Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Pricy Headbands

If I had an unlimited budget, I would surely have a Swarovski Crystal Headband like this stunning bride.....

(Source)

It's really not as expensive as I thought it would be. But at $180.00 (for a headband!?) that's way outta my league! Even the headband with fewer crystals is still out of my reach at $125.00. But are they not gorgeous!?

Invitation Inspiration

(Source)

I fell in love with this quote/saying the instant I saw it! I'm hoping to be able to incorporate it into our invitations and maybe programs too.

Monday, June 29, 2009

OMG!!!!!

I just opened my e-mail and found this pleasant surprise....

"Hey Kristal!
I hope your summer is going well! I have some good news...YOUR DRESS IS HERE! It looks so good! Please feel free to come in any time and try it on! I can't wait for you to see it.
All the best,
Carolyn"

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I am so flippin' excited!!!! I was seriously considering sending Carolyn an e-mail today to see if she had any news. Great minds think alike! :D

I'm hoping to make it to the salon late this week or maybe on Saturday if they're open!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Relief for Aching Feet

Weird blog title, I know. ;)

While in Payless last week to return some shoes, I found some adorable white eyelet flats. They were originally $22.99 but they were on sale for $12.99. Payless is having their by one get one half off sale though so they ended up being just under $7.00 after tax!! They are so adorable and will be perfect for me to wear at the reception. I can't find them on their website but I snapped a pic to show you.
(Source: yours truly)

Cute huh?

Friday, June 26, 2009

Michael's 10% Coupon!!!

Ok ladies, I got an e-mail from Michael's about their one day Summer Madness Sale that's going on tomorrow and wanted to pass it on to you! Click on the ad below to take you to the 10% off printable coupon! Be sure to pass this on! :D


And just for fun....

Inspiration Board

So I just finished creating my very own inspiration board. I like it but am not completely in love with it. Check out this post over on weddingbee.com for info about creating your own board. And be sure to check out Mosaic Maker for a super easy way to pull your board together! Anyways, here is my board, be sure to let me know what you think!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

New Accessories for Little Ol' Me!

If you've been following my blog for a while now or have stalked the archives then I'm sure you've seen posts about my accessories for the big day. I blogged about the brooch for my bouquet, my earrings, my headpiece, and my clutch. I've made some changes to my accessories though.

There is only one wedding related purchase that I've regretted (thus far). I've been having major doubts about the earrings I purchased when I ordered my dress and veil. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love them but I don't think they're right for my dress. My dress is covered in very delicate lace and also has some beading and embroidery as well.* I had begun feeling like the earrings I purchased would look to "heavy" and "chunky" compared to the style of my dress. Not only that, but all my other accessories have rhinestone detail. While the earrings are crystal (and rhinestones are crystal too), I was still worried about this. See said earrings below:
(Source: yours truly)

While Charles were out shopping over the weekend I found some earrings I absolutely love! I think they will be absolutely perfect with my dress and other accessories! Just like the bracelets for the flower girls, I found the earrings at JcPenny's for 50% off! They were originally $22.00. They are Austrian Crystal Rhinestone earrings, here they are:
(Source: yours truly-click to enlarge)
The rhinestones look black because they are so clear that they picked up the black from my camera.

I also saw a stunning bracelet that I instantly fell in love with. I'd been contemplating a bracelet for a while since I won't be wearing a necklace and when I saw it, I knew I had to have it. Charles saw me holding it and said something like "That would look so good on you!". So of course I bought it. The original price on it was also $22.00 and it was also 50% off. It is also made of Austrian Crystal Rhinestones, here it is:
(Source: yours truly-click to enlarge)
Again, the rhinestones look black because they are so clear that they picked up the black from my camera.

So now here are all of my accessories and what they look like together:
(all images source: yours truly-made using mosaic maker)

So what do you think, do the new earrings and the bracelet look better with everything else? I'm completely loving the look of everything together!

*I know you haven't been able to see pics of my dress and once it comes in (hopefully in the next few weeks) and I'm able to go try it on and get pictures I promise to somehow make it so you (but not the FI) can see them!

BrideShare

What's BrideShare? The Broke-Ass-Bride came up with this awesome site where brides can buy, sell and share items from their weddings! How smart is she? And how helpful will this be to all of us!? Things are just starting out but you need to go check out the site and sign up to become a member!

