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