Wedding Ceremony Music

When it comes time to planning music for your wedding day, many brides and grooms get excited but plenty of others are overwhelmed and intimidated by the entire process.  Music sets the tone for each part of your wedding. Whether it be that moment you walk down the aisle, as you enter the ballroom with your new hubby, dinner music, or creating that party experience you are looking for -- they all require different music. Where do you start? Today we want to help you take a quick peek into the process of selecting your ceremony music and song selections.

At Spencer Special Events, we are here to help guide you through this process to ensure you don't feel overwhelmed.  We work with the areas most trusted music sources. One of our favorites is Hilton Head Entertainment! They've been in the wedding music business for 25 years and draw upon the hundreds of talented musicians, bands, DJ's and specialty music artists in the Lowcountry. They know who to call when you want a modern version of "All You Need is Love" by the Beatles to walk down the aisle, a Gullah Choir, or who to call when you need a Blue Grass Band for cocktail hour.  We sat down with Jessica Jameson of Hilton Head Entertainment to share some tips with our readers!

Ceremony Music 

Like many things, it will depend on your budget and your vision. You may want to consider a solo violinist, guitar or harp playing while your guests are being seated.  You may love the idea of a magnificent Gullah choir rejoicing in song after you say "I do."  At Spencer Special Events, we will be happy to give you some ideas that we think work for your style and ceremony format! We love that part!

When it comes to song choice, we are seeing more modern choices such as Jason Miraz, "I'm Yours", The Beatles "All You Need Is Love," Isreal K. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," and Train's "Marry Me." Weddings today are of course still about tradition, but about incorporating meaning and personal touches. So don't be shy to ask if they can play your song!

Of course, there are all the traditional songs available like Trumpet Voluntary, Canon D, and all the classics if that's what you are looking for. Plenty of musicians play a good mix of modern and classics!  We love working with Hilton Head Entertainment because spending on the vision, style and song requests, they help make excellent recommendations for who to choose. 

All photos by Landon Jacob Productions (thanks!) 

Our biggest tip when it comes to ceremony music is to know what you like and then trust the experts. Give them plenty of direction but then sit back and let them help.  Jessica Jameson has lead dozens and dozens of our brides in choosing the right music, she prides herself in careful attention to each couple that she works with. She returns emails in a flash and having worked for the company for almost a decade, she's built personal relationships with musicians. She gets questions answered and helps ensure your wedding music is flawless.  With Hilton Head Entertainment, there's always a backup plan too (in case that harpist gets sick -- you're covered in your contract with guaranteed ceremony music!) 

We hope this has given you some insight into ceremony music and taken some stress away. We are here to help so that this process is fun, NOT overwhelming. That's what this is all about!

Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered

While the whole process of getting married and hosting a celebration for family and friends is incredibly fun, many brides and grooms often get overwhelmed when it comes to the etiquette of weddings.  They run into situations that are unfamiliar and sticky- and often worry they'll offend someone or "do the wrong thing." Spencer Special Events is here to guide our couples through the process and put minds at ease. Today we are answering a few common etiquette questions in a variety of situations.

Engagement Etiquette: Who shares the news? At Spencer Special Events, we always tell our newly engaged clients to take some time to truly enjoy the engagement! Make sure you carve out time for each other and not let planning a wedding damper the joy you felt the moment you got engaged.  When it comes time to share the engagement, a newspaper announcement approximately two to three months before the wedding day can be made by the bride's parents or immediate family. Bride's parents should ask the grooms parents if they would also like a newspaper announcement sent to the newspaper in the grooms hometown.

What are the attendant responsibilities and duties: Asking someone to be a bridesmaid in your wedding is more than just having someone stand up with you and wear that darling dress that you choose!  There are some traditional roles that attendants play. Emily Post Wedding Etiquette provides a check list for bridesmaids, maids/matrons of honor, and groomsmen that include helping the bride select their attire, addressing invitations and place cards, attending prenuptial events, holding the grooms wedding ring, helping with the gown, holding the bouquet during the ceremony, standing in the receiving line, and more.  But don't you fret, Spencer Special Events always take some of these duties off their plate. We can coordinate addressing, carrying rings, touching up make up, and more since many of our brides want their bridesmaids to also feel like guests, and less like maids.

