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.

By Susan & Stephanie

Wedding Toasts/Speeches are one of many memorable pieces of a wedding reception.  This memory will stay with the bride and groom forever so, if you are the best man or maid of honor, you’ll want to ensure you create that memorable speech that they’ll treasure.

You might be saying to yourself, “I don’t like to give speeches or talk in front of others” but it’s really okay!  Many people are uncomfortable speaking in front of others. If you speak from the heart the words will flow, but we definitely recommend writing your thoughts down so you have some sort of outline of what you’d like to cover. Keep it under about three minutes because people tend to lose focus easily. Here is a breakdown of the anatomy of a wedding speech:

• Opening: Many people start of their speech with a joke to break the ice and their nerves.
• Compliments: Compliment the bride, bridal party and guests (ie: I have never seen such an amazingly beautiful bride or crowd)followed by letting everyone there know who they are and how they know the couple
• Introduction: Introduce yourself and your relationship to the bride or groom.
• Story: Tell a story of how the couple met and your involvement or when you knew that their partner was different from all the others. It’s fun to joke during this time, but don’t include intimate details that would embarrass the couple. Check out the information below for questions that might help with the stories.
• Advice: Give any advice that you think is applicable. Ask your parents or any successful couple about why they have lasted and share this with your best friend. It might just save their marriage.
• Wishes for the Couple: Here is where you may get a little emotional and tell them about what you hope for in their future (ie: I wish you both the best in life and love).
• Toast: Raise your glass and ask guests to do so as well, and toast to the newlyweds.

If you are still struggling as to what you’ll be saying, think about what you know about the bride and the groom. You don’t need to mention lots of things, but those things that you love about each of them and about them together. Don’t forget the funny or crazy stuff you know about each of them also. Some questions you may want to ask yourself to prepare the speech are:

• How did you become friends and what makes your friendship special?
• What special moments as a family member do you have with either/or both of them?
• How did the couple meet?
• Why do you think they belong together?

If you need to read from a written speech, go ahead!  That’s okay too!  Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about the bride and groom.  The bride and groom will appreciate anything you say or do.  Just relax, speak from the heart and let it happen.

On an added note, sometimes speeches are also given by the Father and Mother of the Bride, the Father and Mother of the Groom, and other close family members.  This is a great opportunity for the bride and groom to thank and toast their guests if they have not been able to make it to all the tables or if they did not do a receiving line.

The internet is full of information about this subject.  You can even find examples of speeches you can use.  All you’ll have to do is fill in the right information. Do some research if you need to, but it’s important to get it done ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about it at the last minute.

Here’s to the husband
And here’s to the wife;
May they remain
Lovers for life.
– Traditional toast

A toast to love and laughter, and happily ever after.
– Traditional toast

Beyond your wedding dress shopping, finding a dress for your bridesmaids can just as daunting. So we’ve “maid” it a little easier on you with a local resource guide for some of San Antonio’s best bridesmaid dress shops:

Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic

Local Resources:

Alfred Angelo: http://bit.ly/aabridesmaids

Two locations in San Antonio:

• 9951 I-10 West
  San Antonio, TX 78230
  (210) 558-3168
• 209 Northwest Loop 410
  San Antonio, TX 78216
  (210) 530-5100

Hours of Operation:

M-F: 11 am to 8 pm
Sat: 10 am to 6 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm

Bella Bridesmaid: www.bellabridesmaid.com

5800 Broadway St #201
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 804-1000

Hours of Operation:

T-F: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat: 10 am to 5 pm
Sun-Mon: Closed

Designers: Alvina Valenta, Amsale, Anna Elyse, Badgley Mischka, Carol Hannah, Coren Moore, Jenny Yoo, Love by Enzoani, LulaKate Bridal, Priscilla of Boston, Melissa Sweet, Monique Lhuillier Maids, Simple Silhouettes, Two Birds

Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic

Bridal Galleria: http://www.sawhost.com/bridalgalleria/

7319 San Pedro Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 342-5752

Hours of Operation:

M-F: 10:30 am to 7 pm
Sat: 10 am to 6 pm
Sun: Closed

David’s Bridal: http://www.davidsbridal.com/Browse_Bridal-Party

Two locations in San Antonio:

• 5841 NW Loop 410
  San Antonio, TX 78238
  (210) 680-5094
• 125 NW Loop 410 (Plaza del Norte)
  San Antonio, TX 78216
  (210) 340-5385

Hours of Operation:

M-F: 11 am to 9 pm
Sat: 10 am to 7 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm

Julian Gold:  www.juliangold.com

4109 McCullough

Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic

San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 824-2493

Hours of Operation:

