Monthly Archives: July 2012

Choosing Your First Dance Song

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Alison in Inside Scoop, Planning

********** GIVEAWAY GOING ON NOW THROUGH AUGUST 2nd!!! ***********

Don’t forget your chance to enter to win! Krystal of Stella & Dot is giving away a gift certificate to her store! Just check out all the goodies at Stella & Dot and report back by leaving a comment here and sharing what you would choose!

Entries will be accepted through Thursday, August 2nd at 11:59 p.m. PST. Winner is selected at random and announced on Facebook on August 3rd. Good luck!

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Jessie and Zack by Mi Belle Photography

If you’re having tsuris about narrowing down and choosing a first dance song, I don’t blame you. There’s, like, a bajillion songs in the world, and agreeing on a tune that’s also “appropriate” for a wedding is super stressful.

There could be a number of reasons why you can’t settle on a song. Maybe you both met doing a super romantic dance crazy of our late 90s/early 2000s college days like, um, “grinding” to Nelly’s “Ride Wit Me” at the go-to college dive bar. Or maybe you guys have polar opposite tastes in music since you love Martina McBride and he has Flo Rida plugged into his Pandora station. Another possibility is that you are both scared out of your minds to have 200 of your closest friends and family watch you figure out what to do with both of your left feet as you attempt to partake in a age-old tradition and stumble along to a song that should make you look like the Hough duo.

These are all very legit reasons to roll your eyes about your first dance. Just take comfort in knowing that your first chance is yet another opportunity for you two to show just why you’re a fabulous couple. Make it about YOU. Not the steps. Not the song. You.

How?

Well, obviously you have to pick the song that’s special for you both. There are different kinds of “special” and you haven’t come to The Wedding Mind Readers. You’re at The Wedding Yentas so let’s have an open discussion about what you need to actually ask yourself.

Is there a song that has a special meaning to your relationship? Was there something playing in the background of the place where you first met, and the music swelled as you laid eyes on each other and drums pounded as he took your breath away and a dramatic key change orchestrated your first exchanged smile? If so, you either met on the set of a Nicholas Sparks book-turned-movie or you have a really cool life. And if that’s the case, well, there’s your song.

Also, there might be a song that reminds you of an event that you enjoyed together. Maybe a musical or a concert or a charity dinner. Perhaps you will enjoy dancing to a song that played during a special memory you made together.

Consider the style or theme of your wedding and think about songs that may fit in. For example, if you’re having a sea side wedding, a beachy song might be a perfect choice for your first dance (think: Beach Boys?). If it’s a destination, maybe choose something that’s from that geography’s culture or song book.

Be cheesy. Cheesy doesn’t equal tacky. Let’s face it, the first dance is a pretty romantic part of the wedding, so maybe brainstorm some super romantic songs. I’m talkin’ about the ones that are played on late night infomercials where the titles scroll across the screen and a washed up D-list actor describes the album while sipping a glass of wine. Yeah, that guy.

Crossing fingers here, but maybe you both love the same band or singer? If that’s the case, choose a song from that list. Say you guys are both Jason Mraz fans; there are definitely a few options that would work great for a first dance. Narrowing down like that makes selecting a single song much easier.

Once you’ve decided on your song, make sure that your DJ can get it (if it’s obscure) or that your band can play it. For example, my husband and I danced to “For Once In My Life” which most people know as a Stevie Wonder song. But unless Stevie himself was going to play at our wedding, it’s one of those songs better left alone. For a jazzier and more romantic version, we asked our band to play it like Michael Buble performs it, and it sounded great. They did a little research and got their act together perfectly. I liked that it was a known song, but the version wasn’t as well-known so people weren’t as quick to judge or compare with the radio cut by Stevie.

Even after these pointers, if you’re still not obsessed with your first dance song and you don’t care to bathe in a pool of its sheet music, it’s okay. After all, it is just a dance and takes up approximately 3.5 minutes of your entire wedding day. No one is going to know if it isn’t the single song that exactly describes the way your heart beats for your partner. If you both just like it and it serves the purpose of a step-together-step-touch, then you’re good to go. It does not have to be the defining moment of the world’s greatest romance.

