photo by by Corrie…

Okay, y’all.  Let’s have a little talk about the first dance with your dad.  Call it the Father/Daughter Dance, the Daddy/Daughter Dance, The Give The Bride Away Dance, whatever.  There are songs that are just PERFECT for this particular part of the most special day of your life, and then there are songs that you should absolutely, no matter what, stay away from.

Obviously, if you have a special song that you used to dance to with your daddy – your little socked feet atop his shiny shoes – by all means pick that one.  We’ll assume since it’s a song you danced to when you were a wee thing that it’s most likely family-appropriate.  It doesn’t necessarily have to have anything to do with dads, daughters, or dancing, but if it’s special to you and your Pops, that’s all that matters.  If you’re stumped, go with a song about a good relationship between a dad and a daughter, like “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder or “Gracie” by Ben Folds Five.

Here is a short list I’ve compiled of songs you shouldn’t under any circumstances dance with your dad to at your wedding:

Father Figure by George Michael
I Want Your Sex by George Michael
Actually, stay away from almost every song by George Michael
White Wedding by Billy Idol
Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye
Come to think of it, stay away from Marvin Gaye, too.  His dad did shoot him to death, after all.  Bad mojo.
Squeezebox by The Who
Gold Digger by Kanye West (who would undoubtedly jump out from behind the curtains and tell you that the girl who got married there before you danced with her dad better)
Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen
Like a Virgin by Madonna
Justify My Love by Madonna
Brickhouse by The Commodores
You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate
Private Dancer by Tina Turner
Thank Heaven for Little Girls by Maurice Chevalier (trust me, it’s creepy)
Papa Can You Hear Me by Babs (from Yentil – sad song, don’t do it)
Tears In Heaven (about death, dig?  don’t do it)
AND
Push It by Salt n’ Pepa

If you can think of more no-no songs, post a comment below.  If you want to fight for one of these tunes, do the same!

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2. Top 10 Best First Dance Songs at Your Wedding
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Evolution of Wedding Dance

Crazy in Love

Dirty Dancing

Come Fly With Me – Skills!

Original Wedding Surprise – Viral YouTube Goodness

Chariots of Fire

Thriller Original

Beat Ballet

Charleston – AMAZING!

Or, the Groomsmen can just dance by themselves

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3. How to Throw a Bridal Shower Surprise Party

There are, however, some things to remember when picking your song.  Not the least important of which is the length of your song.  Of course, it is your day, but you don’t really want to keep your guests from the buffet line for 7-9 minutes while you dance your first dance.  A good length is anywhere from 2.5 to 4 minutes long.  We’ve picked some songs here that fall into those time constraints, but have a nice sentiment and (in some cases) an opportunity to show off some good dance moves.  Here we have your top 10 first dance songs for your wedding.  Enjoy.

10. You Say It Best (When You Say Nothing At All) – Alison Krauss (3:55)

Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz wrote this song in the mid-eighties, and it first appeared as the A-side to Keith Whitley’s single release from his album Don’t Close Your Eyes (Lucky Dog was the B-side).  The song really got exposure in 1994 when Alison Krauss and Union Station recorded at Keith Whitley tribute album.  It’s been played at weddings all over the world, and remains one of the most popular first dance songs.

9. Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – Elvis Presley (2:57)

Written by seminal songwriters of their time for a little film called Blue Hawaii, Can’t Help Falling In Love With You is one of the most romantic releases by the King of Rock and Roll.  If you’re looking to spice it up a little, try the UB40 version, released in 1993.

8. We’ve Only Just Begun – The Carpenters (3:06)

Despite it’s unlikely beginnings (it was originally in a bank commercial), this classic Carpenter’s tune is a mainstay of adult contemporary music, and is still in high demand at weddings all over the world.  While not The Carpenter’s Grammy-winning tune (which was the sticky-sweet “Close To You”), “We’ve Only Just Begun” certainly helped The Carpenter’s win Best New Artist in 1971, and the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.  While Karen Carpenter died suddenly and tragically in 1982, her clear and beautiful voice stays current even today.

7. Shameless – Garth Brooks (3:32)

Billy Joel originally wrote the song and it appeared on his album Storm Front.  While it didn’t exactly set the music world on fire, it certainly caught the attention of an up-and-coming Garth Brooks, who covered it on his album Ropin’ The Wind in 1991.  The song reached #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks and remains one of Brooks’ most romantic and most-requested songs.  Plus, it’s easy to dance to.

