Proud to Plan: November 2013

New Video from Tweed Weddings

Millions of thank yous to our friends at Tweed Weddings for this amazing promo they've put together for Proud to Plan!! We have had the honor of working beside Tweed at some of the most gorgeous, amazing, unique, and FUN weddings, and we're so thrilled to have this snippet of some of those incredible moments, all in one place! Check out Tweed to see additional examples of their work- they are such a talented gang and we're very lucky to call them friends!

Wedding Planning Resources

Planning your wedding can seem like an overwhelming task to even the most organized and type A bride. Getting vendors secured on time, finalizing orders, keeping guests in the loop on plans, and attempting to have fun while doing it can be quite the challenge. The good news, there are many planning resources out there to help.

Wedding Inspiration Websites

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of wedding oriented websites that will give you great ideas for your wedding day. With so many to choose from though, it might be hard to figure out where to start. Here are some of my favorite websites to get your creative juices flowing:

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Books & Guides

When you're first getting started you may want to invest in a planning book or binder to help you get the process started. If you are looking to work with Proud to Plan on full planning, these books might not be for you, but if you are hoping to handle most of the planning yourself, and you want our help for day of coordination, these books might be a good place to start:

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Your Wedding Website

One of the most common and easiest wedding websites to create is through The Knot. Through their online program you can choose from over 100 design options and have your very own URL: brideslastnamegroomslastname.ourwedding.com. Through this site you can tell your guests your love story and share your proposal, give them details about your ceremony and reception, introduce them to your bridal party, and even link them to your registry. It's a simple location for guests to go to find out all the details for the day, and an easy way for you to keep details in order. A wedding website is a must!

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Wedding Planning Apps

Are you a bride on the go? Then a wedding planning app might just be the thing for you. Whether you're on Android or iOS, there are several wedding apps that can help with the planning process; did we mention some are free? Download one of these to get started:

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Wedding Happy- Wedding Planner
Wedding Wire
The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner
iWedding Deluxe
Wedding Budget (to keep track of your spending)
Seating Planner+ (to make your seating chart on the go)
Wedding Countdown (so you can know down to the second)
Pinterest (of course!)
Wedding Party (to keep track of pictures during and after the wedding)

Happy planning!

-Caitlin

Teaser Tuesday

Christina and Frank's wedding day was as perfect as they come! The girls started with Hair by Meghan and makeup by Cheekadee- and they looked gorgeous! Everyone was taken to the chapel at Villanova University for a beautiful Catholic ceremony, then the bridal party was led around campus for photos with Jennifer Childress and video shot by TLJ Studios. At Rivercrest, we were putting the finishing touches on the reception room. Gorgeous white centerpieces by Petals Lane were lit by Eventions and we added candles and gorgeous stationery to complete the look! Janis Nowlan Band had everyone on the dancefloor from start to finish, and at then end, Rivercrest had a midnight snack buffet of sliders, soft pretzels, ice cream sundaes, and a candy buffet! Oh, what a night- we really had a blast on this one! Congrats and best wishes to Christina and Frank!! -Erin

Reception Music Ideas

Music can be a big part of your wedding reception. And even if you don't have strong opinions on the type of music you want played at your reception, there are a few formalities where song choice is totally up to you. You can choose meaningful songs, or songs that reflect you and your new spouse, or just fun songs. For some inspiration, here are the songs the married ladies of Proud to Plan used for formalities at our receptions.

Introductions:

Parents-

Christie: Beautiful Day by U2

Erin: Darth Vader Imperial March

Jen: Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham

Becky: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Bridal Party-

Christie: I Got a Feelin' by Black Eyed Peas

Nicole: Crazy in Love by Beyonce

Erin: Rollercoaster of Love by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Lisa: Bridesmaids- Damn Girl by Justin Timberlake; Groomsmen- Thunderstruck by AC/DC

Laura: Paparazzi by Lady Gaga

Jen: Raise Your Glass by Pink

Bride and Groom-

Christie: Crazy in Love by Beyonce

Erin: So Fresh, So Clean by Outkast

Lisa: Forever by Chris Brown

Laura: Love You Madly by Cake

Jen: Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO

Annemarie: Shots by LMFAO

Becky: Lovely Day by Bill Withers

First Dance:

Christie: I'm Yours by Jason Mraz

Nicole: All I Want is You by U2

Erin and Lisa: Better Together by Jack Johnson

Laura: This Will Be Our Year by The Zombies

Jen: I Do by Dashboard Confessional

Annemarie: Whatever It Is by Zac Brown Band

Becky: If I Didn't Have You by Amanda Marshall

Father/Daughter Dance:

