Dear Wendi Wednesday...How to Beat the Heat!

Picture from King 5 News's website

For this week's Dear Wendi Wednesday, I am taking a break from the boys to address an important issue. As many of you have noticed from the week straight of 90+ degree temperatures we are in the dog days of summer. Personally, I could not be happier! I love the sunshine and heat. The thing I don't love is how it takes a toll on my couples, their family and bridal party on wedding day.

Wendi, do you have any tips for not only surviving, but thriving in the heat on wedding day?

• Drink LOTS of water
• Bring fans (hand held or battery operated) to cool yourself and others off
• If you drink, don't drink alcohol in excess - add a glass of water in between every alcoholic beverage
• Take breaks during pictures to go inside and cool off (if inside is not an option, look for shade to cool down in)
• Plan some time to relax - whether it's 45 mins instead of 30 before your ceremony, or not joining cocktail hour take some down time.
• Be flexible! This goes attire, seating of guests, location of pictures, etc.
• Let the men take off their jackets. They're dying in all those layers of wool or polyester blends.
• Keep a slight bend in your knees - Never locked them out. (This will help prevent people from passing out during the ceremony and pictures)
• Keep water near by for your flowers. They will look fresh all day long if you keep them in water when you can.
• Have your cake delivered later in the day, as close to reception time as possible. Never put it in the direct sun. (Cakes tipping over or leaning is not that uncommon on HOT days)
• If your cake does have a severe lean, cut it early. You don't have to serve it right away, but better to cut the cake out of order then not have one to cut.
• Live it up! Sunshine is far better than rain!

Have a suggestion? I'd love to hear about what you are doing to stay cool and comfortable this summer! Email me: wendi@etherealevents.com

Mishap Monday - Who has the Hummer?

This week's mishap was a first for me! It unfortunately happened just last weekend to my fabulous couple.

Wedding Day was going perfectly for E & R! The ladies hair and make up ended early, breakfast and lunch had been delivered on time, and all the bridal party was there and having a great time. The warm and sunny weather glistening off the lake created the perfect backdrop for pictures!

The day was going flawlessly or so we thought...When it was time to for the Bride and Groom to leave the hotel for the church their car was no where to be found! It turns out the Best Man loaned their transportation to a "friend" of the Groom, and he was no where to be found, nor was he answering his cell phone! He and the Hummer were M.I.A.!

As any great coordinator would do, I calmly packed up the Bride, Groom and Best man into my car and raced them to the church. I must say it was a quite ride! There was little if any conversation to be had besides me making jokes and light hearted comments about how wonderfully the day was going! In the grand scheme of things, this was a very little hick up! I wanted everyone in my car to know this.

After the ceremony was over the Bride and Groom's Hummer was in place to take them to the reception and all was forgotten. The lesson to be learned from this mishap:

DON'T LOAN OUT THE BRIDE & GROOM'S TRANSPORTATION!!!

If you have a mishap to share I would love to hear about it! Write me an email wendi@etherealevents.com or leave me a comment. Have a great week!

Dear Wendi Wednesday...Who Knew There Were So Many Songs to Chose From?

This week's Dear Wendi Wednesday is again for all the men out there in need of some professional wedding help! I find that many of you are given the responsibility of finding the DJ or Band for your wedding. It is an important task, and should be done with careful thought and consideration. It does make or break your party!

After you successfully do so, there is always the task of giving the DJ the list of songs for the reception. I'm talking the "important event" songs, like first dance, cake cutting, etc. I am throwing all you men a bone here by giving you a "real" (not cheesy or over played lists you find after googling "popular first dance songs") list of popular songs for all of your important dances. Many of these have come from my past clients weddings, and are very personal to them. The songs are also interchangeable with other dances or events. It is completely up to you. If anyone has a favorite song they would like me to add to my list let me know! I would love more suggestions!



So, here you go:

First Dance Song
· “More Than Anyone” Gavin DeGraw
· “I’m Yours” Jason Mraz
· “You Say It Best” Allison Krauss
· “Beyond The Sea” Bobbie Darin
· “Our Love Is Here to Stay” Ella Fitzgerald
· “My Best Friend” Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Father/Daughter Dance
· “Who I am” Jessica Andrews
· “ Unforgettable” Duo with Nate King and Natalie Cole
· “What a Wonderful World” Louis Armstrong

Mother/Son
· “Forever Young” Rod Stewart
· “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Israel Kamakawiwo'ole or Louis Armstrong
· “The Way you Look Tonight” Frank Sinatra

Cake Cutting
· “Sugar, Sugar” Archies
· “When I’m 64” Beatles
· “The Best is Yet to Come” Frank Sinatra
· “When Did You Fall In Love with Me?” Chris Rice
· “Let’s Stay Together” Al Green

Bouquet Toss
· “Single Ladies” Beyonce
· “Girls, Girls, Girls” Beastie Boys
· “Wishin’ and Hopin’” Ani DeFranco

Garter
· “Let’s Get It on” Marvin Gaye
· “Sexual Healing” Marvin Gaye
· “Pour Some Sugar on Me” Death Leopard

Last Dance
· “Last Dance” Donna Summers
· “Save the Last Dance” Michael Buble
· “Piano Man” Billy Joel
· “Home” Michael Buble

Introduction to reception
· “Eye of the Tiger”
· College Fight Song