody, musky, and amber fragrances with notes of cedarwood, patchouli, honey, musk, warm spices, oud, amber, frankincense, benzoin, and sandalwood.

When you take the weather and climate into account, you will get better performance from your perfume. Not to mention that your future spouse and guests will be very impressed by your savvy choices. 

Find Your Signature Scent

Before your wedding day, take the time to find a perfume that resonates with you. Visit fragrance counters to sample different perfumes and find one that complements your personality and style. Remember that fragrances change throughout the day, so it’s important to try before you buy. You may love the initial blast of scent but feel turned off by the aroma at the end of the day.

Be bold when you pick a scent for your big day. Whether you prefer floral, fruity, or woody notes, choose one that makes you feel confident and beautiful, even if it isn’t what someone else would wear.

Layer for Longevity

To ensure your perfume lasts throughout the day, use a layering technique. Start by applying a scented or unscented body lotion or oil to hydrate your skin and create a base for the fragrance. Follow up with your chosen perfume applied to pulse points such as wrists, neck, and behind the ears. By layering your scent, you’ll enhance its longevity and leave a lasting impression.

Enhance the Atmosphere

Incorporate scented details into your wedding decor to create a cohesive sensory experience. Use scented candles or diffusers in your venue to set the mood and create a welcoming atmosphere. Floral arrangements with fragrant blooms of roses or lavender can infuse the air with a subtle scent that compliments what you’re wearing.

Long after your wedding day has passed, the scent you wore will continue to evoke memories of your experience. Consider wearing the same perfume on your anniversary every year or when you go on a romantic trip with your spouse. You can also preserve the scent by spritzing it on fabric items like your wedding dress or veil, creating a tangible reminder of the love and happiness you felt that day.

Everything You Need To Know About Picking a Signature Wedding Drink

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Customizing your wedding with small details is a great way to showcase the unique personalities of both yourself and your partner. While there are many ways to go about this, one simple and effective choice is coming up with a signature drink. Whether you opt for a classic mixture like a tequila sunrise, a clever mocktail, or a completely original blend, the right refreshment can go a long way to bring your big day together.  

Explore the Reasons for a Specialty Drink

Creating a specialty cocktail for your event is a fun way to express yourself, but it’s also very practical. Paying for an unlimited open bar can be a huge expense. When you settle on serving signature drinks, you can limit the liquor that is offered at the bar and save some money without denying your guests options beyond wine and beer. This choice can also be a lot of fun, allowing you to come up with silly and clever names for your drink. 

Consider Your Favorite Liquors

When going about the process of choosing your signature drink, you want to begin with the basics. Namely, you should think about your favorite liquor options. Do you enjoy clear spirits like vodka or gin? Do you prefer darker intoxicants like whiskey and spiced rum? Once you have selected the right alcoholic base, you can start looking at mixers and herbs that perfectly complement your choice. 

Create the Drink Based on Your Life

One way you can create your cocktail is by having it reflect your love story. If you took a walk along the beach on your first date, then consider a bay breeze, which is made with coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of cranberry juice. If you spend a lot of time in a big city together, Manhattan could prove to be a perfect drink choice. This simple mix is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a maraschino cherry. 

Think About More Than One Choice

If you’re having a difficult time choosing just one drink for your big day, it’s OK to pick more than one signature beverage. People can be particular when it comes to the liquors they prefer, meaning you don’t want to offer only bourbon to a crowd that heavily prefers vodka. However, you don’t want to go overboard and offer too many drinks. According to industry experts, you should have no more than four signature drinks. Offering too many options can put unnecessary pressure on your bartenders and defeat the purpose of serving a limited selection of drinks. 

Play With Names

After you’ve come up with your cocktails, it is time to devise some cute names that describe the drink and reflect your relationship. Puns will be a lifesaver in this scenario, so get as wacky as you’d like while brainstorming ideas. If you’re doing a basic vodka and cranberry, the name could be something like “Berry Much in Love.” Any drink that incorporates mint could easily use the name “Mint To Be.” 

