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Archive for December, 2011

80s Love Songs – Top 17

Dec
26


It’s hard to believe the 80′s were twenty plus years ago.  With phrases like totally and awesome, we will never forget them.  We already have a list of the best hair band ballads.  However, we wanted to encompass all of the best 80s love songs.  Many songs on our list are tried and true to this day.  Many brides and grooms danced to the songs below as their first dance as a married couple.

We tried our best to give a cross genre sampling of many styles including fold, r&b and rock.  If you have a favorite that you think we missed, don’t hesitate to comment in your favorite removed from the list.  You can also comment in why you think a song on the list should be there.

Are you interested in more 80s music?  Be sure to check out our list of 100 of the best songs of the 80s.  However, below you will find our list of the best 80s love songs.

#1 Endless Love – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross, Released in 1981, R&B

#2 You & I – Eddie Rabbit & Crystal Gayle, Released in 1982, Country

#3 Keep On Lovin’ You – REO Speedwagon, Released in 1980, Rock

#4 Saving All My Love For You – Whitney Houston, Released in 1985, R&B

#5 Tonight, I Celebrate My Love – Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack, Released in 1983, R&B

#6 The Lady In Red – Chris De Burgh, Released in 196, Rock

#7 Take My Breath Away – Berlin, Released in 1986, Rock

#8 Eternal Flame – Bangles, Released in 1988, Pop

# 9 Faithfully – Journey, Released in 1983, Rock

#10 Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship, Released in 1987, Pop

#11 You’re The Inspiration – Chicago, Released in 1984, Rock

#12 The Search Is Over – Survivor, Released in 1985, Pop

#13 Lady – Kenny Rogers, Released in 1980, Country

#14 Crazy For You – Madonna, Released in 1985, Pop

#15 Lovesong – The Cure, Released in 1989, Rock

#16 Longer – Dan Fogelberg, Released in 1980, Folk

#17 In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel, Released in 1986, Rock

Posted in Music | No Comments »
 

Wedding Timeline Countdown

Dec
21


There is a timeline tradition for any wedding.  This is a suggestion of when you should have particular details of your wedding completed (or at least started) by month.  Here is a guideline for your consideration:

wedding timeline

12 Months – Announce your engagement, choose a wedding theme, work out a budget, research wedding professionals (caterer, florist, DJ or band, photographer and videographer) and venues.  You can also set appointments with the wedding pros at this time.

11 Months – Select a wedding consultant (if you are using one), meet with caterers and arrange tastings, select and book the caterer, select and book the music entertainment (band/DJ), decide on music selections, select and reserve your venue, (ceremony and reception), start thinking about your wedding dress.  If you are choosing a destination wedding, now would be the best time to send save the date cards.

10 Months – Choose and purchase your wedding dress and veil.  Choose attendants and discuss with them their duties and what you expect of them.  If choosing a park or recreational area for the venue, secure the proper permits.

9 Months – Register for your wedding gifts, decide on food for the reception, choose whether you will have an open bar, limited bar or no alcohol at your reception, make a playlist for your music, research places for guests to stay, reserve blocks of rooms at a local hotel for guests.

8 Months – Go to your first gown fitting, order bridesmaid dresses and accessories, look at wedding rings, confirm florist and discuss wedding theme and flower arrangements, start making a decision regarding invitations (style, color, font, etc),

7 Months – Review and finalize your wedding details with your consultant, set fittings for bridesmaids’ dresses, choose tux styles for groomsmen,  select a flower girl and ring bearer, choose and purchase wedding rings, finalize invitations.

6 Months – Review invitation proofs and make changes if needed, finalize invitations, discuss honeymoon ideas, meet with travel agent, work on wedding decorations (table decorations, favors, etc).

5 Months – Order place cards and programs, finalize honeymoon arrangements, make reservations for rehearsal dinner and menu.

4 Months – Get groom to try on tuxedos and purchase accessories, work on vow’s, make appoint with stylist regarding hair and makeup, address wedding invitations.

3 Months – Approve anything that is being printed for the wedding (programs, place cards, etc), decide about rehearsal dinner, next day brunch and reserve restaurants, discuss bachelorette party, review registry and make any adjustments.

2 Months – Mail invitations, purchase wedding gifts for wedding party members, go to second (possibly final) gown fitting, have groom make final decision regarding tux and reserve, arrange transportation for bride and groom to reception from ceremony site, purchase ceremony accessories (unity candle, wine glasses, etc).

