Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic

The mother and son dance is an expression in itself.  Your mother has had that maternal bond with you since your birth.  She has cared for you and made sure you were safe, fed and clothed.  Now she is passing that torch onto your wife. The song you choose can perfectly express the bond between you and your mother, can tell the story of your relationship, and is your opportunity to honor and thank her for all she has done for you.

Sit down with mama and go over some of these songs and see if any spark her interest:

Classics:

• A Song for Mama –Boys II Men
• Blessed –Elton John
• Close to You –The Carpenters
• In My Life –The Beatles
• What a Wonderful World –Louis Armstrong
• You are the Sunshine of My Life –Stevie Wonder
• Simple Man –Lyrnyrd Skynyrd
• First Lady in My Life-Paul Todd
• Stand by Me –Ben E. King
• First Time I Saw Your Face –Roberta Flack
• Sunrise, Sunset –Steve Kirwan

Country:

• I Hope You Dance –LeAnn Womack
• Heart to Heart –Toby Keith
• The Best Day –Taylor Swift
• Angels –Randy Travis
• It’s Your Song –Garth Brooks
• I’ll Be –Reba McEntire

Modern classics:

• Hero –Mariah Carey
• Wind Beneath My Wings –Gary Morris
• Greatest Love of All –Whitney Houston

Not so mainstream:

• Dear Mama –Tupac

So many of the mother-son and father-daughter songs are interchangeable; don’t feel like you can’t do The Beatles’ In My Life with your dad just because it’s on this list. Listen to the lyrics and what speaks to you and your mother or father. And remember that you can always do a google search to help in this quest…last time we checked there was about 2 million hits about this topic, so you are sure to find something you can dance to!

Finding the perfect song to dance to with your father might be just as important (and challenging) as your first dance song with your husband. What song embodies your relationship with your father? Are you considering a song that reminds you of your childhood or rather a song that you and your dad loved together? Reflect on what aspect you’d like to share with your dad on your wedding day and definitely ask for his input. He might have a song that he always envisioned dancing to with you on your wedding day. It is also his time to celebrate the relationship that you two have and to pass your hand onto your husband.

Why not ask dad about some of these songs? It might get the juices flowing:

Classics:

• My Girl –Temptations
• Landslide –Fleetwood Mac
• The Way You Look Tonight –Frank Sinatra
• Butterfly Kisses –Bob Carlisle
• American Girl –Tom Petty
• Unforgettable –Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole Duet
• Through the Years –Kenny Rogers
• Isn’t She Lovely –Stevie Wonder
• She’s Leaving Home –The Beatles

Country:

• My Wish –Rascal Flatts
• I Loved Her First –Heartland
• My Little Girl –Tim McGraw
• Daddy’s Hands –Holly Dunn
• There Goes My Life –Kenny Chesney
• My Father’s Eyes –Amy Grant

Modern classics:

• Daughters –John Mayer
• You Raise Me Up –Josh Groban
• Daddy, Let’s Dance –Jamie Tate
• Daddy’s Little Girl –Michael Bolton
• Lullaby –Billy Joel

Not so mainstream:

• You’ve Got A Friend –James Taylor
• My Darling –Wilco
• Rainbow Connection –Muppets

Also, if your father has passed away, or is not in your life, consider dancing with your mom, grandfather or even a favorite uncle for this dance. You can still have a special moment with this person who has meant so much to you.

There are so many traditional elements to a wedding that make up the day. From the first kiss to the first dance, we love them all! But today we are here to focus on first dance songs. Your first dance is one of the moments in your lifetime that defines you as a couple. It can show off your quirkiness or even your deeply romantic side. Whether you are classic, contemporary, a bit off beat or a country couple, choosing the genre and the song that means the most to you guys is super important. Think about the one song that has great meaning between for the two of you.  It may be the song that was playing when you first met, one that you always played while being together, or one that just tells your story.

Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling:

Classics:

• Unforgettable-Nat King Cole
• Can’t Help Falling in Love with You-Elvis Presley
• The Way You Look Tonight-Frank Sinatra
• It Had to Be You-Harry Connick, Jr.
• At Last-Etta James

Country:

• You Just Get Better All the Time-Tim McGraw
• Bless the Broken Road-Rascal Flatts
• I Cross My Heart-George Straight
• I Swear-John Michael Montgomery
• Making Memories of Us-Keith Urban
• It’s Your Love-Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
• Amazed-Lonestar
• From This Moment-Shania Twain

Modern classics:

