Funny First Wedding Dances

For many people, walking down the isle is the biggest day of their life. They spend months looking for the perfect dress or tuxedo for the traditional wedding ceremony. The whole occasion is usually very formal and organized. Even the couple’s first dance can be static and frankly, quite uninspired. Some waltz and act like they are at a regal ball while others like to have more fun using the time to be silly while shaking a leg. This post is about those who like to actually have fun when they dance. You’ll see songs and dances you know, but also ones that will surprise you. Either way, you’ll certainly get a kick out of these funny first wedding dances.

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

Top 10 Best First Dance Songs at Your Wedding

You’ll only have your first dance song once (at least per wedding), so you want to make it special.  While there have been many brides and grooms who have decided to shake it up a bit, there is something to be said for a sweet and romantic traditional first dance.

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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What to Look for In a Personal Wedding Planner

Choosing a personal wedding planner can be a frightening task.Finding someone you trust enough to plan one of the biggest events of your life is not something you should take lightly, but is something that will help you create the wedding of your dreams in an efficient and well thought out manner.Here are some tips to find your ideal personal wedding planner.

Certification

Look for a personal wedding planner with a certification in wedding planning.Certified personal wedding planners will have the knowledge base to skillfully plan and execute your wedding.They will know the ins and outs of the wedding business, and will have hands on experience in all aspects of wedding planning.  A certified personal wedding planner will take the guesswork of your preparation by approaching the process as a business transaction.As your personal wedding planner, he or she will be there to plan your wedding in a full time capacity.  Wedding planning may not be your day job, but it is for a number of highly talented professionals.

References

You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it for a test drive, so why hire a personal wedding planner without seeing their previous work?  Their previous events don’t have to mirror the type of wedding you hope to have, but if their clients express that they were communicative and attentive to the desires of the newlyweds to be, this will speak highly of their ability to plan the wedding that you want.

Ask for references of one or two former clients who have either given a statement for the personal wedding planner to use, or people you can call and speak with about their experience with the planner.Also ask to see some pictures of previous events just to get a feel for the spectra of things the personal wedding planner is capable of planning.

Connection

While your personal wedding planner is first and foremost a professional dedicated to the business of planning weddings, make sure you choose someone you are comfortable working with.  You will be working with this person for an extended period of time, and feeling a connection with this person as a trusted party to act in your best interest is crucial.You will want to have the comfort of knowing that your personal wedding planner is listening to your desires and is someone you can envision yourself working with in great detail.

Photo by SWBatzer

Should You Hire a Wedding Coordinator?

With much emphasis on such a big day and with so many venues, services and suppliers in the wedding sector it can make choices very difficult for couples planning to get married with costs escalating to more than they imagined. Not only this but you also have to rely on all of these services and products to provide the quality as promised and to be delivered on time which can only add to the stress leading up to, and sometimes on the special day itself – after all there is no ‘take two’ on this day!

Couples need peace of mind and confidence from the beginning stages through to and on the day to make everything they planned for happen on time, look amazing, taste exceptional and feel outstanding – just as the couples anticipated. These days more and more people break from the traditional way of things especially as gay couples have opportunities to tie the knot now. The special day should enhance towards the couples’ personal feelings, tastes and style and reflect towards them and not necessarily the guests or family’s love for things. A common trend is for couples to have these occasions at a home or hired ground under a wedding marquee which might not save much money, but can create and tailor the special occasion more under their control. Therefore not restricted to venues availability and constraints, especially the ones who like to party until the early hours of the morning.

Planning and preparation is the key for any successful wedding celebration however simple or complex. So it is always a good start to write a bullet point list of thoughts and overall spending budget intended. To give yourself a better idea of what is available and the costs involved it is recommended you browse the web and also attend wedding exhibition and fairs. Even then couples may find all this too much with significant range of products and services with prices varying dramatically.

For couples that need a little help, inspiration, or just simply do not have the time for planning their own wedding or civil ceremony due to busy life schedules, feel comfortable turning over the details to a trained professional. Wedding Coordinators arrange as much or as little as you like, from sourcing recommended suppliers through to designing and creating the occasion from start to finish. All the hard work is already done from knowing what services, suppliers and products are value for money and would only confidently recommend these as they would do a fantastic professional job. Wedding coordinators have a reputation to uphold and the cost for these services should be free as commission would have been established from these services and therefore costing the clients no extra money. A good wedding coordinator can make all the difference as they are able to offer professional assistance and make sure that everything runs smoothly. Their aim is to be in the background dealing with everything efficiently, so you can confidently relax and totally enjoy the big day.

