20 First Dance Songs You'll LOVE (from a Wedding Planner)

Continuing in theme of our LOVE blogs in February, today I’d like to share 20 of my favorite ‘first song’ picks that I’ve heard (and adore!) as a long time wedding planner…

Play each song below!

*give them a little time to load*

What are you waiting for? Save these 20 first DANCE songs to your Pinterest BOARD !

Top 10 Things I Love About Being a Wedding Planner

Are YOU the same as me? If you love wedding planning, or felt a desire/call to this industry, let me tell you a quick few things I LOVE💓 about it!

1. I get to know amazing Couples and their love story. We start out as strangers and become forever friends! 

2. I get to be creative on a daily basis. Working to not only bring my Couples vision to life but continue to create new styles and innovate for my business too.

3. I get to see my actual ideas come together. 

4. I love that I get to make my own hours (although I probably work way more than I’d like to admit).

5. I get to work from home during the week! (including making fun reels with myself & my social media team)

Check out these fun wedding advice reels I make from home!

6. I work in an upbeat and celebration industry. 

7. I get to work with amazing vendors and venues. People who inspire, support and encourage me. 

8. I get work with an amazing team.

9. I love to organize ideas and plans. I spend hours on a timeline and watching it come together the day of is really fulfilling.

10. Lastly, I genuinely love weddings. All different types of weddings and I love attending, being apart of and have fun at every one!

Check out these Behind-the-Scenes vs. How it Actually Ended Up!

MORE RESOURCES:

If you’re more interested in my wedding planning story, here’s my about page!

Or if you’re looking for1v1 advice, send me an email or social media DM.

Private Moments to Add in Your Wedding Timeline

You’re going to wish you learned these sooner when you find out how awesome these PRIVATE moments are and you’ll want to add in your wedding timeline right away!

In conversations with some of my couples, they ask me how to enjoy one another on the actual day of the wedding, and my secret is incorporating private moments into your timeline. And I’m not just talking about first looks, but there’s even more specific events you can add!

1. A Private Dinner

What is a private dinner? Not many couples do this, but I have seen this private moment included in celebrity/influencer couple weddings like Bailey and Asa Howard (from influencers, Brooklyn & Bailey). Essentially, you just eat in another room alone together at the beginning of the reception so guests aren’t bugging you!

Photo Cred: @brooklynandbailey

2. A First Touch/Prayer/Look

You already know about first looks, but have you thought of maybe doing a first touch or prayer? If you want to save that special moment for walking down the aisle, maybe a first touch/prayer is for you! This moment will help steal you away from the wedding party who are not allowed in the area for this moment.

Photo Cred: Judy and Gavin Photography

3. Five Minute Alone Time (typically right before the Grand Entrance or right after the Ceremony)

If your wedding planner is Jamison Events, we always schedule a private 5 minute time for the Couple with absolutely no one there! It’s usually a make out session, but is super important to ensure the day doesn't go by so fast (slows the day down) and that they remember the day is about them. Read your personal vows to each other prior to the Ceremony, after the first look

Photo Cred: Melbourne Wedding Photographer

4. Sneak off for sunset photos

Imagine just the two of you wrapped up in the colors of that last bit of sun on your wedding day. That’s just a moment you can’t miss. ONLY take your photographer (and videographer if you have one), with you so that you can take romantic photos and have some time to process the excitement of being married!!!

Photo Cred: Max Tepper Photography

5. Give each other gifts

This gift doesn’t have to be expensive, per say, just a little something. Even if it’s just a card or sweet message to your significant other, they will appreciate it. Plan it out too so that not just one person awkwardly gets something and put this on your wedding timeline prior to the Ceremony. And if you add a personal note, it’s more intimate that you don’t read out loud.

Photo Cred: Wedding Nature Photography

6. Take a few photos of your new spouse during the Reception

Although brides and grooms often forget about their phones on their wedding day, it’s totally acceptable (and fun!) to pull them out during the reception or on your way to the reception. Snap a quick photo of your spouse, a selfie together, and a picture of your rings for the first time. Then, text them to your spouse at that time. POV of your new spouse! - include a personal text to make them smile (or blush)!

