Music on Your Wedding Day

As couples go through their wedding planning process, there is always that hard decision on what to do about the music - in all aspects of the day. From the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception music, to the types of musicians to hire. Some find it hard to pick between having a DJ or a band (I say.. why not have both?!) and then have an even harder time deciding on what songs to use. The great thing about music/songs is that there are no wrong choices. Use this day as a platform to express not only your favorite artists/songs, but as a way to express thoughts and feelings through lyrics. Songs do such an impressive job of expressing the words you want to say but can't seem to find the right way to say them.

I always tell my couples never to compromise on songs that are meaningful to them (even if they feel it wouldn't fit). There is always a way to incorporate a song. If you have a band playing at your ceremony or reception, send them your favorite song ahead of time to see if they can come up with a slow, more romantic version. They would love the challenge and it makes for a great twist at your wedding. Also, you'll see on the list below that some songs lyrically might not fit - but the instrumental version goes perfectly! For your ceremony,  don't think you have to stick with the traditional religious songs. Feel free to bring in current top 40 songs, or even ones that no one as even heard of before.

Here are some different examples of songs you could use!

Ceremony:

Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter (processional) 

Explosions in the Sky - Your Hand in Mine (processional)

Jimmy Eat World - Hear You Me (Piano or instrumental - because the lyrics don't fit the occasion but the melody is just too pretty and romantic to leave off the list) 

The Middle East - Blood (Piano/Instrumental only)

Coldplay - Lovers in Japan (recessional) 

Hall and Oats - You Make My Dreams (recessional)
OneRepublic - Good Life (recessional)
Rusted Root - Send Me on My Way (recessional)
Tempter Trap - Sweet Disposition (recessional)

First Dance Song:

The Afters - Beautiful Love (Acoustic) 

Lifehouse - Everything 

Blake Shelton - God Gave Me You

Colbie Caillat - Magic 

Gavin DeGraw - Follow Through (Stripped)

Keith Urban - Making Memories of Us

David Gray - This Years Love 

Lady Antebellum - Just a Kiss 
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars (I like the piano version better - also could be a good processional song)


And remember - you don't have to play "Last Dance" as your Last Dance (in fact guest usually prefer you don't have it as your last) - Use the last song to go out with a bang! Pick your favorite party song to end the night with! 


-xoxo-
Erin

Valentine's Day is Around the Corner!

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching I thought it would be fitting to share some fun ideas for such a love-filled holiday. As women, we tend to thrive on any opportunity to be "corny" and this holiday nails it right on the head! However there is some debate whether this holiday is strictly for women - or if our men can equally enjoy! I think.. Love for All!! This holiday is perfect excuse for to celebrate love whether you're single, dating or married! 

When I saw this idea on familyfun.go.com I immediately fell in love: 

It is such an easy idea for kids and grown ups - all you need are:

Small bag of candy

Twist tie

Ribbon

Toy sand shovel (you can get cheap ones at iparty.com)

Paint pen or print out of "I DIG YOU"

Another idea would be to head over to Shutterfly.com - not only are they having discounts or sales on a daily bases - they have a great selection of cute Valentine's Day gifts. Put together all your pictures from the first day you met and make a timeline in your book. 

Want to head out for a night on the town? Sign up at www.OpenTable.com - This online reservation allows you to see restaurants sorted by each city showing the best restaurants with their availability, cost and different menus. A lot of restaurants will do a pre-fixed meal at a set price (not including alcohol) for Valentine's Day. OpenTable is a perfect resource to find the best place to eat within your budget. The best part is you get points for dinning that go towards a gift certificate for a future meal!!!! 

Or do you want to host a Valentine's Day Party for you and your girls? 

Here are some fun desert and gift ideas to make it a fun filled night! 

