Evening Reception Music

The Do Not Play List

Music at an evening reception is very difficult to select. If you’re anything like me, your main priority for the wedding will be that everyone has a fantastic time.

A good way to have a fantastic time is to dance the night away but you’re not going to do that if you don’t like the music.

So, how do you please everyone?

This can be very difficult for a bride and groom who prefer an extreme genre of music. It can be hard to get Auntie Glenda up to dance to heavy metal or RnB music but then it’s your wedding, you should have the music you like.

It’s a toughie.

Wedding Shoes

Wedding Shoes

This week I have been breaking in my wedding shoes in preparation for the big day. My big day is still 11 months, 23 days away but I believe in being prepared. 

I bought my wedding shoes about four years ago. My friend was getting married in China and I saw a fantastic opportunity to save a few pounds by buying my shoes at the same place. They were custom made to the design I chose. They measured my feet to ensure my shoes were a comfortable as they could possibly be. I have kept them in their box ever since.

Wedding shoes can be a touchy subject. Some girls out there just want comfort for their big day while other fashion conscious ladies want something stylish and beautiful. I’m going to admit that I sway more towards comfort because you will need to stand up in these shoes for almost the entire day.

Here’s some tips on pleasing both types of shoe shopper:

• Make sure the shoe is comfy in the shop!
  If you can’t stand five minutes in these shoes you’re never going to last the whole day. Walk around the shop in the shoes. If you’re buying your wedding shoes at your wedding dress shop, try them on with your dress. Look for problems areas where the shoes may start to rub if you’re in them for the whole day.
  
• Shoe colour…
  More and more frequently, brides are buying shoes that match the colour scheme and stand out particularly under a white dress. This can be a very striking look and really stands out.
  Alternatively, if you would like your shoes to match your dress you can ask for a swatch of the fabric to look for shoes to ensure you get a close match.
  Then again, your shoes are going to be hidden under a long dress, does it really matter what you wear? You could even sneak some trainers under there if no one is going to look. I don’t think wedding guests pay too much attention to the tiny details so if the colour of your shoes is slightly different to the colour of your dress, will anyone notice? 
  
• Heel size
  Often, more petite brides choose a tall heel but remember you are going to be stuck in these shoes for the entire day.
  A few things I’d recommend for heels:
• Make sure your heels don’t make you taller than your groom, unless that kind of thing doesn’t bother you, then have the heel size that suits your figure the best.
• Also, have some flat shoes on hand hear by. You may be able to leave some with your venue or ask your bridesmaids to carry some in their bag.
• The best fold up shoes by far, in my opinion, are Red Foot. I have a pair of Red Foot fold up shoes and on a night out they have saved my life! I take them with me every time I wear my going out sandals! They fold up small enough to fit in your handbag so if your feet do start to hurt during the night, you can quietly slip into some fold up shoes and be in complete comfort.
  
• Outside wedding?
  If your wedding is outside, where will you be standing? If it’s on grass it might be better to go with a wedge heel.
  Alternatively, there is a new invention out there: The Soul Mates. They work by clipping onto the bottom of your heal and act as a wedge for the bottom of the heel. It will mean an end to sinking into the grass or slipping on gravel.
  I went to a National Trust house last weekend, in heels, and I think I brought back half the lawn with me! If I’d used these soul mates it would have been a lot easier. Also useful for garden parties!
  
• Check the refund or return policy
  Just in case anything happens or you change your mind, check the return policy. Obviously, you can’t return anything you’ve worn outside, but if a bridesmaid drops out or anything else happens, you want to make sure you can return the shoes.
  
• Party Feet
  The best invention for shoe comfort in the world! There are cheaper alternatives but I swear by my Party Feet!
  They have full sole gel inserts, sling back strips, heel cushions, sore spots, heel shields, gel pads for under the ball of your foot, blister plasters, ultra thin pads, and much much more. I swear by them. I bought some that are glittery!
  
  I think the blister plasters are the best because you can stick them to your foot in your problem areas. Fantastic!
  
• Can I see your toes?
  While I do think that the small details aren’t so important, I would suggest a pedicure if you’re wearing open toed shoes or sandals.  It just looks nicer and gives an over all polished look to your wedding.
  
• Should the bridesmaids wear the same shoe?
  Not necessarily. If your bridesmaids are wearing short dresses then it does look better if they are all in the same shoe, or at least the same colour of shoe.
  If your bridesmaids are wearing long dresses, your guests will not be trying to see their feet. It would be sensible to ask them to wear the same colour shoe however you want your bridesmaids to be comfortable for the day.

Whatever your shoe decision for your wedding, make sure you really love your shoes. I love mine and I’m really glad I bought them when I did because now they remind me of my friend’s wedding – plus they can be my something old-ish!