Christie: Arms Wide Open by Creed

Nicole: Medley of Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart and My Girl by The Temptations

Erin: You Are My Special Angel by Bobby Helms

Lisa: In My Life by The Beatles

Laura: Dancin' on Daddy's Shoes by Leon Redbone

Jen: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Becky: My Girl by The Temptations

Mother/Son Dance:

Christie: Forever Young by Rod Stewart

Nicole: Sunrise, Sunset

Erin: In My Life by The Beatles

Laura: You'll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins

Jen: Mama by Boyz II Men

Becky: Close to You by The Carpenters

Cake Cutting:

Christie and Becky: How Sweet It Is by James Taylor

Nicole: That's Amore

Erin: Cake was unannounced, in another room, but my favorite wedding song "Apache" was playing during it

Lisa: Save Room by John Legend

Annemarie: Candy Shop by 50 Cent

Bouquet Toss:

Christie and Jen: Single Ladies by Beyonce

Erin: Rag Doll by Aerosmith

Garter Removal:

Christie: Wild Thing

Garter Replacement:

Christie: Right Round

Erin: Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard

Anniversary Dance:

Christie: Through the Years by Kenny Rogers

Laura: What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

Last Song of the Night:

Christie: I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz

Nicole: Save the Last Dance for Me by Michael Buble

Lisa: Philadelphia Eagles Chant

Laura: Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

-Becky

What I Would Do Differently {Jen}

Let me start off this post by saying that my wedding was one of the happiest days of my life. The day was incredible and I was just so happy to be marrying my husband. However, after almost 2 years of marriage, and working numerous weddings, there are a few things I would have possibly done differently.

Hire Proud to Plan

Our wedding is perfect example of how you can't plan for everything. The day of our wedding was a crazy snowstorm...in October! I never could have imagined as we were planning our beautiful fall wedding that it would snow! It would have been extremely helpful to have the Proud to Plan coordinators onsite to assist with dealing with all this craziness...vendors that were late due to the weather, cars that wouldn't start, etc. Since we did not have a wedding planner, this fell to me, my mom, and my sister to handle. It would have been much less stressful to have this extra support.

Photo List

There are a few family pictures that we did not get the day of my wedding. Granted, our photo process was a little crazy due to the weather and limited timing to take photos indoors at the church and reception. It is so important to have the conversation with your photographer about what pictures are important to you. I didn't even realize until after our wedding that I didn't get a picture with my parents and sister, or with my sister and 4 cousins (the 6 of us have grown up like sisters). Looking back, I definitely would have been more detailed with my "Must Take Photo" list.

Add a Candy Buffet

This is such a minor detail, but in working so many weddings, people love candy buffets! I have seen so many creative displays and I think it is such a fun gift for your guests!

Looking back, I have the best memories from my wedding day. The important thing is to remember what is important and not stress over anything that didn't go perfectly!

-Jen

Teaser Tuesday

Saturday was absolutely beautiful for Christina and Sean! The day started with Gloss Salon coming to the hotel to pamper the bride and bridesmaids by doing their hair and makeup. Then American Trolley Tours arrived to take the bridal party to St. Thomas the Apostle Church for the ceremony. The church was gorgeous- with beautiful stained class and high ceilings. Susan Stripling Photography was hand to capture some AMAZING images throughout the day, along with our awesome friends at Tweed Weddings. After the ceremony the bridal party traveled to Gibraltar Gardens for some pictures and then made their way back to Hotel DuPont for the reception. The Gold Ballroom looked amazing with floral arrangements by Sweet Peas of Jennersville and uplighting provided by the hotel. The bride and groom asked guests to sign their favorite vintage books instead of using a traditional guest book and the guests LOVED it! Time Machine Band kept the party going all night by playing some of the bride and groom's favorite songs and guests were able to have some fun in the photobooth provided by GoFestive! Everyone was having such a great time, it was hard to believe the end of the night came so quickly! Thanks to Susan for these incredible teasers! Congrats to Christina and Sean, we wish you lots of love!!

