Each wedding I shoot, my list of posts for Wedding Wednesdays is getting longer and longer as I see the INCREDIBLE and creative and thoughtful things my brides are doing!!  They truly are the best!! Today’s post will be short and sweet, and is about first dances. I’m sure I will discuss song selection another day (this seems to be either REALLY easy or REALLY hard depending on the couple!), but for today it is just format!  Some couples have no questions about what to do, and love the idea of the traditional 3 dances: Bride and Groom, Bride and Dad, Groom and Mom. But some couples are uncomfortable with that for various reasons, so I have 3 quick tips for those couples who aren’t sure exactly what they want their first dances to look like, but think they want something a little less traditional!  I should note that Michael and I went the traditional route, and loved every minute!

Tip 1). If you are part of a couple that is really uncomfortable with people watching you for that long, or is nervous about the whole first dance thing, consider having the DJ play a shortened version of your song!  This DEFINITELY isn’t for every couple, but for some they are just uncomfortable with the length of a full song- and DJs have very natural and easy ways to cut the song down now if that is a better firt for you!

Tip 2). This is for the Dad/Daughter and Mother/Son dances, and I have seen it at multiple weddings!  Half way through the song, the DJ announces for all other dad and daughter combos (and then mother and son during that dance) to come and join on the dance floor.  I have to admit, this one really gets the emotions going for me…I think it is just such a SWEET tradition, and a really sweet gift to give your guests if you have a lot of those combos! By nature of us having a small wedding, there weren’t a ton of people who would have joined us, but if you have a large guest list with lots of families attending, it is such a sweet gesture!

Tip 3). If you are sure you don’t want the time or exposure of having both a separate bride and father dance and groom and mother dance, why not combine and just do one? It takes the pressure off of everybody, and cuts down the time out there!

I must take a moment to mention that the parent dances REALLY choke me up now a days…Michael and I always share a glance or two about what those will be like some day for us!!

If you liked this post and are looking for other “Wedding Wednesday” posts for some planning help, here are a few from the series:

JGPs 3 main rules of planning

First looks with Dad

Portrait Timeline Help