Wedding Songs to Make the Day Special

There is nothing like the perfect tune to capture the wonder and happiness felt while a bride makes her way down the aisle. A well-chosen father-daughter or mother-son dance can leave all of your guests sniffling. Use our curated song lists to choose your wedding soundtrack for those special moments on the big day.

Processional

Richard Wagner’s Bridal Chorus or “Here Comes the Bride” has held its place as a traditional wedding song since 1850. However, there are many different versions of this well-known tune. If you want a more modern sound, try Jonathan Cain’s Bridal March. Click here to listen.  

more contemporary entrance songs

Thinking Out Loud- Ed Sheeran 

Marry Me - Train 

Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop - Piano Version - Landon Pigg 

Hallelujah Instrumental - Jeff Buckley 

The Luckiest Piano - Ben Folds 

Your Guardian Angel - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus 

First Dance

Photo from annaandspencer.com

All I Ever Want is You - Megan Davies

Amazed - Lonestar 

Never Stop - Safetysuit 

Can’t Help Falling in Love with You - Elvis Presley 

Bring Me the Night - Sam Tsui and Kina Grannis

Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips

Father-Daughter Dance

Photo from blog.davidwittig.com

The father-daughter dance is always an emotional part of the reception. Choose a song that reflects how you want this moment to feel-- uplifting, sweet, or even fun! Think about what the song will mean to your father.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - IZ Kamakawiwo'ole

You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban 

Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle 

I Loved Her First - Heartland 

Kind and Generous - Natalie Merchant 

My Little Girl - Tim McGraw 

My Wish - Rascal Flatts

Mother-Son Dance

Photo from mydeejay.com

The mother-son dance is a beautiful moment where the groom can give a tribute to his mother and all of the things she has taught him. The songs below capture the friendship and bond between mother and son.

Everything - Michael Bublé 

Child of Mine - Carole King 

Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel 

Do I Make You Proud - Taylor Hicks 

What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong 

For all of the music on your wedding day, choose songs to reflect your personality and the relationships with all of the important people in your life. Happy listening!

Resource: Laich, C. (2010, September 23). History of Here Comes the Bride and the Wedding March.

*Sara Steinhoff contributed to this article.

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Thessa & Ricky: Happiness Found

Thessa and Ricky reminded me that some couples must truly be meant to be. At the reception, they explained that the bride's last name means "to search." For years, the bride was in search of her happiness. Then she met her groom, whose last name actually means "happiness!" There was no more need to search. She found happiness both literally and figuratively. Hence, the wedding hashtag #HappinessFound highlighted the theme of the event. The bright design scheme of orange and chevron just underscored the joyfulness of the occasion. Check out some snapshots from the day:

The talented bride made the centerpieces herself!

There was bocce ball and bowling to keep guests entertained during the cocktail hour.

Tags hung with clothespins served as escort cards to direct guests to their tables.

Guests enjoyed photobooth fun with homemade pinwheels and props.

Orange and grey chevron created a bright tablescape, 

complete with menu cards and frames for guests' photobooth pictures.

A festive cupcake tower, incorporating the chevron design scheme.

Photo by Mike Fan Photography

Congratulations to Thessa & Ricky!

Vendors:

Venue - Pinstripes

Photographer - Mike Fan Photography

Cupcakes - La La Li Bakery

Coordinator - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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Tracy & Mike: Classic Elegance in Chicago

I worked with Tracy and Mike from the start of their planning to create their vision - a classically elegant wedding. 

It was fun to make the traditional trendy, melding the customary with unexpected little twists. 

Check out the photos from this fabulous wedding!

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

The ceremony was at the renowned Holy Name Cathedral.

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

After the ceremony, a trolley whisked the bridal party away for photos around Chicago.

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

The reception took place at The School of the Art Institute Ballroom,

a hidden gem for Chicago weddings.

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

 A cookbook served as an unexpected guestbook, where guests could leave messages on the pages of recipes that strikes their fancy. 

As the couple uses the cookbook throughout their life, they will come across the well wishes of friends and family, reminding them of their big day.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

 The bride and groom sneak a peek from the balcony above before their grand entrance.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The Tablescape 

featuring a color scheme of gold, black, and white, with accents of natural green

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

The Place Setting

Menu cards atop classic gold chargers.

But the bow napkin fold adds a twist, making guests feel like they are unwrapping a gift as they sit down for dinner.

Envelopes emblazoned with "Lucky in Love" hid lottery ticket wedding favors inside.

Photo by Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, a tiered charlotte russe cake gave a splash of color.

This cake was a modern touch, by straying from the usual white wedding cake, yet also a throwback to yesteryear for this historical venue, as it was a once popular treat known as an "icebox" cake.

Photo by Katie Kett Photography

 Congratulations to Tracy & Mike!

Vendors:

Church - Holy Name Cathedral

Reception Venue - School of the Art Institute Ballroom

Photographer - Katie Kett Photography

Cake - Sugar Fixe

Florist - Westgate Flowers

Band - Momentum Talent Group

Wedding Planner - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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A Wedding Favor that Won't Be Left Behind

I had a lovely little surprise yesterday. When the UPS man knocked on the door, I couldn't imagine what he could be delivering. I wasn't expecting a package. I brought the package inside, and when I saw the label -- L.A. Burdick -- I instantly had to open it!

