Music for the ceremony

Music helps to create atmosphere. The right music pulls your wedding plans together. The "wrong" music can bury any plans you may have made. Take the time to select the right music and the right venue for it. Seek out expert advice, audition musicians and know the mood you want to create for your wedding. Make sure it matches the surroundings. Make sure you like it. You search out the "right" florist and photographer. Do the same for the professionals that will have so much impact on the ceremony and reception you have planned.

The first rule is of course, to check with the church or synagogue about any restrictions in place. If there are-you must follow them. If there are few, here are some guidelines to help you plan this important part of the ceremony.

a) The music should start about 30 minutes before the ceremony. Introductory music is usually instrumental to set the mood. If there is to be a solo, it is usually sung just after the mother of the bride is seated. This lets the people know that the processional is about to begin.

b) The processional is usually an instrumental which has a good regular beat to walk to. Once the attendants have all reached the altar, music changes and "announces" the bride's entrance and her walk down the aisle. This music can be contemporary or traditional depending on tastes. It is usually instrumental but a solo can be chosen.

c) One or two songs may be played during the ceremony. More than that is usually considered too much.

d) The recessional music is likely to be upbeat and a slightly quicker tempo than the processional.
e) It is likely you will want live music for the ceremony but recorded music is being used in some places.

To get some idea of the kind of music you might choose, visit a local music store or go on line to search out sites which list music ideas. A good place to start is with http://www.bridalguide.com/. To get you started, here are some of the most popular and most played ceremony choices:

BRIDAL CHORUS by Lohengrin-known as Here Comes the Bride

WEDDING MARCH by Mendelssohn-from Midsummer Night's Dream

WEDDING MARCH by Alexander Guilmant

THE WEDDING SONG by Peter, Paul and Mary

EVERGREEN by Barbara Streisand

Second Marriages

The most recent data suggest that second marriages account for nearly 30% of the weddings taking place in a given year.

That is a significant number of brides who are wondering about many of the same questions that first time brides have-plus a few more that are unique to their situation. Our experienced consultants can be a second time bride's best friend and resource so feel free to stop in and ask for our help and advice.

Since not all second weddings are the same, many of your decisions will be based on whether or not there are children involved, your age and that of your fiance, and whether this is a second wedding for your or for both of you. The only "rule" is that you choose the kind of ceremony that makes both of you feel good. Here are some general guidelines to get you started with your plans.

1. If there are children involved, they should be the first to hear your good news. the way you tell them should be designed to help them feel like they are gaining another parent, not losing the one they have.

2. If there are children involved, most authorities agree that it is also proper to inform a former spouse of your plans.

3. If it is the bride's second marriage, the traditional formal announcement is not made. If it is the bride's first and the groom's second, a formal announcement is made.

4. If the is the bride's second marriage, a semi-formal or informal wedding is generally chosen rather than a large formal wedding. An exception may be made if the bride did not have a formal first wedding or if this is the first marriage for the groom to be. Local customs may influence either of these exceptions.

5. If your your wedding guests include only a few close friends and relatives, you shouldn't send printed invitations. We can help you find a style and wording that works for you.

6. We find that many couples are opting for a small intimate ceremony for family and close friends only, followed by a large formal reception. If that is your case, plan to send formal reception invitations to all guests and insert a ceremony card for guests who are invited to both.

Honeymoon Hints

Ever since the days of "wedding by capture" couples have found time to be together for a time after the wedding ceremony.

Whether your plans include a romantic cruise or a few days canoeing in the wilderness this is a time for the two of you to be alone and transition from the very busy planning and celebrating to a life of just the two of you.

Whatever your plans, do consult with a travel agent as you begin thinking about honeymoon destinations. He/she can recommend some wonderful destinations, good places to stay and things to do. Let the agent know how much you can spend, the amount of time you have and what both of you like to do.

Here are some helpful hints we've collected from traveling couples:
*Take most of your money in traveler's checks rather than cash for security reasons. Or if you prefer, follow more and more couples who are choosing to use a bank or cash card if they know that access to the card will be available at their destination.

*Take national credit cards for things like hotels and car rentals.
*Make a list of all traveler's checks credit cards and checking account information. Take the information with you but keep it separate.
*Make a list of luggage contents. It will be helpful in case of lost luggage claims.

*Make a list of names, addresses and phone numbers of your family in case of emergency. You should also label names and phone numbers on your cell phone with the heading ICE (in case of emergency). First responders tell us that most victims at accident sites have cell phones but no indication on the phone list of whom to call in an emergency. It would help them to promptly notify the proper persons.

*If wedding gifts are going to be transported to your new home or apartment while you are gone, make sure that your home owner's or renter's insurance will cover these additions to your belongings.

180 color options with our tuxedos!

With over 180 color and style options, Tuxedo Junction at J&B Bridals is your number one source for your special occasion!

On your wedding day, "close enough" is unacceptable. At Tuxedo Junction at J & B Bridals, we understand that every element of your day has to fit together as perfectly as the bride and groom.

Why choose Tuxedo Junction at J & B Bridals?:

*We have more colors than ANY of our competitiors

*Our formalwear experts can help you find the color combinations that work best for your event

*We GUARANTEE that you'll find the perfect match for your wedding party

*We have samples of all of the styles for you to try on

Come check out the hot new Brown Apollo tuxedo (pictured here). She'll think you're a God with this deep brown tuxedo, complete with super 100's wool, 38" jacket, shadow striping and a floor level, satin peak lapel.

Wedding Dress Details

• There is a gown style for every figure type. Define your figure and look for the most flattering style for you.

• Always try on your headpiece with your gown to be certain they complement each other in style and in color.

• Do you know what type slip you should wear with your gown? A petticoat made of a firm fabric adds structure to a full skirt, whereas the soft body-shaping lingerie smooths the lines of a sheath. A sheer bodice calls for a lacy camisole. You'll also need the right style bra , be it strapless or a push-up.

• Match the color of your shoes to the color of your gown. There are many shades of white and ivory. Choose shoes that are comfortable as you'll be standing/dancing for hours.

• Gloves should match the formality of your wedding, the season and the style of your gown. Remember, accessories are the perfect finishing touches.

• A good guideline for the bride's jewelry is the heavier the embellishments on the gown, the simpler the jewelry.

• Scuff the sole of your shoes before your wedding day.

• Blushers and long veils are still reserved for a first-time bride.

• Shop with J&B Bridals who have been around for 31 years and who are able to help you with all of your wedding needs!

• Be prepared to make a 50 percent deposit when you purchase the gown.

tips provided by the "National Bridal Service"