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10 Reasons Why CONNECTICUT is the Wedding Capitol of New England

 

When most people think of CT (who don’t live in CT), they envision a yuppie paradise full of cul de sac neighborhoods, BMWs in every parking spot, and everyone resembles Barbie & Ken. Believe it or not, that only accounts for 1% of Connecticut. The rest of Connecticut is very diverse and a melting pot of culture, ethnicity, and music. That would explain why Connecticut is the Wedding Capitol of New England.

Being the 2nd smallest state in the Union has it’s benefits. In the heart of Connecticut, you are only about an hour and a half from New York City and two hours from Boston. You can imagine the baseball rivalries that happen here. But what about weddings?

Here are the 10 reasons why Connecticut is the Wedding Capitol of New England.

1. Wedding and event Venues

Connecticut was one of the first states incorporated in the nation. Because of that, there are many historic properties that host weddings. Places like the Wadsworth Mansion, Saint Clements, and Gillette castle are just a few places that hold historical significance. So if you’re looking to enjoy sophistication and old world charm, these might be some great choices for you.

If marble, gold, and architecture is your thing, Connecticut is the place for you. With the highest concentration of Italian-American citizens in the United States, they’ve brought their passion for fine masonry and lavish decor. Venues such as The Aqua Turf, Farmington Club, The Riverview, Waterview, La Bella Vista, Grand Oak Villa and Connecticut’s newest addition, Aria, the possibilities are endless. The mediterranean influenced cuisine paired with the stunning marble architecture and sculptures are the perfect setting for the most regal of occasions.

If you’re a country bumpkin or appreciate the simpler things in life and love a venue with rustic charm, Connecticut has some great country and barn wedding venues to choose from. Venues like Bill Miller’s Castle, Wood Acres Farm, The Barns at Wesleyan and Winvian are a must see.

One of Connecticut’s best features is it’s waterfront property. From the Litchfield Hills to the shoreline, theres a perfect wedding destination waiting for you. If you’re a land lover and want to stay off the shoreline, venues like The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station and The Pavillion on Crystal Lake are great locations. Wanna be on the shore? Check out places like Anthony’s Ocean View and The Mystic Seaport.

But more than venues, we’ve got even more to offer. Wedding professionals are at a 1 to 100 ratio.

2. There’s a DJ for EVERY BRIDE in CT.
From simple to lavish and conservative to liberal, you’ll find it here in CT. Because of the massive ethnic diversity, Connecticut has a DJ for every nationality, personality, and preference not to mention, every budget.

3. Four seasons means LOTS of flowers to choose from.
Just in Cheshire Connecticut alone, there are HUNDREDS of greenhouses. It’s the greenhouse capitol of New England. Connecticut at one time was plentiful in farms.. From the vibrant spring flora to the earthy autumn, Connecticut’s flower farms are sure to please. Many venues also feature seasonal favorites that make a spectacular backdrop for wedding photos.

4. Wedding Paparazzi that Hollywood would be jealous of.
Wedding photographers are plentiful here. The scenic backdrops of New England have brought many photographers here. Because Connecticut is considered a ‘High End’ wedding state, we have some of the best photographers that you can find. Timeless photos from Eric Foley. Simply sarcastic photography from Sassy Mouth Photo. Mike Ross offers a classic photojournalistic style. Photo Expressions is fantastic at finding the perfect backdrop for your photos. And don’t forget about Connecitcut’s favorite bad boy, Airen Miller for something modern, edgy, and very svelte. Pair any of these photographers with picturesque New England and you’ve got a winning combination!

5. A truly Cinematic Experience.
mebCINEMA, Inspiration in Motion, and Custom Made Video are true artisans at what they do. This won’t be your parent’s wedding video. Each one of them are truly talented in capturing the best moments on film. But don’t take my word for it, have a look for yourself on our wedding page. www.PrymeTymeEntertainment.net/weddings

6. See you in 30 minutes or less.
No matter where you are in Connecticut, you will find a wedding happening within 30 minutes travel time of each other. Being such a small and concentrated state, travelling to your wedding is a snap!