Photo Cred: The KNOT

Don’t forget to share this blog with your engaged friends or soon-to-be engaged friends so that they can steal these tips too!

+ follow us on instagram @jamisonevents for continued wedding fun & advice there!

Wedding Trends for 2022

What should you expect for 2022 weddings? If you’re someone who loves all the latest trends OR wants to be completely unique from anything mainstream, this blog is for you to check out!

+ pin all of these photos from our 2022 Wedding Trends Board!

Baby’s breath literally everywhere

2 piece bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses

Simple, modern gowns

 Smaller, extravagant parties

Flash photography & 35mm film photos

Bright + bold colors

Champagne towers

More destinations

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls

Whimsical vibes

Sunset Ceremonies (with pictures taken prior to Ceremony

5 Proposal Ideas You Can Use

Planning a Proposal?

Did you know about Jamison Events helps coordinate proposals? For the couple looking for an extra special and stress free experience, Jamison Events will create a custom plan just for you!

Chances are, you’re pretty nervous to propose to your significant other, so…

Here’s some tips to help ease your nerves

• One thing we see Couples do is try to go over the top for the proposal. While the element of surprise is essential with proposals, this will not only create stress but more nerves. Instead of trying to be over the top, aim for something meaningful you both will never forget! 

• Have a plan and stick to it. Organizing the day/experience ahead of time will ensure a smoother experience than just trying to make it happen. 

• Be you and go with the flow. Your significant other may already be speculating the engagement or they could be completely shocked, but no matter what, your day will be incredible!

photo: Chelsea Reece

Here are 5 ideas for your big proposal + we can help

1. Recreate your first date: We love this simple, yet romantic moment. Enjoy dinner together, then surprise them with a perfectly planned spot that’s decorated for the two of you. This is when you pop the question! 

2. A Perfect Picnic: Plan a catered or intimate picnic on the beach, garden or park. This romantic day can be filled with a pretty table setup, champagne and soft live music. 

3. Go wine tasting: Surprise your SO with a fun day tasting wine. On your second stop (reminder not to be too tipsy!) arrange to have a winery spot set-up just for the two of you! 

4. Incorporate LIVE music: IF you’ve seen the Bachelor/Bachelorette, you know those dates with live musicians playing in the background? Just like that! Hiring a local live band, or even a up-and-coming artist is the perfect way to serenade your significant other into saying YES!

5. Organize a rooftop proposal: If you’re lucky enough find a rooftop (or have a friend that you know with a rooftop) location with a killer view, and dress up the space with florals, a neon sign, or other details. Go up to the rooftop tp catch a view of the sunset and then get down on one knee. This idea is romantic, intimate, and budget friendly!

Cred: Unknown/Pinterest

What Not to Forget!

• Background music will help set the mood.

• Beautiful views or arranged florals help create ambiance.

• Hire someone to capture the moment. Whether it’s a hidden photographer or a videographer that “happens” to be there, hiring a professional will ensure you’ll have the absolute most beautiful photos of that moment. 

Cred: @thistleandplume

 We want to wish you good luck on your proposal and hopefully a congratulations on your engagement! AND if now you’re onto wedding planning, you can look into hiring Jamison Events.

Advice on Your Christmas Themed Wedding

Cred: KeLi Photography

Hey Christmas lovers and fanatics ! If you met your significant other during the holidays, have special traditions, or have family members who love Christmas, then there may be a Christmas themed wedding in your future!

A holiday wedding date is a big deal!

Lucky for you, if you choose this wedding theme, your wedding will be in the off season! That’s normally December-February for wedding vendors. Hot tip: Most venues and vendors can get booked up during the holiday season due to holiday parties. Make sure to book early to ensure their availability. 

Speaking of availability…

Ask your family. Anytime you plan a wedding around a holiday, make sure to check with family and closest friends to you about the dates to ensure they are available and/or in town.

As you think of your guests, accommodate all. Remember some guests may or may not celebrate the holidays, so by incorporating a menorah or sticking to the theme of winter, will help ensure no one is left out.

