Songs You Will be Hearing at 2011 Summer Weddings!

We all know how music can make or break a wedding...better yet the party...but how do we know what songs are going to make your guests BUST A MOVE? Well it's hard to say, really, as every wedding/party/event has it's own vibe and guests. But choosing the type of music you want your DJ or band to play is an important detail as you have a better insight on what your guests like to party too.

Most DJ's and bands also have a great way of feeling out the crowd and finding ways to keep the dance floor packed and moving. Personally, I have worked with fantastic DJs that really know how to make a party a party and keeps the tunes coming and the dance floor hopping! But it is important to give your DJ or band some background on what your guests are like and what they may be in to music wise! I realize you can't make everyone happy with your music choices, but I guarantee you will help elevate the party to the atmosphere you are hoping to achieve by giving some background on your peeps.

With that said I am listing the songs you will hear at almost every wedding in the 2011 Summer Wedding Season. Hope this helps you with your own party playlist! Here's my "guaranteed to hear songs" and my suggestions on when they should be played:

Non-Traditional Ceremony Recessional: Lady Gaga - The Edge of Glory

Grand Entrance: Taio Cruz - Dynamite

First Dance: Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss

Father/Daughter Dance: Rascal Flatts - I Won't Let Go

Mother/Son Dance: Adele - Love Song

Bouquet Toss: Beyonce - Run The World (Girls)

Garter Toss: Far East Movement - Like A G6

Cake Cutting: Flo Rida - Sugar

Other Songs You Will Hear This Summer on the Dance Floor at Weddings and Parties

Jennifer Lopez - On the Floor



Britney Spears - Till the World Ends



Ke$ha - We R Who We R



Cee Lo Green - Forget You



Enrique Inglesias - I Like It



Rihanna - S & M



Lady Gaga - Born This Way



Nikki Minaj - Super Bass



Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are



Chris Brown - She Ain't You



P!nk - Raise Your Glass



Justin Bieber - Baby

Location Love: El Paseo Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA

I had the pleasure of working with the historic and world famous El Paseo Restaurant this past weekend for a client's wedding. This place is incredible and I forgot how magical this location can be for weddings and events.

El Paseo Restaurant is under new management/ownership (Paul Jakubowski and John Scott co-owners) and has an incredible new chef, Alex Castillo. The food is superb and the service that my clients received were top notch. Guests were raving how accommodating and genuinely nice Paul's staff were throughout the event. Paul, who is also the general manager, has transformed El Paseo Restaurant to its original glory (cuisine and service) and re-establishing it as the place to be in Santa Barbara.

El Paseo Restaurant is set in a Hacienda style courtyard that has a retractable roof, balcony's, and central fountain. The tables and booths are set around the courtyard. There is a large bar area that can accommodate the cocktail hour and the restaurant itself can easily seat 150 people. They have kept the styling true to it's original roots and it really makes this location a gem in Santa Barbara.

El Paseo Restaurant then

El Paseo Restaurant now

If you are looking for a fabulous location, with incredible food, service, and pricing consider El Paseo Restaurant. It truly is a magical place and your guests will leave having a wonderful experience!

El Paseo Restaurant is located at 10 El Paseo (between Anacapa and State at De La Guerra), Santa Barbara, CA (805) 962-6050

Comfort Food Redux

I was craving some chicken noodle soup today and thought, "How can I translate my favorite comfort foods to a reception worthy treat?" I know there has been buzz about this trend for at least the last year or so, yet caterers, at least ones that aren't hip with the program, are still pushing the same old stuffed mushroom caps, mini quiches, coconut shrimp, and the dreaded egg roll hors d'oeuvres. Therefore, for those like me, who enjoy their comfort foods, here's how I would make them wedding ready.

First, the yummy and always comforting Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Have your caterer create a demitasse portion of a fabulous tomato soup recipe that can be sipped and savored by your guests. Pair it with a bite size grilled cheese sandwich using a heavenly cheese mixture, such as Gruyere and Brie. Your guests will feel the love with this pairing!

