Shall We Dance? ....NOT!

Reality TV shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing With The Stars" have couples believing they too shake a tail feather on their wedding day.  However, for many, the first dance at a wedding reception comes with a lot of anxiety.  Where some couples believe they are the next Fred and Ginger and welcome the spotlight, others are afraid of embarrassing themselves on the dance floor like Master P.

If you really want to dance like a rockstar at your wedding reception but terrified those two left feet of yours may get in the way; consider taking dance lessons, and practice your first dance until you are comfortable with it. Now, you may be like my one darling couple Apryl and Dwayne, who took it to the next level. They welcomed being the center of attention and their well  choreographed first dance proved it!!

Choreographed first dances are a big trend right now. Instead of simply gliding around the dance floor to a romantic song, newlyweds are working together (with or without a professional choreographer) to arrange some very interesting dance routines. Usually dramatic, and often funny, the idea is to shock the guests and make a big splash.... almost like a flash mob! (ha)

Before you run out and start working on the Never Say Never video, ask yourself will your grandmother think it is funny, or will she be mortified?  How will your father react to his little girl “shaking her moneymaker” on her wedding day? When you look back on your wedding in five or ten years, will you be amused or embarrassed? Remember, too, that just because YOU think you can dance doesn’t necessarily mean that you have the rhythm to actually pull off the moves!

~Peaceful Planning
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Wedding Reception Songs

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Coming up with a list of wedding reception songs is something that you may want to do. During the reception, music is played the entire time and it helps to set the mood for your event. You don't have to choose every single song that is played during your reception (it would be very time consuming to come up with 4 or 5 hours of music).
But you should develop a list of songs to be played during specific parts of the evening.

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You'll want to pick wedding reception music for:

• The introduction of the bridal party. This music should be upbeat and festive since you are getting the celebration started.


• The first dance. Most couples go with something slow and romantic perhaps "At Last" by Etta James). But if you have a song that is of some significance to both of you, then you should play that song even if it's fast.


• Mother & Son and Father & Daughter dances.
  


• Bouquet and garter toss.
  


• Dinner. You don't have to choose all of the songs for this part of the evening but you may want a list of 2 or 3 favorite songs to be played sometime during dinner. Remember to keep the songs playing at a low decibel so that guests can talk with one another without straining their voices.
  


• Dancing. You can specify the type of music that you want played (country, rock, disco, R & B, Hip Hop). You can also choose specific songs like the Electric slide or the Chicken dance to get everyone out of their seats.

You also need to think about who will play the wedding reception songs.

• A band. Live music is great and adds the feel of being at a dance or concert.


• DJ. Less expensive than a live band but should have a large collection of music to play. You can provide your play list and the DJ should accommodate.
  
• AV Equipment. If you are working with a really tight budget you could put together CD's of music yourself and play them through a stereo system.
  


• Other Entertainment. You might also want to add professional dancers to your event or maybe do some karaoke to liven up the party.