6. In My Life – The Beatles (2:18)

Few songs have a sentiment that is 100% right on.  This brief Beatles tune, which appeared on the 1963 album Rubber Soul.  John wrote the lyrics, Paul wrote the melody, and what was born was a sweet little ditty that is perfect if you a) want a REALLY short first dance song that gets your point across or b) really hate dancing and just sort of want to sway but still look cool because you picked a Beatles song.  It’s a win-win, really.

5. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra (3:22)

There are oh-so-many versions of this song, but this is the version we like the most.  The lyrics are just lovely (“with each word your tenderness grows/tearing my fear apart/and that laugh that wrinkles your nose/touches my foolish heart”), plus it’s got a nice little rhythm to it if you want to do something OTHER than just stand there and sway.  Plus, it’s an all-about-the-bride song, which is never a bad thing.

4. Forever & Ever, Amen – Randy Travis (3:34)

For the country fans out there, this is lyrically perfect for a wedding, plus it’s got a little bit of a beat that you can dance to.  Released in 1987, the song won a Grammy, and is one of Randy Travis’s best known tunes.  Check out the sweet performance from a groom to his bride here, or take a listen to the original song (link to Randy Travis video) and tell us it’s not a near-perfect first dance song.

3. It Had To Be You – Harry Connick Jr. (2:51)

Written by early bandleader Isham Jones and released in 1924, this song has been performed by a slew of artists in many different films.  Remember Casablanca?  Annie Hall?  We guess an ionic movie deserves an iconic song.  And so does your wedding.  The lyrical sentiments are sentimental and appropriate, if not a little melancholy (It had to be you/wonderful you/I wondered around/And finally found/Somebody who/Could make me be true/Could make me feel blue/And even be glad/Just to be sad/Thinking of you”), and it’s a classic standard that is well-loved and remembered.  What could be better?

2. Lucky – Jason Mraz with Colbie Callait (3:23)

Maybe you’d like something a little more current.  This cute little ditty just screams WEDDING SONG with it’s lilting melody and it’s romantic lyrics (“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend”).  Destined to be a well-loved and often-used song for first dances, it makes the list because of its potential, but it’s a good choice also because it hasn’t had a chance to be overdone.  Plus, even if your older relatives don’t recognize it, they can’t deny how catchy and sweet it is.

1. At Last – Etta James (3:02)

Call us cliché, but we’ve seen some of the most romantic and beautiful first dances danced to this song.  So many, in fact, that we’re showing a clip from a  movie rather than a clip of a bride and groom dancing to it.  There are too many to pick from.  Although the Beyonce version is nice (and Presidential), the Etta James version is a classic – you literally can’t go wrong with it as your first dance.

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You’ve already auditioned your brother’s rock band, and you know that Metallica covers are not what you had in mind for your wedding reception.  You’ve decided to hire a DJ, but don’t know where to start.  Just remember these simple rules and you’ll have a DJ that spins gold.

Interview before you book him or her

Don’t take it from your cousin’s boyfriend’s sister’s fiancé that Joe DJ is the best DJ around.  Interview Joe DJ first to make sure it’s a good fit.  Remember that this day is all about you, so if Joe DJ has his “wedding formula’ and refuses to deviate from that, he’s probably not the DJ for you.  Not only will you want to get a feel for the DJ’s commitment to your reception, but you’ll also want to check out their operation.  Here are a few things to remember:

• A DJ is only as good as their rig (their actual DJ equipment).  You can hire the nicest guy or gal in the world.  He/she can have the best music selection in the world.  But if the rig is old or if it’s not up-to-date none of that will matter.  The best music selection is worthless if it won’t play out of the speakers.  Take some time to ask potential DJs what kind of setup they have, and whether or not they bring a backup system.  Also, do they spin vinyl?  CDs?  MP3s?  If it’s the latter then you can bank on your DJ being able to get his or her hands on any song you want.  Because…

• A wide range of song selections is crucial to a good party.  You’ll want to give your DJ a “do play” and “do not play” list.  The former are those all-important songs like your first dance and your father/daughter, mother/son dances, and the latter are things that will absolutely ruin your world if you hear them.  Hate “The Macerena?”  Better put it on your “do not play list”.  But even if your “do play” list is very robust, you can’t think of every song that your guests may request.  That’s why it’s important for your DJ to have a wide selection of choices.  You don’t want to hear “We Are Family” more than once, do you?

