Ceremony Music

Your wedding music will  be heard all day long, at your ceremony and at your reception. However, choosing the right music can be hard, so were here to help. We've got the top fifteen choices for ceremony music. Many of these songs are written by various artists. If you don't like one rendition of the song, don't give up on the song. You may like one artist verse another.

1. “Canon in D” Pachelbel

2. “Air” George Frederic Handel

3. “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring” Several Artists

4. “Ave Maria” Andrea Bocelli or Sarah Brightman (one of my favorites)

5. “Trumpet, Tune, and Air” Several Artists

6. Prelude from Te Deum Wynton Marsalis

7. “Trumpet Voluntary” Peter Hurford

8. “Vivaldi Largo Winter”

9. “Charpentier: Te Deum”

10. “Gabrieli: Candzon V”

11. Wagner: Bridal Chorus”

12. “The Prince of Denmark's March” Anthony Newman

13. “Rondeau (J.J. Mouret)” William Picher

14. “Handel: Larghetto”

15. “Liszt: Dream of Love”

The Best Wedding Gifts

Choosing the perfect gift for the bride and groom is never easy. Here are some simple gift ideas that the blissful couple may enjoy if your not sure what to give them.

1. I know this sounds so cliche, but money is greatly appreciated by all. You can never go wrong with the gift of money. The bride and groom can purchase items they may need or put it away in the bank for a rainy day.

2. Their registry is always a great place to check for items they have registered for and surely need.

3. A gift card is another great gift idea. If your not sure where to get the gift card to, you can always give them a Visa card.

4. A fine wine is a great idea. Pin a note to the bottle telling them not to open in until their first year anniversary.

5. Gift Certificates to restaurants are always nice. After the wedding the couple must get situated. This means they many not have time for making dinner right away.

The Menu

Part of your responsibility in your wedding planning is to create a menu for your guests. This can be tricky considering guests may be allergic to certain foods, or if you have vegetarians, and so on. So here are a few tips on what to choose and why.

*Keep it simple: when you get fancy that's when it may get difficult to please all.

*Stick with simple foods like chicken, pork, beef, and fish.

*Have options and more than one choice. For instance, if you choose fish or seafood as one dish, make the next option simple, like chicken. There aren't many people that won't eat chicken unless they are a vegetarian.

*Have at least two vegetables, a starch, and two meat choices (this will also make the vegetarians happy).

*Buffets are a great idea because the guest controls what they eat and how much. They can have seconds and eat portions that are suitable for them.

*Let the guests know ahead of time what the dinner options are so that they know what to expect. If they aren't thrilled with any of your options at least they can eat before the wedding.

Rehearsal Dinner Themes

Looking for some ideas for your rehearsal dinner? Search no more… here are some great themes you can use any time.

1. Island Theme: Have an easy dinner with island foods and Hawaiian leis for all the guests.

2. BBQ Theme: Have finger foods like chicken and burgers. Guests will love how low key it is and the parents will be happy because of how inexpensive it is.

3. Chinese/Japanese Fusion Theme: Have simple Chinese or Japanese foods or hire a sushi chef to make fresh sushi for your guests.

4. Fish Fry: Going to a local restaurant where the fresh catch is always good. Your wedding party will be happy they can get their hands dirty eating fish and chips.

5. Honeymoon Theme: Give your guests a taste of where your going on your honeymoon. Going some place tropical? Then have tropical food and a casual dress code.

6. Elegant Theme: Maybe you couldn't afford to have an all out elegant wedding. Well then treat your wedding party to a nice dinner at a steak house. It may not be affordable for 100 people, but can be easier on the wallet when there is only a party of 20.

Is There a Happily Ever After?

You look forward to your wedding from the time you are a little girl. You want a great spouse, children, and a happy marriage. Sometimes you may wonder is a great marriage possible? Yes, a “happily ever after” is possible. How? You can start off by taking some classes marriage prep), getting to know your husband or your wife is important, even if you think you know them well. Many churches have marriage prep classes and counseling to ensure you are ready for the long hold. You may think these preparations are a waste of time, but studies show couples who have taken any type of marriage preparation have longer lasting marriages.

These classes teach you about being open and communicating, family origin, what to expect in the first years of marriage, commitment, sexuality, and more. If you are getting married in a church or even if you are being married by the justice of the peace, consider a form of marriage success training. Many churches offer pre cana or another form of marriage and family preparation. It's something to consider and can only strengthen the bond between you and your spouse.