If you sign up, be sure to add me as your friend! :)

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Miscellaneous Stuff

This is going to be a random post. I've mentioned a few things here and there in previous posts and I'm finally able to update you on some of them!

Thanks to my dear friend Patti, we were able to get the socks I wanted for the guys! She was kind enough to go the mall in Knoxville and get them for me. I don't think the picture on the BR website does them justice though.
(Source: yours truly)

I scored these baskets at Michale's for an amazing $7.99! They were originally priced at $29.99 but the largest basket was damaged so they were marked down. I couldn't have bought the smallest basket for the price I paid for all three of them. The damage on the large basket (not pictured) can easily be covered with some ribbon and no one would ever know. We'll need baskets for all kinds of things...napkins, forks, bubbles, ceremony programs, etc. so I'll have no problem putting them to good use. And after the wedding we'd be able to use them as well!
(Source: yours truly)

As I talked about here, instead of having a unity candle ceremony we are having a unity sand ceremony. There's all kinds of unity sand sets out there that you can purchase but they come with an outrageous price tag (for what you get) and I don't care for any of them. When I stumbled upon a picture of an apothecary jar and cruets used for the sand ceremony I knew I wanted to somehow replicate that look. I found our pouring vases at Michael's some time ago for $2.99 each. Then my search for an apothecary jar began. I finally found one at Michael's several weeks ago for $14.99. I love how they look together! My sand is purple sand (from Michael's) and Charles will be using white sand that I collected from a beach in Hilton Head Island, SC. back in March while I was on vacation.
(Source: yours truly)

Remember one of my more recent posts where I talked about the silver heart boxes I got for our flower girls? I mentioned that I wanted to either make or purchase bracelets or necklaces for them so I could put them in the hearts. Well, over the weekend when I was out shopping with Charles I found the perfect thing. JcPenny was having a 50% off sale on all their costume jewelry. I was on the search for some earrings to go with a new outfit when I came across these:
(Source: yours truly)
Unfortunately I didn't realize the picture was blurry until after I got it on my computer. So sorry about that! Are they not adorable? They were originally $12.00 each but I got both of them for that price since they were 50% off.

Also in this post I mentioned that the flower girls would have a headpiece/wreath to wear. My mom has been working on them and here is a sneak peak at one in the process of being made. More on these when they are complete.
(Source: yours truly)

And to finish off this post I will leave you with a sneak peak at one of the bouquets for my maid of honor and bridesmaid. Mom hopes to complete them this week sometime and whenever they're done I'll post more about them.
(Source: yours truly)

Up next: Changes to my accessories.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Two Rings And A Little Bling

So Charles found the wedding band he wants! It's more than I was originally wanting to spend but that's ok. I wanted to stay below $500 and was hoping to get one that was way under budget. No worries though, I figure if he loves it then I need to get it. After all, as he said "I'll wear it every day until I die and that's the one I want." awww He got me the diamond and engagement ring I wanted so it's the least I can do.

I now present to you Charles ring:

14K Two Toned Gold Comfort Fit 6mm Wedding Ring


Source)
Ring Description: This classic dome style wedding ring measures 6mm wide and is made with premium 14k white and yellow golds. This two toned band features step down edges. The surface of the band is in 14k white gold, and the step down edges are 14k yellow gold. This classic design is beautiful in two tone, and is sure to please. The edges are comfort fit both inside and out, providing ultimate comfort when sliding on and off.

I love it! And more importantly, he loves it! The price tag is $528.00 for his ring size. I think his ring will compliment my ring really well too without perfectly matching it. Superior Wedding Rings has an excellent selection of rings for both men and women. If you're still on the search for rings, check them out. I haven't purchased Charles ring yet but I've heard wonderful things about this company from other brides. Every product they offer comes with a LIFETIME WARRANTY!

Now it's time for my band. It is from BlueNile just like my engagement ring and is made to go with my ring.

Pave Diamond Ring in 18k Gold (1/5 ct. tw.)(Source)

Ring Stats:
(Source)

The complete look of my rings:
(Source)

The price for my band is $590 but we have a 10% off coupon to use when we purchase it. I can't wait till this band is next to my engagement ring, it's going to be stunning! And oh so sparkly too! ;) With my band, my total carat weight for both rings will be 0.81.

