Poll of Favourite Wedding Video Songs!

Here at Kliq Weddings we are always amazed by the variety of choices people make when choosing their music to feature on their Wedding videos. Everyone has their own opinions and this is one of the reasons I love creating Wedding Films!

Some of our recent favourites include:
Last Request - Paulo Nutini
Dream Catch Me - Newton Faulkner
Better Together - Jack Johnson
Better - Tom Baxter

We would love our followers to list their favourite songs that they would love on their Wedding Video!
Please comment with your suggestions!

Thanks,

Kliq Weddings Photo and Video.

Musical Wedding Themes!

Wedding reception music sets the atmosphere

With your wedding getting closer and closer, you’ve probably been over all of your plans with the finest of fine-toothed combs, but have you missed one of the biggest things that’ll make that night a night to remember? No, I’m not talking about the honeymoon; I’m talking about the reception. Have you decided to take the easy option and pick a DJ over a live wedding band? Pity, you were so close to getting it right.

Ok, DJs have their place, but wedding receptions are just made for live wedding music. Just picture it for a moment – everybody’s sitting around, not wanting to get up on the dancefloor; the music is the sort of cheap compilation that a teenager might put together on a rainy Sunday afternoon; the DJ just stands there, fiddling with dials while looking for his ‘The Greatest Hits of…’ album; and people are actually considering going home. Not really what you want your wedding reception to be remembered for, is it?

Live party music gets the celebration going

Now, just how much do you think the picture would change if the music was live? Not all bands take requests, but they’re more likely to than a DJ who has a set playlist, and has probably never even heard of the song that Great Aunt Ethel wants him to play. If you use a wedding band hire company – and yes, if you want, you even get to audition the bands that play music from a certain era – then you can really make the reception jump.

So, which era do you want your music to be from?

If you’re going for musical wedding themes for the night, then there are few swinging decades that you might like to consider.

1950s

First off are the ‘50s. This was the decade when the music started to change. Rock’n’Roll was on its way up the charts, but there was still plenty of slow, ‘smoochy’ music; just what a newly-married couple wants when they’re up on the dancefloor. If you want to get friends and family involved in some harmless fun, why not get your live wedding band to play a bit of limbo? Let’s see a DJ do that, spontaneously.

1960s

If you want to move the music forward a little, and have a passion for the likes of the Beatles, the Stones and Elvis, then you’re going to want a live wedding band that can bang out the beats from the ‘60s. Although singing along is optional, and for many it should be prohibited, you’re going to find that many of your guests, both young and old, are going to know most of the words to these songs.

Traditional Irish or Scottish, ceilidh or barndance breaks the ice

How about a shift of themes away from the modern pop decades, and taking in a few more cultural tunes? No matter who you are, you’re pretty much guaranteed to feel your toes tapping when the Irish music starts playing. Ah, U2. Well, as good as they are, it’s probably the Irish or Scottish country music that’s going to get more people up on that deserted dancefloor.

Some of the traditional Celtic music is so much fun, and you’ll easily be able to find a live wedding band that can play it and, if you want, organise some country dancing, so that you’ll have a hard time getting people to leave; not that you’ll be too worried if you’ve already slipped out the back and are well on your way to your honeymoon!

Songs from the Shows add a touch of glitz and glamour

Seeing as this is the day for grandeur, why not have a reception night filled with Musical music? Now, before you start to wonder how you’ll get people up to dance to songs from ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, just remember that ‘Grease’ is a Musical, and there’s enough good tunes from that one show to get the party started. Who out there can resist doing ‘The Time Warp’ from ‘The Rocky Horror Show’? Ok, maybe Great Aunt Ethel, but you’d surprised. Just think; this will be performed by a live wedding band, playing live wedding music (or perhaps not-so-wedding music if it’s from ‘The Rocky Horror Show’!).

21st-century alternatives for a younger audience

Still all a little bit too ‘old’ for your tastes? No problem. You’ll be able to find a wedding band hire company that’ll have bands that play far more up-to-date music, showbiz or otherwise.

A Pop Party Covers Band can cover all the bases

If all of those choices sound good, and you can’t decide exactly which style of live wedding music you’re going to have, then why not have all of it? Kick off the night with some ‘50s music to get everyone on their feet, move steadily up through the decades and then, when everyone’s in full swing, switch to the Irish music. Now that’ll be a night and a half, won’t it? It might even be worth delaying the honeymoon for… well, for a few hours, anyway.

So, as you go through that seemingly endless wedding list again, ticking off all of the things that have been done, and those still to be done, cross out the one saying ‘hire a DJ’ and replace it with ‘find a wedding band hire company’ and ‘listen to live wedding bands’. As ‘traditional’ as getting a DJ to play a few tracks at your reception may be, you’re going to get so much more out of having a live wedding band, playing live wedding music.