Do we need to have a receiving line? A receiving line is a traditional way for the bride, groom and their family to greet their guests directly after a ceremony or right before the reception.  This is a good idea if you are having a particularly large wedding and it will be unlikely that you are able to speak to everyone.  Or if you will not have an event prior to the wedding (example welcome reception) to visit with your guests.  If you have a receiving line, your order should be:  mother of the bride, father of the bride, mother of the groom, father of the groom, bride, groom, maid of honor, bridesmaids.  If you don't have a receiving line (which is less and less common these days- especially for a destination wedding), we recommend you make an effort to go around to each table and greet your guests, and say hello after you have eaten.  Because your family and friends have traveled a long way and incurred expenses to come celebrate you, it's important to make an effort to greet each guest during the night. But the beauty of a destination wedding weekend is you are privileged to spend more time with your guests throughout the weekend events!

Who gives a toast at the wedding? It's customary for the best man to be the only toast offered, but we recommend a welcome toast from the bride's parent's to all the guests, and a maid of honor toast is also acceptable.  Guests outside the wedding party should not toast.  All the guests should rise for the toast, except the bride and groom who stay seated.  If the groom toasts to the bride, she should remain seating according to traditional etiquette. 

We've only covered a few of the many wedding etiquette questions we get every year! There are always a lot of questions that we are happy to answer -- leave us a comment today and let us know how we can help!

Guest List Template

At Spencer Special Events, our job is to make our brides, grooms, and their families lives easier during the wedding planning process, and of course, to keep things organized.  One of the most challenging things to coordinate can be the guest list, especially for large weddings.  Today we are providing a sample template and simple instructions, so you can organize your guest list flawlessly and we can execute your event just the way you want us to.  Part of our job is to ensure your guests are comfortable, well taken care of, and have a fabulous weekend!

Download this template in Microsoft Excel here

Let's walk you through each column, though it's fairly self-explanatory.

As your planner, we'll need to know a lot of information about your guests.  We've found that it's best to supply the first and last names (in separate columns) of each guest. This helps us sort guests by family name easily.  (We can pull up information on all the Pudenz's for example, simply by sorting the list.)  We also need to know the total number of guests for each, in case their are children attending.

Keep careful track of your RSVP's as they come in.  A simple "N" or "Y" can help you sort when all replies are in.  Then we can easily tally the numbers.

We like to know where all guests are staying.  This is especially important for delivery of welcome bags.  It's also important if for example, Aunt Peggy is doing a reading but running late and we need to contact her hotel to find her!  Or if a guest calls and needs to be picked up, we know where to send a car.

When coordinating your guests seating, we need to know table numbers or names.  If you are having open seating or unassigned seating, you can obviously leave this blank or delete the column all together.

There are no special requests or notes that are too small.  If you are aware that a particular guest has an allergy, you can note this here.  Perhaps you'd like to tell us who is hard of hearing, that someone should not be seated next to a speaker, a guest is handicapped and may need assistance, or even some light family drama we should be on the look out for.  Our job is to make sure all of your guests are well taken care of.

You can download this template here!  We look forward to making your day extra special and hope you find this guest list template helpful when planning your wedding.

Small wedding details not to forget!

When you are planning a wedding, you can be so focused on the big things like a dynamite venue, a perfect photographer, a scrumptious menu, and the gown of your dreams, that sometimes the very little details are last on your mind.  At Spencer Special Events, the details are our favorite part!  Here are four small details that shouldn't be overlooked.

1.  A pretty dress hanger!  You spend thousands of dollars on a dream wedding gown and you want your photographer to capture that gorgeous beauty hanging before you put it on.  For this reason, don't overlook the importance of a pretty hanger!  There are a variety of options from "Bride", your new last name, and "Mrs." -- just be sure you don't have an ugly wire hanger or get stuck grabbing one from the hotel closet.

