Creative and Unique Ceremony Music Ideas

Sherrie and Howard's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Scott Lewis Images

Many brides and grooms are personalizing their weddings more and more today. They are putting their own spin on the traditional wedding and making it their own. One way to personalize your wedding is through the ceremony music. 

Everyone is familiar with the traditional ceremony music such as Wagner's "Bridal Chorus" and Pachelbel's "Canon in D". Although this classic music is beautiful, it's a great idea to choose music that has a special meaning to you and your groom. 

We have all heard a song on the radio at one time and thought "That would make a great wedding song!" Think of songs that make you think of your groom or have a feeling of love and romance. Use those songs in your ceremony!

Don't forget to think about tv shows, movies, and musicals. There is a ton of great music from these sources. A personal favorite song, "Dream", comes from the movie Bride Wars. It is a beautiful song that would work great as you walk down the aisle. 

A few other songs from movies:

"Come What May" from Moulin Rouge

"Storybook Love" from The Princess Bride

"Wedding Processional" from The Sound of Music

"Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera

Along with the music, think about what types of instruments you want to play the music during the ceremony. A string quartet is traditional, but you could also have a piano, a harp, or guitar. A modern song can sound beautiful and classical played by one of these instruments. 

A few other songs to think about using:

"My Immortal" by Evanescense

"Christmas Cannon Rock" by Transiberian Orchestra

"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars

"Everlong" by Foo Fighters

"All I Want is You" by U2

"I Will" by The Beatles/Allison Krauss

"All You Need is Love" by The Beatles

"Grow Old With Me" by John Lennon

There are many types of songs to choose from! If you are looking for some modern songs that can sound classical by being played by classical instruments, head over to iTunes and check out Vitamin String Quartet. They play all kinds of music that you can hear on the radio but played by strings! The music that you select will show your personality and will create lasting memories for you and your groom. 

-Nicole

Jessica and Bob's Wedding

Jessica and Bob were married in October of last year at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. Jessica is an old friend of Erin- they've been friends since they were 10- so when Jessica told her she needed help planning her wedding in just 6 weeks, Erin jumped at the chance to help an old friend! Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple was married in a personal ceremony, officiated by Eric from Water Lily Weddings. After they kissed and were husband and wife, they headed downstairs to enjoy a delicious cocktail hour that the school had prepared for them. Their natural color scheme of greens and browns, was reflected in Jessica's lush bouquet and the centerpieces, created by Petals and Paints. Guests danced the night away to the music played by Time Productions. When the party was over, guests were given small jars of delicious jam! We're so happy that we were able to be a part of Jessica and Bob's big day and thank you to Jess for sending over these images!

Congratulations Jess and Bob!

Get to Know Proud to Plan: Megan

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Tell us about yourself:

I'm from Wilmington, DE, born and raised. After high school, I went 25 minutes down the highway to the lovely University of Delaware, where I am majoring in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management. I'll be graduating in May 2013 and I aspire to be in the event planning industry. I'm enjoying still growing up and searching for my place in the world while having a great time in college!

Where do you live?:

Newark, DE. I live right outside the University's campus with 3 of my friends in a townhouse! 

Give three words that best describe your personality:

Outgoing, vivacious, and driven!

How did you get involved in the event industry?:
Ever since high school, when I was one of four event chairs of the Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society, I fell in love with event planning. While most became overwhelmed by the stress, I thrived on it. Making all of the little things come together for one big event made the end product so worth it. I loved seeing the looks on everyone's faces and making an event where they could come together for a common bond of fighting cancer. I continued the fight into college where I am now an Event Co-Chair at the University of Delaware's Relay for Life. I love being part of an event that brings the University together for a common cause. While I love nonprofits, I've always loved weddings. So, I'm really excited to be given the opportunity to intern with Proud to Plan!

What's your favorite part of a couple's wedding day?:

I love the sheer joy emanating from the couple. The bride is glowing. Her white dress is elegant and pure. Her smile is flawless. She is so happy to be marrying the prince charming she had been dreaming about and seeing in movies her entire life. The groom is smiling from ear to ear. His sharp tux mixed with his touch of fidgety nervousness. He's as excited as a little boy on Christmas morning! I love being a part of their happiness. It's like living vicariously through their fairytale. 

When you're not doing events, what do you do?:

I am a student at the University of Delaware, so that keeps me EXTREMELY BUSY! From football games, to the fundraising events for Relay for Life, studying for tests, or hanging out with my friends. There is never a dull moment in college. 

Do you have any hobbies? Or what do you do for fun?: 

I am apart of the PCMA (Public Convention Management Association) at UD, I love cooking, reading a good book, and watching bad reality television (guilty as charged), and I like to be artsy every now and then. 

Fun question, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?:

Definitely TACOS!!! I am such a sucker for Mexican food, and tacos steal my heart every time. I had them at my birthday dinner and I love them so much. So many flavors in one food! I'm hungry just thinking about them. 

Get to Know Proud to Plan: Gina

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Tell us about yourself:

I graduated from Rider University with a degree in Public Relations, Event Planning and Advertising. I love to travel and plan fun outings for friends. I absolutely love the Fall because of the holidays, fall festivities and weather. I also like baking, cooking, dancing, and camping. 

Where do you live?:

Lawrenceville, NJ

Give us three words that best describe your personality: 

Passionate, Organized, Fun-loving

How did you get involved in the event industry?: 

Event planning was my minor in college. I worked part-time during school in a hotel sales and catering department, and became full-time upon graduation. I coordinated both meetings and social functions. 

What's your favorite part of a couple's wedding day?: 

Their first dance. They have finally arrived to the reception and start the fun off with their first dance as husband and wife. I love seeing what song they pick for each other and how sincere they are in this moment. 