First published at: http://www.theweddingsecret.co.uk

Visit the FreeRide Wedding band page to find out about the songs they can offer for your Wedding Reception.

Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out how Kliq Weddings can help capture your Wedding Day with stunning Videos and Photography!http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk

Top 10 Wedding Music Myths

Myth #1: A DJ will talk too much.

You've probably heard about (or been to) weddings where a DJ, in a misguided attempt to emcee, talked more than he spun, with cringe-worthy results. But an experienced wedding DJ will only speak when it's appropriate. "Every time a DJ speaks, he should have something important to say, which you and he planned in advance," says DJ Dr. Drax, National President and Executive Director of the American Disc Jockey Association. To ensure that your DJ doesn't abuse his proximity to the mic, be specific about when you want him to talk and when you don't. If you're nervous that yours is a chatterbox, consider sending an example of what you find inappropriate. "You can find a litany of bad DJ videos on YouTube," says Dr. Drax. But handle with care so as to not offend.

Myth #2: Bands take a lot of breaks.

One common concern about hiring a band is that each 40-45 minute set they play will be followed by a 15-20 minute break filled with music from a compilation CD -- and that bored guests will vacate the dance floor. But you can manage your band's need for downtime so that it doesn't disrupt the party too much. Ask the band members to stagger their breaks so there's live music throughout the night (it may cost an extra fee); guests will stay entertained and the dance floor will stay full.

Myth #3: A DJ will play cheesy tunes.

Worried that your DJ has his mind set on "Y.M.C.A." and the Electric Slide, when you're thinking more along the lines of "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Unforgettable"? It doesn't have to be that way -- your DJ wants to play what you want to hear, but you have to communicate your tastes clearly. Don't rely on words alone, since terms like "dance music," "rock," and "slow songs" are vague and can easily be misinterpreted. To make sure you are on the same music style page, give him a playlist and a do-not-play list. "Brides and grooms should be able to customize the playlist," says Dr. Drax. "People today have grown up with choice and personalization, and good DJs understand that."

Myth #4: You can control everything.

One caveat to the last idea: You can give your DJ a mile-long playlist, but you shouldn't try to micromanage the music. To some extent, your lists should be guidelines for the mix master, not hard-and-fast rules. Your DJ should know the genre you're interested in, but let him choose the best way to mix the music -- after all, it's his job to keep people on the dance floor. Give your band some flexibility to react to the crowd and adjust the tempo accordingly. "When you hire somebody to bake a cake, you can tell them what flavors to use, but you don't try to tell them how much flour or what kind of sugar to put in," says Dr. Drax. "It's the same with DJs -- you need to trust that they know what to do."

Myth #5: Bands love line dances.

The days when it was de rigueur for a wedding band to encourage a conga line are over. But if you're worried about that kind of thing, be sure to see the band in action before you sign on. Ask for a DVD of a previous performance to get a sense of how they interact with the crowd. You should also try to see them live. But you can't crash somebody else's wedding -- find out if you can drop by to watch them play at another type of event. Just keep in mind that you can't alter a band's style as easily as you can tweak a DJ's. If their live act is rambunctious and interactive (complete with line dances), then asking them to change might hamper their performance, and you're probably better off going with a different group.

Myth #6: A band can't offer enough variety.

You'd be surprised by the musical depth a quality wedding band can offer. One indication that a band has versatility is if they have more than one singer -- if they have both male and female vocalists, for example, chances are they're open to a wider range of songs. Though a band may specialize in a style (like big band or soul), they're professional musicians and should be able to stray at least a little from their niche. And if a few of the songs you have your heart set on aren't in the band's repertoire, simply ask them to learn the songs before your wedding -- most bands will learn between three and five songs if you give them enough notice.

Myth #7: A DJ will save you money.

Although a DJ almost always costs less than a band, that doesn't mean you should cheap out on this vendor. "If you're willing to pay for a top-notch DJ, you can get way more than somebody to play songs," says Dr. Drax. "A great DJ will talk to your photographer and tell him which songs are coming next. Photographers capture the Kodak moments; it is the DJ's job to create the opportunity for them to occur." Dr. Drax knows a DJ who got a tape of the groom singing "You are My Sunshine" to his mom as a little boy and created a custom mix, bringing tears to everyone in the room during the mother-son dance. On the other hand: "I heard a story about an inexperienced DJ announcing a father-daughter dance, unaware that the bride's father had passed away," says Dr. Drax. Although the old adage "you get what you pay for" isn't always true, when it comes to your music it's certainly advice to consider.

Myth #8: Hiring a bar band is a good idea.

Unless they also have a lot of experience with weddings, using a band or DJ that's oriented primarily with nightclubs is risky, since they won't be adept at pleasing a diverse crowd. "It's much smarter to find somebody who has experience in wedding entertainment," says Dr. Drax. "If your wedding will be mostly your college frat buddies, then maybe your favorite campus band will be great." He's quick to point out though, that if you're inviting coworkers, grandparents, and children, the entertainment should offer something for everyone.