7. And speaking of travelling, go in style.
Limos are big business here. Connecticut is the halfway point between New York and Boston and many people, some Very Important People live and work here. So there is no shortage of high end transportation to suit your needs. From classic Cadillac limousines , to party busses and stretch hummers, you can travel in style. Prospect Limo and Gateway Limo are some of the finest transportation resources in the area.

8. Unwavering Tradition
Connecticut is a progressive state however, we believe in tradition and the consistency of old world values. Because of this, service is KING in Connecticut. Expect to be pampered and your every desire met. It’s just how we roll.

9. Cruise Control.
If you have a love of the water, Connecticut is a great place for your special day. With hundreds of miles of shoreline on Long Island Sound, The Connecticut, and Housatonic Rivers, you can take advantage of many of the yacht and charter tours that run every day. If you’re from Long Island and your wedding is here in CT, travelling just got easier. Enjoy one of three ferries that run every hour from Long Island to Connecticut.

10. It’s all about convenience.
With so many things to think about on your special day, it’s not uncommon to forget something or need a last minute item. Connecticut was built for convenience. You won’t have to travel far to find what you need. Connecticut is also home to hundreds of 5 star hotels for the convenience of guests with overnight accommodations.

All in all, Connecticut is the go to place for everything Wedding.

Weddings for men, Mother Son dance songs

The Perfect Mother Son dance songs | Weddings for Men

The Perfect Mother Son dance songs | Weddings for Men

Picking music for your wedding is not something you think of every day. It’s hard to figure out a song that really speaks to you in terms of your life and experience with mom. Here are 50 of the most popular mother/son dance songs that we’ve seen at weddings this past year. Hope it helps!

1 Rascal Flatts
My Wish

2 Armstrong, Louis
What A Wonderful World

3 Boyz II Men
A Song For Mama

4 Beatles
In My Life

5 Lynyrd Skynyrd
Simple Man

6 Womack, Lee Ann
I Hope You Dance

7 Dion, Celine
Because You Loved Me (Theme From Up Clo…

8 Kamakawiwo’ole, Israel ‘Iz’
Over The Rainbow

9 Groban, Josh
You Raise Me Up

10 Stewart, Rod
Forever Young

11 Chesney, Kenny
Don’t Blink

12 Stewart, Rod
Have I Told You Lately

13 King, Ben E.
Stand By Me

14 Brooks, Garth
It’s Your Song

15 Matthews, Jason
That’s What Mamas Do

16 Cole, Natalie With Nat King Cole
Unforgettable

17 Wonder, Stevie
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life

18 Adkins, Trace
Then They Do

19 Collins, Phil
You’ll Be In My Heart

20 Midler, Bette
Wind Beneath My Wings

21 Rogers, Kenny
Through The Years

22 Taylor, James
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)

23 Fleetwood Mac
Landslide

24 Hicks, Taylor
Do I Make You Proud

25 Hill, Faith
There You’ll Be

26 Mcentire, Reba
He Gets That From Me

27 Sinatra, Frank
The Way You Look Tonight

28 Beatles
Let It Be

29 John, Elton
Your Song

30 Morrison, Van
Days Like This

31 Presley, Elvis
Memories

32 Brickman, Jim Feat. Lady Antebellum Wit…
Never Alone

33 Simon, Paul
Loves Me Like A Rock

34 Beach Boys
God Only Knows

35 Brooks, Garth
The Dance

36 Harris, Mark
Find Your Wings

37 Joel, Billy
Just The Way You Are

38 Dixie Chicks
Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)

39 Taylor, James
You’ve Got A Friend

40 Wonder, Stevie
Isn’t She Lovely

41 Clapton, Eric
Wonderful Tonight

42 Travis, Randy
Angels

43 Carey, Mariah
Hero

44 Cocker, Joe
You Are So Beautiful

45 Denver, John
Sunshine On My Shoulders

46 Houston, Whitney
I Will Always Love You

47 Underwood, Carrie
Mama’s Song

48 2pac
Dear Mama

49 Guns N’ Roses
Sweet Child O’ Mine

50 Intruders
I’ll Always Love My Mama

Wedding planning – The Wedding Timeline

The Wedding timeline are essential to keep everything running smoothly. There are so many working parts that have to come together in order to make sure that everything that you want for your special day happen where and when they are supposed to. So, how do you begin to plan the events of the day?