Use Bar Menu Signs

Finally, don’t forget to have signage for the drinks. Guests will need to know what you’re offering, what’s in each cocktail, and the special significance the beverages hold to your relationship. Cute signs that feature the colors and theme of your wedding can help to tie the entire experience together. 

Find the Ideal Drink

Though concocting a specialty cocktail is not a requirement for your wedding, it can be a fun way to enhance the festivities. Consider what ingredients will best encapsulate the relationship you’ve built with your partner and provide your family and friends with a delicious refreshment they will keep coming back to

Pros and Cons of Eloping

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Are you overwhelmed by the idea of hosting hundreds of people at a grand wedding? Eloping is a romantic alternative that can save you time and lower your stress. Of course, there are still pros and cons to consider before making your final decision about how you want to get married. As a couple contemplating elopement, you’ll find this guide invaluable in navigating the complexities of such a choice.

Pro # 1: Intimacy and Romance

Eloping offers a level of intimacy and romance that is hard to replicate in a traditional wedding setting. There’s a unique sense of closeness when it’s just the two of you exchanging vows in a secluded spot far from the crowd. 

When you’re away from everyone else, you can create a ceremony that is personal and meaningful. You can choose whether or not to include religious and spiritual elements or simply honor your love by reading each other a letter.

Pro #2: Reduced Stress and Costs

Planning a traditional wedding can be a logistical nightmare and a financial strain. Eloping eliminates much of this stress. There are no guest lists to manage, no seating charts to agonize over, and no need to break the bank on a lavish reception. The money saved can be used for other important life goals, such as buying a home or embarking on a dream honeymoon.

Pro #3: Flexibility and Freedom

If you plan to elope, you will enjoy far more flexibility and freedom than you would planning a large wedding. You won’t have to worry about choosing a venue or church that can hold your guests, which will give you many location options.

The same freedom applies to your choice for the time of day and time of year. There are no rules to follow except those you set for yourselves. You could get married at sunrise on a tiny beach in Thailand or exchange vows on the Cliffs of Dover in early spring. The options are endless.

Con #1: Missing Family and Friends

A significant downside of eloping is that you may miss having your friends and family by your side. Getting married is a big deal, and sharing that milestone with those you love makes it more special.

You always have the option of inviting a few people to your elopement. You could include your parents, a mentor, or a handful of close friends. Just because you want to elope doesn’t mean you can’t have a couple of your loved ones with you.

Con #2: Lack of Wedding Traditions

Most elopements lack many of the wedding traditions you might be used to. If you have always dreamed of making a grand entrance, walking down the aisle, having a first dance, cutting a cake, and more, then you might feel disappointed when you elope. This is even more true if you want to honor your religious, spiritual, or cultural background.

Con #3: Working Through Legal Issues

You might have to work through challenging legal issues and other logistical concerns to elope.  If you want to elope outside of your home country, research the marriage laws and regulations of your ideal destination. Many countries still don’t allow legal same-sex marriages, so that may limit your options if you’re a queer couple.

Finding Your Path to Happily Ever After

The decision to elope or have a traditional wedding is deeply personal. It doesn’t mean you have to exclude your loved ones or forgo your favorite wedding traditions. What matters most is that your wedding day reflects your love story and creates lasting memories that you both cherish.

Whether you choose to elope or not, make sure it’s a decision that resonates with you and your partner because it will set the stage for your new life together.

Coping With Post-Wedding Blues

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

After the confetti has fallen on the most magical day of your life, you might feel an unexpected sense of emptiness. While few people talk about it, post-wedding depression is a real possibility for even the happiest of couples. After months, or maybe even years, of planning, anticipation, and the euphoria of the big day, coming back to reality can be unsettling. Here are some strategies to cope with post-wedding blues.

