How to pick your Wedding Soundtrack

Trying to pick a Wedding Soundtrack which will create an atmosphere that all of your guests can enjoy can be extremely difficult. That’s why we asked The Cairn String Quartet recently what advice they had for our Brides when it comes to solving this problem. This is what the experts had to say: 

‘You like strutting your stuff to Beyonce. He loves nothing more than rocking out to AC/DC. Your mother dreams of you gliding down the aisle to a traditional wedding march. You were thinking more classic Adele on strings. Your dad’s never even heard of Adele. You’ve got 100 guests who need to be entertained throughout the day, but how are you going to make sure there’s something for your Great Aunt Margaret, as well as Mad John from your H2b’s 5‘s team.

One of the most emotive weapons on the planet, music can be the make or break to those tears as you walk down the aisle, to helping your guests break the ice while you are whisked away for photographs, and to really get the party swinging in the right direction. As purveyors of Wedding music for everything right up until your first dance, and having provided the music for over 500 Weddings, we’ve really seen it all. The Good, the Bad, and (once in a blue moon) a little bit Ugly. Heres a breakdown and some of our best hints and tips on how to pick your Wedding playlist.

The Ceremony

The main event. The most important moment of your day (and life,) this is about you and your partner. It should be about the personal things in life – the music you dance to in the kitchen, the song who’s lyrics just hit the right chord, the music that really pulls your heartstrings, or simply the music that you both genuinely love. The different parts to be soundtracked are:

Your guests getting seated: Atmospheric and scene setting. You could go for a traditional classical feel, or go for heart-wrenching modern songs, such as Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros, or Eva Cassidy’s Songbird. Getting married in a castle? Why not go for traditional Scottish tunes, and Braveheart is always a winner no matter what!

Walking down the aisle (Processional): Your moment. You should always choose this yourself. To really make it your very own moment, why not give your bridesmaids their own song too – a favourite of our Brides is to have their bridesmaids walk into Here Come the Girls, or Beyonce’s All the Single Ladies, and then when it’s your turn to walk, the music turns into the tear-jerking song that you have chosen just for you. Alternatively, let the music slowly build during your bridesmaids entrance, and you walk in at a climactic moment. Most of all, take your time and enjoy every second!

Does your mum have a favourite song? Why not let her have her very own walk-in to her favourite song (this is a sure fire way of keeping her happy!)

Signing of the register: Choose 3, as this can sometimes take a few minutes while you, your witnesses and minister/registrar sign the documents, the official photographer gets some nice shots, and your guests have a chance for a photo-op. Go for both you and your new husband’s favourites – you have just got married, and should be something meaningful for the moment. A popular choice from our couples is Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder!

Walking back out (Recessional): Always go for upbeat and celebratory. One of our favourites is to play a small snippet of the traditional Wedding march, to give it that classic Wedding feel, and then change it into something else – we regularly get asked for All You Need is Love by The Beatles (like in Love Actually) and always getting a few giggles is Another One Bites the Dust by Queen!

Hymns: Always go for ones that everyone will know. Think hymns you sang at school, like One More Step, or Morning Has Broken (there’s a great version of this called Come to a Wedding).

Drinks reception

Go wild! This really is the time to throw in the wild cards and get the party started with all those things that you know you’re guests will love and chat about while you are off getting your snaps done. Something a little different and unique will really get them chatting, perhaps something that they’re not expecting. A good starting point is to pick a group that do lots of different styles to ensure there’s something for everyone. Alternatively, why not get your guests involved and send them a link to your chosen musicians’ website before the big day, and get them to pick some favourites from the playlist that they can enjoy.

Wedding Breakfast

Choose your very own tracks to walk into the room to, while everyone is on their feet. This could be a funny moment, and should be something really upbeat – a popular favourite is Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli.

Also choose something for the rest of your top table’s entrance. This should also be upbeat, though once we did The Imperial March from Star Wars for the mother’s entrance…luckily everyone laughed!

