Newest trends Summer 2010

Backyard is the new ballroom.  Why is this?  Its more intimate.

Vintage.  Renominates of the past from the 1850's through the 1950's

Summer hair styles. warm waves and sultry updo's

Dresses. short & chic or light & long

What Type of Wedding Reception or Event Function is Right For You?

When envisioning your special occasion event or wedding reception, do you see the beauty of early morning light dancing through the trees or an all night, all-out party? There are so many different types of wedding receptions, there's going to be one right for your style, AND your budget.

Breakfast or Brunch Reception If you're having a sunrise event or wedding, or just envision getting together with your friends, family & loved ones bright and early in the morning, then you'll want to have a breakfast or brunch event or function reception. Traditionally, menus include breakfast classics like quiche, frittata, and eggs benedict. It's great to have stations where guests can get food like omelets, and French toast made to order. For a touch of luxury, consider adding smoked salmon, caviar, or a carving station with ham, turkey or roast beef. Spice things up with Bloody Mary's, Bellinis, and Mimosas. And don't forget the coffee!

Pros: It's inexpensive; people will drink considerably less alcohol, and the types of food served are typically cheaper as well. If you want to get a jump-start on your honeymoon, a brunch reception perfectly allows you to leave the same day.

Cons:Consider your guests, especially those who live two hours away. They'll have to get up very early to make it to your wedding. Also, you won't have as long to get ready in the morning.

A New Twist: A cocktail-style brunch. Have your caterer reinvent breakfast classics into hors d'oeuvres such as mini-eggs benedict, bite sized French toast, and scrambled egg bites topped with caviar. Keep those Mimosas and Bellini's flowing!         

A Lunch Reception If you want a morning event or wedding, but need a little bit more time to get ready than a breakfast reception would allow, consider a lunch reception.

Pros: It allows you to serve some of the same favorite dishes that you would at a dinner reception, for a cheaper price. You still may be able to leave for your honeymoon the same day.

Cons: If you don't leave for your honeymoon that same day, you'll have to figure out what else to do with the rest of your wedding day! Your reception might also be more staid than it would be later in the evening.

A New Twist: A picnic reception! Have your caterer (or a favorite restaurant) package individual meals in disposable cardboard picnic boxes. Spread out big pieces of colorful cloth and offer pitchers of basil lemonade and raspberry iced tea. Be sure to have some tables and chairs available for those who prefer not to sit on the ground.

Afternoon Tea If you've ever been to an old-fashioned high tea, you know that it's an indulgent fun time. It's not every day that we get to gobble tea sandwiches and cute desserts in the middle of the afternoon. Serve a variety of hot teas, champagne, finger sandwiches, tartlets, petit fours, éclairs, and of course, wedding cake. Be sure to plan your event  reception for the middle of the afternoon so that guests aren't expecting a full meal.

Pros: Again, it's cheaper than having a dinner reception. It's also a little different, and it's perfect for adding hand-crafted and vintage touches.

Cons:Afternoon tea is a little girly, and so your male guests may not feel entirely comfortable.

A New Twist  Be a bit cheeky, and serve Long Island Iced Teas (a potent cocktail) along with the other tea offerings.

Champagne and Cake Reception This is probably the least expensive type of reception, and it's what was once the norm for most weddings. Gather everyone after the ceremony for a bit of cake and a few toasts. But don't ask your guests to get in their cars again. Have your reception in the garden of your ceremony venue, or even right in the same room. I also suggest that you put on your invitation "champagne and cake to follow" so that guests will know there isn't a meal.

Pros:Did I mention already that it's cheap? If you're not a fan of big crowds or lots of mingling, a champagne and cake reception is often short and sweet.

Cons:Some guests might expect more. You might find that it's over far too fast for your liking! And you'll have to skip out on some of the traditional aspects of a wedding reception. ·     

Cocktail Wedding Reception Cocktail receptions can be elegant and stylish, and allow your guests to really mingle and meet each other. They tend to be a bit more relaxed than a sit-down meal, and often feel like a great party.

Pros: If your venue is small, cocktail receptions allow you to have more people. They're typically shorter than a sit-down meal, and they allow you to really circulate and enjoy the party.

Cons: While you might anticipate that a cocktail reception would be cheaper, your guests will likely drink more than at a dinner reception. Since most people won't be seated, some guests will have trouble seeing events like the first dance.

Dinner Wedding Reception The most classic and formal type of wedding reception, a sit-down or buffet dinner allows you time to really celebrate your wedding, treat your guests, and still have everyone up on the dance floor afterwards. You'll start with a cocktail hour, then proceed into an adjoining room for dinner, followed by dancing, cake cutting, bouquet tossing and more.

Pros:Your guests will feel like you really went all out, and feel special. You won't feel rushed or hurried.

Cons:Typically, this is the most expensive type of wedding reception. You might also feel a little sad that your wedding night in the hotel room is starting so late! (wink).

A New Twist: After an hour or two of dancing, your guests might have worked up an appetite again. Serve a "surprise" treat at midnight of packages of donuts, an early breakfast, or even fast food.