A company called ‘How Can We Help You?’ do all this and more by going the extra mile with fastidious attention to detail. With reputable years of experience they give inspirational ideas from the traditional, quirky to simple weddings and civil ceremonies helping clients through the planning stages adhering to time constraints and budgets making the whole experience stress free. They can arrange everything from venues, marquees, invitations and stationary, full wedding catering , budget planning and gift lists, through to the cake design, music and florists. From initial concept design through to the laying of the very last place card, they maintain a high level of excellence, ensuring the wedding day is not only perfect, but exceeds client’s expectations. They meet clients frequently prior to the big day to gain a clear and concise understanding of what is envisaged for the day. Attending rehearsals, liaise with suppliers and the venue ensuring couples that everything is just as they imagined, running smoothly according to schedule with every last detail checked. With knowledge, expertise and creative flair, they work with clients every step of the way, turning their Wedding Day dreams into reality.

Create your own Wedding Dress

Wouldn’t it be nice if you were the person that will create your own marriage dress on your big day? Naturally it would be. The reason is because you get the opportunity to make a statement with all the unique touches you add to your wedding dress, such as matching your wedding ring set.

Today, thanks to the advent of technology and easy accessibility to data, more and more brides-to-be are getting into planning their own marriage dresses. Unlike before when information is limited re design and its technicalities, modern brides can have their dream marriage dress created by themselves. Now, they can see their dream marriage dress created before their very own eyes the way they need it to be.

Considerations in coming up with your own marriage dress

If you are the kind of bride who would want to look absolutely unique, then you must find out how to design your own wedding dress. This job might appear frightening at first, but if you wish to do it your own way, you can overcome that “I couldn’t do it” mindset and start working. Read more

Casual Wedding Dress

These days, the Church isn’t the only place where you can have a marriage. This could be done in the backyard, the beach or the countryside and since such places aren’t that formal, it is only right to wear a casual wedding dress.

But before you start out and buy one, you must consider just how casual are you wanting your wedding dress to be. Glaringly , this has to do with where the marriage will take place and the theme.

Just to offer you an idea, if the marriage will take place during the summer, the ultimate causal wedding dress is a sundress. You have your choice of a halter, thin strap or strapless top. It’s far better to get a skirt that is short rather than long so it does not get dirty from sand or soil when you’re walking down the makeshift aisle. To finish the look, you can even put a hat on rather than covering yourself up with a veil.

As for the material, you must not get an informal marriage dress that is made from brocade, heavy silks or velvet because it is too heavy. You must also only add a few embellishments to the causal wedding dress because it also adds some weight.

The casual wedding dress should be made of flowing fabrics because it drapes well and is less vulnerable to wrinkling. Examples of these include batiste, chiffon, charmeuse, crepe, damask, duchesse satin and illusion nets.

However, if this is occuring in the autumn or fall, this is the time you can consider using heavier material. You will potentially need a wool jacket over the skirt to also help you stay warm. Read more

Choosing a Diamond

If you are looking to buy that special someone an engagement ring or a ring to show how much you care you should first be knowledgeable about diamonds. By knowing some basics about diamonds you can make a smart choice which will also fit into your budget. The more you know about diamonds the better you will be at the finding a high quality diamond at a reasonable price. The first thing you should be aware of is what jewelers call the 4 C’s; which are cut, color, clarity and carat weight. These are the things they use to obtain the value of the diamond.

One thing to consider is the brilliance of the diamond depends heavily on its cut. The cut give a diamond the brightness that makes it shine. The diamond cut is on a grading scale which is; Ideal, Very Good, Good and Fair/Poor cuts. The Ideal cut gives maximum brilliance and is more expensive. Very Good cut diamonds let in a lot of the light and have a good deal of brilliance. The Good cut diamond offers quality and beauty for a reasonable price. Fair to Poor cuts only reflect a small portion of light and most reputable jewelers to do not carry this cut.

It is normal for diamonds to contain some type of flaw or inclusions that happened when they were formed in the earth. The clarity of a diamond takes into account the number, size and visibility of the flaws. The less   flawed diamond will create more brilliance and therefore are highly prized and pricier. It is possible to find a diamond with some imperfections that still has brilliance and sparkle.