Next, the fast food classic...Cheeseburger and French Fries.

First the cheeseburger, have your caterer make mini sirloin cheeseburger served on a bite size homemade mini buns. Dress it with the ketchup and mustard. If you want something bolder or maybe even a little twist to the classic, serve it with grilled onions, a fried dilled pickle chip, and a tasty dollop of jalapeno jelly, it'll be a wonderful and tasty surprise.

The French Fries...nothing much that you can do with the classic fry. However, for a more elegant twist, serve it in a shot glass filled with ketchup on the bottom of the glass. Another way to present them is to do it the French way, make little mini cones out of old newspapers, and serve it that way. You can spice the fries up with your favorite seasonings or just with plain old salt. The only thing...it has to be served crispy and hot. There's nothing worst than cold and soggy French fries.

Next, the family's favorite picnic meal, Fried Chicken and Potato Salad.

There's nothing like a good fried chicken, but to serve it during your wedding reception would probably be a little to "comfortable." Instead, try chicken lollipops covered in Panko flakes and fried to a golden perfection. Your guests will dig the fact that you are serving them one of their guilty pleasures.

The classic potato salad...again there's not much you can do but serve it a more refined manner, such as a shot glass or mini martini glass filled with this classic fare. For a modern take serve a deconstructed potato salad on a skewer, alternating potatoes, eggs, and celery...served with a Dijon and mayonnaise dipping sauce.

The always comforting Mac N Cheese.

I love this stuff but serving it at a wedding reception may get some strange looks. Rather have your chef make Mac N Cheese in mini ramekin's and use wonderful brie, Gruyere or even a harder cheese such as Manchego rather than the classic American or Velveeta. It'll be a comforting and decadent treat for your guests.

The oh so delicious Cinnamon Rolls.

There's nothing better for breakfast, well anytime of the day, than these gooey extremely iced food of the gods. Have your caterer or pastry chef make mini cinnamon roll lollipops that your guests can devour in one yummy bite. These would be the perfect ender to your reception hour or a surprise addition to your dessert bar at the end of the night.

Nothing makes me smile like Mom's Apple Pie.

Having pie slices at your reception would be too ordinary. Though we love this classic fare, there's really nothing beautiful about it, especially when it's been sliced. Regardless, it's the taste that we crave in this comfort food, so why not make it drinkable for your reception. Have your bartender create a classic apple pie a la mode shooter or an apple pie martini. The drink is sure to bring a smile to your guests and it's a great twist to a classic comfort food.

I hope I have inspired you to think of your own favorite comfort foods and finding ways to make them hors d'oeuvres ready. Have fun creating a twist to the classics.

-Percy

Photos from various sites on the Internet.

Going Up...

The movie Up was a summer blockbuster that was enjoyed by both kids and adults. It was a love story and an adventure all wrapped in one animated movie! The characters were definitely the star of the show, but the take away to everyday life were the balloons!

With wedding season just about ending we have seen balloons used in almost every aspect of the wedding adventure. We are not talking about the old school balloon arches, pillars, or centerpieces either. We are talking simple and elegant use of the balloon!

Here are some of the trends we have seen using the balloon this year.

Engagement Photos

Room Decor

Balloon Drops


Bridal Photos

I see the use of balloons as an early trend that we will see more and more of in coming years. I even used balloons for my wedding in 2008 (we did a balloon release) after we said "I Do." The simplicity of these childhood favorites just brings a joyous touch to photos and decor. Use the balloon wisely though, because it can come off cheesy rather than classy if not used in the right way. Try to stick with one color and if you must use a variety of colors...use it in a balloon drop or balloon launch!

The plus with balloons...you get a lot of UMPH for very little moola!

Go and Celebrate!