Are you and your fiance getting matching bands or are you going for something different?

Friday, June 19, 2009

All About The Little Girls

Our Flower Girls that is! I shared pictures of them here when I "introduced" them to you. But now it's time to share more about our little girls and their details.

First up, their attire. Obviously it is wayyy too early to order anything for them now. But I have found some dress that I am absolutely in love with. It was a bit hard finding dresses I like since our girls are on the younger side but I did manage to find some!

Even though my dress is ivory, I have decided to dress them in white. My criteria for their dresses: 1) not too formal, 2) no dresses that will make them look older than they are, 3) affordable - must be under $100 and 4) they need to be white.

Anyways, here's what I finally found....
#1
I love this dress! It's so cute and it even has a little bling on it!
Price $79.99.
This dress is very similar to the one above and I love it as well. It too has a rhinestone brooch on it to provide a little bling. The neck line is the big difference between this dress and the one above.
Price: $89.99
#3
I also really love this dress. The lace on the hemline is beautiful!
Price: $49.99
#4
This dress is only available in off white but it could work I think. I love the cutout detail along the bottom of the skirt. However this dress is silk and more on the formal side compared to what I'm wanting.
Price: $79.99

I've searched high and low for dress I like that fit my criteria and this is all I could find! I'm really leaning towards dress #2 or #3 right now. Which dress do you like best for our outdoor spring wedding?

On to their accessories! Instead of a flower basket or anything of the sort, I've opted to have the girls carry lace parasols. I found them at Michael's for $9.99 each. But of course, I couldn't leave them the way they were so a few additions were made.
Before:
(Source: yours truly)

After:
(Source: yours truly)

They will also have a headpiece/wreath with white and purple flowers and purple ribbon streamers to wear but we aren't finished making them. I'll have to share those with you when they are complete.

On to their gifts. I found these adorable little Red Velvet Lined Beaded Antique Heart Shaped Jewelry/Keepsake boxes at Exclusively Weddings when I ordered my toasting flutes and serving set. They were on sale for $9.99 each (originally $14.99 or more, can't remember). I paid the $5 (each) engraving fee so I could get the girls names on the boxes. They are so beautiful and I love them to pieces! These are something the girls will be able to use and treasure for years and years. I'm hoping to either make or purchase bracelets or necklaces for the girls and will put them in the boxes.
Eden's box:
(Source: yours truly)

Maggie's box:
(Source: yours truly)

Not bad for $29.98 huh? And I had a $25 off coupon so I basically got these beauties for $4.98!

What are your plans regarding the details for your flower girls?

Up next: Two Rings and a Little Bling

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Just A Few Things

So our wedding website is now up and ready for the viewing! Go check it out here and let me know what you think! Be sure to sign our guest book too if you'd like! :)

I haven't talked anymore about our Save-the-Dates because I haven't done ANYTHING with them. I've decided to wait and send them once we get our engagement pictures taken and I have some fabulous images from Wes & Danielle to play around with. My rush in wanting to get them out ASAP was my OCDness and the major planner in me rearing its ugly head. The wedding is ten months away, waiting until the end of July or early August to get the save-the-dates out is not going to be the end of the world! lol So I'm waiting. We don't have an appointment set for our e-session yet because our photographers were out of town and I'm hoping to lose a little more weight before I get in front of the camera.*

Yesterday, I had an epiphany. I got the most random idea in my head about how I can achieve the balloon look I'm envisioning in my head for the reception tent. Use white decorative fishing nets! Let me explain, the nets can be hung from the frame supports of the tent and connected together to cover the whole area of the tent ceiling. The balloons can be tied to the net all at once before each section is hung from the frame and the nets tied together. That way, we won't have to hang one balloon at a time (which would take forever to put up and take down). Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to illustrate what I'm thinking so I can show you. I was worried about the cost of the nets, but I found some very reasonably priced ones on amazon.com!