When you're not doing events, what do you do?: 

I love going to the movies, the beach and hanging out with friends and family. 

Do you have any hobbies? Or what do you do for fun?: 

I love baking and trying new recipes. Cupcakes are my favorite. 

Fun questions, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?:

Cheese. I'm Italian, I just think everything tastes a little better with it.

Get to Know Proud to Plan: Jen

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Tell us about yourself:

I am a graduate of the University of Delaware with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Also, I recently got married. We were married last October, on the only day it snowed last year!

Where do you live?: 

My husband and I live in Fox Chase, in Northeast Philadelphia. 

Give us three words that best describe your personality:

Organized, Responsible, Loyal

How did you get involved in the event industry?:

In college, I had a few internships with nonprofit organizations focusing on their special events. Then, after college, I became involved in meeting planning, and now work as a meeting planner for a pharmaceutical company. 

What's your favorite part of a couple's wedding day?: 

I love that moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time, whether it is as the bride walks down the aisle or during a first reveal photo. It's amazing to be a part of that moment. Also, I love the wedding cake!

When you're not doing events, what do you do?: 

I love spending time with my family. Now that my sister and cousins are all over the place, I really cherish the times we have together. Also, since we are both so busy, I love when my husband and I can catch a movie or relax on the couch catching up on our favorite TV shows. 

Do you have any hobbies? Or what do you do for fun?: 

I love baking in my spare time. I also would love to learn how to cook. 

Fun question, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?:

Dessert! I have a bit of a sweet tooth. 

Floral and Non-Floral Bouquets and Boutonnieres

When it comes to bouquets and boutonnieres, the sky is the limit. From flower type, to bouquet shape there are so many options. But if you're not sold on a traditional bouquet of flowers, you can still have a gorgeous bouquet. 

Round, hand-tied bouquets seem to be the most common style, but lately I'm seeing more slightly less structured bouquets with wild flowers, as well as the occasional cascade. 

Bev and Chuck's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Lindsay Docherty Photography

Tracy and John's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Chris Humphreys Photography

Annemarie and Jimmy's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Other traditional options (some of which aren't seen very often) are nosegays, small, compact bouquets usually made up of one type of flower and no greenery; presentation bouquets, generally made of long stemmed flowers, held over the arm; tussy-mussy's, a Victorian style bouquet placed in a decorative holder; and pomanders or kissing balls. 

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A more somewhat unique option is a glamelia or composite bouquet, a bouquet that is made up of a single stemmed flower with the petals of many others wired around it to resemble one large bloom. It's a beautiful way to make a statement.

Jackie and Tom's Wedding
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

If you like the idea of a floral bouquet, but want to do something a bit different or unique, you could do a bouquet of flowers with curly willow accents. Or maybe even add some succulents and lotus pods. Even feathers or a large collar of greenery would make for an interesting type of bouquet that you don't see every day. 

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If you're looking for a non-floral bouquet, there are still a lot of great options! You could carry a bouquet of brooches and/or buttons. If you consider yourself quite crafty, you could even make paper, felt, fabric or beaded flowers to make and be able to keep your bouquet for a lifetime without having to worry about dying flowers! A bouquet made up of seashells, starfish and sand dollars would be perfect if you're having a beach or summer themed wedding. In the fall, you could incorporate leaves or mini pumpkins and gourds. 

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When it comes to boutonnieres you can be just as creative as you can with bouquets- just on a smaller scale. Just about any flower can be used in a boutonniere. You can do a single bloom, or dress it up with some greenery or berries. Or you can do a few smaller blooms. There are also lots of unique options, such as succulents, ferns, wild flowers, etc. 

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It's always nice to coordinate the groom's boutonniere with the bride's bouquet so whether you do a traditional floral bouquet or not, be sure to use the same medium for your groom's boutonniere. 

-Becky

Receiving Lines

There is a lot to consider when deciding whether to have a receiving line or not. Let's start with the basics of a traditional receiving line.

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Receiving lines allow you the opportunity to meet with and thank every guest individually. They also allow your guests face-to-face time with the VIPs of the night and offer their congratulations. Traditionally, the receiving line includes the bride's parents, the bride and groom, and the groom's parents, and typically occurs right after the ceremony. 

Here are some different variations:

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Receiving lines offer large weddings the opportunity to see everyone; however, this can take a substantial amount of time, so keep that in mind when planning your timeline. It takes approximately 20 seconds per guest, so for about 150 people, plan on about 45 minutes. 

Instead of the Traditional Receiving Line...

There are also other options you may choose instead of following the tradition.

Cocktail Hour- Mini-Receiving Line:

If you still want to include a receiving line, but modify it, consider this variation. If you have taken pictures beforehand, you may consider a mini-receiving line, as guests enter cocktail hour. You can ask parents to greet by the place card table and you and your groom can greet as guests enter. Should you choose this option, you may want to consider extending cocktail hour by 30 minutes to ensure you get to take part in cocktail hour festivities, too. 

Cocktail Hour- Mix & Mingle:

Forgoing a receiving line altogether, simply join your guests at the cocktail hour. Instead of having a separate bridal party cocktail room, you can meet and greet your guests during cocktail hour and use that time to eat, drink, and mingle throughout the room. 

Make Your Rounds Reception Style:

Greet guests at their tables during the reception. Make your way around the room to each table. This also allows for guests to take pictures with you and your groom. 

These variations ensure your guests do not have to wait in a long line to see you. This can be frustrating for guests, especially if weather conditions are a concern. 

Either way, when deciding to stick with tradition or modify your receiving line plan, the bottom line is to thank each of your guests for coming and sharing in this special occasion with you. 

-Gina