Ceremony music:Prelude music:                                                        Played prior to the ceremony, while guests are arriving. Moonlight Sonata (Beethoven) Isn’t It Romantic (Glenn Miller) Water Music (Handel) Ave Maria (Schubert / Gounod) The Four Seasons (Vivaldi) Greensleeves (Traditional) Rhapsody In Blue (Gershwin) God Only Knows (The Beach Boys) As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Tony Bennett) Arioso (Bach) Ode To Joy (Beethoven) Brandenburg Concerto #2 (Bach) Gloria (Vivaldi) Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers) Processional & Bridal music:                                                        Played during the time the family, wedding party, and the bride walk down the aisle. Bridal Chorus (Here Comes The Bride) from “Lohengrin” (Wagner) Trumpet Voluntary in D (The Prince of Denmark’s March) (Clarke or Purcell) Canon in D (Pachelbel) The Four Seasons (Handel) Water Music (Handel) What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) Unforgettable (Nat King Cole) I Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley) When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge) In My Life (The Beatles) March From Lohengrin (Wagner) Interlude music (optional):                                                        The songs played during the ceremony. Ave Maria (Schubert) Amazing Grace (Traditional) La Traviata (Verdi) Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) And I Love Her (The Beatles) Primavera: First Movement, Allegro (Vivaldi) Love Me Tender (Elvis Presley) Für Elise (Beethoven) We’ve Only Just Begun (The Carpenters) Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison) Recessional music:                                                        Music played as the new husband and wife walk up the aisle together. Wedding March (from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) (Mendelssohn) Ode To Joy (from The Ninth Symphony) (Beethoven) Hallelujah Chorus (from “The Messiah”) (Handel) Trumpet Tune (Purcell) Magnificat In D (Bach) The Long And Winding Road (The Beatles) I Got You (I Feel Good) (James Brown) How Sweet It Is (James Taylor) Then He Kissed Me (The Crystals) I Got You Babe (Sonny and Cher) Reception music: First Dance music:                                                        First dance as husband and wife. Unforgettable (Nat King Cole) Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley) Can I Have This Dance? (Ann Murray) The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra) It Had To Be You (Harry Connick, Jr.) What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) Endless Love (Diana Ross and Lionel Richie) I Cross My Heart (George Strait) I Swear (John M. Montgomery or All 4 One) A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle) As Time Goes By (A Kiss Is Just A Kiss) (Michael Feinstein) When You Say Nothing At All (Allison Krauss) Faithfully (Journey) No Ordinary Love (Sade) Here And Now (Luther Vandross) I Can Love you Like That (John M. Montgomery) Power Of Love (Celine Dion) Tonight I Celebrate My Love (Roberta Flack & Peabo Bryson) Everything I Do {I Do For You} (Bryan Adams) When A Man Loves A Woman (Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton) All My Life (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville) I’ll Be There (Mariah Carey) On Bended Knee (Boyz II Men) At Last (Etta James) Don’t Know Much (Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville) From This Moment On (Shania Twain) Our Love Is Here To Stay (Harry Connick, Jr.) Unchained Melody (The Righteous Brothers) Angel (Aerosmith) Amazed (Lonestar) *These are the most requested songs, but there are many others. Ask your DJ. Father/Daughter music:                                                        The dance between the new bride and her father. My Girl (The Temptations) Thank Heaven For Little Girls (Gigi) Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel) Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole) The Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler) My Dad (Paul Petersen) Hero (Mariah Carey) Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle) Times of Your Life (Paul Anka) A Song For My Daughter (Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire) Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John) The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra) Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart) Because You Loved Me (Celine Dion) My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion) Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison) What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) Through The Years (Kenny Rogers) Daddy’s Hand (Holly Dunn) Daddy’s little Girl (Kippi Brannon) Daddy’s Girl (Peter Cetera) Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler On The Roof – Sndtrk) Lullabye (Billy Joel) A Whole New World (Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle) How Do You Fall In Love (Alabama) Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder) Landslide (Fleetwood Mac) Thank Heaven For Little Girls (Gigi) Father’s Eyes (Amy Grant) Friends (Elton John) In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel) Mother/Son music:                                                        The dance between the husband and his mother. Don’t Know Much (Linda Rondstadt and Aaron Neville) Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle) I.O.U (Jimmy Dean) Moon River (Andy Williams) Moon Dance (Van Morrison) ‘Til The End Of Time (Perry Como) Through The Years (Kenny Rogers) Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart) Because You Loved Me (Celine Dion) Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel) Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole) What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstong) In This Life (Bette Midler) You’re The Inspiration (Chicago) Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler) Friends (Elton John) Wishing Tree (Sonia Dada) Blessed (Elton John) Hero (Mariah Carey) In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel) A Song For My Son (Steve Moser, Mikki Viereck, Ray Allaire) Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler On The Roof – Sndtrk) In My Life (The Beatles) Ever I Saw Your face (Roberta Flasck) Greatest Love Of All (Whitney Houston) I Wish You Love (Natalie Cole) Thanks Again (Ricky Skaggs) Stand By Me (Ben E. King)   Bridal Party Dances music:                                                        The dance including the Bride & Groom, Bridesmaids & Groomsmen, and family members. That’s What Friends Are For (Dionne & Friends: Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder) Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Elton John) Friends In Low Places (Garth Brooks) We Are Family (Sister Sledge) Friends (Elton John) Heroes and Friends (Randy Travis) In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel) Celebration (Kool & The Gang) Cutting The Cake music:                                                        Played while the Bride & Groom cut the cake. Cut the Cake (Average White Band) I Wanna Grow Old With You (Adam Sandler) How Sweet It Is (James Taylor) Sugar, Sugar (The Archies) Hit me With Your Best Shot (Pat Benatar) When I’m 64 (The Beatles) Recipe For Love (Harry Connick Jr.) That’s Amore’ (Dean Martin) Happy Together (The Turtles) Pour Some Sugar On Me (Def Leppard) I Got You Babe (Sunny & Cher) Love & Marriage (Frank Sinatra) Oh Yeah! (Yello) Axel F (Harold Faltermeyer) Peter Gunn Theme Garter And Bouquet Toss music:                                                        Played during the bouquet toss and garter toss. The Stripper (David Rose) Legs (ZZ Top) You Sexy Thing (Hot Chocolate) Oh Yeah! (Yello) Macho Man (Village People) Theme From Mission Impossible (Danny Elfman) Wild Thing (The Troggs or Tone Loc) Let’s Get It On (Marvin Gaye) Bad Boys (Inner Circle) Another One Bites The Dust (Queen) Curly Shuffle (Jump n’ The Saddle) Kiss (Prince) Do Ya Think I’m Sexy (Rod Stewart) Gimme All Your Lovin’ (ZZ Top) Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison) Freak Me (Silk) Hungry Eyes (Eric Carmen) Heaven (Bryan Adams) U Can’t Touch This (MC Hammer) Shameless (Garth Brooks) *Girls Night Out (The Judds) *Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper) *Whipped Cream {Dating Game Theme} (Herb Alpert) *Miss America Theme (Various) *Songs for Bouquet Toss Only. Last Dance music:                                                        The last song of the night for the Bride & Groom and their remaining guests. Last Dance (Donna Summer) New York, New York (Frank Sinatra) Good Riddance {Time Of Your Life} (Green Day) From This Moment On (Shania Twain & Bryan White) Save The Best For Last (Vanessa Williams) Wonderful Tonight (David Kersh) Could I Have This Dance (Anne Murray) You’re Still The One (Shania Twain) Closing Time (Semisonic) Unforgettable (Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole) I’ve Had The Time Of My Life (Bill Medly & Jennifer Warnes) How Your Love Makes Me Feel (Diamond Rio) Goodnight, Sweetheart (David Kersh) The Party’s Over (Nat King Cole) Goodnight Sweetheart (Spaniels) What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) The Dance (Garth Brooks) Truly, Madly, Deeply (Savage Garden) Always And Forever (Heatwave)