For the actual munching part, be sure to stay upbeat to get everyone in the party mood. By this stage everyone has really relaxed and are in anticipation of the night ahead. It’s really important to have some music at this point, as when everyone’s got their mouth’s full during the main course, it can get a but quiet…

Whatever you decide to do, try and keep it live. Live music is always a lovely added visual touch, and really adds the extra wow factor. There is nothing better than enjoying a great group of musicians do their thing well, and for many, it’s not that often that you get to hear a live string quartet, or jazz trio, or soul singer. You’re only going to have the chance to book the music and musicians you love once in your life, so if budget allows, it’s something that could change your experience of your most memorable day.’

The Cairn String Quartet have recently released 2 Wedding albums, the imaginatively (!) named The Wedding Album and The Alternative Wedding Album. The first has all your traditional Wedding tearjerkers on it such as Pachelbel’s Canon, some of the music from Love Actually, Braveheart, and, of course, Take That. The 2nd, The Alternative Wedding Album is something a little different and more reflective of different Brides’ personalities, so this is a collection of their most popular ‘alternative’ Wedding songs.

Listen to a preview and purchase their Wedding Albums on iTunes by clicking on the link below.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/the-wedding-album/id616142990

We hope this can help anyone who is struggling to pick their Wedding Soundtrack and are ever so grateful to The Cairn String Quartet for sharing their extensive expertise with us. Do not hesitate to get in touch with them if you need some advice.

Supplier Spotlight: Liam Ross Jewellery

It is always good to get the picture behind the Supplier and we love bringing you features on those fabulous Suppliers Listed on www.edinburghbridesweddingguide.com and www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com. Liam Ross Goldsmiths opened in April of 2010 by Liam Ross himself. Liam was trained as an apprentice jeweller and worked his way up to creating his own body of work.

Since opening the store in Edinburgh’s contemporary West end along William Street, Liam has been busy making customized Wedding rings and bespoke jewellery. He has been diligently working with Brides-to-be coming in looking for unique Wedding bands to fit perfectly to their engagement rings. What sets Liam apart from other jewellers is his workshop is just 2 steps away from the shop front and Liam himself makes every individual piece in the back. He is able to create shaped Wedding bands that fit like a glove to any and every engagement ring. Liam’s motto of  ‘we can create any ring to fit any budget’ has facilitated him to work his way up and become this year’s Vows Award Winner for Jewellery. His great customer service saw him nominated by loyal customers, and his breathtaking designs gained him the award.

“It’s a great accomplishment to be nominated, let alone win the best Wedding Jewellery in Scotland.”

Since winning the Vows Award the shop has been extremely busy with more Brides than ever and even more unique, wonderful Wedding Band creations.

One of his pieces which recently has been that talk of the town with Grooms and their best men, is the Edinburgh Skyline Wedding band with matching cuff links. His Edinburgh Skyline series has been flying off the shelves faster than he can make them. The distinctive style has attracted gents from all over seeking some thing a bit different and personal: the Edinburgh skyline has been a great answer to that.

One of his delighted customers recently wrote, “I met Liam at the Wedding Fair at The Corn Exchange last year and was delighted with the ring he designed for me. He took a drawing of my engagement ring and then emailed me a selection of designs that he thought would suit. I was spoiled for choice! The end result was fabulously beautiful and I always receive positive comments for it being really unique. Thanks Liam Ross Jewellery.”

Liam’s brilliant designs and wonderful customer service make finding and creating that perfect Wedding band an experience which you will never forget!!

If you would like to meet with Liam to discuss creating your perfect Wedding band you can find more details here http://www.edinburghbridesweddingguide.com/Wedding-Rings(2308585).htm 

Spring/Summer 2013 Wedding Make-up Trends

We recently met up with one of our wonderful suppliers Leigh Blaney to hear her expert opinion on Wedding Make-up trends for Spring/Summer 2013. Leigh creates picture perfect looks by using premium products, tricks of the trade and professional application at its best. If anyone knows what trends will be seen in Weddings across the UK this Spring/Summer it’s Leigh and here is what she had to say:

“My looks this coming Spring season are light and fresh with beautiful glowing skin.