6 Weeks – Send rehearsal dinner invitations, write thank you notes as you receive gifts, confirm music playlist with music entertainment, purchase any remaining wedding favors or table decorations, purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be, meet with stylist again for a practice run (take veil with you).

4 Weeks – Confirm with florist and arrange delivery times, meet with officiant to discuss details, determine any seating arrangements and reception layout, placement of cake table, placement of DJ or band, schedule an appointment for a mani/pedi  just before the wedding, schedule pick up of grooms tux, finalize photographer and videographer.

3 Weeks – Go over RSVP’s and finalize head count with caterer, call anyone who has not responded to get accurate count.

1 Week – Confirm honeymoon arrangements and start packing, pick up wedding dress and tux.

WEDDING DAY – Eat a good breakfast, attend hairstyle appointment and make up appointment.  RELAX and ENJOY  yourself!!

 

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue

Dec
15


Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue!  What does this mean?  Where did this saying come from?  Actually, it is an old English saying from the Victorian era that ended with “And a silver sixpence in her shoe”.  It was said that if a bride followed this saying on her wedding day it would bring her good luck.  Each saying has its own meaning.  “Something old” is meant to signify continuity with the brides’ family.  “Something new” means optimism and hope.  “Something borrowed” is typically from a happily married family member and is meant to carry that happiness into your marriage.  “Something blue” has been used as far back as ancient Rome to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity.

something blue

The “something new” is an easy one.  Usually the wedding dress itself will cover that.  If you are wearing your mothers wedding dress, then there are plenty of other things in your wedding that will cover the “something new”.

“Something old” can be a little harder to incorporate.  In this case if you are wearing your mother’s wedding dress ,you have it covered.  Including antique jewelry is another way to incorporate something old into your wedding.  If you are keeping with tradition, in order for the bride to have good luck she has to carry these components with her on the wedding day.

“Something borrowed” can fit in just about anywhere within the wedding attire.  Moms’ wedding dress, grandmas pearl necklace or earrings, Aunt Sophies’ diamond bracelet.  Just use your imagination.

“Something blue” is were you can have a little fun.  Why is it that the first thing people think of for something blue in their wedding is the garter?  There are plenty of other things that can be blue that do not affect your wedding theme.  Have you thought about fancy blue shoes or converse tennis shoes?  What a great way to add a touch of color, fun and whimsy into your wedding.  If you cannot find that perfect shoe to suit your fancy, then what about a hairpiece that has blue in it.  This doesn’t mean that your hair has to be done up in all blue, but you could consider adding a fancy blue comb at the top of a beautiful bun.  Brides could also use a bejeweled bobby pin in blue crystals.  Wearing your hair down?  What about blue sapphire earrings, necklace or ring?  Want to kill two birds with one stone?  Consider borrowing sapphire earrings from a friend or relative.  That will take care of something borrowed, something blue .  Find a friend or relative with an antique blue sapphire necklace that you can borrow and you have now covered something old, something borrowed and something blue.  You can also add a touch of blue to your bouquet.  The main theme doesn’t have to be blue but you can always sneak in a blue flower or blue ribbon if you want.  You may also consider painting your fingernails blue.  You can do a French manicure with just the tips blue, or you may decide to paint the whole nail a shade of blue.  You can also wear some fancy blue lingerie if you choose.

The best advise we can offer is have fun with it!  For the superstitious bride, what items will you have in your wedding to have “extra” luck?  Comment below.

 

Wedding Sheet Music Theme

Dec
14


What is sheet music?  Sheet music is a music composition on sheets of paper.  Sheet music is important to your music performers so that the can perform the music notes to your desired music composition.  A music composer can include a harpist, guitarist and pianist.  Brides and grooms can also have ensembles compose music pieces during the wedding ceremony or reception entrances.  Ensembles, like a quartet, can include musical artists and instruments such as a piano, string and wind instruments.

wedding sheet music

Sheet music can be easily found by searching Google.   However, a vast collection of sheet music can be found on the website MusicNotes.com.  Musicnotes.com is the leading Internet-based sheet music store offering nearly 200,000 pieces of digital sheet music and guitar tablature.

Are the bride and groom music fans?  Bridal couples can create their own music themed wedding receptions.