And because no post is a good post without beautiful pictures I bring you these.....
(Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7)

Those stunning images are from Kauai, Hawaii. Kauai is where Charles and I are planning to honeymoon! We don't have any other details about the honeymoon at this time so there will be more on this later. But I wanted to give you a sneak peak. ;)

*When I bought my dress back in March (which should be in at the end of this month/beginning of July!) I didn't set any goals with myself about losing weight. I was at a comfortable and healthy weight for myself and didn't feel like I needed to lose any weight for the wedding. I just didn't want to gain anything. So guess what happened....I've gained weight since I got my dress...and more than just a few pounds too. I was so mad when I discovered this. I can be a stress eater....and things at work for a while were oh so stressful. I'm talking not knowing if I would have a job the next day stressful. On top of that, I don't have much to do at work and I was having literally having to eat to stay awake (caffeine didn't help) while I was at work. It wasn't good. I'm being VERY careful about what I'm eating now and have been taking Alli to help shed the pounds even faster. I've already lost some weight and want to lose a little more before we get our e-pics taken.

Flower Porn

Oh my goodness, I just stumbled across some of the most gorgeous and unique wedding floral designs! If you're looking for wedding floral inspiration from bouquets, bouts, centerpieces, flower girl headpieces, ring bearer pillows, etc or you just love beautiful flowers you have got to go check out this girls flickr photos! Her work is incredible! From very complicated and elaborate to simple and chic, she has it all. She also has some very unique color combinations I've never seen before. I just spent about an hour going through all her pictures and it is so worth it! She has lots of simple yet stunning centerpiece ideas that could easily be DIY projects. Here's a few of her photos I snagged for inspiration for my bouquet and the guys bouts.

I am loving the silver spray painted fiddlehead ferns! (All photos Source)

The bouquets for my girls are almost complete! Over the weekend, mom worked on them and I am loving them. Although....they are completely different from what I had originally envisioned. They're really unique and one-of-a-kind since mom hand made them both. I'll get pictures as soon as I can so I can share them with you!

Have you found awesome floral inspiration when you weren't looking for it?

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

The Makings of a Reception

As I mentioned in my last post, the budget I was hoping to stick to has gone out the window. With the photography cost and my estimate of the rental costs, I'm up to $7,000! Yikes! And that doesn't include food, all the little details, stationery, bouquets, decor and so on. (I am not including the cost of my dress in the budget because I already had the money to cover that cost...thank goodness!)

So to continue on with the dreaded budget talk I'm going to share with you how I'm trying to be as cost effective as possible when it comes to the reception.
1) I will not be renting enough tables to allow everyone to sit down at the reception. Every wedding I've ever been to, there are always guests who prefer to stand during the reception thus leaving tables unused. (Maybe this is because I've never been to one with a sit down meal?)
2) I am not renting china, glassware, flatware, etc.
3) I am not getting custom printed napkins.
4) We are not having a sit down meal.
5) We will not be having large elaborate centerpieces.

Now to elaborate a little on these things...
Because we are not renting tableware, I have purchased plasticware. Yes you read correctly, I said plastic. Sam's Club has some very good quality and pretty good looking plastic plates, cups and forks so that's what I went with.
These are the plates we will be using. The larger for the food we will be serving and the smaller for the cake. Cost breakdown:
Dinner plates (40 count pkg.): $8.82
Quantity:6
Total Cost: $52.92
Cake plates (70 count pkg.): $8.24
Quantity:3
Total Cost: $24.72
(Source)

These are the forks we will be using.
Cost breakdown (300 count box): $8.68
Quantity:2 (we'll have way more than we need)
Total Cost: $17.36
(Source)




And these are the cups we will be using.
Cost breakdown (200 count pkg.):$7.48
Quantity:1
Total Cost: $7.48
(Source)





As much as I would love to be able to afford some pretty custom printed napkins with our names and the wedding date on them, it's just not in the budget. However if at all possible, I still wanted to be able to use purple napkins. And I found just the napkins I was looking for at a great price and the exact color! Where? Dollar Tree. Don't underestimate the power of dollar stores....especially Dollar Tree because they're a true dollar store.