Myth #9: You have to hire a DJ or band -- you can't have both.

If you can afford it, you can have the best of both forms of entertainment. Either hire a DJ to spin while the band is on break (and to be your emcee), or divide the evening into two portions. Another option is to hire a band for your reception and a DJ to spin at the after-party. Or, if you can't spring for a whole band, see about combining just a few live musicians with a DJ. Some companies create packages where, for example, the musicians will play for the ceremony and during cocktail hour, then complement the DJ during the dancing, by adding percussion to a hot Latin set.

Myth #10: Slow songs first, followed by faster tunes after the cake-cutting.

Some couples request that their entertainers play '50s rock or big band-style songs early on to please their older guests, and then switch over to more lively beats so the younger crowd can dominate the floor until last call. But it can be more fun for you and your guests if you have your band or DJ mix it up throughout the night. Alternating between speeds, styles, and eras of music will keep wedding guests of all ages more engaged and encourage them to broaden the range of music they'll boogie to, with truly memorable results.

Post by: Wedding Music: Top 10 Wedding Music Myths

Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out how Kliq Weddings can help capture your Wedding Day with stunning Videos and Photography!http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk

Favourite First Dance Wedding Songs?

Ok, here is a question for everyone reading:

What is your number 1 favourite first dance song of all time?

Please comment with your suggestions!


FreeRide Wedding band: http://www.freerideband.co.uk

http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk - Essex based Wedding Video and Photographic Company.

Healthy Wedding Snacks

Healthy Snacks for Your Wedding Day

Planning healthy snacks for your big day is just as important as your wedding cake, so don't overlook it! (expert advice)

From the time you wake up until you finally settle into your honeymoon suite, your wedding day is going to be full of nonstop action. Where will you find the energy to play the role of the beautiful bride without any time to eat?

Planning healthy snacks for your big day is just as important as your wedding cake – especially since that bite of cake may be the only thing you put in your stomach!  Start out your day with a light, but filling breakfast and ask your maid of honor to help you prepare a snack bag to bring along to the wedding.

Snacks to Avoid

You don’t want to stain your dress or destroy your makeup and you definitely don’t want an upset stomach to ruin your special day – those nervous butterflies are bad enough. Stay away from carbonated drinks, heavy or greasy foods, and anything that may drip, drop, or ooze into a potential wedding disaster. You’ll also want to avoid lots of sugars and carbohydrates or you may experience a crash rather than an energy boost.

Snacks to Pack

Choose healthy wedding day snacks that are easy to eat on the go. High protein foods will provide you with the energy you need to make it through the big day. I would suggest carrying along an insulated lunch bag to keep things fresh and remember to pack a few extra snacks to share with your groom – his day will be nearly as hectic as yours!

·   Peanut butter crackers

·   Beef jerky

·   Trail mix

·    Yogurt

·     String cheese

·     Peanuts

·     Dried fruit

Bring along a few plain saltine crackers to nibble on too, just in case you experience any last minute waves of nausea.

Wedding Day Snack Station

Instead of carrying around snacks for yourself, you may want to organize a snack station for the entire wedding party to enjoy. It will be a busy day for everyone and nothing could be worse than a hungry, inattentive flower girl or the sounds of a groomsman’s growling stomach! Set up a table with vegetables and dip, turkey wraps, or crackers and cheese to keep those hunger issues at bay.

High protein, healthy snacks are a must for your big day. Whether you arrange a platter for the entire wedding party or just toss a few things into your tote bag, be sure you take a few minutes to munch throughout the day. Healthy snacks will give you the energy you need to create a picture perfect wedding.

Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out how Kliq Weddings can help capture your Wedding Day with stunning Videos and Photography!http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk

Wedding Hair Advice!

Whether you decide to have an up-do, a braid or wear it curly your wedding hair will ultimately complete your look and make you feel more beautiful than ever.

From up to a year in advance you should start to look at the different wedding hair styles that may work with your wedding dress and wedding venue. From changing the colour of your hair, to growing it long in order to wear it up for your wedding you will need to start planning well in advance. Having a wedding hair trial a month or two before your big day with a professional wedding hair stylist will ensure that you are happy with your final wedding hair do.

Your bridesmaids and maybe your mother might also be interested in having their hair professionally done for your wedding too, so try and book a multiple appointment so that you can all have your wedding hair done at the same time.

Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out how Kliq Weddings can help capture your Wedding Day with stunning Videos and Photography! http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk

Wedding Photography Checklist Ideas!