Cheyenne from The Schultzes

2.  Making it kid-friendly (if children are invited!)  If you are having kids attend the wedding, make sure you have a game plan for those precious kiddos.   At Spencer Special Events, we like to have something for the kids during the ceremony like crayons and coloring books.  At the reception during speeches, skip a flower in their napkin and add a lollipop that coordinates with your design.  You're sure to be a hit!  If you are having a kid-friendly wedding, don't forget to make it kid-friendly! 

Marcus Krause Photography

3. A special cake knife or toasting flutes.  Often times these are passed down from generation to generation, or received as a wedding gift.   Give them to us before the big day and we will make sure they are waiting for you at your cake table. 

4. A way to remember family members that can't be with you!  Old family photos in elegant frames around the cocktail hour or reception can be a sentimental way to have your grandparents or loved ones with you on your big day. 

Landon Jacob Photography

We at Spencer Special Events will make sure that all of your details are covered and perfectly placed. It really is our favorite part (aside from working with our wonderful brides and their sweet families!)

Wedding Day Tipping

When you (or your VERY generous folks) are spending big bucks on your wedding, sometimes the last thing on your mind is tipping your vendors.  Who should you tip and what's already covered in your contracts? At Spencer Special Events, we tell all our brides and families that unless a service charge is outlined in your agreement, tipping is completely optional, except for a few places. But not to stress, we are certainly there to help guide you! 

You should feel free to tip anyone that exceeds your expectations (after all that is what tipping is all about!), but as a rule of thumb you tip associates and not direct business owners. It is never expected but a true token of appreciation for a job well done.

Follow these simple guidelines for tipping in these categories: 

• Wedding hair stylist and make-up artist: tip 15-20%, just as you would in a salon 
• Wedding officiant.  If you make a donation to the church for their work, tip $100-$150 for their direct time and service. 
• Delivery personnel.  A few small tips ($10-$20 each) for welcome bag delivery, florists, and event rentals (particularly those doing a lot of grunt work) are appreciated. 
• Ceremony musicians.  Usually included in your contract but if they went above and beyond by writing something special for you or learning a new piece just for your wedding day, $20-50 per musician is considered appropriate, or 15% of the total bill.
• Reception Entertainment.  Usually covered in your contract but if they go above and beyond, $20 per member is about standard.
• Wait staff and bartenders is an area that's usually covered. Check your contract here but if it is not covered, it’s usually 10% of the total liquor bill to be split among them.
• Service Staff: $20 and up each (distributed by the catering manager or maitre d’)
• Wedding transportation. Usually included in your contract, if not, tip 10%-15% of the total cost. 
• Valet or parking attendants: $1 to $2 per car; 15 percent for valet parking
• Catering manager: $200+ or a personal gift
• Chef: $100+
• Coat check attendants: $1 to $2 per guest
• Bathroom attendants: $1 to $2 per guest
• Maitre d’hotel or Banquet Captain: 1 to 3 percent of food and beverage fees
• Photographer/videographer: If you’re paying a flat fee with no overtime, $100

Is this list overwhelming?  Our team at Spencer Special Events can happily coordinate all of this for you ahead of time AND distribute gratuities as you see fit. 

Don’t forget a hand written thank you note also goes a LONG way with vendors that you are working with. Often they will use it as testimonials for social media or on their website. Referrals are the best "tip."  And the fact that you are so pleased with the product or service delivered that you shout it from the roof tops (or Facebook and Twitter!) is simply priceless and what many vendors in this business rely on.  

Lastly, remember that a smiling, kind, grateful, and appreciative bride or groom is a HUGE "tip" for any vendor since it is always rewarding to work with someone who is appreciative of your service.  

Though it's a tricky subject, we hope we've answered some of your wedding day tipping questions.   

Bluffton South Carolina wedding venues

Though many people tend to think of a destination wedding solely on Hilton Head Island, at Spencer Special Events we know that there are some truly spectacular wedding venues in the ever-so-charming Bluffton, South Carolina. For that reason, we think it’s an area that should not be overlooked when planning your wedding weekend!  We have had the honor of helping couples plan their dream wedding in truly dream-like settings in Bluffton.  Today we’ll show you just a few and why we have fallen in love with these three Bluffton wedding venues:  Colleton River Plantation, Palmetto Bluff and Belfair.

