Planning A Grand Wedding: Tips For A Majestic Celebration

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's also an opportunity to showcase your personality and style. A grand wedding doesn't have to be expensive or extravagant – it's all about creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. From the entrance to the reception, here are some tips to make your wedding grand: kick things off with a fun song that suits your personality, surprise your guests with a unique bridal party introduction, and don't forget to add some dramatic touches, like a candlelit path or a balcony entrance. Whether you're honouring your culture or showcasing your love of musical theatre, make your wedding entrance all about you and your partner.

Choose a fun song

Music is a key part of making your wedding grand and choosing a fun song for your entrance can really get the party started. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing a fun song for your wedding entrance:

Tips for Choosing a Fun Song:

• Opt for a well-known song that your friends and family will recognize and hopefully dance along to!
• Choose an upbeat and fun song, especially if you're planning choreography for your entrance.
• Pick a song that reflects your personality and the overall vibe you want to set for the reception.
• If you want to include a unique and fun element, consider incorporating a choreographed dance or a surprise for your guests.

Suggested Songs:

Classic Fun Songs:

• "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
• "Dancing Queen" by ABBA
• "You Make My Dreams (Come True)" by Daryl Hall & John Oates
• "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves
• Twist and Shout" by The Beatles

Modern Fun Songs:

• 24K Magic" by Bruno Mars
• Happy" by Pharrell Williams
• Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon
• Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
• Marry You" by Bruno Mars

Country Fun Songs:

• Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts
• Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks
• Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line
• Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" by Luke Bryan
• Boot Scootin' Boogie" by Brooks & Dunn

Hip-Hop/R&B/Pop Fun Songs:

• Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
• Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
• I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston
• Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
• Best Song Ever" by One Direction

Rock Fun Songs:

• Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
• Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
• Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
• You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
• I Love Rock 'n' Roll" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

Plan a parade

Planning a parade for your wedding is a great way to make your big day memorable and fun for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you plan a parade that's both exciting and safe:

Choose Your Parade Route:

Firstly, decide on the location for your procession. You typically have two options: parade through the streets with a permit, or opt for a sidewalk, park, beach, or another unique setting. If you're set on being in the middle of the street, check with your local authorities to see if permits are available for your desired route. Some cities, like New Orleans, require additional measures such as hiring police escorts and paying a small city tax. It's important to plan your route early and comply with all the necessary requirements.

Avoid Route Roadblocks:

Familiarize yourself with the chosen route to avoid any wrong turns or unexpected roadblocks. Check for construction, blocked streets, or potential traffic congestion that could deter your parade. It's also essential to ensure your band and any other participants are well-informed about the route to keep things running smoothly.

Consider the Distance:

When planning your route, choose an appropriate distance for your wedding parade. On average, wedding parades cover 4-6 blocks, with longer parades extending to 7-10 blocks, typically lasting 15-30 minutes. Keep in mind that some guests may have difficulty walking long distances, so consider alternative transportation options, such as pedicabs, to ensure they can comfortably join the celebration.

Plan for Road Crossings:

If your route includes road crossings, enlist the help of groomsmen, bridesmaids, or other willing participants to assist guests in crossing safely. Ask them to wear bright, easy-to-spot shirts to direct traffic effectively. These guides can also ensure that slower walkers don't lag too far behind, keeping the parade together.

Music and Entertainment:

A parade isn't complete without upbeat music! Book an experienced brass or mariachi band with trumpets and guitars to lead the procession and entertain your guests. If you're embracing the New Orleans second-line tradition, don't forget the uniquely decorated parasols for the newlyweds and white handkerchiefs for guests to wave in the air. You can also add stilt walkers, dancers, or costumed revelers to enhance the excitement.

Comfortable Footwear:

Inform your guests about the parade in advance and recommend they wear comfortable footwear. Dancing and walking through the streets in heels or dress shoes can be uncomfortable. Encourage them to bring along a pair of flip-flops or sneakers so they can fully enjoy the parade experience.

Capture the Moment:

Don't forget to capture this memorable moment! Consider hiring one or more photographers and videographers to capture every angle of your parade. You can even ask your guests to use their phones to film the procession from different perspectives, creating a collage of unique videos that you can later compile into one big nostalgia-filled montage.

Create a dramatic moment

A wedding is a special occasion, and a grand entrance can kickstart the party and create a dramatic moment. Here are some ideas to make a statement and showcase the couple's personality:

Firstly, the bridal party can enter first, taking their seats before the newlyweds make their entrance. This is a simple way to organise the grand entrance, as there is no need to worry about the order in which people enter. Alternatively, the bridal party can be introduced by name, with the newlyweds entering last to thunderous applause. This option requires more coordination, with the emcee working with the bridal party to ensure everyone enters in the correct order.

Another idea is to include a short story or fun fact about each member of the bridal party as they walk in. Each person or couple could also have their own personal entry music, usually a chorus or "hook" from a meaningful or favourite song. The bridal party can also create different effects, such as an archway for each couple, a circle on the dance floor, or even choreographed dance moves.