-Percy

Photos Credits: Sarah K. Chen, Caroline Tran, Max Wanger, Wishpot, Gifts and Decorative Accessories, Clowns Unlimited, Travel Webshots, Martha Stewart Weddings, Kate Headley, Boutwell Studio; Up Logo from Disney

Location Love - Canary Hotel, Santa Barbara

Yesterday I took a client to see potential venue spaces in Santa Barbara for a quaint wedding of 75 people. Our last stop was the Canary Hotel, a boutique hotel that is located in the heart of Santa Barbara. After checking out the banquet rooms, the largest capable of seating a party for 160 people, we took the elevator up to the Rooftop Perch, thanks to the staff who let us up. The bride gasped as we exited the elevator to this little haven above Santa Barbara.

She thought she wanted to have a reception near the beach until she saw this place. She was overcome by the mountain and red tile roof views that the Canary Hotel provided...it truly is the quintessential Santa Barbara location. It was like putting on the perfect wedding gown. She immediately thought that this was the space for her and I have to agree, this location would be perfect for this bride. I have been to that perch many times and even planned a wedding there when it was known as Hotel Andalucia. At any rate, I fell in love with the space again.

Everything about the Canary Hotel...the architecture, decor, tile work, outdoor fireplace, views, location, and the hotel staff...may just make this little hotel the perfect location for your wedding. It's a lot more affordable than most people will speculate and it can accommodate a good number of folks. The only negative is...I was not listed as one of their preferred Wedding Planners and Coordinators. Regardless of that little detail, if you are looking for the ultimate location in Santa Barbara to wed, check out the Canary Hotel. You may never want to leave its nest.

To check out their floor plan, capacity charts and catering menus, please visit their Special Events Webpage. The Canary Hotel is located at 31 West Cabrillo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or you can reach their Sales and Catering department by contacting them at 805-884-0300.

-Percy

Photos from the Canary Hotel

TIPsy Tuesday: Affordable Receptions

The wedding reception is what guests look forward to most...celebrating with the bride and groom on their happy day. We enjoy the meals, the drinks, the cake, the dancing, and the joy of it all. This past weekend, I heard from a friend about a relative's reception that really surprised them so much that they were speechless by the time they left. It must have been a real great event!

Following a wonderful beach ceremony, the couple had a lavish reception at a posh restaurant, one of the more expensive restaurants in the area, with 70 invited guests in attendance. The guests ordered off the menu, not a prix fixed menu, they had an open bar, champagne, choice of dessert, and of course wedding cake. A jazz trio played nicely in a corner of the restaurant. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? People were having a great time. My friends thought, wow, they must have saved up to have such a great reception, because the couple really did not have careers.

Just as guests were being treated to dessert, the mother of the groom and some other family members went around greeting guests and delivering a special message to them from the bride and groom. The message was, "Thank you for coming, the meal will cost you $100.00 each and we would be appreciative if you can help pay for the bride and grooms' meal as well." WHAT...THE HORROR! I guess the bride and groom got the bill and the family divided it by the number of people there, the bill was nearly $7000 with tax and gratuities. At first my friends thought it was a joke (since they are relatives), but when they started laughing the mother of the groom looked at them and said, "If you need an ATM machine that there was one across the street at the bank." They looked around the room and saw the same sort of shock on the other guest's face, while the bride and groom smiled and ate their dessert. This was a pay your own wedding reception, which the bride and groom hesitated to put on their wedding invitations. The guests were all stunned and the family scrambled to get enough money to pay the bill.

Here's the tip. If you cannot afford to have a wedding reception that you can pay for, DON'T HAVE ONE. If you have limited funds to celebrate your nuptials, than be creative and do it small. Instead of having a lavish reception you can have a dessert reception at a relative's home, cake and punch at the ceremony location, a home cooked BBQ in the backyard, or an organized a potluck dinner with family and friends. This can just be as joyous as an over-the-top-reception. It's what you make of it and how you choose to celebrate.

Regardless of your financial situation, don't ever invite people to a reception and then ask them to pay for their meal, without disclosing that fact first. I mean I have heard about cash bars at a reception (I highly discourage my clients to do this), but never a cash meal (would never fathom the idea). It's just down right tacky. Throw a reception that you can afford or don't have one at all.

-Percy

Photo from Personality Budgeting