Your Master of Ceremonies/DJ will have the responsibility of a ‘wedding director’ of sorts making sure that every event during your reception will happen seamlessly. From your introductions to dinner service, parents dances and so on all the way to the last dance. It is important to be very detail oriented when planning out the timeline.

For instance, the order of events pertaining to parent dances, toasts, etc all happen in conjunction with dinner service. Your introductions will come first followed by a first dance. While that’s happening, your catering staff are getting salads ready to be brought out to your guests. Once your first dance is over, a toast is done. This will get your guests seated and allow the waitstaff to serve salads. After the toast, dinner begins. After your first course, your father/daughter dance will happen. With everyone seated, the tables will be cleared and prepared for the next course. Then the mother/son dance will happen and the 2nd course will be served. You return to the table and enjoy your meal. Soon after that, a bouquet toss will happen and again, the waitstaff will clear the tables once again and get them ready for wedding cake.You’ll be instructed to head to the cake table for a cake cutting and many guests may get up to take pictures of this fun moment. Soon after, the cake will be served and open dance begins. With everyone on the floor, the desert is cleared and the room is in party mode.

While all of these events are going on, your DJ will be communicating with your catering staff, photographer, videographer, and any other people in your wedding team to make sure that they get set up for important moments in your reception and in the end, giving you not only the best reception in regards to food and entertainment but photos and video to remember for years to come.

There may be differences from venue to venue but, a good Master of Ceremonies will be able to adapt seamlessly to any changes they need to make to make your reception the one you’ve always wanted.

bridal shows in ct, bridal show ettiquite

How to get the most out of visiting a bridal show

How to get the most out of visiting a bridal show


Alrighty ladies, the time has come to start looking for vendors. With CT’s bridal show season officially underway in January, there’s a few things to know before you head out in search of the perfect wedding team.

While walking down the aisles, you’ll see wedding professionals of all types. Be sure to stop at as many as possible. Every wedding vendor has something unique to offer that could potentially make your special day amazing.

If you see a vendor you are interested in, be sure to give them your contact information so that they can set up an appointment with you. The vendors get a list of brides and grooms attending but, it helps us as vendors to know who is interested in us so we don’t bother you if you already have the services you need or are interested in another vendor.

Use things like dot stickers on promotional materials that you get so that you remember which vendors you are interested in. You’ll be more than likely carrying around a bag FULL of cards, brochures, and other promotional material. This will help you sort through the pile quickly and find your wedding team.

While speaking with the vendors at the show, ask for referrals to other vendors who they recommend. This could help you save time and give you some great references when choosing your wedding team.

As you’re waiting to speak to a vendor (chances are there will be a line), be sure to pop onto their website on your smartphone or tablet. This way, you can learn a little bit more about the company and have time to ask questions more specific to your special day.

After you’ve met with all of the vendors, go to a wedding site like WeddingWire or TheKnot and read their reviews. This will give you an even more in-depth look at what your wedding vendor can do for you.

Carry a bottle of water with you. You will be doing a lot of talking & walking. Stay hydrated.

Have a light meal before you come. Don’t miss out on meeting the right vendors on the account of going hungry. Visiting a bridal show can be exhausting. Carry a snack with you like protein bars to keep your energy up.

Follow up with your favorite vendors immediately! The good ones get booked quickly. Keep in mind, the majority of weddings in CT happen in May, June, September, October, and November.

Visit multiple shows. You might meet the right vendor for you after the 2nd or 3rd show. Smaller to medium sized shows typically offer the best experience because you have more time to chat with the vendors.