Reflect on Your Memories

The first step in dealing with post-wedding blues is to reflect on your big day. Sit down with your spouse and relive the beautiful memories you created together. Share stories about the day and reminisce about the vows you exchanged and the heartfelt toasts that were given. This reflection not only allows you to bask in the afterglow of your wedding but also helps you establish a deeper connection with your partner.

Stay Connected With Loved Ones

If you’re feeling sad after getting married, being isolated from your loved ones can make it worse. Focus on staying connected to close friends and family, especially in the weeks immediately following your wedding.

Host gatherings, attend social events, or simply reach out for a chat or a coffee date. Your friends and family will appreciate continuing to be a part of your life as a married couple, and their support can help you get back on your feet emotionally. After all, your wedding was a celebration of love, and that love can continue to thrive in the days and years to come.

Set Goals Together

Setting goals with your spouse is a great way to distract yourself from the low period after getting married. Whether you want to buy a home, start a family, or travel the world, setting goals can give you something to look forward to. This is a great way to refocus your energy and stay grounded as a couple.

When you create a list of your short and long-term goals, use the SMART acronym to guide you. Each goal should be:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Create New Routines

Creating new routines is another important strategy when navigating post-wedding blues. A common reason for feeling depressed after you get married is the sudden shift from the extraordinary to the ordinary. If you went on a honeymoon, it might have helped ease the transition for a time. However, it can also add another layer of sadness because then you may deal with post-trip blues too.

As you settle back into your work and life schedule with your spouse, design intentional routines and traditions together. Things like getting up early to sit and have quiet time over coffee or walking your dog together every day after work can quickly become a way to soothe the soul. You can also get festive around holidays and decide on new traditions you want to start as a family.

Practice Self-Care and Rest

You may have pampered your skin before your wedding day, but you probably didn’t get a lot of time to practice authentic self-care. Use the period after your wedding to catch up on things that matter to you, such as moving through your To-Be-Read stack of books and finally learning how to garden.

You can do some self-care activities with your spouse, but you should pursue some things on your own to maintain your sense of independence. By nurturing your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to bring positivity and happiness into your marriage. 

If you notice that you’re feeling down or blue after your wedding remember that it’s a completely normal emotional response that many other people also experience. You are not alone. Talk to your spouse and loved ones as you process how you’re feeling, and use these coping strategies to set yourself up for healing and growth.

Common Misconceptions About Weddings To Help You Plan Your Big Day

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Getting married can be an exciting decision. Of course, it also tends to bring about a lot of stress. Even though statistics highlight that roughly 2 million people tie the knot in the United States every year, there are still a ton of misconceptions surrounding modern weddings. Review these points and gain perspective on how to best plan for your nuptials. 

Forget About Your Wedding Being the Most Important Day

Couples put a lot of pressure on themselves, their families, and their vendors when it comes to planning their weddings. This is predominantly due to the prevailing notion that a wedding is supposed to be the happiest or most important day in a person’s life. While it is definitely one of the more noteworthy events of your life, deeming it the most important is an easy way to set your expectations far too high. 

A great alternative to this mindset is to think about your wedding as the start of the next leg of your journey with your significant other. Observing this event as a transitional moment is an easy way to take some of the pressure off and allow you the flexibility to actually enjoy the experience. 

Ditch Strict Attire Guidelines 

While it is true that your wedding should be all about the wants and needs you and your partner share, you must always take your guests into consideration while planning. A great example of this can be found in the idea of the dress code. When you are strict with guidelines surrounding attire, you are often forcing your guests to jump through hoops to be in attendance. Not only is this annoying to many friends and family members, but it can cause you stress should you notice someone shows up wearing something that doesn’t match your instructions. 

Being lax with your dress code can make the event more enjoyable for everyone involved. Simply trust in the fact that the people you invite will have enough sense to wear appropriate outfits to your reception. 