And if you’re not interested in doing a choreographed number and the idea of swaying back and forth like 7th graders gives you anxiety, choose something upbeat and fun! There are no rules. It’s your wedding day and your dance.

If you’re not even sure about being the center of dancing attention, you can always ask your MC to invite everyone to dance with you. One big group first dance to start off the evening and, oh look!, it just happens to be your first dance as marrieds.

What first dance song did you choose? What are you thinking of using? Share some of your ideas here!

Rachel and Justin by Erin Johnson Photography

GIVEAWAY: Stella & Dot Styles Your Wedding

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Alison in Featured, Gotta Have It, Inspiration Boards

Here’s the thing: I’m a sucker for service. You could tell me I need a fire juggling elephant on a unicycle and I’d probably buy it if your service was pleasant, knowledgeable, and fun. So when it comes to jewelry — something we all need and want — with fantastic service to educate us about the hottest trends and most stylish pieces, it’s a no brainer to say “I do” to pieces by Stella & Dot!

I’ve been a fan of Stella & Dot since the company started, and I love that I can get beautiful pieces with the help of a personal stylist. My personal stylist, Krystal, is the queen of fashion, beauty, and glam and she’s introduced me to some fabulous jewelry that are some of my favorites in my collection.

Of course I’m always drooling over everything that Stella & Dot creates, but I always look at the collections with a wedding-ish eye. I am so excited to share some of my favorites with you and I can’t wait to hear about your favorites. Make sure to leave a comment below and share our favorites for your chance to win a prize from Krystal and Stella & Dot!

Something blue? With a name like Serenity, these sister pieces are perfect for a wedding day ensemble. Formal looking without breaking the bank, I love how they add a splash of color without upstaging the rest of your bridal look. And yay for being able to wear them again without looking like obvious bridal jewelry.

Serenity Small Stone Pendant and Serenity Small Stone Drops

Wooo!! Party tiiiiime! For your bachelorette party, you’ve got to kick it up a notch! Everyone has a set of classic hoop earrings for a fun night out, but the Goddess Teardrop Earrings have a bit of bling, come in rose gold (the latest trend: Sorry, silver. Sorry, gold.), and challenge the standard hoop with a teardrop shape for high fashion. Whether you’re going out in jeans or you’re wearing a party dress, these are your best bet for a night out on the town. Plus, for your bachelorette party, shouldn’t you let your inner Goddess come out to play?

Goddess Teardrop Earrings

For brides who want to give their jewelry a shining moment on their wedding day, the Astor Five Strand Necklace is THE way to go. I can totally see this piece adorning a bride who wears a dress with fabulous shape and style, but dims down the dress’s accessorized hardware. So if you’re wearing a gown sans beading and sparkle, I think this is the necklace for you! The pearls keep it bridal-looking, but the pyrite and glass beads modernizes the style. With a necklace like this, your ears would be naked or only sport studs. Hair can be either up or down. Awesomeness is guaranteed.

Astor Five Strand Necklace

What about bling for the bridesmaids? Stella & Dot has got you covered! If you’re planning to gift your gals with something special to wear on the big day, you have some beautiful options. Plus, if you book a trunk show, you earn some cha-ching toward your own purchases and your bridesmaids’ gifts can, in theory, be free! Being rewarded to shop? Okay, yes please. Here are some of my favorites for bridesmaids to wear on the wedding day!

Grace Pearl Earrings, Glint Flower CZ Necklace, Chantilly Lace Chandelier Earrings, Soiree Earrings Silver, La Coco Turquoise Bead Necklace

Ready to start shopping? Krystal is offering FREE SHIPPING for all friends of The Wedding Yentas! Place your order with her and mention the code WEDDING YENTAS for free shipping! I hate paying for shipping. This pleases me. Thank you, Krystal.

So, now you know that you can achieve beautiful bridal looks with the help of Stella & Dot. And Krystal wants to give one Yentas reader a very nice prize, but you have to enter to win!