The 1st look: I focused on a nice, radiant skin and glossy lips with just a subtle eye makeup.

I used Mac Strobe cream as a primer and highlighter for under the foundation. I then used Mac face and body foundation mixed with a little Mac studio sculpt. Don’t be afraid to mix your foundations, you get the benefit of both products. Once the base was looking flawless and perfect I moved onto add some colour. I used a light dusting of Guerlain Terracotta bronzer, one of my favourite bronzers, that highlights without being glittery or shimmery. I defined the cheek bones with Clarins blusher and added some Benefit Bella Bamba on the apples of the cheeks to give that blushing bride look. On the cheekbone I added some benefit Watts up. Its a great highlighter and has an easy texture to work with. High beam can leave a stained look because it’s a liquid and not easy to blend, where-as Watts Up is more of a creamy texture and easier to apply. YSL Touche Eclat was used under the eye to brighten and conceal.

Eyes were a light smoky eye using Stay But Don’t Stray eye shadow primer and Urban Decay`s Naked Palette. Black gel liner from Estee Lauder was used along the top eyeline. Estee Lauders gel liner is easy to use and doesn’t dry-out as much as others I’ve experienced. I always use Max Factor`s Masterpiece mascara in black waterproof as it is tried and tested and doesn’t budge even on the most teary of brides. I added strip lashes from Eyelure, no. 116. They are very natural and add just enough length and thickness to make a difference in your photographs but not too much that your guests close to you would know you were wearing them.

 

Lips were Max Factor`s Lipfinity in 001 Pearly Nude. Again, tried and tested, this lipstick lasts up to 8 hours without having to re-apply. Perfect for your wedding day. I added Chanel gloss on top for a nice high shine finish.

 

The 2nd look: I focused on more of a classic bride look with statement lips.

 

To begin with the skin I used Smashbox oil-free primer. It’s a great product for keeping your make-up on longer and doesn’t give that ghostly appearance when the camera flash goes off (which some primers can do). I used Estee Lauder Double Wear light foundation with a little mac face and body foundation mixed in to give a nice long lasting foundation but not too thick on the skin. I used Chanel`s universal bronzer, which is like a mousse texture. It gives a lovely, natural glow and lasts well. To define cheeks I used Clarins blusher with a little dusting of Benefits Bella Bamba on the apples of the cheeks. I used Mac Cream-Colour base in hush to highlight cheeks, temples and cupid’s bow.

Eyes were 4 shades of light silver, grey, charcoal and black blended in by Too Faced. Gel liner was used on the top line from Estee Lauder and Max Factor`s Masterpiece mascara in black waterproof. Individual lashes were added for a more natural but effective look.

Lips were Max Factor`s Lipfinity, 110 passionate with YSL`s golden gloss on top.”

As always, we are delighted to feature Leigh’s expertise as one of our Suppliers on www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com! If you have any questions about either of these looks or if you would like some advice about your own ideas for Wedding Make-up please do not hesitate to contact Leigh!

The Glasgow Girls Wedding Band Showcase – The Photos

On Thursday 7th March 2013, we hosted our premiere Glasgow Girls Wedding Band Showcase in The Lighthouse featuring not only 6 top Bands but a host of other Wedding Exhibitors who brought the fun factor! With the Bands rocking out everything from Bruno Mars, Beyonce and Emilie Sandi to Elvis, Tiffany and Lady GaGa, with a wee Virginia Reel and Galway Girl thrown in for good measure, we think the photos taken by Ruby Love Photography, will speak for themselves…

   

We loved having The Vinyl Countdown Showband, Favours, Leona Corio, Fiore, The Riffreshers and Inishowen perform for you!