Cred: Pawel Bebenca Photography

When Looking for Venues…

Pick an indoor or tented (with heaters) space. Whether you're getting married in SoCal or in New York, it can often get cold during Christmas. Make sure you pick a venue that will be comfortable for everyone.

Ask your venue if they decorate. Some venues already have decor that they put up, such as garland and xmas trees. This will save you money!

When Planning your Timeline...

Remember sunset is early in December. So, account for the earlier sundown time with an earlier ceremony start time. The goal is always that cocktail hour is ending when sunset is happening to ensure that perfect golden hour time for your photos. 

Cred: Megan Morales Photography

When Finding Your Vendors…

With winter being an off-season for weddings, there aren’t as many, but remember that vendors tend to be difficult to get a hold of during the holiday season. Most vendors take time off, during the holidays so plan and prepare early to ensure you don’t have last minute issues or questions. 

When Designing Your Wedding…

Pick one main color. Christmas tends to get really loud on the color schemes; ensure your aesthetic speaks of a wedding and not a Christmas party. Make sure to choose one color and build on that color subtly opposed to making it look like Christmas threw up. 

When guests arrive there’s a good chance they have on big jackets. Having a coat check with an attendant is a nice touch! And greet guests with a warm cup of spiked cider or champagne with cranberries for cocktail hour and add a coat check at the door.

We recommend that you really play into the cozy theme with a hot cocoa bar, eggnog, and fluffy blankets around a fire. Add upbeat or classical Christmas music to be played during cocktail hour and dinner. For a unique touch, have your florist use fragrant cinnamon or pine in your centerpieces to fill the room up with yummy Christmas smells. 

One fun entertainment idea I love for any winter wedding is adding an igloo photo booth. It’s not really an igloo but looks like it!

Cred: Madalynn Young Photography

How to Plan a Small or Intimate Wedding

Let’s face it, these past couple of years have been crazy, and although intimate and micro weddings have always been popular, they have become increasingly popular during and after the pandemic.

We want to help all couples out there who are planning their big day, no matter how big or small the event because your wedding should be the MOST magical and special day ever! So, if you know someone who needs help planning their micro wedding or intimate event send them this blog for advice.

First

Start with a budget: Even with a smaller wedding, there’s still a budget to consider. List all of your wants and needs on paper to ensure you’re considering each important detail into your budget.

Second

Make a guest list: An intimate wedding typically consists of your immediate/closest friends and family. Don’t talk about your wedding with those who aren't invited. The same goes for those who are invited.

Third

Focus on the venue: The world is literally your oyster when it comes to planning a smaller wedding. From a Tuscan Elopement in Italy, to saying “I do” on top of a cliff in the Grand Canyon, there’s endless venues to host your intimate wedding!

**Side tip about venues: Be open with your dates because most venues have a food and beverage minimum on Saturdays and Sundays. A smaller wedding is more affordable on a weekday!

Don’t rush the planning!

Oftentimes, many couples who are interested in a smaller affair opt for a smaller planning window too, but I would advise against this. We highly recommend allowing yourself several months. Slowing down the wedding planning process will ensure you’re able to focus on the day without feeling like you jumped right into it.

Customize your day!

With a smaller wedding, you most likely can spurge a little more on the custom aspects of your day. From elaborate plated dinners to featuring farm table dishes, a band who plays your favorite music or  custom created desserts, think about how you can make this special day focused on the two of you.

Have a very personal Ceremony

All wedding ceremonies are meaningful, but I mean REALLY make it deep and personal. From personal vows to getting those who have attended involved, an intimate wedding really puts the Couple in the center of the spotlight. Make it a personal Ceremony that everyone will truly remember and cherish.

Plan more than one day events!

It doesnt have to be one day… plan fun, extra outings. For example, if you’re having a wedding in the Grand Tetons, why not plan a mountain horseback ride the day prior for your attending guests. Or float down a lazy river in Tahoe. Get the most from the memories made on during your stay.

From the bottom of our hearts, we hope you have the BEST wedding day ever! And if you haven’t fallen in love with us yet, check out our Instagram + Pinterest @jamisonevents.