Venues – The Moat House

The Moat House

View the Moat House website

This is the venue at which my best friend held her wedding reception and we had a fantastic time! It’s also where I brought my mother for her 65th birthday! I’m a fussy eater but on both occasions, the food was absolutely delicious! And without us asking, or letting them know we’d booked for a birthday, they served my mum a special birthday selection of chocolates which I thought was very kind!

My friend’s wedding here was wonderful. The day went very smoothly with delicious food and a beautiful back drop for your wedding photos. There is more than ample parking across the stream from the hotel.

We were greeted at the door with reception drinks and my friend had chosen mini doughnuts to be served as a welcome snack between the photos and the wedding breakfast. They were absolutely delicious.

The main room was wonderfully decorated with flowers supplied by the venue and we were seated and served our dinner. I had soup, vegetables in pastry and a chocolate brownie for pudding. All completely delicious and well presented. The service was brilliant and staff were very helpful.

At night time, there are tiny sparkly lights in the trees casting a beautiful light over their small lake. If your photographer is sticking around into your evening do, he/she could take some spectacular photos with that as a backdrop.

Why We Didn’t Book
I didn’t want to have the same wedding venue as my friend. She says she doesn’t mind but we have the same taste in colours, I didn’t want to have the same venue as well! Also, there’s no long winding drive. This winding drive is important to me, I would like my venue off set from the road quite a way. Also, I think the room was a tiny bit small for the number of guests we’d like to attend our wedding.

My Recommendations
After attending a fantastic wedding at The Mill I cannot recommend them enough! I know that my friend had an amazing day and we were well looked after. The breakfasts in the morning were amazing as well. I would recommend The Mill to a bride who is looking for a stylish, beautiful and accessible wedding. It’s easy to get to and stunning to boot!

Work, Life and Planning Your Wedding

Juggling planning your wedding with having a life and with going to work is difficult. You will need to meet with suppliers, have dress fittings, organise bridesmaids who each have their own ideas. Where oh where will you find the time?


A friend of mine resigned from her job because she wanted to have time to focus on her wedding. That isn't quite the option for all of us. More often than not we will have to hold down our jobs, saving every penny, while spending a lot of time planning the biggest day of our lives. Meetings with coordinators, in-laws and stressful decisions to be made can take it's toll on even the best of brides. 


I've put together some stress-easing tips to help even the most wound up bride relax:

• Have a romantic date with your hubby-2-B
  Take the time out, one evening now and again after work, to spend time together without talking about the wedding. If your H2B is anything like mine, you will have to arrange this evening by yourself and inform him that you're going to see a film together, or for a walk or a meal or whatever you choose. Taking this time out to be a couple, and remind yourselves of how it was when you first got together, will add renewed motivation for planning your wedding!
  
  
• Make sure you see your friends!
  And don't bore them to death with talk about the wedding. If you're anything like me, you will have to make a conscious effort not to talk about your wedding or bridesmaid dresses or hen do's when you're with your friends, but remember that socialising and relaxing with friends will chill you out and stop you being a stressed bridezilla!
  

• A spa day!
  If funds can stretch to a spa day, considering the current economic climate, having a spa day with your mother, mother-in-law, female friends or whomever is best to keep you calm, is a lovely way to unwind and not think about wedding things.
  

• Take a breather!
  When you start to feel stressed and start snapping at your h2b about how Aunty Hilda can't sit next to his best mate Bomber with the mullet, stop. Just stop. Put down the planning book, close the laptop, put down your phone. Count to ten and then do something else. You could wash your hair or clean the bathroom, make your evening meal or watch a film on TV. Do something that prevents you from thinking and stewing about the wedding.
  
  
• Remember it doesn't really matter!
  If Aunty Hilda does end up sitting next to Bomber, it really doesn't matter. If it rains, it doesn't really matter. If the heal breaks on your shoe, it doesn't really matter. If the best man, when presenting the rings, trips and falls and pushes you into a swimming pool behind you, it doesn't really matter. (Check it out on youtube.) The reason why we get stressed is because we think it all matters. When you boil it down, all that matters is that you're marrying the man you love. Focusing on that fact will help you sail over any bumps along the road.

Remember it's all about you, and if anything does go wrong, it'll be a funny story to tell your kids in years to come! 

-x-

Beyond Excited

My wedding is 14 months away, but it's predominant in my  mind. I was trying to work out why. Of course, it's going to be an amazing day and there's a lot to organise, but why is it so exciting? My fiancé and I have been together for almost 8 years, engaged for 18 months, and although I'm very excited to become Mrs Wong (and as I'm a teacher the kids will be calling me Mrs Wong quite a bit) it really is just one day, and what will change really? 