No color is the most desirable in a diamond because it allows the most reflection of light. Jewelers refer to a professional color scale to grade the color of a diamond. The highest rating is the letter “D” for colorless and the color scale goes to Z. Diamonds that are graded J through M may have a very faint hint of yellow in the diamond and look stunning in a gold setting.

The unit of weight a diamond is measured by is called a carat. Large diamonds are higher priced because they are less common than small diamonds. The standard is usually the larger the diamond is, the higher the price will be. Your budget will help determine the size of diamond you will want to choose. If you compare diamonds you will find one that is the size and quality you desire.

When you are looking for diamonds it is in your best interest to look for ones with a Diamond Certificate. The Diamond Certificate will give you all the information about the diamond. It will have the specifications of the 4C’s and also a diagram explaining all aspects of the diamond. If you buy an uncertified diamond you are not going to know exactly what you’re getting. The Diamond Certificate is like a blue print on the diamond and will have all the properties listed. An appraisal is not the same as a certificate; an appraisal gives the approximate retail replacement value of the diamond.

A diamond engagement ring can be a substantial investment and you should choose carefully and wisely. If you use the information provided you will be able to make a knowledgeable decision. By being informed you will be able to get the best quality diamond that will fit within your budget.

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Bridal Flip Flops. Wedding Sandals

HAPPY FEET: THE BEAUTY OF FLIP-FLOPS

There was a time when flip-flops would be viewed with derision, because they were considered as casual, items of footwear that could just be worn to suitably informal locations such as the beach or garden parties, at best. Many of you may still recall the commotion that was kicked up when a few members of the North-western Women’s Lacrosse team appeared at an official White House reception in thong sandals when critics derisively called them ‘flip-flops’. Now, that was only as 2005, but the humble flip-flop has come a long way since then. This writing and associated ones that follow will show how flip-flops are not just acceptable, but favored attire for all kinds of formal occasions, including weddings. Read more

How to Get the Perfect Wedding Planner

There will come a time in your wedding planning when you might want to get a little help. The best thing to do is to find yourself someone who can help you, someone trained in the field would make the perfect wedding planner. It is important that you have a perfect wedding planner because you will be able to sit back and enjoy more of the wedding planning process than if you were doing it all on your own.

What Is Important about It?

A perfect wedding planner is going to let you be yourself, because they will sit down with you and talk about the kinds of things that you would like to see in your wedding. They will be able to show you more ideas based on your thoughts and help you figure out what things look good and what things don’t look. They’ll be able to take into consideration your feelings about what you would and would not like to see in the wedding, and then a perfect wedding planner will take all of these ideas and put them into wedding plans that fit your budget and your needs

A perfect wedding planner is important to have for several reasons. First of all, it gives you the comfort of knowing that things are getting taken care of. Second of all, you are going o be able to relax a little bit because you won’t have to be doing all of the wedding plans on your own. Third, a perfect wedding planner is specially trained to know how to put things into weddings that need to belong there, and has several areas of expertise when it comes to wedding planning. A perfect wedding planner is going to make the dream wedding of your lifetime a reality, and is going to give you the freedom to ask for help with things that you never dreamt of doing on your own.

Remember that although a perfect wedding planner is going to cost you money, you are going to save in the long run because a perfect wedding planner will be able to give you lots of deals. Many times, wedding planners already have vendors that they use a lot, so they will have deals that they can get you on everything for your wedding, such as flowers, food, and music. A perfect wedding planner is going to allow you to get all of these things, stay in your budget, and incorporate ideas that you never knew you could.

The Wedding Dress Should Enhance the Bride

the perfect wedding dress

There is so much excitement and anticipation when it comes to planning a wedding. There are also a multitude of details to arrange and decisions that have to be made by both the bride and the groom. One of the most important and personal decisions a bride must make is to choose the wedding dress she will wear, to make her walk down the aisle to join her groom at the altar.

While the bride and groom are really the proper center of attention on the big day, it is natural and customary for the bride to be a bit more in the spotlight and the bridal dress that she chooses in many ways sets the tone for the whole day. At the same time, the wedding gown very much serves as the frame around the bride and should serve to beautify her and highlight her very best features. Read more

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