In love of planning,

Jennifer Lane,

A Memory Lane event & Wedding, based in Denver Colo. 

We plan & coordinate in Denver, all of Colorado, any U.S. or International Destination. 

• Are you planning an event or a wedding?
• Are you stressed, confused &/or overwhelmed?
• Do you have too little time to devote to your event or wedding?
• Do you want to plan the event or wedding of your dreams?
• Are you looking for a unique and custom event or wedding,designed around your personality, style, and budget?
• Are you wanting to have the event or wedding of the year that will be the talk of the town for years to come?
• Are you unsure of where to begin or how to pull it all together?

Imagine having your dazzling dream event or wedding, unparalleled in style with a quality...

Well, I have great news for you! You don’t have to imagine this any longer, because the event or wedding that you having been dream about until now is absolutely within reach!   You can absolutely have the event or wedding that is uniquely yours, an event or wedding that is customized to your inspirations and desires right down to the very last detail, and an event or wedding that truly embodies your style and your personality.  We are here to help your inspirations become a reality!

I’m Jennifer Lane, of A Memory Lane Event & Wedding and I want to help you create the wedding you have dreamed of but never really knew if you could create it... we are going to have so much fun in the process!

Regardless of if you are interested in full service wedding planning, coordinating and design, wedding day management and consultations... we, meaning myself and team of 16 have several options to suit your needs perfectly.  Reduce your stress, free up your time and save yourself money by hiring a professional planner & coordinator who has the expertise and 19 years experience to show you how to have the wedding of your wildest dreams!

Visit our website for more information as to how A Memory Lane Event & Wedding can assist you in having the event or wedding of your dreams.  Complimentary initial consultations at night and on the weekends when you are available. 

Click here to visit our website  Click here to see pictures of our work.  Click here to read an interview with Jennifer Lane, Head event planner/coordinator & decor, floral designer at A Memory Lane Event.  Want to schedule a complimentary appointment? Email us here.

What Music will get your guests up & dancing?

Suggestions for Wedding Music - 

Ensure A Full Dance Floor and Fun Times I think the best weddings have romantic and beautiful ceremonies, and receptions that feel like great all-out parties. Wedding music is perhaps the most important element of making your guests go home saying, "Man, that was a fun wedding." If you want to ensure that your guests are dancing and having fun all night long, here are my tips for great wedding music.

Variety is Key in Wedding Music What appeals to your high school friends is not going to be exactly the same as what appeals to your business colleagues. So mix things up and play some of each. If you do it right, the guests who come to the floor for KC & the Sunshine Band will stick around for Beyonce.   

Know Your Audience In some circles, line dances like "Electric Slide" are hugely popular. While in other circles, it would go over like a lead balloon. On the other hand, my family has a soft spot for "Copacabana", so even though it's cheesy, it might just be played. Bottom line, you know your friends and family better than any DJ or bandleader. If there's a song that will really get your guests dancing, or keep them from dancing, don't hesitate to make that known. 

Ask Your Guests About Their Favorite Wedding Music On your reply card, ask guests to name a song that will be sure to get them up and dancing. It will help guests get excited for dancing, and ensure that the wedding music appeals to a wide variety of people.      

Taking Care of Older Guests Sure, you want your friends to have a good time, but don't ignore Grandma and Grandpa. Older guests will tend to be among the first to leave, so tailor your music selections accordingly. Towards the beginning of your reception, play more 40's, 50's and 60's hits, mixed with current selections. In the last hour, you can stick to current music. Some oldies that appeal to many generations: Elvis – "Teddy Bear" or "Hound Dog", Supremes – "You Can't Hurry Love", Jerry Lee Lewis – "Great Balls of Fire." ·        

Get the Dancing Started a Little Early Traditionally, dancing wouldn't start until after the cake is served. But today's brides and grooms want to have more lively and fun wedding receptions. So they're kicking off the dancing shortly after the main course is served. In fact, at one of the more fun wedding receptions I've ever been to, the dancing started as soon as the bride and groom were announced. (The only time the dancing stopped was for the toasts!) ·        

Stack the Dance Floor Hey, you're the bride (or groom). You get to boss the bridal party around, at least a little bit. Careful scientific observation tells me that guests are more apt to dance when there are already people dancing. So tell the bridal party that part of their job is to dance, and to ask other people to dance. Plus, the pictures of your 20-something-year-old roommate dancing with your 80-something-year-old great uncle will be priceless.   

Play the Good Wedding Music, Not the Bad Wedding Music Even if you have a DJ, spend some time thinking about your wedding music. Put together a DO NOT PLAY LIST,  and a list of songs you definitely want to hear. Then throw in some ideas that you think will get your guests on their feet. Rather than sticking to the tired and tacky "Macarena", here are my suggestions for great wedding music:

Events with Jennifer Lane A Memory Lane Event

Your professional event & wedding planner, such as A Memory Lane Event & Wedding, can suggest the perfect DJ or band that can handle this for you.  However, having the Do Not Play list is very helpful for them.