At Colleton River Plantation Club, wedding ceremonies can be held on the lawns of their signature golf courses.  The Nicklaus Clubhouse overlooks the tranquil Colleton River and the Dye Clubhouse overlooks the Port Royal Sound – both spectacular backdrops for nuptials.  You and your family will simply adore working with their top-notch staff and their delicious, world class cuisine.  From the pub, dining room, ballroom, or a grand tent on the golf course lawn, there are a variety of options to host the reception that’s right for you at Colleton River Plantation Club.

Munoz Photography

If you’re looking for luxury and style, you won’t want to skip Palmetto Bluff.  Carefully planned and developed, Palmetto Bluff is on 20,000 acres of pristine Low Country.  Its home to 32 miles of riverside, sweeping oaks draped with Spanish moss, and marshes abundant with wildlife.  Ceremonies can be held in their darling Waterside Chapel, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres underneath majestic oaks on the banks of the May River, and receptions can take place in the quaint ballroom of the Auberge Resort’s acclaimed Inn at Palmetto Bluff.   Spencer Special Events has had the opportunity to design, plan and execute multiple weddings at this truly majestic venue.  

Mark Staff Photography

Belfair Plantation offers world class service in their recently renovated clubhouse and a spectacular setting on the Colleton River.  With a southern charm, a wedding at Belfair is one gorgeous option for couples.  You'll find that true southern hospitality from the moment you and your guests arrive.  As with most private clubs in our area, Belfair also offers fabulous cottages nestled close to the clubhouse for your guest accommodations. This gorgeous gated community is also home to the Avenue of Oaks, where you will enjoy the moss-draped pictures you've always wanted.

Landon Jacob Photography

We hope you enjoy the process of choosing your wedding venue! Though it can be overwhelming, there are so many great options in the area and with our team to help you, you are sure to find the venue that was meant to be.  And like Amanda says, once you have the venue booked for your wedding, that’s when the real fun begins! 

Hilton Head Island Wedding Venues

Choosing the right venue for your Hilton Head Island wedding can be far more daunting than almost any other decision you’ll have to make during the planning process.  But we tell all of our clients once the date and venue is set, the fun truly begins! Your wedding venue sets the stage for the size of your wedding, tone for the entire weekend experience for your guests, and budget.  Not to mention, it really completes your wedding style (see our tips for choosing your wedding style here.)   So how do you navigate through all of the choices and choose a wedding venue on Hilton Head Island? We are here to help!

Luckily Amanda and her team have had the pleasure of planning events just about everywhere on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and the surrounding areas.  So today we’re going to scratch the surface of this beautiful barrier island.   Many times brides know exactly where they want to get married;  they have vacationed here since they were little girls, or folks have a second home in the area, but other times couples need a bit more guidance.  So if you are just starting out your wedding planning and need some ideas on where to have your ceremony and reception, you have come to the right place!   Of course there are hundreds of fabulous choices around this area, we’ll just show you a few of our favorites!    

When you have a good idea of the style you want, you can search for a venue that matches your vision.   If you are interested in an amazing oceanfront beach resort style wedding, we recommend you check out the newly renovated Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa. Their outdoor venues such as the Oceanfront Pavilion, Oceanfront Deck, and newly renovated ballroom are ideal for both casual and elegant weddings.  Located right on the beach in the gorgeous Port Royal Plantation this has a great combination of southern/modern island feel along with superior service and dining.

Mark Staff Photography & Allison Reisz Photography

We also love and adore the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, this charming property located in the Palmetto Dunes Plantation recently completed a gorgeous renovation.  Get married on the beach and hold your reception at Shore House.   The Shore House is a versatile location – you are able to dress up the venue or keep it rustic and simple.    You decide what’s right with your budget and style. 