Here are the reasons I came up with as to why I'm so excited, and why you should be too! 

• You get to be the main attraction, the centre of attention:
  I'm not a huge fan of being the centre of attention, not all the time, but when it's something special like your birthday or a promotion, it's nice to be the centre of attention, and weddings count too! All that planning and time and stress you've put in are finally worth it!
  
• Taking his Surname
  That's if you are taking his surname, but I'm looking forward to taking his name so much! His surname is a lot more interesting than mine and it'll be lots of fun! It's not very feminist of me to look forward to changing my name, but it's a little special thing that I think is really nice.
  
• Breaking the Dress Diet!
  Although you'll be very proud of all the weight you've lost, how you've avoided carbs and fat for the last year and spent every waking moment at the gym, finally.... Finally! You can eat a big main meal and have a pudding and then eat cake after it!
  
• Seeing your man all dressed up!
  If your hubby-to-be is like mine, he doesn't get dressed up very often. The chance to see him all dressed up in a proper wedding suit looking suave with his hair done is just wonderful! I'm looking forward to that!
  
• Match Making
  Arranging your seating plan meant that you could seat your gorgeous single friends together, and who knows what might happen? Looking forward to the reception and all the fun it may bring is another fun part of planning your big day, and something else to look forward to!
  
• The Dress
  Many women want to be a princess for a day, and most of us don't get many opportunities to dress up nicely. In my job, there's not much point dressing up nice unless I want paint, playdough, sick and other unmentionables all over my clothes so this one day is a chance for me to dress up and look completely beautiful (I hope). And the dress: my one chance to wear a princess dress and have a princess day.
  
• The First Dance
  After all the practising and rehearsing and changing the song this way and that way, it's finally time to show all your guests your first dance. I'm especially looking forward to my wedding dance because we're starting dance lessons in October so we will have worked really hard on it. I have two left feet and don't want to let my dance guru fiancé down, and I am excited to see everyone's reactions!
  
• The Reception
  A big party with all your friends and family! What could be more fun! All the music you personally enjoy, everyone being merry and a bit tipsy and celebrating your marriage to the man of your dreams! I can't think of a more enjoyable party! I'm really looking forward to that!
  
• The Honeymoon
  I've told fiancé I don't want to know anything about the honeymoon, I want it to be a complete surprise, all I want him to tell me is what kind of clothes I need to pack!  You may think I'm utterly insane but I'm taking over the wedding planning, it'll be good for him to have something that's his and he can decide about. I'm so looking forward to it because I know nothing about it. It'll be amazing! 

All in all, my excitement is fairly understandable. There is so much to look forward to! If your bride harks on a bit too much about the wedding, talking about dresses and invites and cars and orders of service, then give her some leeway, because now you know why she's so excited! 

The First Dance

I think it's important to remember you don't have to have a first dance. If you have two left feet, you're really shy or dancing just isn't your thing, don't have a first dance just because people expect you to, unless you want to. 


I want a first dance, I want it so much my fiancé and I have decided to have dance lessons just to get it right! My fiancé is already a dancer, he does street dance at a local dance studio but I'm a bum wiggler. I need the dance lessons just to keep up with him! I'm really looking forward to starting our dance lessons as it'll also help with losing weight! 


Choosing a song to dance to is difficult. My best friend chose Snow Patrol, Chasing Cars which was absolutely perfect and so romantic. My cousins had Moulin Rogue, Come What May, which was really lovely. Another friend had Yellow by Coldplay, which he told me felt as if it went on for 20 minutes! My brother chose Lets Stick Together by Al Green which was loads of fun for everyone! My fiancé is Canadian so we decided to go with a wedding favourite, Everything I Do by Brian Adams. It's a bit of a cliché but it means something to the both of us and that's what's important.


Top Ten Songs

10, Rule the World by Take That
9, Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (more recently by the Black Eyed Peas)
8, Nothing At All by Ronan Keaton
7, My First, Last, My Everything by Louis Armstrong
6, Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
5, Love is All Around by Wet Wet Wet
4, Take My Breath Away by Berlin
3, I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
2, Come What May by Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman

And the winner for most popular wedding dance song is:
1, Everything I Do by Brian Adams from Robin Hood Prince of Theives, number one in the UK music charts for 16 weeks in 1991. 


Unusual Wedding Dances
One of the best first dances I've ever seen is on youtube that everyone should have a peek of: Evolution of Dance Wedding. If you can't decide on a song for the wedding, have them all! Do you have a friend who is good at mixing music together? Ask them to do you a mix of all your favourite songs and do a dance to all of them! If you have any friends who are good at choreography or who are dancers, or if you're good at learning the dances to songs, you could have lots of fun at your wedding performing a fun dance at this one. 

Alternatively, you could dance up the aisle.