Archive for December, 2011

80s Love Songs – Top 17

December 26th, 2011 | Rss Feed

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

Wedding Timeline Countdown

December 21st, 2011 | Rss Feed

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:

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!!

Tags: wedding planning, wedding timeline
Posted in Articles for Planning a Wedding, Attire, Beauty, Bride, Ceremony, Entertainment, Groom, Honeymoon, Invitations, Jewelry, Photography, Planners, Planning, Reception, Venue, Videography, Vows | No Comments »

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue

December 15th, 2011 | Rss Feed

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.

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.

Tags: wedding planning
Posted in Articles for Planning a Wedding, Attire, Etiquette, Planning | No Comments »

Wedding Sheet Music Theme

December 14th, 2011 | Rss Feed

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.

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.

Tags: wedding decor, wedding reception
Posted in Articles for Planning a Wedding, Decor, Planning, Reception | No Comments »

How to Buy a Diamond Engagement Ring

December 12th, 2011 | Rss Feed

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.

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.

Tags: engagement ring
Posted in Articles for Planning a Wedding, Jewelry, Planning | No Comments »