• (There is) No Greater Love-Amy Winehouse
• You and I-Michael Buble
• For Once in My Life-Michael Buble
• Love Song-311 (The Cure)
• She-Elvis Costello
• Fade Into You-Mazzy Star
• I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing-Aerosmith

Not so mainstream:

• First Day of My Life-Bright Eyes
• I’m the Man Who Loves You-Wilco
• I Wanna Grow Old With You-Adam Sandler
• I’m Sticking With You-The Velvet Underground

For more resources, there are hundreds of pages on google when you search for wedding songs, but we love The Knot’s lists:  http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-music-ideas/articles/wedding-song-ideas-real-brides-must-play-lists.aspx

Or for a more unique selection, check out the Offbeat Bride’s blog here:  http://offbeatbride.com/2010/03/unique-first-dance-songs

And, always, always, always, consult with your DJ or Band. This is their whole world! They know the most songs and are able to steer you in the right direction!

by Laura, ECC

You’re not in the clear Mister!

While we all know that the bride-to-be has probably dreamt of her wedding day from as early as childhood, and more than likely has the colors picked, the dream location, and a long list of wedding musts.  That being said, it definitely does not mean the groom does not play a role in the planning process of the big day!  There are many things, besides being a supportive shoulder for his soon to be wife, that a groom can do that will help make the process a little less strenuous!  Here is a general list to help be sure that as a groom you have your basics covered!

Stage 1:
- Select a wedding date.

- Set a total wedding budget.
- Pick out your location. Keep in mind that venues book quickly, some book out a few years in advance, especially for the summer months and Saturdays, so make your reservation as quickly as possible.

- Go over caterer options that your venue accepts and find out the pricing for each plate.
- Choose your Best Man, Groomsmen and Ushers.  (For balance, many like to keep this number even with the number of bridesmaids).
- Start working on the guest list, keeping in mind your total budget.
- Meet with a Priest, Rabbi or Justice of the Peace, the choice is yours.
- Choose the music: Some choose to do a band or DJ.  (Meet personally, be sure they will make announcements and are well qualified and personable).

Stage 2: 6 months prior.
- Plan for your honeymoon and apply for a passport if needed.
- Shop for wedding rings.  (This is separate from the engagement ring and most jewelers will help you better understand your options).
- Finish up the guest list and mail out your save the dates.
- Check state requirements for blood tests and the marriage license.
- Secure transportation to the ceremony and reception.

Stage 3: 3 months prior.
- Order tuxes for or notify your Grooms, Best Man and Groomsmen to order their tuxes.
- Book your honeymoon.
- Order the wedding bands (rings).

Stage 4:  2 months prior.
- Meet with the person performing the ceremony to finalize details.
- Rehearsal Dinner: Plan it with your parents.

Stage 5:  1 month prior.
- Buy your bride a wedding gift.

- Schedule final fittings for tuxedos, and make sure all wedding attire has been ordered.
- Purchase gifts for Best Man, Groomsmen and Ushers.
- Take care of business and legal affairs. Add Bride’s name to insurance policies, medical plans and financial accounts.

Stage 6:  2 weeks prior.
- File for your marriage license with your bride-to-be.
- Attend your bachelor party and don’t forget to give them gifts as a thank you token.  Consider also mailing thank you cards.

Stage 7:  1 week to go!
- Pick up the tux
- Make sure Best Man and Ushers get their wedding attire
- Reconfirm all honeymoon reservations. If flying, make sure you have the plane tickets.
- Make sure your attendants are at the rehearsal and know their duties.
- Make sure your Ushers are aware of special seating arrangements.
- Bring your wedding license to the official at rehearsal. Be sure it is filled out properly so it can be signed and returned to you after your wedding.

- Make sure you know how to pin on the boutonniere and tie a tie!

Stage 8:  Typically day before…

- Attend your Rehearsal Dinner. Try getting there early to greet your family and bridal party.

- Go home and RELAX!!

The Wedding Day. Congratulations!
- Eat a good breakfast with carbs and protein to keep hunger at bay.  Avoid anything that might amplify a nervous and upset stomach!
- Make sure your luggage is in the trunk of your car or in the hotel room where you’ll stay on your wedding night.
- Get dressed. Start at least one hour before the ceremony.
- Give the Best Man the bride’s wedding ring.
- Prepare the official’s fee or gift in an envelope, and hand it to the best man so he can present it after the ceremony.

Keep in mind that here at Plaza Lecea, we are here to make your day as fun and memorable as possible.  With your booking, not only do we provide security, tables, chairs and linens, we also provide an event coordinator for your rehearsal and your wedding day to make sure your wedding goes according to YOUR plan!!