Your wedding is the most wonderful time of your life. It’s  the time when two hearts become one and when two people tie the knots to live a  life together. Make your “I do” more romantic and seal it with an unforgettable  moment that you will never forget.
Now that everything is ready, you can say for yourself that,  you are prepared to walk the isle and exchange your vows. The tables are  all set, the flowers are in their places, the church is ready and every guest  looks forward to attend your special day. But wait a minute. Have you contact  the disc jockeys? Adding a DJs can make the event a more meaningful and worthwhile event. Music fills the event and makes your moment more  entertaining. Don’t let your impulse overrule you. You’re not Wonder Woman and  you surely can handle all the stuff leading up to your wedding. Let the expert disc  jockey handle and play the top wedding songs. For sure, you’ll love to  manage your party and make it a more unforgettable and reliable party in your  life.

Disc jockeys: Professional Entertainers that will Guarantee you the best Wedding Songs

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

1. Where is the wedding and reception? Choose colors that complement the setting. Consider the carpeting, drapery and decor, etc.
2. What mood do you want to create? Vibrant colors add drama, while soft colors evoke a more romantic atmosphere.
3. What time of year will you be getting married? The the season may effect your color wedding colors. Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter, while fall and winter colors are generally darker.

Although much has been written on how colors effect our mood and emotion, colors mean different things in different cultures, so avoid focusing too much on them.

A color wheel helps you choose coordinating colors. It is made out of three primary colors: red, blue and yellow, plus a blend of in-between colors. Below are three color-choosing strategies that will ensure you pick a well coordinated color scheme. Learn more about color theory.

• “Complementary” colors means choosing colors that are opposite each other on the wheel, such as red and green.
• “Analogous” means the colors lie next to each other on the wheel, such as red, red-orange, and orange.
• “Monochromatic” means variations of the same tone, such as bright red, dark red, etc.

Tips: Try to limit your main colors to two or three so as not to look too jumbled and stay consistent with your colors throughout the wedding site. Use a few subdued colors for an elegant look.

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

These dinners are meant to be intimate and encourage conversation—not a place to have loud music or dancing. You want to create an environment where people feel comfortable with one another. The rehearsal dinner is also the ideal setting for those toasts from various family members and friends that too often get squeezed into the wedding reception timeline. If a family member not scheduled to speak at the ceramony wants to say a few words, the rehearsal dinner is the place to do it. That way, you’re not constantly disrupting the wedding celebration or taking precious time away from your wedding.

That being said, you also don’t want to turn a three-hour dinner into three hours of speeches. Toast guidelines still apply. Each person needs to be aware that they should talk for no more than two minutes. You’ll need to know ahead of time who is speaking and in what order. Someone other than the bride or groom (for example, the best man or maid of honor) should be in charge of politely informing people when it’s their turn to speak — and politely thank those whose time is up.

Overall, the rehearsal dinner should be casual, celebratory and, most importantly, an opportunity for members of the bride and grooms’ families to break the ice.

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

- Reserve the date with your florist, photographer, videographer and disk jockey

- Set the date and time of the wedding – Reserve the location – For church and synagogue weddings, visit appropriate clergy members.

- Establish the wedding budget

- Choose attendants, honor attendants and ushers

- Order your wedding invitations and announcements

- Pick out the Bride’s gown and headpiece

- Shop for attendant’s attire and accessories

- Establish a color scheme – Order your wedding rings

- Register for china, silver and crystal patterns and other home gifts

2-4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING ——————————————————————————–

- Meet with your florist to order your wedding flowers. (Bring a sketch or photo of your dress and color swatches of your bridesmaids’ dresses.)

- Address all wedding invitations and announcements

- Plan rehearsal dinner

- Arrange lodging for out-of -town guests and attendants

- Select music and meet with disk jockey, videographer and photographer

- Have your wedding portrait taken – Order the wedding cake

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING ——————————————————————————–

- Contact your florist for an appointment to review your order

- Send “thank you” flowers to the hosts of your pre-wedding parties

- Mail your wedding invitations – Have the final fitting of your gown

- Meet with the photographer, videographer and disk jockey to update them on the details

- Arrange special transportation for the wedding party

- Select the groom’s gift

- Prepare seating chart for reception guests

- Write thank-you notes for shower gifts and wedding gifts as they arrive

- Place announcement in local newspapers

2 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING ——————————————————————————–

- Make final check with your florist. (Double check delivery times and locations.)