For a truly dramatic moment, the couple could make their entrance in a vintage car, creating a memorable and photo-worthy moment. Or, if the reception space has stairs, these could be dressed up with greenery, flowers, or candles, drawing attention to the couple as they enter the venue.

A unique idea is to have a balcony moment, where the couple makes their entrance from above, taking in the perfectly designed reception space with all their loved ones gathered inside.

Add unique accessories

Unique accessories can elevate your wedding look and make it more memorable. Here are some ideas to add unique accessories to your wedding:

Bridal Accessories:

• Hair accessories: Modify hair combs with floral or leafy designs, or opt for something more elegant like cut crystals or studs. You can also match the style with your wedding dress.
• Fur wrap: For a winter wedding, a plush fur wrap, real or faux, will add a luxurious touch to your outfit.
• Choker necklace: A choker necklace, whether intricate or simple, is an understated and elegant way to add a unique touch to your wedding style.
• Facial art: For a dramatic effect, consider facial art instead of traditional makeup. You can work with a professional makeup artist to achieve the desired look.
• Veil with embellishments: Decorate your veil with gems, feathers, or flowers to make it more stylized and impressive. You can also experiment with different lengths and materials.
• Leather jacket: A leather jacket paired with your wedding dress creates a stylish contrast and adds a modern twist to your look.
• Cape: Capes and capelets are a trendy choice that adds drama and flair to your wedding ensemble, especially if you're wearing a simple dress.
• Tiara: Tiaras can range from subtle to bold, and you can choose one that suits your style, whether you want to channel your inner Disney princess or go for a more subdued look.
• Bridal collar or "dress necklace": If you're wearing a strapless dress or prefer not to wear traditional jewellery, consider a handmade collar or dress necklace as a unique accessory.
• Vintage jewellery: Vintage jewellery can add a unique and timeless touch to your wedding look. Shop at antique stores, thrift stores, or local rental companies to find one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Crystal hairpieces: Local artisans create specialty crystal hairpieces, such as those handcrafted by artist Michelle of Forever Brooch Bouquets, for a sparkling accent to your hairstyle.
• Boho headpiece: If you're going for a boho bridal look, a boho headpiece or veil with a gold headband will complete your ensemble.
• Customised socks: Wear fun, customised socks that showcase your personality or even a photo of your pet. It's a unique way to add a hidden touch of yourself to your wedding outfit.

Groom Accessories:

• Hats: Stylish hats, such as classic fedoras, top hats, or berets, can showcase the groom's personal taste and add texture and style to their look.
• Cummerbund: A cummerbund is a great way to add a subtle touch of style and colour. Opt for higher-end fabrics or unique designs and patterns to stand out.
• Cufflinks: Unique cufflinks can be creative and personal. Some grooms choose cufflinks that open to reveal a special photo, while others go for decals, sports themes, or flashy designs with diamonds and precious stones.
• Tie or bow tie: With different fabrics and patterns, grooms can showcase their personality and taste. They can stick to the colour palette chosen by their partner or go adventurous with thousands of other options.
• Pocket square: A unique pocket square adds creativity and flair to the groom's look. Experiment with different fabrics, textures, and patterns to highlight your personality.
• Suspenders: Customise your suspenders with different materials and buckles, such as leather suspenders with metal buckles for a robust look or nylon suspenders for a more understated style.
• Embroidered jacket: Embroidered jackets are a fun way to make a statement and can even be matched with the wedding party.
• Lapel pins: Lapel pins can range from succulents to feathers, diamonds, or gold, offering an infinite number of options to choose from.
• Sunglasses: Stylish sunglasses can showcase the groom's personal style, and you can even get them printed with your names and wedding date for a fun touch.

Prepare a wedding party performance

If you and your partner are musical theatre enthusiasts, were part of an a cappella troupe in college, or simply have a few music aficionados in your midst, turn your wedding entrance into a song-and-dance number that your bridesmaids and groomsmen can join in on.

• Choose a song that is meaningful to you and your partner, or one that speaks to your relationship. This will help set the tone for the entire reception and is a great way to connect your wedding entrance idea to your love story.
• Rewrite the lyrics to tell your love story. This adds a fun and personal twist to the performance and will surely delight your guests.
• Involve your wedding party in the performance. They can help with choreography, learn the lyrics, and even provide backup vocals if they are musically inclined.
• Consider the timing of your performance. You may want to make your grand entrance at the beginning of the reception or after you have welcomed your guests and shared your gratitude for their presence.
• Practice, practice, practice! Ensure that you and your wedding party are comfortable with the song and choreography. This will help you feel more confident and enjoy the moment.
• Add some creative touches. For example, you could incorporate props, costumes, or even a simple dance routine to make your performance more engaging and memorable.

By preparing a wedding party performance, you will not only showcase your talents and entertain your guests, but you will also create a unique and memorable moment that celebrates your love story.

Frequently asked questions