25 Non-Cheesy First-Dance Wedding Songs to Dance the Night Away

Posted on 22 May, 2013 by B&G

You’ve been thinking about every detail of your wedding since the day he slipped that ring on your finger… but you still might not have chosen the right music for your first dance yet!

Married Couple - First Dance

Although it’s quite a traditional feature, every wedding reception typically comes with:

the bride and groom’s first dance
the father-daughter dance
and the mother-son dance

These few minutes on the dance floor are looked upon by all of your guests, and are moments in time that have a significant meaning to the dancers and to your overall wedding reception. However, it’s a tough one to check off your to-do list because
a) there are just so many songs out there to choose from! And;
b) there are just so many cheesy songs out there to sift through!

So true.

To help you find the memorable songs of your dreams, we’ve created a list below with 25 non-cheesy wedding dance songs to honour each other, as well as your parents, on your special day.

Heart Shaped Sheet Music

The Bride & Groom – Dance 1

May I have this dance? We know you’re really excited for this first dance. You’ve been twirling around the house since he proposed, haven’t you? Come on, admit it. Before you hit the dance floor for the first time as a Mrs. (swoon), it’s important to consult with your significant other on your first-dance choice and come to find the song that speaks to both of you as a couple.

Most couples choose classics for their first dance, but some opt for something more modern. Just remember that you only get to have this dance once, so make sure it’s a song you’ll be glad you chose in 50 years from now!

Back in the Day: Classic Choices
1. At Last – Etta James
2. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
3. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
4. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
5. You Are The Best Thing – Ray La Montagne

Keeping it Current: Modern Day Selection
6. I And Love And You – The Avett Brothers
7. Thumper – The Wedding Band (Mumford & Sons)
8. This Years Love – David Gray
9. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
10. Better Together – Jack Johnson
11. Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
12. If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
13. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
14. You Got What I Need – Joshua Radin

Father of the Bride giving away Daughter

The Bride & the Father of the Bride – Dance 2

Daddy’s little girl. A dad is a girl’s first true love, so trying to decide what song to recognise him with at your wedding can take some serious thought. What songs did he sing to you as a kid? Is he listening to any current artists? Whatever song you choose for this emotional dance, don’t forget to tuck a handkerchief into your corset to dry those tears.

Heartfelt and Sentimental
15. Daughters – John Mayer
16. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
17. Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
18. When You Need Me – Bruce Springsteen
19. I Loved Her First – Heartland
20. Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

Groom and his Mother

The Groom & his Mother – Dance 3

Mum’s the word. Whatever you do, get the in-law situation started off right. Whether your groom is deeply involved in your wedding planning, or pretty hands-off, you should encourage him to have a hand in choosing the song he and his mother will dance to at the reception. Like the father-daughter dance, this tends to be a tear-filled experience for not only the groom and the mother, but for the guests as well.

Gentle and Meaningful
21. A Beautiful Day – Joshua Radin
22. How Sweet It Is – James Taylor
23. In My Life – The Beatles
24. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
25. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

Here are a few more tips to keep you on your toes… and off of his!

Two left feet. Unless you and your groom are extremely comfortable on the dance floor, do yourself a favour and take some dance lessons before your wedding. You’d be surprised how awkward a first dance can look if one or both of the dancers are inexperienced. Who wants to look or feel awkward on their wedding day? No one. For a list of places to take lessons in the U.K., visit Dancesport.

Jimmy Choo, who? Plenty of women are able to pull off four-inch stilettos in their day-to-day lives, but not many are able to dance in them all night under a 14-kilogram wedding gown. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, even if you change into them just before or halfway through the reception.

Take a step on the dance floor. No matter what the situation, deciding how to include your step-parents in your wedding can be the cause of a lot of stress. That said, remember that this is your wedding day, and you have to trust your instincts! If you’re close with your stepfather, you are welcome to dance with him in addition to your birth dad. The same can be said for your groom and his mum and stepmother. Do what feels right.

What were your first-dance songs? Share them with us! Post them on our Facebook page or let us know in the Comments section below.

Top 5 Things to Know for your Wedding Photography

Posted on 15 May, 2013 by B&G

When we chat with married ladies about their wedding day, we often ask them the question: “What’s the one thing you would have done differently?” Just ’cause we’re curious like that.

There are two common themes.

