See and Hear Local Wedding Bands on WedAlert

Brides and grooms, WedAlert really does make your wedding planning easier! We offer you the ability to see and hear local wedding bands and musicians right from your computer. You can attend "virtual band showcases" to help you narrow down your prospective choices for live entertainment.

Below are examples of some bands and musicians from the New York, New Jersey area to sample.

A. Stan Wiest Music
Let Stan Wiest help you, guide you and plan with you to enable you to fulfill your dreams of a care free magical reception with a packed dance floor.

Classical Pianist ~ Kandace Miller
Kandace Miller is an accomplished Classical pianist & Composer. She has performed at over 500 events ranging from the St. Regis to The United Nations.

Alive N Kickin'
#1 Hit single -Tighter And Tighter- ~ 3 decades of party experience ~ High-energy repertoire ~ Special Shows ~ We Make Your Party Come Alive!

After Hours Music & Entertainment
Our specialties include a High-Energy Party Band and a Professional DJ Service, providing you with Live Music at its best.

Bagpipes for all Occasions
Darius Kaufmann has been a profession piper in the tri-state area for 15 years, playing for weddings, church services, corporate events, & recordings.

The Classix
The Classix are king of cool. It's big blues and rock sound has been launching crowds onto the dance floor since 1999.

Art-Strings Ensembles
Their artistic portfolio includes a number of concert tours in USA, England, France, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Greece.

Bill's Toupee Band
Generations of great dance music that sounds like the original artists performing live, played at the right volume, at the right time. No cheese, no props! A true dance/cover band

Bock and Blu
No matter how many pieces you book us with, our objective is still the same: to provide you with quality music for dancing and listening.

The Capriccio Ensemble
The Capriccio Ensemble is a critically acclaimed ensemble or a solo performer consisting of New York’s truly best performers.

CharMel Entertainment
Your wedding or special event is truly a magical moment, lets make it a memorable moment to be cherished for years to come.

Chaser
You'll Love the fun and excitement that's created when we play live for you.

Cloudburst Productions
Cloudburst supplies music for parties, weddings, corporate events, benefits, bar mitzvahs and birthdays.

Full House Entertainment
Assembled with musicians who shared that passion, a defining reason why FULLHOUSE has come to be Known as the "Ultimate Cover Band".

Futura Music & Entertainment
We will suit your taste in music and capture the ideal mood for the style and size of your party.

Harpist Brandee Younger
With its elegance and sophistication pleasing to both sight and sound, the harp adds the perfect touch to your special day.

Heartbeat Dance Band
The Best in Live Entertainment for Your Wedding, servicing the New York Metro Area.

High Society Rhythm
High Society Rhythm Orchestra plays the most danceable music ever written, from many eras, covering all styles and ethnic backgrounds.

Infinity Music, Video & Photography
Our careful planning, while working with you hand-in-hand, allows you to enjoy your wedding day.

In-Transit
We offer True Professionalism, Personalized Service, All Styles Of Music and the Reassurance of Dealing Direct with your Bandleader.

JK Entertainment
"THE JK BAND" is ready to create magic for you and your guests!

John Ragusa Music
Looking for a Refreshing Alternative to typical wedding music? Ceremonies to Receptions – World Class Soloists, Bands, and DJs.

Kameleon Orchestras
Kameleon Orchestras is the favorite New York dance band for your perfect wedding or party where all age groups are involved.

theKIXband
We have a unique vocal and harmony sound, backed by tasty musical instrumentation that will keep everyone dancing at your reception!

La Belle Voix New York
Exquisite classical music. NYC's finest wedding singer and musicians. Strings, harp, brass and more.

La Vita Classical Guitar
Let the timeless, graceful beauty of the classical guitar and its music enchant you and your guests.

L and S Entertainment
With our careful attention to the finest details, your fabulous occasion will be transformed into a successful event to be long remembered.

Manhattan City Music
Manhattan City Music provides the finest music and entertainment in the New York area to make your event memorable, elegant and fun.

New Deal Orchestra
FOR OVER 20 YEARS Robbie Scott and his NEW DEAL ORCHESTRA have provided music tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.

New York Edge Music
For a decade New York Edge Music has been dedicated to providing the finest in elegant and high-energy musical entertainment.

Park Swing Orchestra
Park Swing Orchestra ensembles are made up of the finest professional musicians in the New York area.

Soular Rhythm Entertainment
Soular Rhythm's orchestras and bands are made up of some of the finest musicians on the scene today.

Spectrum Music
Entertainment is our business and we pride ourselves on our ability to match each occasion with the full Spectrum of our versatile sounds

Standards and Soul
Provided some of the finest country clubs in the tri-state area with quality musicians and DJ's.

Sterling Music Ensembles
Specialize in weddings and have performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Plaza Hotel, the Whitney Museum, and Tavern on the Green.

Stolen Moments
With over 50 years of musical experience, Stolen Moments specializes in ensuring the success of special events throughout the tri-state area.