These are the napkins we will be having at the reception. I purchased 13" Lunch Napkins as well as 10" Beverage Napkins. Both will be in the purple color shown here. Cost breakdown:
13" Lunch Napkins: $1.00
Quantity: 12
10" Beverage Napkins: $1.00
Quantity: 12
Total Cost: $24.00
(Source)



Because we are not having a sit down meal and the reception will not be held during a "meal time", we are opting to serve finger food/hors d'oeuvers. So what's on the menu? As of right now, this is what we have:
-Fruit Salad with fresh strawberries, pineapple, grapes, cantaloupe, raspberries and kiwi
-Cheese tray
-Crackers
-Rolled meats: turkey and ham, possibly chicken
-Fresh mini rolls
-Sausage Balls
-Vegetable trays with fresh carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower and ranch dip
-Relish trays with: sweet pickles, dill pickles, green olives, black olives
And to drink we will have:
-Grape punch (Still looking for recipes. Will be served in a punch bowl.)
-Ice cold water (Served in the dispenser below with round slices of lemon in the water.)
-Raspberry Tea or Peach (I'm still undecided about what kind. This tea will have caffeine for those that would like it and will be served in the dispenser below with either fresh raspberries or peaches in the tea.)
As far as the actual food costs go...I won't know exact numbers until the time comes to purchase the food. However, I'm estimating that it will be somewhere around $500-$600.

The only serving ware items I've bought for the reception are:
-a package of round basic serving trays with lids
-Two 2.5 Gallon Drink Dispensers (This was a little bit of a splurge but they will eliminate the need to have some prepare drinks for the guests and enable the guests to help themselves. And they can be used after the wedding or sold.)
Cost breakdown: $39.99 each
Quantity: 2
Total Cost (including shipping & tax): $97.38
(Source)


-2 Fifth Avenue Crystal Portico Cracker & Dip trays (Not included in the budget because I bought them months ago when Belk had a 50% off sale.)
(Source)





-2 Fifth Avenue Crystal Portico 3-tier Buffet Servers (Not included in the budget because I bought them months ago when Belk had a 50% off sale.)
(Source)





-1 round crystal punch bowl (for punch) purchased at a local Antique Mall that included 9 cups (The cups won't be used for the wedding. But the bowl and cups can be used or sold after the wedding.)
Total Cost: $22.00
(Source: yours truly - not sure why it looks green, I assure you it's not!)



-1 square punch bowl (for the fruit salad) purchased at a local Antique Mall for $12.50 that included 11 cups and 11 hangers (The cups won't be used for the wedding but this punch bowl will have a place in our home because it matches the shape of our square dishes.)
Total Cost: $12.50
(Source: yours truly)



As I mentioned before, I made all the centerpieces for our tables myself. I decided to make more than we will need for the dining tables so we can use them to decorate the food, cake and gift table and anywhere else I like.
Cost breakdown (per centerpiece): $7.33
Quantity: 24
Total Cost: $175.92
(Source: yours truly)




The only other decor we will have at the reception will be balloons. Now I know some people have mixed feelings about balloons and weddings. However, I assure you they will not be used in a tacky or cheesy way. There will be no balloon arches or shapes at our wedding!
I'm not entirely sure how I'll use the balloons yet. My mom and I talked about blowing them up without helium and hanging them on silver curling ribbon from the top of the tent using different lengths of ribbon to give a staggered affect. That's most likely what we'll do to avoid the $80 rental fee of a helium tank. But I have no idea how we would secure them to the tent (tie them to the frame? tape them? would they hold, would we be allowed to tape?) because I don't know what the underside will look like as far as the frame goes but we'll figure something out. I couldn't find a good picture of what I'm envisioning so you'll have to take this (<--) one and use your imagination. I think it would be a cool effect if we can swing it. (Source)



-2 packs of Lavender Purple Pearlized Balloons
Cost breakdown: $6.99 (72 pack)
Quantity: 2
Total Cost: $13.98 (plus shipping)
(Source)


-2 packs of White Pearlized Balloons
Cost breakdown: $6.99 (72 pack)
Quantity: 2
Total Cost: $13.98 (plus shipping)
(Source)


-1 spool of Metallic Silver Curling Ribbon (100 yards)
Total Cost: $1.89 (plus shipping)
(Source)


So the grand total for the reception at this time is: $1011.21 (estimating the food costs at $600). Not too shabby in my opinion. And I'm pretty sure that covers everything we'll need (except for the cake)!

In what ways are you keeping the cost down for your reception?