Pre-Ceremony Shoot with Groom
These shots can be taken at the groom's house or can be scheduled to be shot an hour or so before the ceremony. Keep in mind that guests will start to arrive 30 minutes before the ceremony starts, which will affect the scheduled timing. This is sometimes a good time to get a number of the family photos out of the way so that they don't cut into your photo shoot timing after the ceremony.

 Closeups and Full Length - Alone
 With your mother
 With your father
 With both your parents
 With other family members
 With the bestman
 With the groomsmen
 With ring bearer
 Checking your tie and/or finishing up
 Getting ready candids 
 Groom's Details, i.e. boutonniere, tuxes hanging, bottle of cologne, card/gift from bride, etc.

Pre-Ceremony Shoot with Bride
These shots can be taken at the bride's house while she's getting ready. Again, this is a good time to take some of the family photos to save time later.

 Closeups and Full Length - Alone
 With your mother
 With your father
 With both your parents
 With other family members
 With Maid/Matron of Honor
 With bridesmaids
 With flower girl
 Putting on the finishing touches
 Adjusting garter
 Bride's Details, i.e. the dress, the shows, the bouquets, makeup, jewellery, card/gift from the groom, etc.

Ceremony
The majority of ceremony shots are standard and most photographers know what to take. The things that you might want to add to this list would be anything that may be cultural in nature and/or an event that you've added to part of the ceremony that is not part of the standard ceremony fare.
 
 Ushers seating guests and mothers
 Bride's Arrival
 Processional
 Bride being walked down the aisle
 Groom waiting at the alter 
 Bride being given away
 Wedding Party members at the alter 
 Kneeling at the alter
 Exchanging rings
 Exchanging vows
 Lighting unity candles
 Exchanging kiss
 Signing marriage license
 With officiant
 Recessional
 In front of the church after ceremony
 Candids outside with guests 
 Guests outside and inside the church. Some brides have elected to have shots done of all of the people attending the church ceremony.
 Couple leaving in limo

Formal Photo Shoot
This usual happens after the ceremony, but if you are getting married in the Fall months and/or you have a very limited time between your ceremony and reception, it might be beneficial to do this before the ceremony. Everyone meets at a pre-determined photo location. You can consult with your photographer on where an appropriate place may be. Be sure to inform all individuals that are required for your photos. Exchanging cell phone numbers with the photographer is beneficial in case there is a misunderstanding regarding where to meet.
 
 Bride Alone
 Groom Alone 
 Bride & Groom together - various locations 
 Bride with attendants
 Groom with attendants
 Bride with "the guys"
 Groom with "the girls"
 Bride with each attendant individually
 Groom with each attendant individually
 Entire Wedding Party 
 Hands with wedding rings
 With children from wedding party
 With best man and maid of honour

Reception Photos
This list covers all of the standard happenings at a reception. If you have any special events scheduled that you think the photographer should know about, be sure to be specific and add them. It also doesn't hurt to provide your videographer with a list of the scheduled events for the reception. Any extended group shots, other than immediate family should probably be scheduled into this part of the day.

 Talking with guests at reception - receiving line
 First dance
 Cutting the cake
 Toasting
 With special guests
 Dancing and candids at the reception
 Wedding Cake before cutting
 Food or desert tables
 Organist and/or soloists
 Musicians
 Any decorations that you have spent a lot of time and energy putting together.
 Candid photos of everyone at the reception
 Photo of the invitation with bouquets, toasting glasses and table centerpieces

That basically covers all of the aspects of your day in a very specific manner. Again, you may have a photographer that is very free flowing and photojournalistic ... a list like this could be very restrictive for them, so please keep that in mind.

Family Photo List.

 Bride with Mother
 Bride with Father
 Bride with Mother & Father
 Bride with Siblings (you may want to do individually or as a group
 Bride with Mother, Father and Siblings
 Bride with Mother, Father, Siblings, their spouses and children
 Bride with Grandparents
 Family generation photo including all above (you may want to wait and do this with the groom) 

 Groom with Mother
 Groom with Father
 Groom with Mother & Father
 Groom with Siblings (you may want to do individually or as a group)
 Groom with Mother, Father and Siblings
 Groom with Mother, Father, Siblings and their spouses and children
 Groom with Grandparents
 Family generation photo including all above (you may want to wait and do this with the bride)

 Bride, Groom and Bride's Parents
 Bride, Groom and Groom's Parents
 Bride, Groom and Both Sets of Parents
 Bride, Groom and Bride's Grandparents
 Bride, Groom and Groom's Grandparents 
 Bride, Groom and Bride's Siblings
 Bride, Groom and Groom's Siblings
 Bride, Groom and all Siblings
 Bride, Groom and Brides entire family
 Bride, Groom and Grooms entire family 
 Bride, Groom and both families combined

Visit the Kliq Weddings Website to find out how Kliq Weddings can help capture your Wedding Day with stunning Videos and Photography! http://www.kliqweddings.co.uk