• Remember that it’s all about you.  You’ll want to choose the DJ who understands the importance of this day for you.  And, of course, that you want to be the center of attention.  You don’t want a DJ in a shock-orange wig running a smoke machine and doing sound effects on his or her rig.  Or maybe you do.  Just make sure you set your expectations early in the game.  If your potential DJ has video footage of a previous wedding, more the better.

Plan ahead

Now that you’ve chosen your DJ, you want to make sure you’re completely aware of the mechanics of the process.  You won’t want to worry about where your DJ needs to set up while you’re fixing your veil and trying to think about not tripping over your train.  It’s best to get all the particulars sorted out well in advance.  Here are some things to remember:

• Make your DJ familiar with the venue.  Odds are he or she is familiar.  If not, plan a trip to the venue ahead of time and make sure you introduce your DJ to your contact at the venue, if they don’t already know each other.  They’ll need to work together for things like announcing the cake-cutting, announcing dinner if you’re having one, and more.
• Give your DJ a detailed itinerary for the reception.  It’s hard for him or her to know what to do next if he or she doesn’t know what’s coming next.
• Make sure your DJ knows how to pronounce the names of the people in your wedding party.  It is pretty embarrassing for the DJ and for the person whose name gets mispronounced when that happens.
• Ask your DJ if they will need to eat at the reception.  Plan that ahead of time.  If you’re serving a $50 per plate dinner, you might want to plan for the caterer to make your DJ a sandwich.  Some DJs will choose not to eat.
• Make your expectations clear regarding the open bar.  Some people don’t mind in their DJ has a couple of drinks.  The most professional DJs will assure you that they won’t be drinking during your reception.  And they really won’t.

Finally, read every word of the contract.  Make sure there are no hidden fees, that the DJ you’ve spoken to will actually be your DJ at your reception, and that your DJ is insured.

A wedding DJ can make or break a wedding reception.  Choose the wrong one and you’ll never forgive yourself (or your DJ).  Choose the right one and your reception will be an event to remember.

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source: Bridalguide.com

There are plenty of ways that a bride and groom can personalize their wedding. Adding their own little touches or even big touches into their wedding can make their wedding day their very own. From everything from personalized favors to incorporating heritage or culture into your wedding, here are several ways that you can personalize your wedding day.

Instead of using boring numbers for your seating arrangements at your wedding ceremony, use names of places or things that have to do with your relationship. It could be things like places that you have visited, your favorite foods, the letters from your last name or any other hobbies or interests that you have.

Choose a first dance song that is not so ordinary. If you really want to get daring, take a couple dance classes before your wedding and really wow the socks off your guests. They will be expecting the same old slow song first wedding dance and instead you can give them a tango or fox trot routine. If you are really, really daring, choose a dance song and choreograph a dance routine to it.

For the wedding reception menu, re-create what you ate on your first date. If you went to an Italian restaurant, you can have rigatoni, sausage, lasagna, and chicken parmigiana for your menu. Another option is to have your favorite restaurant cater the wedding for you.

A simple way to add your own personalization to your wedding, is to buy personalized wedding favors. These favors can have your names, date of the wedding, or just your monogram. There are a variety of favors that you can choose from such as candy bars, mint tins, and CDs.

Incorporate any cultural traditions into your wedding ceremony or reception. You may have to do some research for this, but this is a great way to remember your family and its past heritage. You can easily find wedding traditions online for just about any culture or nationality.

If you are musically gifted, then you can sing or play your spouse a song. This is a great way to make your wedding your very own and pay such a special tribute to your new spouse. Even if you are not musically inclined, you can always write a poem for them or even just recite a love poem.

Instead of having a traditional wedding guest book, have your guests write advice and well wishes on pieces of paper. You can then take those pieces of paper and make your own scrapbook out of them. This way you actually have nice messages from your guests rather than just their name signed in a book.

Show your personalization with your wedding cake. Use a personalized wedding cake topper to show off your new name or monogram on your cake. This is a very trendy idea but still adds originality to your wedding, as it says who you are now as a couple.

Display pictures of your parents, grandparents, and siblings from their weddings at a special table. This is a unique way to involve your family and show that you are all one extended family. It also celebrates the ceremony of marriage and the commitment that is made.

There are plenty of ways that a couple can personalize their wedding. The best way is to think of what your interests and hobbies are as a couple and draw from those and your past to come up with some great ideas.