Sumar Orchestras & Entertainment
Over the past 20 years our artists compiled many impressive credits and affiliations by working in the music business with recording industry greats!

The "A" Band
The group has evolved into one of the finest "private party" dance bands in the NY, NJ, CT tri-state area.

Venus Ensembles
Venus Ensembles provides only the finest classical and jazz musicians to enhance the elegance of your special day.

Vincent Paul Music and Entertainment
Make your special occasion a complete success with music and entertainment custom designed for you, personally.

So when you are choosing live wedding entertainment visit WedAlert and view the media pages of bands and musicians in your area.

Choosing your Wedding Flowers

So you’re getting married! Among all of the details and decisions that you have to make, choosing the right wedding flowers can be one of the most important. After all, your wedding is about creating lasting memories, and flowers will surely be a big part of those memories.

To make your wedding flower decisions a little easier, some pre-planning will save you time, and money. Here are a few things that will help:

1. Pick out your wedding colors in advance. The colors of the flowers should coordinate and accentuate the primary colors of the wedding. You don’t necessarily need to have all the details worked out, but you should have the main colors. Once you are in your wedding consultation you wedding consultant can help you finalize the details.

2. Choose your wedding style. Look through wedding magazines and cut out pictures of any style that you might like, whether it be modern, classic or just plain different. The table centerpieces, decorations and bridal bouquet should all have a common theme.

3. Pick the main type of flowers you would like to feature. Learn the meanings of the flowers if you feel that this is important, or choose one that has a special personal meaning. Your floral consultant can be a great help in this area. She can tell you about the availability of flowers around your wedding date and help you balance the beauty with the budget.

4. Know your budget. Decide on the approximate amount of money that you want to spend. Typically, wedding flowers cost about 1/10 of the total cost of the wedding, and they can range anywhere from $300 to $5,000 or more. Talk honestly with your floral consultant about your budget. It will help her give you the most value for your money.

5. Ask for referrals. If you are interviewing a florist that you are unfamiliar with, ask for pictures of past work, or phone numbers of wedding couples that they have helped in the past.

6. Ask for a sample of the centerpiece. For larger weddings, some florists will provide a sample of the centerpieces. This is an outstanding way to insure that you get exactly what you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to ask for changes when you see the sample. It is a lot easier to make changes during your consultation than the day of the wedding.

7. Don’t go alone. Take a friend, your fiancé or your mother with you to the florist. In this instance, two heads really are better than one. It never hurts to get someone else’s opinion, as long as you can make the final decision.

8. Enjoy the experience. Flowers are a beautiful part of your wedding. They will form the basis of your wedding memories for years to come. It only happens once. Enjoy it!

With fifty years of experience in wedding flowers and floral decorations, Visser’s Florist in Anaheim, CA wrote this article using knowledge that is only gained by experience. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call.

By Ted Robinson

Wedding Video Montage Song Selections

Michele and Aaron Hechtman from Crystal Ball Creations have provided the following song suggestions that either they selected or their past clients have used in their video montages.

Certain songs can be used in different categories. Most songs can be found in the WedAlert Wedding Song Library as well.

Baby Songs

Forever Young – Rod Stewart
You’re So Young & Beautiful – Elvis
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Shooting Stars
When you Wish Upon a Star
Butterfly Kisses
Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston
I Never Saw A Miracle Until I Saw You – Barry/Mann/Curtis Montrose Singers
You’re The Love of My Life – Carly Simon
Tiny Dancer – Elton John


Growing Up

My Girl
You’re So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
She’s a Lady – Tom Jones
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
Let’s Hear It For The Boy
Daughters – John Meyers
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
You Are The Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
I Never Saw A Miracle
Brown Eyed Girl
Beautiful – Jim Brickman
Three Times A Lady – Lionel Richie
Circle of Life
Every Breath You Take – UB40
American Girl – Tom Petty
Love Her Madly – The Doors
Drops of Jupiter – Train
Uncle John’s Band – Grateful Dead
The Wind – Cat Stevens
Money – Pink
Break on Through - Doors

Family Pictures

Time of My Life – Dirty Dancing
I’ll Be There For you – Friends Theme
In My Life – Beatles
We Are Family
525,000 Minutes - Rent
You and Me – Lifehouse
Circle of Life – Elton John

Friends

Uptown Girl
Footloose – Kenny Loggins

Couple Pictures

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis
Forever and Always – Shania Twain
From This Moment – Shania Twain
I’ve Got You Babe – Sony & Cher
What’s Left of Me – Nick Lachey
I Can’t Smile Without You – Barry Manilow
True Companion – Marc Cohen
You and Me – Lifehouse
Amazed – Lonestar
Love of a Lifetime – Lifehouse
Whenever You Call – Brian McKnight & Mariah Carey
Here in My Heart – Kenny Rankin
Till There Was You – Music Man
You’ll be In My Heart – Phil Collins
This Will be An Everlasting Love – Natalie Cole
Spend My Life With You – Eric Benet
A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
Nobody Loves Me Like You Do – Whitney Houston
God Only Knows What I’d Do Without You – Beach Boys
Danny’s Song – Kenny Loggins
I’ll Be – Edwin McCain
I Could Not Ask For More – Sara Evans
Beautiful Day – U2
Everywhere – Michelle Branch
When I Look To The Sky – Train
With or Without You – U2

Wedding Traditions – Why We Do That?