Current Top 40 Hits
90's

80's

Billy Idol -- "Dancing With Myself"

Commodores -- "Celebration"

Commodores -- "Easy"

Earth Wind & Fire -- "Shining Star"

John Cougar -- "Rockin In The USA"

Kool & The Gang -- "Get Down On It"

Kool and the Gang -- "Jungle Boogie"

Madonna -- "Burning Up"

Madonna -- "Material Girl"

Madness -- "Our House"

Michael Jackson -- "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough"

Modern English -- "Melt With You"

Pet Shop Boys -- "West End Girls"

Romantics -- "What I Like About You"

The Clash -- "Should I Stay or Should I Go"

The Cure -- "Love Cats"

The Weather Girls -- "It's Raining Men"

Tommy Tutone -- "Jenny (867-5309)"

Violent Femmes -- "Blister In The Sun"

70's

Chic -- "Good Times"

Commodores -- "Brick House"

Grand Funk Railroad -- "Some Kind Of Wonderful"

Jackson 5 -- "ABC"

KC & The Sunshine Band -- "Get Down Tonight"

KC & The Sunshine Band -- "Shake Your Booty"

Lynyrd Skynyrd -- "Sweet Home Alabama"

Ramones -- "I Wanna Be Sedated"

Rolling Stones -- "Miss You"

Sly and the Family Stone -- "Dance to the Music"

Sister Sledge -- "We Are Family"

The Isley Bros -- "It's Your Thing"

60's

Al Green -- "Lets Stay Together"

Aretha Franklin -- "Respect"

Beatles -- "I Saw Her Standing There"

Beatles -- "Twist & Shout"

Blues Brothers -- "Soul Man"

Credance Clearwater Revival -- "Proud Mary"

Four Seasons -- "Oh What A Night"

James Brown -- "I Feel Good"

Mitch Ryder -- "Devil With A Blue Dress"

Mitch Ryder -- "Good Golly Miss Molly"

Otis Redding -- "Hard to Handle"

Rolling Stones -- "Jumping Jack Flash"

Rolling Stones -- "Satisfaction"

Supremes -- "You Can't Hurry Love"

The Archies -- "Sugar"

Van Morrison -- "Into the Mystic"

Young Rascals -- "Good Lovin'"

50's

Chubby Checker -- "The Twist"

Chuck Berry -- "Johnny B. Goode"

Contours -- "Do You Love Me"

Elvis Presley -- "Blue Suede Shoes"

Elvis Presley -- "Can't Help Falling In Love"

Elvis Presley -- "Teddy Bear"

Platters -- "Only You"

Sam Cook -- "You Send Me"

The Angels -- "My Boyfriend's Back"

The Kingsmen -- "Louie Louie"

Wilson Picket -- "Mustang Sally"

Colorado weddings by Jennifer Lane, A Memory Lane Event

40s

Frank Sinatra -- "It Had To Be You"

Frank Sinatra -- "The Way You Look Tonight"

Simply Sensational Memorable Events.

Jennifer Lane,

A Memory Lane Event & Wedding, based in Denver Colo.

What does a planner & coordinator do?

A Memory Lane Event & Wedding

based in Denver Colo. 

We plan & coordinate dazzling events & weddings in Denver, all of Colorado, any U.S. or International Destination of diamond quality for 19 years.   We can help you too.  No event or wedding is cookie cutter.  We want your fun personality & style to shine through every detail.

• Are you planning an event or a wedding?
• Are you stressed, confused &/or overwhelmed?
• Do you have too little time to devote to your event or wedding?
• Do you want to plan the event or wedding of your dreams?
• Are you looking for a unique and custom event or wedding,designed around your personality, style, and budget?
• Are you wanting to have the event or wedding of the year that will be the talk of the town for years to come?
• Are you unsure of where to begin or how to pull it all together?

Imagine having your dazzling dream event or wedding, unparalleled in style with a quality...

Well, I have great news for you! You don’t have to imagine this any longer, because the event or wedding that you having been dream about is absolutely within reach!   You can absolutely have the event or wedding that is uniquely yours, an event or wedding that is customized to your inspirations and desires right down to the very last detail, and an event or wedding that truly embodies your style and your personality.  We are here to help your inspirations become a reality!

I’m Jennifer Lane, of A Memory Lane Event & Wedding and I want to help you create the wedding you have dreamed of but never really knew if you could create... we are going to have so much fun in the process!

Regardless of if you are interested in full service wedding planning, coordinating and design, wedding day management and consultations... we, meaning myself and team of 16 have several options to suit your needs perfectly.  Reduce your stress, free up your time and save yourself money by hiring a professional planner & coordinator who has the expertise and 19 years experience to show you how to have the wedding of your wildest dreams!

Visit our website for more information as to how A Memory Lane Event & Wedding can assist you in having the event or wedding of your dreams.  Complimentary initial consultations at night and on the weekends when you are available. 

Click here to visit our website  Click here to see pictures of our work.  Click here to read an interview with Jennifer Lane, Head event planner/coordinator & decor, floral designer at A Memory Lane Event.  Want to schedule a complimentary appointment? Email us here.