On the night, we hope you also had some fun in the Photobooth from Snap Happy Media, tried Mr. T’s Popcorn, tried on some rings with John MacIntyre, walked on Amethyst‘s sparkly dancefloor, looked at the gifts from Dolly-Bird, watch Gryffe Wedding‘s Videos, saw some Stationery and Table Plan inspiration from Angelfins, listened to the beautiful sounds of Heather Downie, Harpist, met Ruby Love Photography and were wowed with the moodlighting in the Venue from Glasgow Moodlighting Company.

We do hope you enjoyed The Glasgow Girls Wedding Band Showcase at The Lighthouse and are ready for the next one? Our hugest thanks to Chris from 1st Dance Discos for being our MC on the night and to Denise from Ruby Love Photography for capturing a flavour of the night for us! Big Congratulations to the Prize Winners on the night who won a private Lunch for 4 in The Viewing Platform of The Lighthouse and to the winning couple who won their Wedding video for Free from Gryffe Weddings.

Look out for the next date soon on www.theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com…

Fit for a Princess

Get the hankies at the ready as we have a Proposal Story fit for a Princess to tell you! We are so delighted Tracy chose to share her romantic proposal from Andy with us….

“The most romantic day of my life, started as a lazy walk around a little town called Portpatrick, Stranraer. Andy left me sitting at the harbour front with a glass of wine while he went back to the car to get my camera. 

 

Thirty minutes later I receive a text from my son, “Are you ready to go on an awfully big adventure?”

I thought he sent it by mistake, then he sent it again, saying this message is for you!  I had no idea what he was talking about so I just text back, “Yes lol”.

Two minutes later a text arrives from my good friend Rosalyn, “Your future could be written in the sand Tracy, better make your way to the sea front.” By now I’m starting to think what is happening?

I head for the sea front and once there I receive a text from my lovely niece-to-be Danielle, “Head for the Gem & Trinket Shop & ask inside.”  What was happening?? I head to the trinket shop and embarrassingly, I ask the lady behind the counter if she has something for me, she looked at me and smiled before handing me a little package and a postcard. 

 

I left the shop, tears are starting to fall as I start to realise, hope something is actually happening. The postcard had directions from the shop to the bottom of a set of stairs, the parcel contained two red love hearts, one read, “Forget me not” and the other, “I love you”. 

 

I got to the bottom of the stairs when I receive a text from my cousin Stephanie, “Climb the stairs to the sky Tracy.” Tears are really streaming now! I started walking up the stairs and halfway up I start to realised there was a trail of flowers -  more tears. I got to the top (eventually, can’t breathe by this point).

 

My phone bleebed again with a text message from my Mum, “Hello my daughter, now you have got to the top, there’s something to cross, it’s a long walk but you’re not alone x.” Now I was really crying, carrying the postcard and hearts from the shop, the flowers I’ve collected, my phone and a hankie. 

 

I reached the bridge when Jacqueline text me, “The bridge may be old and scary but your future is new and across the other side.”

Then  finally text message from my son Charlie, “Your castle in the sky, high above the waves holds your future, make your way to the second floor.”

In front of me stands the ruin of Dunskey Castle, my favourite place.  I enter the castle and follow the trail of confetti and hearts.

On the second floor Andy meets me and leads me to the window. On the grass outside he’s written, “MARRY ME” in white foam, then he drops to his knee and produced the most beautiful ring and asked me “Will you Marry me?”  I couldn’t even speak.

In the backgound he has ‘Love of my Life’ playing, has laid down a sheet on the floor with flowers, champagne and more confetti. Eventually when I got my breathe, I replied “Yes”.

What an amazing proposal from my very own Prince in a Castle in the Sky!”

We loved hearing this story from Tracy and wish her and Andy the most wonderful future of love, laughter and happiness together!

Do feel free to send us your special Proposal story to mail@theglasgowgirlsweddingguide.com, we just love reading them!