  • Print sheet music and roll them up into cones.  Then, fill them with Hershey kisses or confetti.
  • Use sheet music as table place mats or table names.
  • Have your favorite song’s sheet music printed on edible paper.  Then, create a unique wedding cake by covering the cake with the edible paper.
  • Fold sheet music into creative origami to accent reception tables.
  • Fold sheet music into useful wedding accessories such as flowers and pin wheels.
  • Print sheet music as a watermark.  Then, create your very own customized wedding guest book.
  • Wrap votive candles with printed sheet music as a favor.
  • Use concert tickets as save the date cards.

 

Having a music themed reception?  We would recommend classic colors such as black, white and silver.  Having a photo booth?  Consider blow-up musical instruments as props such as guitars and saxophones.  Add a music theme to any wedding cake with enlarged musical notes as a cake topper.  Also consider incorporating guitar picks as wedding favors.

Music is a great way to set the desired mood and atmosphere at any wedding ceremony and reception.  You can also include it into a music theme.

Posted in Decor | No Comments »
 

How to Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring

Dec
12


Diamonds are a girls best friend, but do you know the difference between diamonds?  There are many factors when considering buying a diamond ring.  There are multiple settings, cuts, and sizes.  The easiest decision is going to be what metal the setting is going to be.  There are only a few choices in this area, yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or titanium.

diamond engagement ring

The next think to think about is the shape, or cut,  of the diamond.  There are many choices in cuts.  Are you looking for a round, emerald, princess, oval, heart, pear, square and marquise?  A round cut, oval and heart cuts are exactly what they sound like.   Emerald cut is rectangular in shape with the corners truncated giving the stone an octagonal outline.   The princess cut is square and the pear cut is like a tear drop.  Last on the list is marquis cut.  This is an elongated diamond shape with two opposite sides rounded.

You also have to decide on clarity and color of the diamond.  The clarity of the diamond is used to indicate the visual appearance of the diamond.  A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under ten times magnification.  There are eleven grades diamonds can fall into.  These range from flawless to large and extremely easy to see inclusions (flaws).  There is also the color of the diamond that you have to consider.  Diamonds are rated from colorless to light yellow (This grading system is for white diamonds).

Next on the list of things to consider is the setting.  A solitaire setting is just the stone and the band.  You can also choose a stone with a diamond band.  The diamonds in the band are smaller and usually sent into the band itself.  Another favorite is a three stone setting or a setting with side stones.  Both of these options have the main stone surrounded by two other stones.  A nice idea with the three stones is to have the birth stones of the bride and groom on each side of the diamond.    If choosing the three stone setting the side stones are smaller than the main stone but smaller than if you were to choose a setting with side stones.  Last but not least you may choose the pav`e setting.  This is a setting somewhat like the diamond band.  The difference is that with a pay`e setting ia that the stones are placed together so closely that no metal shows.

When you add all these things together, the seller will determine the cost of the ring.  Personal preference will dictate what style ring you choose.  Best advice is to consider the ring metal and shape of the stone first.  Then, think about the rest.

Posted in Jewelry | No Comments »
 

Wedding Reception Survival Kit

Dec
08


Wedding receptions are the same as our daily lives.  Nothing goes without a hitch.  Something will go wrong but we cannot predict the severity.  However, we can offer some guidance to help prepare a wedding reception survival kit.

wedding reception

We do not want to include items that are on our other survival kits for the bride and groom.  Rather, we created a list of items that you may need in a pinch.  The kit would be more considered a must for all wedding vendors.

Items are sometimes forgot at home or even purchased for a wedding reception.  However, the following list are items that can definitely must be at a wedding reception, and it cannot go on without them.

  • Extension cords – Have extra extension cords ready in varied lengths from several 6 footers up to a couple 100 footers.  This is in case there are not any close outlets for the stringed lights to the up-lighting.
  • Server knife – What do you do if the bride and groom cannot locate their special cake and knife set?  Having a a server knife to cut and serve the cake would save the day!
  • CD/iPod of the ceremony songs and specialty dance songs with stereo and batteries.  It’s best to be safe than sorry.  If the power goes out, you will have music of the most important songs.
  • What do you do if something happens with the food?  Have phone numbers of your favorite local delivery places handy.  Pizza, Chinese, ect.  If not, they may make a great after-party snack.
  • Extra candles – If the power goes out, extra candles will save the day!  They can also add a romantic mood during dinner.
  • Write a standard dinner blessing and toast written out for the guest who cannot think on their toes.  This is particularly helpful when videographers film guests giving their blessing to the bride and groom.  Some may not think of exactly what to say and will regret forever as now it is on the wedding video.
  • Extra garter -  Bride and grooms may not always think of buying two garters – one to keep and one for the garter toss.  Have an extra plain white garter just for the toss.
  • Need to hold 2 things together?  We suggest having 3 items – duct tape, two-sided tape and safety pins.  Safety pins can help bustle a dress or act as a tie tack.