5 Ways to Warm Up Your Fall or Winter Wedding

If you’re D R E A M I N G of a magical winter wonderland wedding or a woodsy, fall inspired wedding; what do you do about the cold weather? When you’re planning a wedding in the off season (November - March), those unpermitted weather conditions are a bigger challenge to your wedding planning.

And if you’re like most brides, of course want your big day to be PERFECT, so we compiled a list of 5 ways to keep your guests, but more importantly YOU and your groom warm on your big day!

1. Set Expectations

Make extra sure to set expectations with your guests, which means to ensure they will dress correctly for the event. An easy, no pressure way to do this is through your wedding website! For example, let your guests know if there will be a lot of outdoor time and what the expected average temperature will be at the location of your event when it’s happening.

Photo by JuneBugWeddings

2. Hot drinks and warm food options

Hot Coffee/Cocoa/Cider Station -

• Offer a fun drink station with a barista who can custom create coffees for your guests. 

  • **very often coffee runs out on cooler days. Make sure your venue is prepared if they have a coffee station

  • **spice it up with a spiked liquor addition

Hot Plate Options -

• Meals include anything: baked, roasted, grilled. etc. such as meats, pastas, soups, rice dishes, warm vegetables, etc.

3. Outdoor heaters or a fireplace

A warm fireplace or multiple outdoor heaters for guests are sure to keep your wedding warm! Remember, these will be in your photos so we highly recommend renting options that are in good condition and pretty to look at. 

Also, don't skimp on the heaters if you want guests to stay all night. Use 1 heater per table and add a few for the cocktail area and at the bar for super colder nights. 

4. Cozy fashion!

Options:

• Robes

• Coats

• Anything fluffy faux fur

• Leggings under long dress

• Wraps & shawls

• Blankets

Offer your guests a warm option for them to take home as a favor. Place on a table in a large basket or place one at each seat. 

For yourself, have a cozy jacket or shawl that you wear as an accent piece to stay warm. We always love monogrammed jackets (like in the first photo we showed!)

5.  Tenting or Indoor spaces/venues

Party tents can often be used as summertime items because they allow us to stay cool in the shade and protect us from harmful UV rays, however they are great for cold weather too!

Heating a party tent is as simple as using tent heaters—specialized space heaters designed for safely keeping your party tent warm—and tent sidewalls, which keep the warmth in. A party tent heater can be used inside the tent, or just outside the tent with the addition of a diffuser.

Photo by Love & Lavender

Wedding Budgeting 101 - with Jamison Events

Does saving money and creating your wedding budget get you stressed out? If you’re engaged, newly engaged, or expecting to be engaged soon, this wedding budgeting 101 advice will surely put you at ease.

One of the first steps in wedding planning will be creating your budget, and this will be an ongoing process as you find each of the vendors for your wedding, kind of like slowly  placing puzzle pieces that will eventually create a beautiful picture. 

When you work with Jamison Events- Step one is to draw up your guest list. Step two is to establish your budget. 

• Start going over your savings and figure out what you can realistically contribute to the wedding fund without breaking the bank!

• You’ll want to find a detailed way to keep track of what you’re spending for each vendor.

If spreadsheets are your thing, you’ll want to make one for three stages; your estimated cost of vendors (research stage), an inquiry of costs from vendors (proposal stage), and then the final amount (total cost stage). 

• Leave a bubble for possible surprise costs; such as a set-up/clean up fee, vendor transportation/travel, etc.

• Use your credit card responsibly! Don’t put anything on credit that you can’t pay off in 30 days, or know you have the money to pay off. 

*If you do use a credit card, I suggest using one that gives you a generous cashback program. I’m always big on using cash to pay up front, since credit cards are expensive to use, but with the same rules applied from above, a % reward program on your credit card is common for Couples. 

• Remember to ask vendors how they take payments. Some only take checks or venmo, some only take credit. So, plan to have a few ways to pay! 

Let’s Talk About Wedding Budget Myths:

“Vendors charge more for a wedding than they would for a birthday party, so don’t mention “wedding” in the inquiry.”

Ok, this always makes my blood boil. For vendors, weddings have higher expectations and work. You may be the most easy going Couple on the planet, but that does not diminish the standard of work the vendor needs to accomplish. So, while weddings do tend to cost more than another type of event, the degree of work is higher too. 

