What is in a song? How do you choose the wedding song that will be the intro to your new life as Mr. & Mrs.? Is it your “song” as you were a couple? Is it a traditional wedding song? Or is it a totally new song that you came up with while you were engaged? My husband and I were married six years ago, and dated for ten years before that. There were many songs that came in and out of our relationship. When we first started dating, we were fifteen years old and picked a popular song at that time for our song, “I Can Love You Like That” by All for One. From then we had other songs that came to have special meanings like “Amazed” by Lone Star. When it came time to choose a wedding song, we had a tough decision to make. We did not want to pick “I Can Love You Like That” because we felt it was a childish song and not right for us anymore….we did not want to pick “Amazed” cause it was a popular wedding song at the time and we wanted a song for us. After searching, my husband-to-be came home with the perfect song, “You and Me” by Lifehouse. This was not a highly popular song at the time and the words were perfect. At the wedding, the beat of this elody was heaven to my ears as we danced as husband and wife. Today, six years later, when I hear that song; I am right back on that dance floor in my wedding dress dancing with my husband.

Make sure when you choose a wedding song, you pick something that will never go out of style and you will never get tired of hearing.

Here are the Top 10 Wedding Songs of 2011
1. Everything by Michael Buble
2. Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
3. At Last by Etta James
4. Amazed by Lonestar
5. Make You Feel My Love by Adele
6. Greatest Day by Take That
7. (I’ve Had) the time of my life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (from Dirty Dancing)
8. One Day Like This by Elbow
9. Better Together by Jack Johnson
10. You’re the First, the Last, My Everything by Barry White

A Love Story

Hi Everyone! My name is Josephine and I'm engaged to the most wonderful man in the world! I just wanted to share my engagement story with you for a snap shot of the history my fiance and I have and the future we are building we each other! I was friends with my fiance for 5 years before we started dating, so we knew all of each others inperfections and quirks by the time we entered a relationship. So, fast forward 6 years which brings us to the day of our engagement! I have to start by saying that my fiance is very in touch with his emotions! So, when he said all he wanted for his birthday was a trip to Cape May, NJ where we could spend the weeked and take professional pictures on the beach for our first portrait together, I thought nothing of the request! We stayed at Congress Hall for the weekend and started the weekend with a trip to Cape May Day Spa which was perfect! That Sunday, dressed in a white sundress and him with a white buttom up and jeans, the photographer began taking pictures of us on what the locals in the area call "sunset" beach. The name fits the location perfectly. The day could not have been more picturesque! As we were posing for our shots, I noticed 2 tuxedo-clad men with violins stepping onto the beach. Still oblivious, I thought nothing of this and still had no idea of what was about to happen! Before I knew it, I began to hear violins playing Cannon in D behind me. When I turned back to my fiance, I found him down on one knee with "the ring". I was so surprised and the best part is our photogropher did not stop taking pictures! I shouted YES! as a crowd emerged to congratulate us. It was such a beautiful moment and the pictures that came from the day ended up as our engagement pictures which we shared with our family and friends!

Bands vs. DJs

Once the guests are fed, it is time to head towards the dance floor. To hire a DJ, or a live band--that is the question. Well, it depends on your wants and needs for your wedding celebration.

What’s your style?

We all know music is essential for a fun and memorable reception. Are you a night of Iggy Pop or Sinatra? Or perhaps, Earth, Wind, and Fire? Whether you hire a DJ or a live band, we can all agree that both will be able to provide a night of classic hits across the decades while remaining true to the style of your wedding.

Consider how much variety you want during your reception. A well-tuned band will be able to play to the style of your wedding, but may lack in the ability to play songs at request, unlike a DJ. An experienced DJ should have no problem providing great variety and flexibility throughout the night because of the vast repertoire of music he/she is sure to have on hand.

What is your budget?

Any professional DJ or band will be able to flow with the theme of your wedding; but who best fits your budget? Generally, bands cost more than DJs, especially ensembles with 7-12 musicians. The more people you have in a band, the more people you have to pay. Capisci? The style of music you want to be played, the number of songs you requested, the number of hours hired, and the amount of rehearsal time needed for your wedding are all factors that will influence the price when hiring a wedding band.

But of course, bands are not always more expensive than DJs---when hiring a celebrity DJ, for instance. There, you might be paying double or triple the amount if you hired a local wedding band.

Let’s run some numbers. A professional wedding band, depending on the number of people, may cost $1500-$3,000 and up. On the other hand, a typical wedding DJ may cost $800-$1,500+. These numbers will vary depending on the time of the year and what part of the country you reside.

All things considered…

Choose the best type of entertainment that will make your big day unforgettable. Demand a high expectation from those you hire. But, the question still remains. Which would you prefer? A live performance by a stellar wedding band that is sure to create an electric vibe throughout the night or someone who has mastered the art of playing the iPod? --- Your fiancé’s little brother’s high school garage band or an engaging disc jockey that is able to keep the guests up and dancing all night?

Say Yes to the Dress

Ladies, have you said YES TO THE DRESS? Many brides to be, non brides and even some past brides are very familiar with the phrase "So are you saying yes to the dress?"; this phrase is the trademark of Kleinfield bridal salon in NYC and heard on the hit TV show "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC.

A friend of mine has been in search for her dream dress for months. She has been trying on gowns all over South Jersey and Philadelphia and was not coming up with that perfect look. She liked parts of this dress and parts of that dress, a dress from this salon and a dress from that salon. After thinking about the purchase of a dress (and getting a little stressed), she knew she wanted to see all of her options in one location...then she thought of Kleinfield Bridal. She called the shop, which is located in Manhattan and asked if they had the designers she was interested in. They did! An appointment was made, and she was off to NYC.

She arrived at her appointment early thinking it would be a mad house. Although it was crowded, she was called back at her exact appointment time. The crowds were groups of people with other brides, although you are only allowed to bring 5 people with you. Once brought back to her private room, she was shown the dresses by the designers she asked and some others with in her price point. The original gown that she loved at a salon in South Jersey was there and became THE GOWN for her.

According to this bride-to-be, some special things they do at Kleinfield are:

1) During a trunk show, the designer is present and hands out autographed sketches of your gown

2) You receive special attention during a Trunk Show, and maybe even some special accommodations

3) Once you decide on a gown, the buyer comes out and measures you to ensure you are ordering the accurate size (as we all know wedding dress sizes are weird)

4) The sales reps are very knowledgeable of the gowns and told her things about the dresses that some salon reps in other locations did not

Some other things to keep in mind when considering Kleinfield Bridal....there is not any food or drink allowed, no photographs are permitted, you should call ahead to make sure they have the gowns you are interested in (or designer), see when the trunk shows are and although the alterations are highly priced - they are the best!

This bride to be bought a Romona Keveza gown and was assisted by Antonella, who was wonderful, she claimed.

Upcoming Trunk Show - Badgley Mischka 1/13 - 1/16