Saturday was also gorgeous at the beach for Kim & Regan's wedding day at Rehoboth Beach Country Club! The day kicked off with hair and makeup at Made Ya Look Salon, then the bride & groom headed over to the club to get dressed and have their first look. The groom's first glance of the bride took place on the dock, overlooking the bay and there was nothing but sunshine for this awesome couple! Synergetic Sound and Lighting did an incredible job draping the club's pergola with fabric and hanging the bride's chandaliere, and then Bayberry Flowers embellished the ceremony area with gorgeous florals in shades of blush and cream. The ceremony by Judge Lee was very special in that the bride and groom exchanged personal, handwritten vows, and included "Falling In Love is like Owning a Dog" as a reading and also had a Blessing of the Hands. Once the ceremony was over, guests were escorted into a clear topped tent, draped in string lights by Synergetic- which looked amazing!! Kim & Regan did their first dance under the lights, then guests moved upstairs to kick off the reception! We were fortunate enough to get to do their invites, programs, table numbers and more- everything looked gorgeous in shimmery pearl, blush pink, and a nautical navy & white stripe! The dinner tables were dressed in navy pintuck linens, gold beaded chargers, custom personalized menus, and Bayberry created lush and elegant floral arrangements that were dripping with crystals! We also used stemmed votives with floating candles to enhance each centerpiece- it looked gorgeous, highlighted by the pinspots and blush uplighting provided by Synergetic. The club executed a custom menu, created by Kim & Regan, and Sweet Art created a beautiful cake full of bling! The entire day was captured by Serendipity Studios and Black Label Films, who were visiting from Miami, Florida! Matt Bowyer from Synergetic handled the emcee and DJ responsibilities while The Gypsy Wisdom Band rocked the house. It was a magical day, full of beautiful details and lots of love! Congrats to Kim & Regan- wishing you a lifetime of laughter!!

Last Dance Song Ideas

It's finally come to the end of your wedding night. You've hopefully made it through the day in one piece. It's time for you to share one last memory with your guests. The last song of the night gives you that opportunity. Whether you want the evening to end with a bang or slow things down and cherish those last lingering moments, here are a few suggestions to cap off the day.

Latda and Troy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Rob Korb Photography

Rock/Alternative/Punk

Starlight by Muse

To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High) by Ryan Adams

Closing Times by Semisonic

I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked by Ida Maria

Howlin' For You by The Black Keys

Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry

To Be With You by Mr. Big

The Distance by Cake

Indie/Folk/Country

Stubborn Love by The Lumineers

Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap

You & I by Ingrid Michaelson

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones

This Year's Love by David Gray

One and Only by Teitur

Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show

I Feel It All/ My Moon My Man by Feist

Pop/Dance

Save the Last Dance for Me by Michael Buble

Carry On by fun.

Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding

Your Love is My Drug by Kesha

Treasure by Bruno Mars

Pretty Please by Estelle

One More Time/Get Lucky by Daft Punk

Sophia and Nick's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Alyssa Maloof Photography

Classic Pop/Disco/Motown

Don't Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston

Don't Stop Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson

(I've Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Last Dance by Donna Summer

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond

Why Do Fools Fall in Love by Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers

You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oates

Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations

Right Back Where We Started From by Maxine Nightingale

Wouldn't It Be Nice by The Beach Boys

Classic Rock/Punk

Somebody to Love by Queen

You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC

Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash

Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

Golden Years by David Bowie

Feel Like Making Love by Bad Company

Katie and Jake's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Barnyard Photography

When it's all said and done, pick something that you know you and your guests will enjoy. Throw caution to the wind and just have fun with it. Or you can go the traditional route if you'd rather a more heartfelt sendoff. No matter what, cherish the memories made and soak in the last bit of wedding day bliss while you still can.

-Melanie

The Bar

A great bar is often the key to a great cocktail hour and wedding reception. So without further ado, here are some ways you can make your wedding bar stand out above the rest.

Liquor Bar

Choose your favorite liquor, in this case brandy, and serve several special varieties of it for guests while allowing them to do a tasting of each one!

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Beer Bar

Craft beers are growing more popular by the second. Select several local or unique craft brews and pair them with peanuts and other bar snacks!

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Wine Bar

Are you both wine lovers? Share your love of wine with your guests by featuring wine from your favorite local vineyard, even pair it with cheese or chocolates and serve it during cocktail hour.

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Champagne Bar

I love this idea of a champagne bar with fresh fruits that guests can garnish with! It's a great idea for before the ceremony or even for brunch the next day!

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Butlered Drinks

Worried about a long line at the bar at your wedding? Serve butlered drinks to guests including these mini margaritas in Patron bottles.

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Late Night Drinks

Perfect for after dessert or a winter wedding, serve spiked hot chocolate and Irish coffee to guests.

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Kids Cocktails

Don't forget something to make the kids feel special too! These milk and cookie cocktails are perfect for your younger wedding guests!

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Coasters

Give your guests these coasters and ask them to write down their wedding advice or use these other great coasters to make sure the catering staff doesn't take away your guests' drinks!

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Bar Napkins

Personalized bar napkins are a cheap and easy way to add to your bar, keep it simple with your initials and wedding date, or make it personal with your favorite quote.