M-Sat: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Sun: Closed

Designers: Amsale, Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston, Lazaro, Bill Levkoff, Watters & Watters

Nordstrom’s: http://bit.ly/Nordstromsbridesmaids

Nordstrom The Shops at La Cantera
15900 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210)332-1900

Hours of Operation:

M-Sat: 10 am to 9 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm

Designers: ABS by Allen Schwartz, Adrianna Papell, Adrianna Papell Day, Aidan Mattox, Alexia Admor, Amsale, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Betsy & Adam, Cachet, Calvin Klein, David Meister, Donna Morgan, Donna Ricco, Elie Tahari, Eliza J, Ellen Tracy, Glint, Halston Heritage, JS Boutique, JS Collections, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Maggy London, Max & Cleo, ML Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids, Nicole Miller, Patra, Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique, Tadashi Shoji, Tahari by Arthur S. Levine, Taylor Dresses, Xscape

The Bridal Connection: www.bridalconnectionsa.com/

6909 N Loop 1604 E
San Antonio, TX 78266
(210) 967-4696

Hours of Operation:

Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic

M-F: 11 am to 7 pm
Sat: 10 am to 7 pm
Sun: 12 pm to 6 pm

Designers: After 6 by The Dessy Group, Mori Lee, Alexia, Bari Jay, Forever Yours, Eden Bridals, bill Levkoff, Mary’s Bridal

The Bridal Salon of San Antonio: www.bridalsalonsa.com/

2150 East Hildebrand Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78209-6333
(210) 828-7931

Hours of Operation:

T-Sat: 10 am to 5 pm
Sun-Mon: closed

Designers: Watters & Watters, Wtoo, Vera Wang Maids, Jim Hjelm Occasions & Separates, The Dessy Group

There are also tons and tons (we really mean tons) of resources online that you can order from as well. Here are some unique choices that you may already shop at already!

Online Resources:

J Crew: http://www.jcrew.com/wedding/Wedding_Bridesmaid/bridesmaidpartydresses.jsp

Photo Credit: Alamo Photographic

The Dessy Group: www.dessy.com/bridesmaid-dresses/

The Limited: http://bit.ly/limitedbridesmaids

White House Black Market: http://bit.ly/whbmbridesmaids

And remember, think about your bridesmaids feelings and budget before choosing the dress. You will be in their shoes one day too! Happy planning!

You asked and we listened! We have had a couple clients and vendors recommend adding Cowgirls Unlimited to our list of approved bar services because of their stellar customer service and great prices. Cowgirls Unlimited has been servicing San Antonio’s events for over 10 years. With what started as a small idea to provide bartenders for events serving alcohol has blossomed into a full-fledged operation that serves between 100-125 events per year.

We sat down to talk to Jen Tyson, owner of Cowgirls Unlimited and asked her a few questions:

(PL) What sets Cowgirls Unlimited apart from other bar services in San Antonio?

(JT) We are absolutely 100% professional in everything we do from answering the 1^st phone call to the very end of the special event.  10 years ago, we were the only company in San Antonio who operated in this sort of fashion.  We are an all-female group who can adjust to any and all, casual or formal, special events.  We firmly believe our staff personalities are extremely friendly, kind and catering to all of our client’s needs.  There is also no limit to our services as we can customize any order to fit each client’s needs and budget.

(PL) Do you provide clients with guidelines for the amount of alcohol they should provide for their guests?

(JT) Yes.

(PL) What other services do you offer besides bar service?

(JT) We focus 100% on the bar area.  We want to ensure our clients have the best experience when it comes to their special events.  Alcohol is such a popular but dangerous category so we want to make sure that everyone has a great time but remains safe while doing so.  We also want to make sure that our clients get the most value for their budgets.  Whether they choose an open/hosted bar, cash bar or just want to hire our bartending staff only for what they choose to provide, we always was to make sure everyone is happy in the process.

(PL) What do you hope to get out of a relationship with Plaza Lecea?

As with all our vendor relationships, we want to make sure that everyone involved in the event has a great experience with our services.  We always strive to make processes quick, easy and clean.  Upon gaining 100% trust from our vendors and facilities, we believe the entire process from beginning to end always goes much quicker and smoother.  Then in turn, we hope the healthy facility relationship with us is transferred over to each and every client and their served guests.

(PL) Is there anything else you would like to include?

We never want to disappoint anyone!  We not only cater to our clients but we are also very friendly and kind to other vendors that may be working the event as well.  Positive relationships with everyone is very important to us!

If you’d like to get in touch with Jen Tyson and Cowgirls Unlimited for your next event, check her out on the web at http://www.cowgirlsunlimited.com/index.aspx or at 210.872.8746. We’ll cheer to that!