Want to win a gift certificate toward your favorite pieces? Check out Stella & Dot to find your favorite wedding-related piece, share with us below by leaving a comment, and cross your fingers that you’ll be picked at random to win the grand prize! The giveaway runs through Thursday, July 19 through Thursday, August 2 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The winner will be announced on Facebook and contacted via email. This giveaway is open to all visitors. You do not have to be Jewish or a current bride to win.

Good luck!

Sponsored Post: Choosing Your Wedding Jewelry

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Alison in Featured, Inside Scoop, Planning

Today The Wedding Yentas is happy to welcome Zoara as an expert in all things wedding jewelry! Zoara is the culmination of over 50 years of combined professional expertise in the diamond and jewelry industries. For decades the company’s founders and management have been offering high-end jewelry and diamonds to the public in retail stores and online at Zoara.com.

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Since jewelry can accentuate an already stunning dress and bride, picking your bridal jewelry can be almost as nerve racking as picking your dress, but it doesn’t have to be! Zoara Jewelry is here to help!

Bridal jewelry should be fun and express your personal style. Below are a few tips and tricks to help pick the perfect accessories for your special day!

Keep Your Dress in Mind
You have no doubt spent weeks or even months shopping for your dress, it is important to pair it with jewelry that complements or adds to the dress. It is important to keep the style and silhouette of your dress in mind when shopping for jewelry. What is the neckline of your dress? Does your dress have long sleeves? Does your dress have beading or applique? All these things will factor into what jewelry and accessories are appropriate or complementary. The length of the necklace and the neckline of your dress must go hand in hand. Long sleeves can affect the way a bracelet looks or lays against the wrist so your dress will dictate your bracelet wearability.

If your dress features beading, pearls or crystals, keep the shape, color, and design in mind. Many brides find it helpful to shop with a photo of their dress or its details so that there’s a visual assist in finding complementary designs. You don’t necessarily want the jewelry to be an exact match with the dress’s details. You don’t want them to clash either. Unless the dress is very, very plan with little to no detail, the jewelry should probably be much quieter than the dress. They should not both be shouting for attention .

Keeping it Classic
Many brides keep their bridal jewelry classic and simple. From a strand of pearls to simple diamond studs not only do these items look beautiful they also make for sentimental heirlooms to be passed down for generations to come.

Noting this, you may want to shop in your mom’s or grandma’s jewelry boxes! They may have some gorgeous, timeless pieces that will go great with your dress and the special meaning of them belonging to women in your family makes them that much more beautiful. Don’t be afraid to start the tradition yourself, though. Feel free to purchase pieces that you think you’d like to pass on to future daughters or nieces one day.

Adding a Splash of Color
Today many brides choose to add a splash of color to their bridal jewelry. Of course there is the tradition of wearing something blue on your wedding day, so blue options would fit nicely. However, more and more brides are also choosing to incorporate their color themes into their jewelry ensemble. Beautiful gemstone jewelry is a great way to express your originality and tie your wedding colors into your total look.

A really beautiful and bold pair of earrings will add dynamite style to your bridal look and they’ll show up in all the pictures since they’re so close to your face! It the color can match the hues from your bouquet, that would really help to thread the color scheme together.

Most Importantly Have FUN!
Remember it is YOUR special day! Choose the items that make you happy. While planning your wedding, everyone is going to want to give you their two cents (whether you ask for it or not). Be sure the items you pick are not only comfortable to wear, but reflect your personal style. Every time you wear your jewelry you will be reminded of your special day.

For more ideas and styles of Zoara Diamonds, Pearl and Gemstone Zoara Jewelry for your wedding visit www.zoara.com today.