As the old saying goes: Fail to Plan and as a result plan to fail.  Just thinking of items to put in a wedding reception survival kit can make all the difference and save the day!

 

Wedding Centerpieces by the Season

Dec
05


Wedding centerpieces are a wonderful way to incorporate color, theme and personality into your wedding reception.  Centerpieces are also a great way to bring the season indoors.  Getting married in April?  In this case you should be looking at pastel colored flowers like lilacs, lavender, sweet peas, pastel colored roses, hibiscus or tulips.  These flowers look great in vases that sit low to the table top.  Find containers that are no more than 6-8 inches tall.  Cut your flowers to be just above the rim of the container.  Wrap the container with a pastel colored ribbon.

wedding centerpiece

Having a June wedding?  Think about brightly colored flowers like bright red roses, bright carnations, bright gerber daisy’s, and lily’s.  You can chose to place the flowers in colored vases or in clear vases.  It is recommended that these centerpieces be tall enough so that your guests can see across the table without an obstruction.  You may also choose to find a tall container and place the flowers inside and fill with colored water.  Make sure the water is a soft shade so that the brightness of the flowers show through.

Another popular time of year to get married is Autumn.  Autumn is known for its deep rich colors.  Think deep reds, rust, oranges and golden yellows.  Some of the flowers you may consider for this time of year are sunflowers, poppy, ranunculus, mums, or chrysanthemum’s.  Don’t just think of flowers.  Leaves and also make good centerpiece decorations.

Last but not least is wintertime.  There are a couple of ways you can think of winter, either winter wonderland or Christmas. If contemplating winter wonderland, think white, blue and silver.  Some of the flowers for a winter wonderland include mums, calla lily, delphinium, or star of bethlehem.  One idea not using flowers is to take empty branches and spray them white.  Place them into tall clear containers and then decorate the branches with crystals hanging from sparkly ribbons.  You can also use snowflakes or ornaments to hang from the branches.  Taller containers work best for this idea due to the height of the branches.

If you are thinking about a Christmas theme, think red, green and black.  Some flower ideas include poinsettias, holly and amaryllis.  Don’t forget pinecones and lots of greenery.  If you are looking for an idea that doesn’t include poinsettias, try collecting different size containers with or without lids.  Then, fill those containers with ornaments, pinecones, or colorful Christmas ribbons.

Keep in mind that many flowers come in a variety of colors and shades.  These are just a few ideas to get you started.  Happy decorating!

 

Social Wedding Guide Wedding Album to Associations

Dec
02


WeddingMuseum.com makes daily posts to our Facebook account.  We post about wedding fun facts, videos and ideas for planning a wedding.  Want to join the conversation?  Join us at facebook.com/ThinkWeddingPlaning.

Wedding Album pics from the most talked about wedding today – Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries http://bit.ly/uyeCF0

According to David’s Bridal, there will be more than 57,000 weddings on 11/11/11

Looking for a custom present for the groom or groomsmen? Think custom cuff links. CuffLinksDepot offers just about everything – sports, characters, food & drink, Americana, hobbies, and much morehttp://bit.ly/uereFC

One of the best presents for a groom is a watch. More upscale watch maker names include Movado, Bulova, Omega, Tissot, TAG Heuerhttp://amzn.to/stT1rX. We also like unique Relic watches with moving faces. Also consider pocket watches for groomsmen.

A well written article today by the Huffington Post – Kim Kardashian Wedding: E! Reveals The Truth Behind The Scenes http://huff.to/uJzIu8

News article by U.S. News – What Makes a Healthy Diet? Not all diet plans are nutritious and safe. A new U.S. News ranking rates diets’ healthiness -http://bit.ly/rQsxTN

Who should win? Man suing photographer wants wedding recreated, despite divorce - http://yhoo.it/w1ZeIx

little big planet wedding cake topper – picture - http://bit.ly/soLupf A great do-it-yourself project!

Susan Sarandon’s dress and daughter Eva Amurri’s Wedding Gown designed by Lela Rose picture http://bit.ly/vKWZAc

On “Conan” last week – the first time a same-sex couple has married on American late-night television http://yhoo.it/sDSSYz

A bride sent us links to her videos on YouTube of the garter removal (funny) http://youtu.be/v4IG0e7E4q0 and choreographed first dancehttp://youtu.be/1L9Q37txQ4s. With her permission, thought we would share.