Make Your Guest List Your Own

Other than you and your partner, there is no one else in your life who is required to be at your wedding. This means you should not feel obligated to invite anyone you don’t want to take part in your special day. If you have a tumultuous relationship with your parents and they refuse to give their blessing for your union, then you are allowed to refuse them invitations. Whether you’re worried about inviting a racist uncle or have a few friends who cannot control themselves around alcohol, you don’t need to include anyone you feel uncomfortable inviting to the event.

Naturally, you might need to explain your decision to those you exclude. It is also important to note that opting to not invite certain people might forever sour or break certain bonds. As long as you understand this, you are free to make whatever choices you find best regarding your guest list.

Keep Things Short

While a wedding does not need to fly by, it also should not move at a snail’s pace. One mistake many couples make is allowing certain elements of the event to drag on for far too long. This is most common with moments like the wedding party’s entrance, the speeches and toasts, and the preliminary dances between the couple and their parents. Wedding experts advise timing all of these moments in advance. If anything feels like it is going on and on, then it is in your best interest to make cuts so you can keep your guests engaged. 

Learn About Common Mistakes

Getting married might be fun, but it is far from a simple or straightforward experience. When you take time to learn about common wedding misconceptions, you can do your part to avoid committing commonplace errors.

How To Create a Wedding Budget

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Knowing how to craft a well-thought-out budget is one of the most important skills you can have as an adult. You’ll use financial planning at many different times in your life, especially for big events such as moving to a new city and getting married. Once you’re engaged, you and your partner might wonder how and where to start with estimating the costs of a marriage ceremony and reception. Here’s a helpful guide you can follow to create a wedding budget.

Determine Your Total Resources

Before you get emotionally invested in a specific vision for your big day, you need to determine the total amount you’ll have in your pool of resources. This figure may come from your salary, what you have in savings, and contributions from your family. 

Be realistic about what you can comfortably afford. You can plan for an intimate ceremony or discuss eloping if you have limited resources. The most effective way to budget is to spend within your means.

Set Your Priorities

Sit down with your partner to discuss your priorities. What aspects of the wedding are most important to you? Is it the venue, the photographer, the guest list, the food, or the entertainment?

Once you’ve identified the things you can’t sacrifice, allocate a larger portion of your budget to these elements. This sets the tone for the entire budgeting process.

Break Down Your Expenses

The most tedious part of the process comes next, where you will create an itemized list of expenses. A traditional wedding involves these categories:

  • Venue and catering
  • Decorations and flowers
  • Clothing and accessories
  • Photography and Videography
  • Entertainment
  • Transportation

If you’re planning to elope, your expenses will look a little different. You won’t have to worry about catering for a large group or decorating a party hall. However, you might spend more getting to a special destination. 

Allocate Funds to Each Category

Next, you’ll allocate funds based on your priorities. This step requires some trade-offs. For example, if your venue and catering are at the top of your list, you might need to trim expenses in other areas. Use a spreadsheet or budgeting tool to keep track of allocations, and ensure that you don’t exceed your total budget.

Research and Comparison

As you navigate your budget, collect quotes and estimates from potential vendors and services. Get multiple quotes and don’t hesitate to negotiate. This is an area where you can potentially save a significant amount of money.

Compare the options available within your budget, and be sure to read reviews and check references for vendors to ensure the quality of their work. You might also discover alternative solutions, such as a friend or family member who can provide a service.

Monitor and Adjust as Needed

A wedding budget is not a static document, and there’s no point in making a budget if you don’t monitor what you spend along the way. The reality of planning a complex event is that there will always be costs you didn’t plan for. Similarly, you may decide to change your priorities along the way. This may be particularly true if you’re planning the wedding over several years. 

Keep track of all your expenses, even small ones, to avoid overspending. Be prepared to adjust your allocations if necessary. Maintain an open mind and stay focused on the big picture, which is the fact that you’re getting married to the love of your life.