Layered pearls for a chunky look are great for a dress with minimal detail on top. Photo by: David Michael Photography

This unique sheer, V neckline requires no necklace! Photo by: Chelo Keys Photography

A delicate necklace works here because the neckline is also soft and there’s mirroring detail on the dress. Photo by: Chelo Keys Photography

Real Jewish Weddings | New Rochelle, NY

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Josh and Rachel’s story gives hope to young Jewish singles as they met through the blindest of blind dates. After a roundabout chain that featured jumbled messages and inverted phone numbers (they were introduced by Rachel’s friend’s friend who has a sister that is friends with Josh’s sister – say that three times fast!), the couple had their first date in November of 2010. They say that their relationship always felt right, so when Josh proposed at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge a year later, friends and family were quick to celebrate with them.

Choosing a wedding date seemed daunting at first; the couple realized that their engagement would either be incredibly short or longer than they would’ve liked. Always up for a challenge, they picked a date in March, a short four months later. Their highest priority for the wedding day was to combine old traditions and new customs. The couple chose to use a talit and kiddush cup under the chuppah that belonged to each of Rachel’s grandfathers, but opted out of a first slow dance. The venue and catering choices came easily to them, but they both felt strongly that it was the band who would keep their guests on the dance floor and the photographer who would capture the day’s special moments.

Looking back, Josh and Rachel maintain that a short engagement is “definitely the way to go,” but now that the wedding is behind them, they’re slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures of married life.

Mazel tov, Rachel and Josh!

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Ceremony & Reception Venue: Greentree Country Club
Photographer: Stephanie Reinish Photography
Florist: Flowers by Sutton
Band: Ike Walkover
Caterers: Genadeen Caterer
Makeup Artist: Jody Formica

Photos submitted via Two Bright Lights!

Who Should Hold The Wedding Rings?

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Alison in From The Yentas, Inside Scoop, Planning

Sometimes it’s helpful to be a Facebook addict. A while back, a friend of mine, Lauren, who has been a contributor to Tales from the Veil, posted a status that said she was unsure who should hold the rings during the wedding. Good question! Got me thinking that this question is a common one (I remember asking it while planning my own wedding) and it would be helpful to address it here on The Wedding Yentas. So don’t put yourself through the ringer and stress about the official ring holders! Here’s some food for thought.

(Photo by Beth Kesier Photography)

Pockets. It’s all about pockets. You may have cute little ring bearers, but don’t kid yourself that some kid is going to take ownership of the actual (and, ahem, expensive) rings. So who’s another candidate for possessing the rings? Pick a groomsman; most likely one will have pockets. And hopefully at least one will not be too hungover from the rehearsal dinner the night before. So, pick a responsible groomsman with pockets!

Does this designated groomsman only hold the groom’s ring? Well, unless an equally-responsible bridesmaid also has pockets, both bride and groom rings should probably go to the groomsman. If you are keeping Jewish tradition and accepting a ring that’s not adorned and solid all the way around for the ceremony, don’t forget to give this ring to the Heroic Groomsman as well. Essentially, he’ll be carrying three rings! Yes, so make sure his pockets are deep. And responsible.

After you’ve exchanged your traditional rings, you may want to put on your non-traditional wedding band after the ceremony. That’s what I did and it worked like a charm. I couldn’t wait to skip away from the chuppah and finally wear the diamond band our best man had in his pocket. Like a moth to the flame went my ring to my finger. Ah yes, that’s it. Right there. Hits the spot.

(Photo by Luster Studios)

Once the pretty “every day ring” met its two new neighbors — the engagement ring and my finger — I removed the solid gold band that was used for symbolic purposes during the ceremony and gave it to the best man. So, make sure the groomsman you choose remains responsible (if just for a short while!) after the ceremony so that he can put the traditional ring somewhere safe that was agreed upon prior to the day’s hoopla. Once that open bar is ready for action, no groomsman — no matter how responsible! — can be trusted. So, the traditional ring needs to make it back to a secure home (bridal room, a purse under a chair, the wedding coordinator, etc.).

Bottomline: Just find someone you can count on, will be near the chuppah during the ceremony, and who has the ability to store and transport your bling. Groomsman or grandpa, it doesn’t really matter. Just make sure that in the midst of planning your centerpiece decor and must-have music playlist, you consider this easily-forgotten detail and put a plan in motion. Once you know how to handle the rings, you’re one step closer to ringing in your new, married life!