Wedding Supplies / Wedding Reception Supplies / Wedding Party Gifts / Wedding Favors

I know that sometimes during the planning of a wedding, things seem to get really out of hand and overwhelming.  Many brides feel that way at
one time or another.

However, you still have plenty of time to make the remaining decisions.  What you need to do is step back and concentrate on your basic goals and
priorities.  They should help you decide what will work best and be most pleasing to you.

First, in thinking about your flower options, you need to consider the colors you have already decided on (for maids' gowns and decorations) as
well as the types of flowers which are in season in late May. Below are some examples of popular seasonal flowers which should be available for
your wedding.

Alstromeri
Calla Lily
Carnation
Delphinium
Freesia
Gardenia
Gerbera Daisy
Hydrangea
Lily
Lily of the Valley
Lisianthus
Ranunculus
Roses
Stephanotis
Stock
Sweetpea

You can choose flower types that you like, flowers that come in either matching or attractive contrasting colors, and/or flowers that have a mood and look that enhances your gown and other wedding details. For
example, calla lilies are very classic and bold, hydrangeas have lovely soft colors and a modern country feel, roses are of course the ultimate
in romance, and ranunculus are clean and contemporary.

If you are not very familiar with different flower types, you might find the following site useful:

http://www.freshroses.com/volume.html#SEASONAL AVAILABILITY BY MONTH

It gives lists of flowers available in each month, then each listing also is a link to a photo of that flower type.  So, for instance, if you are not familiar with "Lisianthus", you can click on that and see a
photo if it to see if you like it or not.

You can also get ideas for color and also for general flower types and bouquet styles at your local library in floral arranging books and on-line on sites like those listed under Flowers on the following page:
For music, I'm not sure if you are just looking for what pieces to play, or if you need actual musicians.

If you are choosing musicians/DJs, that will take a little while, but if you start now, you should still be able to book someone satisfactory. Again, think through what your needs and expectations are for the music-- how much, for what "events", what style(s), etc.  Usually general ceremony music can be handled by an on-site musician or provided
using a tape or CD.  For reception music, you can use recorded music, too, to save money, or consider a DJ or live musicians-- it all depends
on the atmosphere you want, your needs, your budget, etc.  But if you keep focused on these issues, the decisions are much easier.

If you are referring to specific musical pieces for the processional, recessional, etc., you need to consider, again, your wedding style and
mood, and remember that you don't have to pick the traditional "Here comes the bride..."  or currently popular options like Pachelbel's Canon.  There are many lovely musical pieces that make lovely choices.

The options for appropriate processional and recessional music are really only limited by:

~ tempo
~ length
~ any restrictions in your church
~ the mood of your wedding and your musical tastes

In classical and instrumental music, some other fine processionals (for walking down the aisle) include:

A Mighty Fortress is our God (Martin Luther)
Air on the G String (JS Bach)
Amazing Grace
Andante Catabile from Quartet in D, Op 11 (Tchaikovsky)
Ave Maria
Greensleeves
La Vie En Rose (Louiguy/Piaf/Vargas)
Meditation [Thais] (Massenet
Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck)
Rosamunde: Entr'acte No 2 in B-Flat (Schubert)
The Water is Wide
Xerxes: Ombra Mai Fu [Largo] (Handel) ---this is my favorite : )

Some interesting recessionals (for when you leave) include:

Adagietto from Symphony #5 (Mahler)
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel)
Brandenburg Concerto, No 3 in G, various (Bach)
Eine Kleine Nacthmusik; 2nd Movement, Romanza (Mozart)
Etude in E Major Op 10, No 3 (Chopin)
Intermezzo (Provost)
Liebestraum No 3 in A Flat (Liszt)
The Messiah, various
Suite in D Minor for Harpsichord (Handel)
The March of the Siamese Children (Rodgers)
Water Music, various (Handel)

Of course, these are not the only options, but it's somewhere to begin.  You might check your local library to see if they have a music
collection you can listen to.  Many do, and that gives you access to a wide selection of different music.  If you have a classical radio station nearby, listening to that for a few days might also give you
some ideas.  Your minister, church organist/pianist, your DJ or bandleader if you will hire one, a friend with wide musical tastes all could perhaps make suggestions.

If you have any interest in popular music selections, let me know. There are some lovely ballads and standards from many different musical genres
(country, pop, soul, etc.) which also work well for ceremony music.  I'd be happy to make a few suggestions if you tell me more about what you
might like.

 
Just take your time and try to relax.  You do still have time to get things together.

Best wishes and much happiness to you!
  

Foreverwed.com expert-- Sara L. Ambarian
author of "A Bride's Touch: A Handbook of Wedding Personality and
Inspiration"/ creative consultant/ custom bridal designer
mailto:sara@www.foreverwed.com
For more wedding information:
http://www.foreverwed.com/~sara