Friday, June 12, 2009

B is for Budget

I realize the last couple of posts have been long and I apologize...for this will be another.


{rant}Can I be honest? I hate the word budget right now!

Before getting engaged and before beginning the planning of our wedding, I had no earthly idea what weddings generally cost. You read everywhere that now a days the average wedding costs upwards of $25,000! What, seriously!? I never understood how the cost could be so high. Now that I'm in the thick of planning our wedding I can totally see why that $25k was chosen as the "golden number". Stuff adds up realllllyyyy fast.

I am trying to be as conservative and budget friendly as possible and still make our big day magical and unforgettable. That is proving to be a tremendous challenge! In the begging of all this planning, it was my hope to be able to stick to a budget of $6,000.

I'm covering the cost of the wedding almost entirely myself. My mom is not in a financial position that will allow her to help a whole lot. She's going to when she can and that is perfectly fine. I've told her multiple times not to feel pressured. She's helping in so many other ways that will save me money in the long run. And my dad hasn't had an active role in my life in over 6 years....so I'm not going to him to ask for money. Plus, I don't think he could help anyways because of his financial situation.

As you've read, I've known for a long time that I would spend the most amount of money on wedding photography. I would NEVER consider changing this. Yes it's a lot of money ($4,500), but the results and rewards we will have will be worth far more than any amount of money.

Subtract $4,500 from $6,000 and you have $1,500 left. I thought that would be enough. After all, the only other big things I'd need are the rental items and the food. Seeing as I've never been married before, I was completely clueless as to what the cost of the rental items would be. We need a tent, chairs, tables, linens and a small PA/Sound System. Shouldn't be to bad right....maybe $1,000-$1,500? Oh how wrong and naive I was.

I have a contact (because of the company I work for) with a local party rental company. He's a great guy and I knew he would be able to work with my and my "little" budget. A number of weeks ago, I called him to let him know I would be needing his help in determining what rental items I would be needing. More specifically, what kind and size of tent I would need. After discussing some details, he told me what he would suggest for the tent. When he told me the cost, I about hit the floor. The tent quote was $1,080.00!!! OMG....really? Then we talked tables and chairs and linens briefly. He told me he would get a quote together and send it my way.

The total for the tent (30'x60'), round tables (60"), chairs (white Samsonite) and linens (basic white) totaled to $1,799.60 after fees and tax! And that price was after he discounted the rental price on everything. The total without the discounts would be $2,021.23! And that was just a basic list, it didn't include everything we will be needing!

Now, this is all stuff we NEED....not stuff we want.
1) We need a tent because the weather here is unpredictable and we need a backup plan in case of rain (heaven forbid).
2) We also need the tent to shade our guests so they don't fry and burn up in the afternoon sun during the reception.
3) We have to have chairs for the guests to sit in during the ceremony and reception. I've already skimped on the chairs as you might have read here.
4) We have to have tables for the guests to sit at during the reception and for the food. We have a few tables that we own that we can use for the food, cake table and sweetheart table but that only eliminates 3 tables...which doesn't add up to much savings. But it's something and it all adds up in the end.
5) Linens are needed because the quality of rental tables is often poor because they are used and abused so much. I've looked into purchasing the linens myself in an effort to save money but it's cheaper to rent them. I did however pickup some rectangular table cloths at the dollar store (that look amazingly nice, they're white lace) for $5 a piece. Which is considerably cheaper than the rental price, that way I at least eliminate the need for some linens. And I can try and sell them after the wedding to gain back some of the cost. If the dollar store had the same lace table cloths in round sizes I would have snatched them up in a heart beat! However, they didn't.

What was I to do? I can't get rid of any of these things. I was already choosing the most basic and low cost items available in an effort to save money. I can't eliminate any of these things. Thus, my budget of $6,000 was out the window...and fast. I figure that once I go and meet with Jeff (aka the rental guy) and we get everything that we will be needing on the list it will come to around $2,500. There is another rental company in town that has a lower price on the same size tent I'll be needing and a lower price on the round tables. So, I'm going to ask Jeff if he can at least match the prices for me. Otherwise....I'll most likely have to go with the other company as much as I would rather not.{/rant}


Have you had any big shocks in the planning process? How did you deal with them?