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Straws & Flags

Choose straws that match your wedding colors and add these fun flags to them for an extra touch!

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Drink Umbrellas

I love these drink umbrellas especially for cocktail hour!

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Initial Jar

Purchase these initial jars in bulk for your cocktail hour and reception and then use them in your home after the wedding!

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Pick Your Own Glass

Have guests choose their own glass for the night, even add a way for them to personalize it so they can keep it with them!

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-Caitlin

What I Would Do Differently {Nicole}

I absolutely loved my wedding day. It's one of my favorite days and I have such great memories that I wouldn't want to change a thing. However, if money was no object, I think I would add a few things to make the day even better.

Bridesmaids "Getting Ready" Outfits

I loved getting ready with my bridesmaids the morning of my wedding. I would have loved to have gotten ready with them in cute matching robes or comfy sweatpants like these:

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Signage

We didn't do a whole lot of signage for the wedding. I would have loved to create fun ceremony signs, menus, or chair signs like these at our ceremony and reception.

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Place Cards

We had simple place cards for our guests. I think these would have been fun alternatives.

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Cake

We had the most delicious cake at our wedding. I would not want to change that! However, the design was simple and elegant. If I wanted to spice things up, I think these would have been some fun cake designs to have at the wedding.

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My wedding was a great day and the perfect way to kick off married life with my husband!

-Nicole

Teaser Tuesday

Luck was on Brittany and Zack’s side when Mother Nature gave them a 70-degree beautiful wedding day in November! It all happened at Greenville Country Club with an outdoor ceremony in the garden and the reception outside under their heated tent. Duette Hairand Makeup Designs made Brittany and her girls look even more gorgeous, while we worked downstairs to make the reception tent come to life. The tables were decorated with birch votives and babies breath, by Janssen’s Market, which were all arranged on our rental glass candle stands. JMW Entertainment washed the tent ceiling with light cloud pattern adding a lot of dimension to the space- it looked awesome paired with the checkerboard dance floor! Inside in the main room, Rebecca from Crown Jewel Cakes displayed five beautiful and unique cakes that were all placed on large birch slabs on one round table. We added a “We Do” sign and the bride’s bouquet to complete the cake table display. After cutting one of the cakes, guests were invited out onto the patio to roast s’mores in the fire pit we set up right outside under the ivy. John Wolk from JMW Entertainment also kept the guests entertained on the dance floor to a variety of music including some songs that Brittany and Zack danced to while attending proms in high school. Kate Connolly from Off Beet Productions caught all of the happy moments on camera and we are dying to see them! Congrats to Brittany and Zack on their perfect wedding day!!

Meg and Mike's Wedding

We have another beautiful Congress Hall wedding to share with you today! Meg and Mike were a great couple hired us for partial planning of their wedding day. The big day started with hair and makeup in Founders' Hall before getting dressed. Meg's bridesmaids wore a bright blue color and when they put their bouquets up against them, it was exactly what Meg was envisioning! Meg's dress was AMAZING and she even had custom shoes made! Once she was dressed it was off to the reveal meeting to see Mike. They were so excited to see each other! They took most of their formal photos and photos with their bridal party before heading back inside before the ceremony. The ceremony was held on the lawn and the aisle was decorated with flower petals and the couple were married under a beautiful Huppah created by Manic Botanic. The couple decided to honor Mike's mother by placing a bouquet on the seat where she would have sat and then we moved it inside for the reception and placed it with photos of the groom and his mother together. It was a really sweet and personal touch and was a great way to honor his mom. When Erin first met with the couple, they only had a venue and a color scheme and needed help pulling everything else together. We helped them design the room with touches of nautical stripes and amazing pops of bright colors in the florals- the tables looked incredible when they were all set! To match this color scheme, we created all of the day of stationery with blue and white stripe accents. Synergetic Sound and Lighting pinspotted the centerpieces and uplit the ballroom in blue which finished off the look we were aiming for! When it came time to get the party started, CTO 5th Avenue played everyone's favorite songs and had the dance floor packed all night long! If guests wanted to take a break from dancing, they were able to enjoy the delicious candy buffet that we set up. After you check out the wonderful pictures from Joy Moody, be sure to keep scrolling to check out the highlight video from Blossom Productions! A great team of wedding professionals really made this wedding picture perfect!

Congratulations Meg and Mike!

Ceremony & Reception: Congress Hall

Photography: Joy Moody Photography

Videography: Blossom Productions

Entertainment: CTO 5th Avenue

Florist: Manic Botanic

Hair: Karen Capcino

Makeup: Cheekadee

Lighting: Synergetic Sound and Lighting

Coordinators: Erin, Christie, and Nicole