“Service fees are gratuity.”

In fact, this is typically not the case. Service fees are often charged by the venue or caterer and typically go directly to the company. Gratuity is often not a part of the service fee or final bill. 

“You don’t need to add a gratuity if the vendor owns their business.” 

I always tell my Couples that gratuity is not expected but always appreciated. Whether the vendor is the owner or not, offering them a nice gift, cash or gift card truly shows appreciation for the hard work they did.

“Having a food truck will save you money.” 

While this is mostly true in regards to the overall food bill, there are many factors to consider when hiring a food truck. Who will buss tables, remove trash, set up coffee, cut the cake? Typically, when you hire a food truck you’ll also need to hire staff and bartenders to ensure the important things like trash removal is done. 

Five Thoughtful Ways to Save Money:

1. Don’t get stuck on a venue until you shop options: I always recommend looking into different types of venues. Make sure to shop different styles of venues, from country club to DIY. Really crunch the number prior to booking to ensure you understand all of the venue fees. It's not always true that bringing in your catering/staff/bar means a lower cost! 

2. Host the ceremony + reception in the same place: This will cut down on your need for a shuttle, extra vendor fees for multiple locations and longer booking fees from vendors. Typically multiple locations means you have to book your vendors for longer periods of time. 

3. Choose an off-time for your wedding (different season or a Friday/Sunday): Be open to a weekday wedding and/or an off season date because there’s a good chance most vendors will offer discounted rates. Remember- higher costs are always associated with holiday and peak seasons. 

4. Forgo an expensive live band, but don’t forgo the professionals!: It’s important to hire professionals to ensure your entire day is literally a dream. To do that, you do need to hire experienced professionals. In my experience, when Couples try to hire friends/family or newbie vendors, it ends up costing them sanity and peace. So, make sure to hire those who will ensure a smooth day and feel free to comparison shop to give yourself vendor options. 

5. DIY any paper products yourself: Address your own invitations AND to save on extra postage, have your guests RSVP on your website. 

Remember, more guests = more money! If budget is a concern I always recommend going for a smaller, more intimate event with your closest friends and family. 

Pro tip: Never assume any contributions from your loved ones, but it doesn’t hurt to ask them. Remember, that if you accept contributions a gift or thank you card is highly recommended! 

Have you seen the special Marriage or Mortgage on Netflix? 

I always watch this show in awe, because it's so interesting to see what is most important to Couples. The fact is, your budget will change and mold as you plan your big day. There may be certain areas that you end up spending less in or more. It’s most important that you have your dream wedding without throwing yourself into debt. You don’t need to forgo the home in lieu of Wedding, if you’re truly smart about your budget when you start planning. By setting a budget early and keeping an eye on it often, you’re preparing both of your futures for success! 

Have a Wonderful Day,

Jamison

How to do a Grand Entrance Dance: Brittany + Ned

If you find yourself learning all the new dance routines on Tiktok, then a grand entrance dance just might be for you! And we’re not just talking about striking a pose or twirling your partner around for your reception entrance, but we’re talking something GRAND!!

What is a grand entrance dance? Most couples have a grand entrance to introduce themselves as the newly-wed couple, introduce their wedding party, and start the party with their guests.

One of our couples at Jamison Events had a full, choreographed dance to The Greatest Showman soundtrack. And if you follow us on instagram, then you would’ve seen our most popular reel was a video of Brittany and Ned’s Grand Wedding Entrance dance. If you want us to share the full video on IGTV, we’d love it if you checked out all of our socials and sent us messages/dms!

Don’t think you can pull off an amazing Grand Entrance dance? Brittney and Ned proved that you can even do it over Zoom! A lot of their wedding party was long distanced so everything was coordinated via video call. Kind of like Dancing with the Stars’ dress rehearsal, when Brittany and Ned’s wedding party was able to get together the day before the wedding, everyone was able to practice in person.

Everyone, including the couple's parents, were surprised by the dance! The choreography was under 10 minutes, but it really kick-started all of their guests to be in the mood to get on the dance floor. Overall, this was a super genuine happy dance from the couple and their closest friends, and a memorable time that they will never forget!