Remember that a well-organized budget is the key to a stress-free and enjoyable wedding planning process. With careful preparation and discipline, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Trends To Consider for Spring and Summer Weddings

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

Spring and summer weddings are quite popular. In fact, statistics state that a vast majority of weddings in the United States occur between May and September. This makes sense, especially if you plan on having the reception outdoors in any capacity. If you are figuring out the date of your big day and want to plan around the warmer months, then you might want to ensure your event reflects the mood and aesthetic of the season. Take a look at these tips and learn about a variety of trends that couples are utilizing when it comes to planning their weddings.

The Attire

First and foremost, consider what you would like guests to wear to your wedding. If you are going to host a big event in the thick of the summer, then you are going to be dealing with guests who are hot, irritable, and ready to cool down. One way to make matters more manageable from the start is by encouraging family and friends to wear outfits that are a bit more casual. If you’re having an outdoor summer wedding, for example, cotton or linen formal wear can make for a perfect choice. 

You can also encourage guests to wear colors that reflect the dazzling beauty of the season. A springtime wedding where guests capture the colors of the budding blossoms in their attire can make for a wonderful event.

The Decor

A wedding in the spring or summer doesn’t need to be outdoors. In fact, you can easily capture the energy of nature by using the right decor in your planning. These days, couples are enthralled by decorations that look like they were plucked from outside. A perfect example of this is a “green chandelier.” This is a light fixture that is covered in moss, flowers, and other elements from nature. Couples who love the outdoors and are looking for simple ways to include nature in their weddings will adore this idea.

There are many ways to include nature in your decorating. Looking for items that are as stylish as they are functional? Use potted plants to create boundaries in your venue. One way to achieve this is by creating aisle markers by placing large, flowering plants at the end of each row of chairs in the ceremony space. 

The Texture

Textures have become a very popular focal point for weddings in recent years. Consider the last time you attended an event in a space similar to a refurbished barn or factory. What stood out the most? In most cases, what will be remembered is the way the building appeared and felt. Touching an old piece of restored wood is incredibly different than touching a piece of wood that has been mass-produced in a factory. Textures have a way of grounding people, creating a calming effect that also adds a robust element to the visual atmosphere.

The Lighting

The right lighting is key to any event and weddings are no different. For an affair held in the spring and summer, soft lighting is the way to go. In fact, you may want to opt for ambient light choices over practical ones. Small features like strings of faerie lights, twinkling lights, or even Christmas lights, can make for a phenomenal addition to any space. Some couples are even using vintage indoor lamps as centerpieces, which gives the tables in the reception space the feel of an old supper club or cabaret. 

The Choice

No matter what time of year you decide to tie the knot, there are many details to sort out before you walk down the aisle. For anyone planning on getting married in the spring or summer, there are some extra steps to take to put together an affair that perfectly reflects the tone of the season.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Selecting Your Wedding Favors

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

While it is not a required part of your wedding, many couples find that giving out favors to guests is a wonderful way to make their special days even more memorable. Naturally, selecting the right favors is far from a simple or straightforward task. If you’re struggling to find the right presents for your family and friends, take a moment to look at these tips. By avoiding some common favor mistakes, you will have an easier time picking out favors that will impress guests and make you feel content. 

Go for Something Special

If you Google “wedding favor ideas,” you will undoubtedly come across list after list of the same ideas. While there is nothing wrong with giving something commonplace to your guests, you may want to stand out. The whole concept of the favor is to give out gifts that thank them for taking part in this important milestone in your lives. By handing out something generic, you are letting go of an opportunity to really shine. 

Try not to gravitate towards basic items that have been personalized with your names. While it might be cute, your guests likely aren’t going to be impressed by custom pens, koozies, shot glasses, or other items that can be found at a job fair.

Make It Practical for Travel

Next, you must consider the size of the favor itself. While it might be a cute idea to give your guests custom throw pillows, these might be too cumbersome for your friends and family to travel with. Since plenty of your guests will be coming from places near and far, you need to think about items that are easy to toss in the car or take on public transportation. Anything too bulky should be avoided for the convenience of your loved ones. 