Heart Cutout Cupcake 

Maraschino Cherry Frosting

Recipe source- Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

4 cups powdered sugar

4 Tablespoons maraschino cherry juice

1/2 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries

pinch of salt

Directions

1.  In the bowl of an electric mixer beat butter until smooth.

2.  With the mixer running, Add 2 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time.

3.  Add 4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice, one tablespoon at a time.

4.  Continue beating, and add the remaining 2 cups powdered sugar, and chopped maraschino cherries. 

5.  Beat until fully combined.  Refrigerate until ready to use.

Heart Cutout Cupcake Assembly

(idea source- Just Jenn Recipes)

1.  Use a serrated knife to cut off the top of the cupcake, using the top of the cupcake liner as a guide.

2.  Use a small heart cookie cutter to cut out a heart shape from the cupcake dome.

3.  Spread frosting onto the cupcake base, in a mounded shape. 

4.  Sprinkle the cupcake dome with powdered sugar. Place top back on cupcake & press down a bit.

Last but not least - a little something to celebrate in style:

DIY Gift - Get a Pink Wine Glass, place durable Valentine's Day or Heart/Love themed scrapbook stickers all around. Add some ribbon on the stem and you have a simple, cute and fun gift for all!

I hope you all have a great Valentine's Day!! Please send any ideas, questions, comments to me at any time - would love to hear from you!  ErinBonnerEvents@gmail.com 

xoxo - Erin 

11.26.11 ~ Noel and David

Hey Everyone! Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and are getting ready for December/more holiday madness!

This past weekend I was the day-of coordinator for such a sweet, easy going, beautiful bride Noel - and her awesome new hubby David. The weather was perfect - and everything about this day was just so much fun! I couldn't have asked to work with a better couple. They were just so happy to be spending this day with their friends and family - but most importantly each other.

Their ceremony was at St. Mary's in Williamstown - and I have to say - I've never seen a church stuffed to the gills as I did this one!! (and this was a big church) Noel is a teacher and her students were there to see the blushing bride - there were soo cute!!!! It really made the ceremony!! The reception was at Tavistock and the place look fantastic all decorated for Christmas. Marc Anthony was their photographer - and he did a great job!! I have included some of his pictures below - and will be adding more to my facebook site if you'd like to see more! Also, Stomping Bread Productions did the videography for the couple!

Noel, David and their families were such a pleasure to work with. I wish them nothing but the best! A couple that perfect for each other who are genuine great people deserve it! Noel was so kind she wrote me a note today that really made my day:

Erin was my "day of" wedding coordinator and did a wonderful job. She was my rock.... Erin is very organized, friendly, dependable, prepared for anything, and fun-loving. She is a joy to work with. My bridesmaids could not stop talking about Erin. I would highly recommend her, and I am promoting her work to everyone I meet! Great job, Erin, and thank you! ~ Noel 

 I was so happy I was able to help on their big day - this is why I love to do what I do!

*Photos courtesy of Marc Anthony Photography*

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Welcome!!!!

Hello All - Welcome to the Erin Bonner Events Official Blog!!!!


I am so excited to share this journey with you. On top of that - I'm thrilled to bring everyone up to date news and information of the industry's hottest trends. As well as help with any questions you might have to help plan your big day!


Just to give a little information about myself and the services I bring to the table - Based out of Philadelphia - Erin Bonner Events is a full service event management company for all your wedding and party needs. Whether it be "day-of" coordination or full service planning from start to finish, Erin Bonner Events will work closely with you to create unforgettable moments. With over 7 years of event planning experience from sports event coordination with the PGA, to trade shows and corporate events, to weddings and parties - Erin Bonner brings a high level of professionalism and expertise to every event. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or inquiries for your next event:


Email: Erinbonnerevents@Gmail.com
Twitter: ErinBonnerEvent
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ErinBonnerEvents


I am ecstatic for Erin Bonner Events to finally take flight - but I would like to give a massive thank you to my graphic designer and friend Mr. Steve Ballay for creating one of the most amazing designs for me - I couldn't be happier! And I would like to give a big shout out to my family and friends who have been major supporters through this process.