bridal party gifts and other headaches

rahkstar

headache number one is definitely the bridal party gifts!  we have varied ages/personalities.  we were thinking of just getting everyone a giftcard, or an individual gift, rather than everyone getting the same thing.  would this be tacky?

headache number two:  the first dance song!  we don't really have a special song, so we've been debating about this for weeks.  anyone have suggestions?

headache number three:  makeup artists!  i can't seem to find one.  did anyone have one that they used that they loved?  i would love to hear about them.  yelp keeps recommending full service salons/spas, and i would love someone to come to the location.

thanks in advance, you guys, and i apologize if this seems needy.  the stress of the situation didn't really hit me until the new year! 

RoMy215

1) It's fine to give everyone something different. No need to worry with that.

2) I think it's ok you don't know your song 10 months out. But look at the playlist for KOST or maybe Jack FM to get some ideas.
We're using Michael Buble, but I recently heard a song by Seal that I really like (Secret)....depends what you're into. You can Google "wedding songs" and you'll get lots of suggestions.

3) I know that there are several people who have liked their make-up artist and will probably be able to make some good suggestions for you. But if you don't find any you like (or in the meantime) you could ask your venue if they have any recommendations or go to a make-up counter, find someone whose make-up you like and ask her if she is available for independent work.

jagore08

I recommend shopping for your BP gifts for the individual not for the position.  The gift doesn't have to be big but it should be personalized to each person.  Shop like it's their birthday.

DH and I didn't have a special song either.  We decided to dance to Etta James's At Last.  It was kind of a joke because it took DH 10 years to propose and when he finally did, we got a lot of "Finally!".  My advice is just listen to a bunch of songs and see what the two of you like.

As for a MUA, I can't really help as I got married in FL.  There is a post one or two down where a LA bride was asking about where to get her makeup done so she already has a MUA.  Maybe ask her in that thread.

dawnbeatty

I totally agree with what pp said about the gifts - I would do each person seperately and I think gift cards are GREAT.

First dance song I would be no help - my DH was the music.

MUA - I loved Rubi - she comes to you - she has GREAT reviews on Project Wedding.  She does hair and makeup but I only had her do my makeup.  She did my makeup for my engagement pictures, bpics, bridal shower and my wedding.
www.makeupbyrubi.com

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

People usually recommend individual gifts - shop like it's their birthday. That way they're bound to truly appreciate the gift!

As for songs, if you have a DJ, maybe he/she can recommend some popular things. or google "wedding songs" and see what the top lists are. Do you like slow, fast, classic, old-fashioned, modern, fun?

Our first dance song was "Sea of Love" but the Cat Power version. I wanted an older song, my husband wanted something more modern and unique. So we did a modern cover. People loved it! Originally I wanted to do "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys, but he kept vetoing older songs. Finally, we narrowed it down to two - the other was "Fade into You" by Mazzy Star, but it's like 5 minutes long, so we went with the short one.

rahkstar

thank you guys so much!  i was really beginning to feel like we were the only ones without a song, you know? 

your suggestions are all great.  don't know what i would do without my knotties! 

btw, i like the suggestion for a shorter song...since FI and i will be doing the jr high slow dance (he can't dance...he thinks he can, but ooohhh dear...)!  ;p