What do you think of when you hear the word "Wedding?" Probably something quite similar to what most other people are thinking – a beautiful bride in white, tossing a lovely bouquet and garter, a scrumptious towering cake . . .

So many things are specifically associated with weddings – most of which are based on centuries-old traditions and symbolism. However, traditions have to start somewhere. There had to be a first time that any of these practices took place, and superstition or practicality was usually the underlying reason.

Some traditions were originated to keep away the evil spirits:
Bridal bouquet - originally made of herbs, such as thyme and garlic, not flowers. The herbs were chosen for their strong smell, with the intent to frighten away evil spirits.

Bridesmaids dressing alike - the bride and her ‘maids used to dress similarly to confuse the evil spirits.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue - originated in England to ward off the evil spirits.

Honking car horns after a wedding, or tying tin cans to the back of the get-away car were done as the noise scared off the evil spirits.

Other traditions were symbols of fertility:
The wedding cake - during the days of the Roman Empire, wheat or barley cakes (more like loaves) were broken over the head of the new bride by her groom symbolizing her fertility.
Giving a favor of Italian confetti, or candy-covered almonds - these used to be tossed at the couple representing fertility and good luck.

Tossing rice - originated with the ancient Hindus and Chinese to bestow fertility upon the bride and groom, as rice is the symbol of fruitfulness and prosperity in these cultures.

Some traditions remain with a specific culture, rather than having become the norm for American weddings:
Indian - The Redenga is an exchange of flower garlands during the ceremony which symbolizes the couple’s acceptance of each other.

Egyptian - Women pinch the bride for good luck.

Irish - Giving a bell as a gift - the chime of bells is thought to keep evil spirits away, and also remind a couple of their wedding vows.

Swedish - the bride puts a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to ensure that she’ll never do without.

Other traditions stem from practicality to serve a specific purpose rather than being based on superstition. Although the practical purpose no longer holds true for todays society, these traditions hold fast:
Why there are two envelopes with the invitation:
Invitations used to be hand delivered by messenger. In transport, the outer envelope would get dirty. When the messenger arrived at the destination, he would discard the outer, soiled envelope, and present the invitation to the recipient in just the inner, clean envelope.

Why couples kiss at the end of their ceremony:
While many cultures share the more romantic belief that the couple exchanged spirits with their breath and part of their souls were exchanged as they kiss, this tradition actually originated with the Romans who used a kiss to seal a binding contract.

Why there is a garter toss:
Prior to the 14th century, it was believed that possessing part of the brides garments brought good luck, so people actually tried to tear off pieces of her clothing. The tradition of a "garter toss" started in the 14th century after brides were tired of having to fight off people trying to tear at her clothing.

Why brides wear white:
Contrary to popular belief, this has nothing to do with purity or virginity. The white wedding gown started with Queen Victoria in 1840. She wanted a dress that was specially for her wedding day, rather than wear one of her "Sunday Best" as was common practice at the time. Her of a white satin and lace gown remains the preferred choice of modern brides. If a white gown was good enough for a queen . . .

By Jean Neuhart
Weddings From The Heart

Should Your Wedding Invitations be Professionally Printed?

Should Your Wedding Invitations be Professionally Printed?

Today’s brides seem more and more interested in printing their own wedding invitations using home computers to save on costs. Even though you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive some styles of professionally printed invitations really are, there’s so much more to the process than just the monetary cost.

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so be sure your wedding invitations match the beauty of your special day! Your invitations will be giving your guests their first impression of your wedding.

The whole wedding invitation process starts with choosing your style. Professional printers are able to provide a great selection of different designs including quality papers, unique colors and trendy sizes. They commonly have a style to fit any theme, budget or colors you have in mind.

Professionally printed wedding invitations are typically created by using a process called thermography. This produces the beautiful raised lettering that makes wedding invitations look so elegant.

When it comes to choosing your font style and ink color, you will appreciate all the choices a professional printer has to offer. They can also print your return address on your outer envelopes and provide a color lining for your inner envelopes if you so choose.

Additional matching items such as response cards, maps, direction cards, reception cards, thank you notes and wedding programs can be easily printed at the same time you order your professionally printed wedding invitations.

There is no doubt that your time is at a premium as you are planning your wedding, and printing your own wedding invitations can be a tedious task. So consider saving precious time and possible frustration by letting the professionals handle your wedding invitation printing. Let them do what they do best…provide superior quality resulting in gorgeous wedding invitations.

This information was provided by Sara Haese. She owns Printed Creations Wedding Store where you'll find a great selection of both elegant and inexpensive wedding invitations as well as save the dates. Visitors can also sign up to receive her FREE Wedding Invitation Guide.