Up next, our idea of a reception.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Reception Tunes


Whew! I had one heck of a time finding what I consider true love songs. I searched for hours (no joke!) for songs. It seems that most "love" songs are about breakups and failed relationships....not really stuff you want played at your wedding! Not to mention that I'm a HUGE music lover...of all kids....except for 99.9% of Country Music. That being said, it makes the search even harder.

iTunes is a lifesaver, I really couldn't have come up with what I have now without it. I purchased maybe 40 songs that are on our list, the others I already had in my music collection. I was hoping to get around 4 hours of play time to be on the safe side and as of right now, the list is 3.9 hours of play time. That's close enough for me! Plus, we still might add a few more here and there.

I also had a really hard time finding a good mix of older songs and newer songs (released in our lifetime) that people from our generation will be able to connect with. I know you can't please everyone but I think our list comes pretty close to it. I also tried to get different versions of very popular songs that most people will not have heard before. I also incorporated some music from some of our favorite Christian Music Artists. You'll also see some Country music on the list. The FI is a Country Music fan...I however, am not. But it's OUR wedding, not my wedding so I've thrown in a few for him and he's selected several that I really do love. Shh...don't tell though. ;)

Our song list (in alphabetical order):
  1. All My Life - K-Ci & JoJo
  2. All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
  3. At Last - Etta James
  4. The Best Is Yet To Come - Tony Bennett
  5. Bless The Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
  6. Blush (Only You) - Plumb
  7. Breathe - Faith Hill
  8. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
  9. Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
  10. Endless Love - Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
  11. Feeling Good - Michael Buble
  12. The First Time (Ever I Saw Your Face) - Maysa
  13. Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
  14. Footprints in the Sand - Leona Lewis
  15. For Once In My Life - Harry Connick, Jr.
  16. Give Love - Third Day
  17. Godsend - dc Talk
  18. Happy Together - The Turtles
  19. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Kenny Rogers
  20. How Deep Is Your Love - Bee Gees
  21. How Do I Live - LeAnn Rimes
  22. How Sweet It Is - Michael Buble
  23. I Could Not Ask For More - Sara Evans
  24. I Do (Cherish You) - Mark Wills
  25. I Don't Want To Miss a Thing (American Idol Studio Version) (because I love it more than Areosmith's version!) - David Cook
  26. I Only Have Eyes For You - The Flamingos
  27. I Wanna Be There - Blessed Union of Souls
  28. I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
  29. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
  30. It Had To Be You - Tony Bennett
  31. It's Wonderful (Single Version) - Ella Fitzgerald
  32. Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
  33. Kiss Me - Sixpence None The Richer
  34. L-O-V-E - Natalie Cole
  35. Laughter In The Rain - Neil Sedaka
  36. Learn You Inside Out - Lifehouse
  37. The Look of Love - Gladys Knight & The Pips
  38. Love Me Do - The Beatles
  39. The More I See You - Michael Buble
  40. My Girl - The Temptations
  41. The Nearness of You - Norah Jones
  42. One In A Million - Run Kid Run
  43. Only You (And You Alone) - Harry Connick, Jr.
  44. Over the Rainbow (American Idol Studio Version) (because Israel's version is played so much and I like this one just as much!) - Jason Castro
  45. The Power of Love - Celine Dion
  46. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder
  47. Some Kind Of Wonderful - Ilona Knopfler
  48. Someday Soon - Francesca Battistelli
  49. Tame Me Away - Lifehouse
  50. Take My Breath Away - Jessica Simpson
  51. Then (Single Edit) - Brad Paisley
  52. This Kiss - Faith Hill
  53. Unforgettable - Nat "King" Cole & Natalie Cole
  54. The Very Thought of You - Harry Connick, Jr.
  55. The Way You Do The Things You Do - The Temptations
  56. The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
  57. We've Only Just Begun - Carpenters
  58. When You Say You Love Me - Josh Groban
  59. You And Me - Lifehouse
  60. You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker
  61. You Are The Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
  62. You Found Me - Kelly Clarkson
  63. You're The Inspiration - Chicago
  64. (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher - Rita Coolidge
Well, that's our list so far! What do you think, did I get a good mix? I hope this list can be of help to you in your search for music to play at your reception!