Traditionally, the bride and groom choose a special song to be played at their reception for their first dance as a married couple. Consultants advise that you carefully consider your choice. Is the "special song" you select one that you and your groom can dance to comfortably with grace? Is it one that will stand the test of time? Sometimes a trendy or popular song of the moment will be forgotten before your first anniversary. When you relive the memories of your "first dance" ten, fifteen, or thirty years from now, will you or any of your family and guests remember the music to which you danced?

First dances are traditionally slow dances: Not only does a slow dance help carry the emotion of the day, but it allows you and your groom to showcase elegant dance moves as you glide across the dance floor.

The traditional first dance can run through the entire song: If you and your groom are comfortable as the center of attention while dancing... go for it!

Dance lessons can be very helpful! Not everyone finds the attention of dancing comfortable. Remember that you will be dancing in a dress that has much more skirt than usual. If either of you has "two-left-feet," dance lessons may very likely save the day.

Traditional sequence:

• The bride and groom dance their first dance together
• The father-of-the-bride may cut in on the dance; (be sure to discuss this option with your father, and determine in advance if this is what you want).
• If your father doesn't cut in, then the second dance is traditionally reserved for the bride and the father-of-the-bride
• When the bride begins dancing with her father, this is the groom's cue to ask his own mother to dance
• Next the best man asks the maid or matron of honor to dance
• At this point, the groom's father may join the party on the dance floor with the bride's mother
• After a few moments, the rest of the bridal party may join in. This sequence is only a guideline. With today's non-traditional families, you might want to take a few moments well in advance of your wedding to decide how you will include all the significant members of your families and wedding party in the traditional first dance. Be sure to inform all the involved members how you want everything to work so that they are comfortable stepping in at the right time.

NOTE: If your dress has a train, be sure to get instructions on how to "bustle" it up so that you won't trip during your first or any subsequent dances. It's always smart to designate someone who will bustle the train up for you. Be sure to rehears the procedure before your reception. Your wedding consultant, mother or maid/matron of honor are ideal choices for this task.

Labels: dancing