The first, the former bride says that she shouldn’t have stressed out so much and should have just enjoyed the ride. (Are you taking notes as you’re pulling out your hair over your to-do lists?)
The second is that she wishes she had hired a better photographer, or had the forethought to provide him or her with a bit more guidance.

Photos are such an important part of your wedding day! It goes by so fast and there’s only so much you can take in. A great photographer will capture mini moments all over your wedding; they will capture the true emotion of your wedding.

From unpredictable weather to communicating with your photographer, we have gathered FIVE top tips to get the perfect wedding photographs. No regrets.

1. Rain, rain, play away. We know you’re fighting off tears, but really, the forecast doesn’t have to be your worst enemy during your pre- or post-wedding photography session.Charlie Kingsland-Barrow from CKB Photography suggests being prepared for just about anything imaginable.

Ask your photographer if they know what to do when the weather isn’t that bright sunshine and blue skies that you had hoped for on your wedding day.

Ask if they have examples of their prior photography work in different inclement weather to get a good idea of what your big day might look like if it does rain.

But please don’t fret too much — some of the most spectacular photographs have been taken on a cloudy day. Come prepared with a cute umbrella and wellies, and you’ll make the most of it like the adorable couple above!

2. Point out a point person. With all of the excitement during your wedding preparation, make sure your photographer knows whom they can go to for any questions or help grouping folks together.

Chris Snowden from Time Photographic, says some brides prefer it to be themselves, but he suggests choosing a family member or a bridesmaid as the photographer’s go-to person for gathering the bridal party for group shots, organising your wedding accessories to be photographed while you’re getting ceremony-ready and making sure everything runs smoothly.

Good photographers will have a pre-wedding meeting with you and your groom to discuss certain shots that you would like for your wedding. This is the time to designate your photo point person.

3. Figure out formals. Formal photographs with the wedding party and your families can be chaotic, i.e. “where’s mum gone off to?!!”.

This is when your photographer will be looking for your go-to person to round up everyone to make the transition from the ceremony to photo session as smooth as possible… so that everyone can return to what they really want to be doing: ordering a cocktail.

John Alexander of John Alexander Photography advises to be prepared with a day-of shot list, complete with who is going to be in certain photos, and in what order you’d prefer them to be in. Then it’ll be done in a jiffy and you’ll have pretty pics to show for it!

Choosing a Wedding Photorapher

4. Choose wisely. When sniffing around for the right wedding photographer, scour their website for prior real weddings that they have photographed.

First, narrow it down to a couple of camera slingers who best suit your wedding style and theme.

Second, want the absolute perfect candid shots? Then pay special attention to the little details that they’ve captured in their wedding photography.

Are there unique captures of the bride and groom solo and together?
Did they shoot all of the small details like the cool wedding signs and bridal jewellery?
Did they nail the lighting?
Are the photos touched up well (smooth skin tones and surroundings)?

These are all great questions to ask yourself while perusing their sites.

5. Go out with a bang. As your wedding reception comes to an end, make sure your photographer snaps your and your groom’s exit, and that he or she is not off shooting your cousins on the dance floor.

Alexander suggests asking your ushers to gather your guests in a tunnel for your departure, passing out your choice of item, like rose petal confetti, to toss; then, time your walk through the tunnel where your photographer can get a front shot of all the action.

Be sure to keep a candid smile rather than an open mouth smile — no one wants a mouthful of confetti caught on camera! (There’s such thing as good candid and bad candid. Ha!)

Send us your gorgeous real wedding photos! Post them on our Facebook page and you might end up on our blog, too!

Say “Happily Ever After” with a Mr. & Mrs. Theme!

Posted on 8 May, 2013 by B&G

Mr & Mrs Married Couple Holding Hands

You’ve waited so long for this special day! And you may be a modern bride, but becoming his Mrs. sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Then why not indulge with a few mementos marked with Mr. and Mrs. to celebrate this momentous occasion?

Whether your Mr. and Mrs. themed products are incorporated into your wedding theme, starting with the invitations; are a gift to each other; or are put on display in your home, you’ll love our brand-new ideas that highlight your new union as husband and wife.

Here are our top 5 Mr & Mrs wedding theme ideas!