- Order “thank-you” flowers to be sent to parents after the wedding

- Obtain the marriage license – Make name changes on bank accountsand official documents

- Keep a list of wedding gifts and their senders as they arrive

- Finalize seating chart for reception guests

1 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING ——————————————————————————–

- Give the final guest count for the reception to the reception coordinator

- Arrange pick up of guests and attendants arriving at airports

- Enjoy the benefits of good planning and a have a beautiful wedding day!!

-

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

$20,000 Wedding Budget Worksheet

If your total wedding budget is $20,000.00

40% of your Wedding Budget on Reception

The Calculation:

Total Budget: $20,000 x 0.4 = $8,000 available for the reception

Example costs: site fees, catering costs, bar and beverages, wedding cake, etc.

$8,000

Spend 10% of your Wedding Budget on Music

The Calculation:

Total budget: $20,000 x 0.1 = $2,000 available for music

Example costs: ceremony music, cocktail hour music, DJ fees, etc.

$2,000

Spend 15% of your Wedding Budget on Flowers

The Calculation:

Total budget: $20,000 x 0.15 = $3,000 available for flowers

Example costs: bridal bouquet, wedding party flowers, table centerpieces, etc.

$3,000

Spend 15% of your Wedding Budget on Wedding Attire

The Calculation:

Total budget: $20,000 x 0.1 = $3,000 available for wedding attire

Example costs: wedding gown, dress alterations, wedding veil, lingerie, jewelry, shoes, hair, makeup, etc.

$3,000

Spend 10% of your Wedding Budget on Wedding Photography

The Calculation:

Total budget: $20,000 x 0.1 = $2,000 available for wedding photography

Example costs: Engagement portrait, photography, videography, wedding album, etc.

$2,000

Spend 5% of your wedding budget on Stationary

The Calculation:

Total budget: $20,000 x 0.05 = $1,000 available for wedding stationary

Example costs: wedding announcements, wedding invitations, postage stamps, wedding programs, table place cards, etc.

$1,000

Spend 5% of your wedding budget on Additional Expenses

The Calculation:

Total budget: $20,000 x 0.05 = $1,000 available for Additional Expenses

Example costs: attendants gifts, marriage license fee, wedding day transportation, etc.

$1,000

Total $20,000

That went quickly didn’t it? I can’t stress enough, to stay on budget. It will cut down on a lot of unnecessary frustration.

Look for more post soon.

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

8842 Portage Rd Suite 104 Portage mi 49002 www.abstractsalonandspa.com

So you got the ring, CONGRATULATIONS!  How exciting.  This will be one of the greatest and most frustrating times of your life.  Yes, you will experience highs and lows like never before.

So you are getting married.  Word of Advice!  Keep it in perspective.  Weddings never are perfect.  Yes I said it, they are never perfect but they are beautiful and they are moments touch your heart.  What a joy and privilege it is to witness the joining of two families that become one, this is how history is made.

If something does not go exactly as you planned it how will you react?  Or in spite of  an extreme temperature drop and massive storm they love every minute!  What will you remember on your 25th wedding Anniversary?  What do you want to remember?  That is the key find happiness in the moment, not perfection.

The most important thing about this whole experience is the fact that you have found a love so great that you want to make it your life.  So what if it rains…Be happy or be upset, be wise and embrace the rain and have a beautiful wedding and reception one you will always remember.

You can enjoy your day by keeping it all in perspective.

How Many Brides feel OVERWHELMED?

How many of you are surprised at how much a wedding Really Costs?

Can you Really have the wedding of your Dreams?

Yes you can have your dream wedding, you just have to plan.  Here are a few tips on planning.  I have see  just about everything, so believe me when I say expect the unexpected, then roll with it and find humor in it.  Happiness is a choice, choose it.

Where Do you Start?  B U D G E T!  Yes, I said Budget.  Without one you will spend more than you ever thought possible.

#1 thing to do is realize what you are able to afford!  Nothing will add to the stress level like Money problems.  You have control, so keep it.

No Matter what your Budget is You can have a gorgeous and unique wedding.  It will take work and effort on everyone’s part.  That means you, your Mom, your fiance,…..

Once your Budget is set here is site that will help you know the average cost for vendors and how much you can expect to pay.

Check back for more advise later this week.