Burdick chocolates are some of the most delicious and most unique chocolates I have had! When I lived in Boston years ago, I was fortunate to visit their chocolate shop and indulge. The little box I got yesterday was a Valentine's gift from my wonderful parents. I opened up the wooden box, and there was an assortment of chocolate mice staring back at me!

Let's be honest -- this box of chocolates isn't going to make it until Valentine's Day! My husband was lucky he even got some! :)

I wanted to share this little story because my clients often wonder what to give guests as favors. They struggle to think of things that their guests will actually like and won't leave behind. So, I always advise to give favors that are either a  yummy treat or something practical that guests could actually use in their home.

Lo and behold, Burdick does wedding favors!

Many companies do chocolate favors. But what I love about the idea of Burdick favors is they aren't just a mini box of chocolates. Guests get a little surprise when they open a box and see adorable chocolate mice, complete with silky tails, or debonair little penguins staring back. So, it's a favor that is delicious but also has a touch of whimsy to it that will make guests smile. If a guest were to leave this favor behind, rest assured, I would grab it up!

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Mary & Chris: Fabulous Fall with a Holiday Flair

With a wedding coming up this weekend at the beautiful Wilder Mansion, I thought I'd give a peak at last year's fall wedding that took place there. Personalized details abounded that highlighted the couple's sense of humor. A special guest even paid a visit...can you guess who?

Check out the fabulous photos by Mau Loa Photography:

Love those fall colors!

The  Groom awaits the First Look of his beautiful bride.

 

              Instead of programs and menu cards, these decorative chalkboards informed guests.

As a nod to the couple's last name, kites were the theme. Guests signed a kite as a guestbook.

And sharing photos was a "snap" with the couple's special wedding hashtag on Instagram.

Instead of escort cards, this board indicated the seating arrangements.

The custom cake topper showcased the kite theme.

The personalized koozie wedding favors were a cute (and useful) touch to the tablescape.

Nighttime at the Mansion

A hint who the special guest may be....

Santa Claus came to town!

Guests could take photos with Santa in preparation for the holiday season.

Congrats to Mary & Chris!

Wedding Vendors:

Venue - Wilder Mansion

Photographer - Mau Loa Photography

Hair & Makeup - Sandy Corral

Florist - Belmonte Florist

Cake - Courageous Cupcakes

DJ - T.B.M. Productions

Wedding Planning - Camille Victoria Weddings LLC

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First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...Then Comes Baby in the Baby Carriage

On July 29th, I welcomed my baby boy! He decided that he just couldn't wait any longer and made his appearance about a week and a half early. It's been a whirlwind, but a truly wonderful time.

Photo by Tim Coughlin Photographer

With my new addition, I am currently on maternity leave. If you need to reach me during this time, I will be answering e-mails, but it may take me just a little longer than usual to respond.  So, please bear with me, if you send an inquiry. I am still booking for the 2015 wedding season and dates are filling up fast.

Photo by Tim Coughlin Photographer

 I will be returning mid-September and am looking forward to my fall weddings and the 2015 season!

Happy Planning!

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Bridal Shower Etiquette

Bridal showers are a chance for friends and family to help a couple start their journey together, which, of course, involves showering them with gifts! If you find yourself in charge of planning a shower, here is a look at some classic shower etiquette with some modern twists.

Hostess with the Mostess 

The couple shouldn’t host their own bridal shower, as it can appear like a pursuit for presents. Traditionally, the maid of honor or bridesmaids host the shower. But now, it is acceptable for family friends, relatives, or even coworkers of the bride or groom to host. Often, a group of friends or relatives will come together to host the shower, which can help distribute tasks and expenses. If no one steps up to the plate, it’s now considered appropriate for even the mother of the bride or groom to host.

Who to Invite

The general rule of thumb to determine who to invite is simply that all bridal shower guests must also be invited to the wedding. The guest list is usually comprised of the female attendants, family, and friends of the bride. But nowadays, showers can be co-ed and may include the groom and his friends. When creating the guest list, remember to communicate with the bride for her guidance and approval.

What to Do

Of course, like any party, there should be food and drinks. Snacks, hors d’oeuvres, or desserts are perfectly appropriate. Just be sure to time the shower between mealtimes so guests are not expecting a full meal.

It has become customary to play a shower game. Just keep in mind the personality of the guest of honor and refrain from choosing games that may embarrass a shy or reserved bride. With some planning and help from the groom, a popular game can include trivia on how well the bride knows her groom-to-be. Nowadays, some showers even involve a planned activity, incorporating spa days or cooking classes.

Of course, at a shower, the gifts take centerstage, and a portion of the event is devoted to the bride opening her gifts. The hostess or another designated person should sit closely to take notes on who each gift comes from so that the bride can easily write thank you notes later.

What’s the Magic Number?

There isn’t a magic number of showers that is acceptable. However, if there will be multiple showers, try to invite different people to each one, so the same guests don’t feel obliged to buy multiple gifts. Also, if several showers are planned, it can be fun to vary the themes. While friends of the bride’s mom may throw a more traditional shower for housewares, the bridesmaids could throw a lingerie shower for an unexpected twist.

The Bride’s Role

After being showered with gifts, the bride should not forget to do a little gift-giving herself. The bride should give each hostess a small thank you gift at the end of the party. Items they can use in their own homes or gift cards to a restaurant or spa are appropriate gifts.

Planning a shower doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Modern day shower etiquette is flexible. Just keep in mind the personality of the bride. Happy Planning!


*Emily Fairbairn contributed to this article.

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