Yours truly. Choosing the Mr. & Mrs. Day Invitation is a wonderful way to celebrate your upcoming nuptials. It’s such a classic and simple invitation with the words in elegant silver foil with an embossed ampersand and border. What more is there to say? Oh, except for all those delicious details inside the card. Don’t miss getting it in this month’s sale with 30% saving! Check out more of our sale items.

It’s key. Wedding rings don’t have to be the only type of rings given to each other as a symbol of your love. These Mr. & Mrs. Keyrings are simple enough for your groom’s keys, yet dazzling enough for your own. They make the perfect gift for each other and will remind each of you of your perfect wedding day. The keyrings come in a gorgeous presentation box, too, making them an even more special wedding gift item.

Signed, sealed, and delivered. Test out your new Mr. & Mrs. Pen Set while you sign your names on the dotted line — on the marriage licence that is! It’s one of those sweet details that you will appreciate when you use it that day and forever after. Keep the pen set as a keepsake of the experience, and get a rush every time you sign your new last name!

Picture perfect. We know it’s difficult to only choose four! This stylish Mr. & Mrs. Wedding Photo Frame, with its simplistic ivory and inset Mr. & Mrs., showcases your amazing wedding day photos well. The neutral tone lets you and your groom be the stars instead of overshadowing. Now place it somewhere special in your home where guests can admire your cuteness.

Block it out. Want to get him a keepsake from your wedding but not quite sure what? Think outside of the box and consider the Mr. & Mrs. Large Crystal Block, a modern crystal square that can be personalised with up to four lines of text, like his last name, your wedding date and some words from your ceremony perhaps. This memento is one that will last a lifetime — just like the two of you.

Did you buy any Mr. & Mrs. product for your wedding? Tell us about it! Post it on our Facebook page to share your great ideas with fellow brides.

A Heart to Heart with our NEW ♥ Heart-Themed Accents for your Wedding

Posted on 1 May, 2013 by B&G

Couple with Heart The greatest part about incorporating ♥ hearts into your wedding theme—they are iconic, easy to pull off, and already encompass the meaning of your special day.

This collective symbol of love is a romantic theme that can add a timeless or whimsical touch to your big event. So, put on your creative hat and add a little love to your wedding motif! ♥ ❤ ❥ ❣ ❥ ❤ ♥

Here are six of our brand-new ♥ products to get you started!

Open your heart. The first sight of your wedding-day theme is seen the moment your invitations are opened by your guests. Give them a sneak peak to your heart-filled day with our Ribbons Day Invitation, available in new colours of Subtle Sage and Downton Cappuccino (that’s right, named after your favourite TV show!), and many more.

A little tip: If you prefer a modern bridal style, consider using a non-traditional colour for your hearts theme to give a new spin on a more traditional red or pink.

Heart on his sleeve. Playing dress up with hearts doesn’t have to be limited to just your décor and stationery—you can get your fiancé in on the action too! Give him a gift that he can wear during the ceremony that ties together your heart theme.

Like these Personalised Cufflinks with Pink & Blue Hearts, which are sure to be a conversation starter at your reception.You can personalise your message on four lines over both cufflinks—lots of fun!

Make it crystal clear. Your love is here to stay. Always remember your heart-filled event with this Red Heart Crystal Block (Personalised), which can be customised with four lines of text for either a gift for your desk or a piece of wedding memorabilia for your home. A classic keepsake memento.

Key to your heart. Matching Bride and Groom Heart Shaped Keyrings (tux for him, wedding dress for you, naturally!) are an adorable and affordable addition to carry the theme long past the wedding day.

Maybe you just bought a new home to live in marital bliss together? What better accessory to have as a daily reminder of the best day of your lives.

Hang your heart on her. We are in LOVE with this darling Bridesmaid Slate Heart Decoration (Personalised). The unique, handmade gift, which can be hung as an ornament, is made from slate and has a rustic feel, giving the traditional heart look a new spin.

Personalise it with your bridesmaid’s name and your wedding date for an adorable way to show your bridesmaid how much you appreciate her.

Cut it out! It’s time for the cake (our favourite part of every wedding!)… Serve your guests with this distinctive Heart Handles Serving Set (Personalised), which shows off your style in a sleek silver heart design, and can be personalised with your names and wedding date. This sweet serving set never goes out of style so you can use it for all of life’s celebrations. ♥

Feeling the love? Share your heart-shape inspired real wedding photos with us! Post them on our Facebook page and we may feature them on our blog, too.