If you’re style is more nautical and you are looking for something a bit more iconic of Hilton Head Island, Amanda highly suggests you check out Sea Pines Resort.  They have four fantastic sites for ceremony venues, directly on the beach, under the Liberty Oak Tree, on the 18^th lawn of the Harbour Town golf links, and the gorgeous Fountain Terrace.    Host your reception in the Champions Ballroom with magnificent views of the golf course home to the RBC Heritage golf tournament for an elegant ballroom setting, or underneath a fabulous draped tent on the 18^th green.  There are many options in Sea Pines Plantation and Amanda and Spencer Special Events can recommend the one that’s perfect for you.   

Photos by Landon Jacob Photography

Perhaps no location in the Hilton Head area is more serene and peaceful than a wedding just a ferry boat ride away on Daufuskie Island’s private community of Haig Point.  With truly majestic settings under moss draped live oak trees and a picturesque light house and tower, beautiful mansions and country club settings, there are several ceremony and reception options on this  Island you will want to explore.  You definitely don’t want to miss this dreamlike venue.

Photos by Scott Hopkins Photography & Evan Laettner

Soon we’ll cover some other venues that are near and dear to our hearts just a hop over the bridge in Bluffton, South Carolina.  Many of which should not be overlooked in your wedding planning.  If you’re looking for Low Country charm and sophistication, there are several great options to host your dream wedding weekend.   Whatever it is you are thinking, Amanda is sure to have a wedding venue on Hilton Head or the surrounding areas that fits your vision and dreams! 

Choosing your wedding style

At Spencer Special Events we get to know our bride and grooms’ both separately and as a couple.  Each person is unique, each couple is unique, each event should be unique, and so Amanda spends a lot of time getting to know a couple while planning their wedding.   Getting to know the couple helps choose the style of a wedding and make it uniquely theirs!  

We are having an absolute ball getting to know Christin and Rob and planning their upcoming wedding this fall.  They couldn't be more sweet and so much fun to work with.  Did we mention they are absolutely gorgeous? 

Photos by Scott Hopkins Photography

Usually the first order of business is a conference call, typically lasting about an hour and a half, to get better acquainted and talk about the vision of the wedding weekend.  Amanda requests that the couple does some minor homework (remember this is fun!) by sending her two to three images that really speak to the couple.  Images should be representative of the day and style they wish to have at their wedding.  She prefers to walk through this process over the phone versus emailing her a completed questionnaire to really get to know them and their tastes.

To get some inspiration, Amanda suggests brides visit Pinterest, Style Me Pretty, Once Wed, JuneBug Weddings, and Inside Weddings as starting off points.   Perusing other weddings will give you a good idea of the style you want your wedding to be.   But we also like to get a feel for how you decorate your home, cuisine you fancy, and sense of fashion to help guide us in your design.

There’s a style for everyone.    Be it vintage, outdoor, rustic, beach, vineyard, ballroom, classic or modern, styles range tremendously and it’s important your wedding planner can execute your vision based on that style.    So what’s your wedding style? 

Is it posh?

Photo by Allison Reisz

Is your style an elegant ballroom setting like this? 

 Photos by Mark Staff Photography

Or maybe you are island inspired like this: 

 Landon Jacob Photography

Amelia + Dan Photography 

Or perhaps a more sweet, southern style like this:

Photo by Nate Henderson

Or are you more of a bright floral burst like this:

Photos by Scott Hopkins Photography

Or maybe you have rustic low country charm in mind: 

Photos by Landon Jacob Photography

We've had the pleasure of planning all of these events with various styles!  Aren't we lucky?

So start your planning with a little bit of homework--it's a tough gig, we know!  Visit some sites and get a sense for the styles that you gravitate towards.  When you have a feel for what you like and what you don’t like, Amanda and her team will help you personalize that style and really make it yours.   After all, everyone wants a wedding they can call their own, so choosing a style and finding some inspiration that speaks to you is just the beginning.   Having a wedding planner who can make it yours and execute the details is what is going to make it YOUR day.  

Be sure to follow Amanda & Spencer Special Events on Pinterest to get some great wedding style ideas.   We’ll talk about choosing the right venue on our next post!