Classic & Elegant Stationary

Stationary plays a huge role throughout your wedding planning. From save the dates and wedding invitations to the ceremony programs, you have choices to make. Why not get ideas from some of the best websites? You can get some ideas scoping through various websites in search for the perfect print, font, and color. Check out my favorite websites…

1. Wedding Paper Divas

2. My Gatsby

3. Fine Stationary

Romantic Weddings

Romantic weddings have a lot to do with color, setting, and time. What will it take to make “your” wedding romantic? Each person has a different perspective of what romance looks like. Is it candles and subtle lighting? Is it roses and petals? Is it outside on the beach at sunset? Jot down your ideas and collect pictures to offer your vendors. You want to portray your image as clearly as possible. If you are going the romantic route, be sure and have specific lighting in mind. Lighting has a lot to do with the mood. Music will also set the mood for a romantic feel. Brainstorm your idea of the perfect romantic setting. Once you think you know what you'd like to have, sit down with your vendors and give them a detailed image of what you expect.

When I think of romantic, I think outdoors, flowers, yellows and whites, nature-like atmosphere. However, another person may have an entirely different image. Check out a great article listed on The Knot about a romantic affair.

The Color Yellow

The color yellow has become very popular with time. It's light and airy and can be used as the main focus or as an accent. Either way you will not be disappointed. For more ideas on what to do with the color or how you can use it, visit Martha Stewart's Ideas for the Color Yellow. She has everything from runners to seating displays and they are all tasetfully done. The website also offers ideas  for all color palettes so check it out!

The Meaning of the Rings

What does the wedding band symbolize? Women wait for the day where the man drops to one knee, opens a small velvet box and presents a stunning ring asking the words, “Will you marry me?” But what does it all mean? This is a little lesson on what the rings represent.

Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger. Why this finger you should ask, because that specific finger contains the vena amors (vein of love). This vein is said to run from your finger to your heart. A ring is also circular in shape and a circle represents unity. The circle is never ending and when you get married that circle also represents the never ending relationship among two people.

So we know why the ring, but why a diamond ring? A diamond catches the light when worn. It stands for beauty as well as a sign that one is soon to be married. Because it catches the light, it draws attention to the womens hand so that others know the women is soon to be wed.

Top 10 Honeymoon Hotspots

1. Acapulco, Mexico: With temperatures in the 80's almost year round, what's not to love about Mexico? Prices are affordable and many all inclusive packages are available. Mexico is also known for it's night life, the country has something to offer all hours of the day.

2. Florence, Italy: The city of love and romance. I don't think you  need much convincing about why this place is a great honeymoon get-a-way. Between the great food, amazing art, and romantic atmosphere, this country is on our top ten places to honeymoon.

3. St. John, Virgin Islands: This island is on the Caneel Bay and has stunning views of blue ocean. You can scuba dive, snorkel, eat lunch on islands, swim with dolphins, and much more. They even offer private cottages by the water.

4. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: With private bungalows on the ocean, you have the opportunity to have privacy and beauty all at once. Bora Bora is the ultimate private and romantic get-a-way. They offer shark feedings, private dinners, butler services, and more.

5. Hawaii: The island made from volcanoes is a great sight to see. The islands of Hawaii have history, beach, and great food. The incredible tours that are offered are not disappointing.

6. St. Lucia: The island has incredible views no matter where you turn. From national parks to great hotel and guest services, you will not regret your stay. The island offers some of the best tours of the island. Riding horses on the beach, sailing, and visiting small village shops are all offered at most hotels.

7. Bahamas: Another great island that has much to offer. This specific island is famous for its great dolphin experiences. From feeding them to swimming with these amazing animals, the Bahamas offers one of the best experiences in the world.

8. Ireland: Stay in a castle for part of your stay and book your trip with a tour bus. You can see half of Ireland in less than two weeks. The country has many beautiful castles, mountains, and amazing views. This is a honeymoon you won't ever forget.

9. Alberta, Canada: Sometimes you just prefer snow. Canada is full of fun adventurous activities. Go skiing or snow boarding, sit by a fire drinking hot cocoa, or go dog sledding.

10. Mangiss, Indonesia: Known as the “Peaceful Hill” this resort has some of the best views of the sea. Private pools are offered in deluxe suites. This island has over 10,000 temples and a wonderful cultural background.

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