Wedding planning tips for couples

inspiration and guidance on how to rock your wedding party reception and speeches! From your music choices and more!

Wedding entertainment ideas

-Lawn games: Large popular board games such as snakes and ladders, chess, and twister to traditional games like croquet.

- Magician or Hypnotist; Something to really get your guests laughing and in awe, an entertainment that will keep your friends and family talking!

- Caricaturist; something a little more unique and your guests can take home something personal!

- Singing waitresses; Yep, this one you probably won't have heard about, but it will have your guests talking about your wedding in awe, choose sing-a-longs to get the mood going!

Bonus idea- Palm reader; this will be ideal for those who are interested in spirituality and incorporate crystals into your wedding! (read my blog post, over on my website to learn more!)

I hope that these tips inspire you.

Victoria Fenix.

Getting the talking right on your wedding day

Tips on writing your wedding vows:

Although you'll want your venue to look amazing, the DJ to set the tone, the flowers to look beautiful and the photobooth to add a little something extra...

Here are my top tips for writing probably the most important words of your life…

In all seriousness, my biggest vow writing tip would be to not overthink it.

Speak from the heart, write down something you love about your partner and the thing you love the most, and the rest will come....

When it comes down to it- what will truly stand out in your mind is the vows you shared, the friends & family who were there to celebrate, the beautifully written speeches, and the love surrounding you both all day.

Keep in mind that these are the things that matter the most.

Tips on writing your wedding speech

With formal speech traditions changing some choose to leave a mic on the table for anyone to get up and say a few words,

-No matter how good your toast is, the guests won't be able to hear if you are mumbling or speaking at 200 words per minute!

Don't be scared to ask people if they can hear you in all parts of the room. The venue will have done a sound check before the speeches too!

During your speech prep, find somewhere a bit private where you can practice a slightly larger-than-life voice.

A toast — like it or not — involves being a bit entertaining and being the center of attention for a minute or so.

Embrace it. Enjoy it but most of all be yourself and share words from the heart.

I hope that these tips inspire you.

Victoria Fenix.

How to choose the music for your wedding reception

A typical wedding reception can last for around 5 hours. While that may go in a flash – you’re going to need a considerable playlist to fill all of that time.

Now, this is something that your DJ or wedding band will ensure that they take care of but more and more couples want to have more of a say on their wedding music not just for their first dance song – but throughout the night.

These tips are designed to make the choice of your wedding reception music nice and stress-free….

Know what you want

Have you always envisioned a packed dance floor for your evening celebrations or do you have more of a conversation-orientated atmosphere? Whether you choose a DJ or a live band or even go with a playlist – decide on the kind of music you want to hear. Your list of wants should include the songs you absolutely want to hear on the night – and any that you absolutely don’t! Perhaps you have a favourite band, a song that has a special meaning with your girlfriends, your wedding is one of the only opportunities you’ll have everyone you know together in a room – don’t waste the opportunity!

…….And know what you don’t want

The music you don’t want to hear is just as important! If there’s a particular genre of music you absolutely cannot stand or a song that makes you cringe every time you hear it, or perhaps evokes emotions that you maybe don’t want to be faced with on your wedding day – let your DJ or band know.

If you’re unsure about playing any classic songs, ask your wedding party for input. Play any songs that will get your friends dancing! But if none of you like those group dance songs, skip them – it’s your party – your rules.

Ask your guests

If you really want to ensure that you have a full dance floor and are concerned that there’s music to everyone’s taste – then ask! When your guests RSVP ask them to include a song that they would like played at the reception. Inside your invitation and RSVP packet, include a question on the RSVP card. It can say “This song will get me dancing” or “Play this please!”

As requests come in from guests, maintain control and don’t add them to the list if you don’t like the suggestion.

Booking your wedding music

Musicians can be booked six to eight months in advance and so you should decide what type of musicians you want to provide the entertainment at your reception about nine to twelve months before your wedding. Start listening to playlists and demos from the DJs and bands you are considering. A few months before the day expect a follow-up call from your musician of choice to finalize songs for the cake cutting, first dance, and any other significant moments too.

Your wedding music may not seem like a huge part of your wedding, however, having music at your reception will set the mood for the evening and fill otherwise awkward silences during times like meals and the cake cutting. The good news is that you can collaborate with your wedding party and DJ or bands to ensure you have the kind of atmosphere that you want on your day!

I hope this blog post inspires you and helps support you in your wedding planning.

Victoria Fenix

Background Wedding Songs for your Daytime Reception

Background music is essential to create an atmosphere during the wedding breakfast. Music has the power to instantly bring back special memories every time you hear that song in the future. So of course, you’ll want your wedding day to be filled with the music that means the most to you.

While your daytime wedding songs may not be the most important songs you choose for your wedding (I’m sure you’ll agree that they rank below your wedding ceremony songs or your first dance song), they are still essential in creating the right atmosphere during the hours between your vows and the evening reception starting.

There are no rules for your daytime wedding music choices; the music you choose will depend heavily on your own personal taste and the vibe you are striving to achieve on your day.

I would suggest songs that blend nicely into the background, gently setting your desired mood and keeping the absolute bangers for your evening reception where you and your guests, can let loose on the dance floor. However, whether you have a good idea of the sort of songs you’d like to be played during your wedding breakfast or not.

I hope you have as much fun planning your own wedding music.