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Last year I was honored to attend an unconventional kind of wedding.  In fact, my hubs was part of the wedding party.  The wedding took place on Halloween, and I decided that since the happy couple’s one year anniversary approacheth, that that I would not only tell you about the happy day, I’d let the bride do it.  Megan was nice enough to answer some questions for me and send me some photos, so enjoy!

1.  What made you choose Halloween as your wedding date?

I absolutely adore Halloween! It has always been my favorite holiday. The dressing up, the scary decorations, the fall weather and of course, fall foods, like sweet potatoes! My daughters are the same way and dressing up is just plain fun! You can be all the things that aren’t “real” the other 364 days of the year.  And everyone knows Jamie loves anything dark and gory! Add to that our family’s love of anything macabre and you get the perfect day for our wedding. Not to mention it is an easy date for the groom to remember! The movie “The Corpse Bride” sealed the deal, it was the inspiration for the whole thing.

2.  Who did you choose to officiate your ceremony, and how did you know him/her?

Leighton Paquette preformed the ceremony. My aunt introduced him to us. The amazing thing was, I really only got to talk to him a couple of times. Maybe the longest conversation was an hour. And yet he nailed it. Jamie and I aren’t your typical couple. We’re square pegs trying to fit into a world of round holes. And Leighton got that. It wasn’t your typical stuffy or religious ceremony, it was ours and it was perfect. He said let him know if you have any questions for him. However,he wasn’t licensed to make it legal so another friend of the family who is filled out our marriage license.

3.  What was the significance of having your wedding on Halloween?

LOL we got to dress up and be yet ourselves and for once no one gave us strange looks for it. I’ve always felt like Halloween is an opportunity for those of us who are a little…..out there, to be truly free of society’s expectations for one night.

4.  What did you choose as your attire for the wedding and why?

I wanted to go with something fairy like but without dealing with wings. My mother, Debbie deTreville, is a wonderful seamstress, and she and my step-father, Jason Allen, designed a beautiful dress just by listening to me babble about a few I had seen that I liked. I wanted fairy-tale without the poofy Cinderella dress. It was a beautiful royal purple with iridescent wing like pieces attached at the upper arms and wrists. They both worked incredibly hard until the wee hours of the morning to get everything completed on time. They also did almost all of the decorations and all of the flowers. Jason (Jae) also carved several exquisite pumpkins to grace the tables.

5.  What did the groom choose as his attire for the wedding and why?

Jamie wore a black suit and red shirt and black top hat with a skull topped cane. He chose that mainly because I wouldn’t let him wear jeans and the “tuxedo t-shit”. However, he looked wonderful in it. He picked it all out himself and I have to say, his taste was fabulous.

6.  What were your instructions to your wedding party as to how they should dress?

We told them to wear whatever costume they wanted only to keep in mind there would be children in attendance. As lond as no one dressed like a bride or groom we were fine with it. We ended up with 2 Greek goddesses, a Renaissance princess, and a disco diva as bridesmaids, and a bodyguard, a convict, a pirate and Einstein as groomsman. Our oldest Samantha was a perfect little fairy flower-girl and the younger one, Jessica, was a spooky skeleton fairy ring bearer, which was all their idea and matched their personalities. My grandfather gave me away as Grandpa Munster aka Dracula. It was all so perfect!

7.  What were your requests/suggestions to your wedding guests as to how they should dress?

We asked everyone to either choose a costume or to wear something afternoon wedding appropriate. We did however, ask that everyone be respectful of the children who would be in attendance and not wear anything too scary or risky. As it turned out, everyone who turned up was in  costume except a couple grandparents who wore church clothes, and with the rest of the costumes floating around, they looked like it was a purposeful Halloween choice.

8.  What type of music did you choose for the reception?

A very eclectic mix spun out by my dad, Kevin Carter who also helped my Aunt Kerstan with photos. we tried to stick with classic rock and roll and a few Halloween themed songs. Since it was a pretty neutral ground for me and Jamie.

9.  What was your first dance song and why?

“Always with me Always with you” by Joe Satriani.

Jamie introduced that song to me early in our relationship and it just became our song. He even used to play parts from it for me on the guitar.

10.  After one year of wedded bliss, how do you plan to celebrate your anniversary?

Maybe with a night out just the two of us….that’s a rare enough occurrence. Trick-or-Treating with the kids will top off our weekend.

Thank you, Megan, for telling us about your special day, and for letting our readers know that it’s fine to be yourself and do what YOU want to do on your wedding day.

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