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

The banquet hall, also features a 12-foot waterfall and a rock wall garden, can be open-air or completely enclosed and heated with transparent sides. This is ideal for spring or summer events. Each year we host many weddings and receptions for couples from across the country.

Riverside Receptions, Etc. is located in Centerville, Michigan, within 6 miles of US 131 and many great motel and B & B accommodations. You are welcome to choose your own source of food and beverages.

Riverside Receptions Etc., LLC has been providing couples with a spectacular outdoor setting for 12 years. They are an excellent alternative to the backyard (tent) wedding/reception and traditional hall atmosphere. Each year Riverside makes improvements to it’s already beautiful venue. Riverside Receptions is now planning the 2012-2012 wedding seasons. www.RiversideOutdoorWeddings.com Please feel free to call John or Pat if you would like an appointment to see the facility 269-467-6132 or 269-808-4475

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger– Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

KBA members who would like to be featured please contact me (linda) at abstractsalonnspa@gmail.com

Floral Creations by Sharon–from chic to modern –Beautiful arrangements to meet any brides tastes

Sharon has been in business for Thirty plus years serving customers through home shows, craft shows, and performing on sight decorations in offices and numerous home interior seasonal decorations. She features fresh floral designs, silks, and selected dried material designs.

Sharon offers full service with her floral arraignments, up-to and including the brides walk down the aisle. This includes pinning on the corsages and boutonnieres assist the attendants, fluff the gown before bride heads down the aisle.

When first consulting with future brides Sharon takes the time needed to identify their special needs. From large to small events, Sharon can handle all floral needs for the bridal party, special events such as rehearsals dinners and full scale receptions in many venues such as country clubs, and event facilities.

Low cost wedding flowers, considering the rising cost of flowers, is sometimes difficult for floral designers to provide all the bride’s wants and needs within a fixed budget. Sharon guides the brides with floral selections that can be used within a realistic budget.

A common denominator with each person interview within the Kalamazoo Bridal Cafe, personalized customer service is each members goal of each business member.

Sharon is currently planning 2012 wedding season. Contact her by phone at 269 599-1444 , email floralsbysharon@yahoo.com, and www.facebook.com/floralsbysharon website www.floralcreationsbysharon.com

 Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

]]> http://www.kalamazoobridalcafe.com/2011/12/31/floral-creations-by-sharon-from-chic-to-modern/feed/ 0 http://www.kalamazoobridalcafe.com/2011/12/12/a-1-rent-alls-a-full-service-rental-company/ http://www.kalamazoobridalcafe.com/2011/12/12/a-1-rent-alls-a-full-service-rental-company/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:47:41 +0000 lldarling http://www.kalamazoobridalcafe.com/?p=1551 A-1 Rent All has been locally owned and operated for over 20 years. The owners Aaron and Kristin Klooster have owned A-1 Rent All for the past 5 years. Their staff members bring over 20 years experience in party planning and event design. A-1 offers you all around planning.  They are a clear choice to handle your event from start to finish. The entire crew prides themselves on excellent personalized customer service. It offers the personal touch for you and your event, that can only be found in a local business.

A-1 Rent All prides themselves on being a full service rental company. They have everything you might require from the smallest to the largest wedding, graduation or corporate event. Some of the things that they offer are some of the most important parts of our event. Featuring a full array of tents, tables, chairs, dishes, linens, sound systems, karaoke machines, carnival type items as well as decorations from simple to elegant.

One of the best things about walking into the A-1 showroom is just that – you don’t walk into a warehouse. You actually get to see the tables, chairs, place setting and décor set up. Being a very visual person, I loved that part.

At A-1 they understand that clients are becoming a little more money- conscious. Many party packages are available to help save. A-1 will beat any of their competitors’ quotes or prices on most items.

They are located conveniently between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids in the beautiful Island city of Plainwell, MI.

A-1 is currently planning for the 2012 wedding season. You can reach them online at http://www.a1mich.com/ or by calling 269-685-5880 or by e-mailing them at info@a1mich.com.

Also LIKE them on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/A-1-Rent-All/271178742803

Written and Posted by Linda Darling KBC Blogger–Owner Abstract Salon & Spa

If you are a member of the KBA and would like to be featured in my blog please call me at 269-216-3491