A positive news story – Stolen wedding album returned 17 years later -http://yhoo.it/vOOQH3

Wedding stationary suggestions: list groomsmen’s relationship to the groom, list bridesmaids’ relationship to the bride, on the invitation – list street address of the ceremony location, add short meaning of special songs in the program, state how long parents or special guests have been married in the program. http://etsy.me/vuPv5v

Looking for a personalized homemade wedding favor? What about food made from your own kitchen? You can collect unique jars at antique stores, or discount stores. Fill the jars with creations like pickles, cookie recipes, jams, beef jerky, dried fruit and nuts, and much more. You can get more ideas from your local farmer’s market http://www.localharvest.org/.

Watch an incredible hockey wedding, including matrimonial face-off -http://yhoo.it/vOGWHN

A trendy idea at the wedding reception is to have a station with a digital camera. Guests can take pics of themselves. Then, print the pics and tape the pics into a scrapbook with double-sided tape. http://amzn.to/sRu1X7

Think wedding favors for the temperature. Decorative fans for when it’s hot and scarfs for the cold – 900+ scarf choices for ideas on Zappos.com.http://bit.ly/vZVOdP

Kim Zolciak (Real Housewives of Atlanta) and Kroy Biermann’s (NFL) wedding picture with the $58,000 wedding dress http://huff.to/tJi6VT

The ‘Twilight’ wedding gown reveal comes Friday, Learn more…http://on-msn.com/t1CjGd

In the News – Couple Says ‘I Do’ as Wedding Resort Went Up in Flames -http://bit.ly/sO4OMb

How do you want guests remembering your wedding? Here’s a video of bride sending a text msg during the ceremony http://bit.ly/vo7H2B

Have personalized wedding favors that reflect your interests. Think ideas like bags of popcorn for movie fans, and mini golf sets for golf fans -http://amzn.to/uh37Hq Have any that you can add?

Little known factoid – 25% of all page views are on the Facebook website. Be sure to share your wedding details with your fb friends & family

Think drinks for wedding favors – personalized bottle openers, bottled water, mini bottles of wine, cork screws, custom coasters, etched glassware and more. http://etsy.me/uIrybW

Lauren Bush Lauren’s Wedding Dress (daughter-in-law to Ralph Lauren), Took more than 3,000 hours to create – pic - http://bit.ly/rRFOuk. Think more about the dress than her new married name.

Are you a wedding professional as an expert in your field? Be a guest blogger on our blog. Learn more… http://bit.ly/u5DiXJ

Did you know? In 2009, approximately 17% of those couples married in 2009 met online.

‘Breaking Dawn’ Wedding Dress Replica Available for $799 At Alfred Angelo with pics - http://huff.to/spYKMD

Looking for a unique wedding gift? Check out this framed picture for the bride and groom. http://bit.ly/uFsF0j

Nightly News Video – A wedding proposal five years in the making -http://binged.it/tBTXBz

Looking for a unique and personal favor? Think about creating custom cards that have family recipes on them. Share your famous recipes. See examples through dezigndaze on Etsy http://etsy.me/u52OcQ

Having a destination wedding? A great idea for escort cards and favors at the same time is custom luggage tags. Check out Owlsay on Etsy.http://etsy.me/rGZQzy

In 2010, the average cost of a wedding was just over $24k. Did you know – 70% of all weddings are at or below the average cost? Have a wedding within your budget and don’t worry about everyone else!

Want to share promotion for a chance to win a free wedding in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day 2012. Learn more… http://bit.ly/ss2W8p

Need invitations? Visit Smock – the first and only print shop in the U.S. to offer printing on a luxury bamboo paper. Think outside the square invitations as they offer much more variety. The sell through local dealers.http://bit.ly/vB2i7D

A hot wedding trend is for the groom to hire a photographer and/or videographer to capture the proposal and reaction. Did your fiancé?

Getting guests’ still photos at the wedding reception is all the rage. However, add a unique canvas backdrop for flare http://bit.ly/v5BX8U. Don’t like the idea of a canvas? How about a quilt or favorite fabric that matches the wedding colors or wedding theme?

Looking for a professional DJ? 2 DJ associations we recommend are NAME http://bit.ly/vO5ANl and ADJA http://bit.ly/rzLfsu