Drummers Please

There's been some discussion lately between the fiance and I about our wedding reception entertainment. I'm interested in having a live band that sings a variety of music, because we've always enjoyed live music, but we've also considered having a DJ -- all typical wedding talk; however, a not-so typical idea has come up that I'd love to get your opinion about.

Aaron wants drummers. Yes, drummers.

He would like to have a "drummer performance," during the reception. Need I say more? He's shown me a few online videos of the type of performance he has in mind and I'll admit, I like the sound, I like the feel, I like the idea, but just not for our wedding reception.

The good news is that if we do decide to have drummers, we'll get the best of the best drummers in the area.  I know between Aaron and his Dad, we'll end up with amazing, ultra-talented performers.I wonder how I'll feel with my wedding dress on, surrounded by family, enjoying dinner, and then all of the sudden, there are drummers pounding away in the center of our dance floor.

Aaron says this is the one thing he really wants -- ha! Yeah right! Anyway, I hate to crush his dreams, but I think we can compromise. His mother is planning to have a second reception in Williamsburg (where Aaron's family lives) for friends and acquaintances that we are not inviting to the wedding. I think this is the perfect affair for Aaron's drummers.

There's the cake cutting, the first dance, speeches, and all the other la-de-dah of wedding receptions to consider and I'm just  not sure I want to share my precious time with drummers. Am I being selfish? I don't have a lot of good examples on hand of exactly what he wants, but I think it's djembee drummers...

Here are a few video examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT2J1Ot9N5c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPvm7wxBMKA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5QdC_kqE-4

Share your thoughts and don't be shy!!

What kinds of performances have you seen at weddings?

Have you considered anything other than traditional entertainment at your reception?

Jittery Speeches

Last weekend my bridesmaid Amazonia got married in Phoenix, and my other friend Laura got married in Grand Rapids in late August. 2 friends down- 1 to go-- ME! Their weddings were quite lovely and it is interesting how different we all are. We have totally different styles in almost everything.

One thing I did pay close attention to at their weddings though were the speeches.

You see, Mr. NationalHarbor has a horrible fear of speaking in front of people and he is dreading having to get up with a glass of champagne and have all eyes on him during the meal at the receptions and rehearsal dinner. For my part, I don't really have a crippling fear of speaking in public- I just don't know what to say. I am not really a mushy type of gal, so I am not one to just cry and borderline hyperventilate like some girls. I feel like the hardcore criers get away with a lot because no one can even understand what they are saying through the tears so they don't even have to really be coherent. But since I am not a crier- I will have to be quite coherent as I thank the guests for traveling all this way for our special day. But I would like to be a little bit more original than simply stammering "Thank you all for coming!" as well.

I have tried to get Mr. NationalHarbor to practice speaking with me and he keeps trying to avoid the topic. I remind him that as he is very uncomfortable speaking in public anyway it is probably best for him not to try and wing it at the reception. I am trying to jot down a few ideas but I just have no idea what to say and would really like to say something that feels organic rather than rehearsed. I am torn.

The big question is- what does one say at the rehearsal and reception? What are you planning on doing? Sharing speech time? Letting the Mr. do all the talking or what?

All About Venues

We're still undecided about a reception venue, with a few choices that seem to be front-runners. One, which we dearly love the thought of, is a tent in Mr. 16th's parents' backyard. It sounds lovely and casual and very much our style. Photos like this one, found here by the very talented, and local, flutterphoto completely capture my imagination:

There are definitely "cons" to the backyard tent wedding, though. The house is pretty far from the church (NW DC to Oakton, VA). We'll have to rent everything and get staff to set it all up. Although the backyard is really big, they do have neighbors, who may not be thrilled about the huge party and DJ. And, of course, there's the fact that we'll be taking over his parents house entirely for at least the wedding day.

So we're looking into other ideas. The church has a hall, which I'm going to check out on Friday. There is a rental fee, although it would cost less than a tent, and while it comes with some dining tables and chairs we'd still have to rent lots of stuff.

There are a few hotels nearby that I've contacted about guest room blocks and a reception. It seems like that would be convenient for our out of town guests. One is even walking distance from the church!

There are a few restaurants and wine bars I've contacted too. Maybe I'm wrong on this, but it seems that having the reception in a place that already has the tables, linens, dishes, etc. can be less expensive than renting it all separately and getting a caterer. I guess we'll know when the quotes start rolling in! Even if the price isn't much different, it does give us fewer things to worry about and vendors to work with.

And maybe that last point is really the heart of the matter. We want to have a nice wedding and a reception where we can spend time with our friends and family, but without going nuts! My new wedding motto just may be "simplify, simplify."

For You Spring Brides

One of my favorite things about wedding planning is looking for unique and fun decorations. As a Fall Bride, however, it's always a bit sad to see all the wonderful fresh colors typically used in Spring. (Then again, were I a Spring Bride, I'm sure I'd have Fall Bride-envy, as well. Sigh, are we never happy?)

Recently I've come across some very neat and unique centerpiece items, things that I think could be USED in centerpieces in Spring.

One of my absolute favorites that I've seen on Etsy from various sellers are self-sustaining moss terrariums. Sounds interesting, but not quite wedding friendly. Take a look, though...



Neat candle sticks that could be used in conjunction with the fresh flowers. A nice little touch of grass green. Not only that, but they don't require a lot of care, which is ideal since a lot of brides' lives can be so hectic in the days leading up to The Big Day. From what I've seen, basically you water once every 2 to 3 weeks and leave it in a place with indirect sunlight. The end!

I could just see it at a garden themed wedding, perhaps an outdoor evening wedding reception.



Paired with some red daisies, etc. It could be really beautiful.



There are some even with little mushrooms!

I just thought they were so adorable, and could seriously be a wonderful way to bring a bit of natural lushness to spring and garden themed weddings.





I know, you hear MOSS and it doesn't exactly scream wedding floral, but the colors are vivid and lush. Plus it's a nice unique touch! Definitely something for people to gab about at the table.

Sellers:

Made by Mavis - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5836556
Tiny Gardens, Charlotte Cramer Designs - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5371110
(terrariums with and without figurines added)

There are many many others, but those were the two that I came across. Man, almost makes me want to get married in the spring, hehe.