It is also important to avoid anything fragile. Materials like glass are not great for travel and greatly increase the odds of the items breaking while in transit. 

Consider the Level of Work

In the last decade or so, DIY favors have grown in popularity. While this can be a fantastic way to save money, many people forget how much work is involved when it comes to making favors by hand. If you are scouring Pinterest for ideas and seeing some DIY gifts that you think would be perfect, be sure to sit down and look at how much work will be involved before you settle on your final option. 

When considering this option, be sure to think over the amount of effort you will need to put in. Take to heart factors like how much the materials will cost, how much time is involved in assembly, and how many guests you will need to make favors for. 

Make It Accessible

A lot of couples assume that their favors need to be customized with details about the wedding. While this is cute, it actually is much less practical than many people realize. If you give your guests monogrammed handkerchiefs with your initials, it makes it less likely that the person will use the item. Having someone else’s name or wedding date printed on an item makes it feel more like a “collectible,” meaning it will be tossed on a shelf, in a box, or in the trash.

If you want guests to use the gifts you give them, then you need to make them appealing. Keep the designs simple and avoid too much customization and it can go a long way.

Select What Works Best

There are several ways you can go about selecting appropriate favors for your wedding. As long as the gifts capture your gratitude, you will be able to impress your family and friends while simultaneously adding to the overall aesthetic of your big day.

A Quick Guide To Selecting the Right Wedding Music

Published on by Bridgett King, Wedding OfficiantLeave a comment

According to William Shakespeare, music is the food of love. It seems these sentiments are as true today as they were in 1601, as it is hard to envision a romantic setting without the presence of some kind of soundtrack. If you’re planning your wedding, then you likely are spending a lot of time deciding what music should be used throughout the event. From the tune you walk down the aisle to, the first dance song, to the jams played by the DJ, each choice will help to set the right mood. Pick the right music with these tips.

Selecting Your Entertainment

Before deciding on the exact songs that will be played throughout the event, you must have your entertainment set in stone. Specifically, it is important to know whether you will be using a DJ or a live band. While both options should be able to meet your needs, a band might need advance notice on specific songs you would like played. A DJ, conversely, should be able to use the internet to pull up any obscure tune you’d like at a moment’s notice. Once you’ve got your choice booked, it is time to look at song options.

Start With What You Know

Just as it is best to start a to-do list by writing down a task you’ve already completed and checking it off, you should start picking wedding songs by focusing on what you already know you want. If you and your partner have a song that you absolutely want played for your first dance, write it down and move on to the next. This will make you feel like you’re making progress, even if you’re struggling to select music for certain parts of the celebration. 

It can also be useful to start by picking the songs for the “big” moments of the event. Think about what songs you’d like played when the wedding party enters the venue or what tunes would make the most sense when you cut the cake. 

Please the Crowd

While you should absolutely go with songs that align with your tastes, you must also be mindful of the crowd. Group dances at weddings might seem cheesy or cliche, but songs like “The Electric Slide” and “Cha-Cha Shuffle” get people out of their seats and on the dance floor. In fact, you’re most likely to get people of all ages dancing when you play these songs. While it might not be “cool,” be sure to play a mix of these songs throughout the event to keep all of your guests in good spirits. 

Additionally, be mindful of how obscure your music selection gets. Even though it is your big day, try to include a mix of popular tracks and songs that align with your tastes. This will keep the energy levels high and encourage people to dance.

Allow Requests

Finally, it is usually a wise idea to allow guests to make requests throughout the event. If a friend or family member thinks that a certain song will improve the vibe of the reception or get more people dancing, then provide the ability to get that tune played. Most entertainers will have no problem with requests, but you should still discuss it with the vendor in advance. Too many requests can throw off the DJ’s own playlists, so giving a bit of advance notice can help with timing out the music. 

Get Up and Dance

Picking the right songs for your wedding might take a bit of time, but there are plenty of ways to discover tunes that bring your event to life. As long as the music you choose gets everyone on the dance floor, you’ve made the right choice.