Dances and traditions...HELP

NIHA Posted: Jun 04, 2002 09:34 AM

Dances and traditions...HELP

Is anyone else NOT taking dance lessons? I kind of freaked out when I read the post below and our first dance song is also At Last, and we did not take dance lessons.

Also, is anyone else NOT having parent dances? For me, I feel totally awkward dancing with my father. I don't remember ever seeing him dance either. But if we don't do this, does it take away from wedding traditions? I mean we are not having a bridal party introduced, we aren't doing the garter/boquet toss, so will our guests be waiting for this stuff and be disappointed when we don't do it?

Valenia Posted: Jun 04, 2002 09:43 AM

Re: Dances and traditions...HELP

We aren't taking dance lessons. I've already informed the band that my FI and I are on the shy side and would prefer a short version of our song. In terms of the parent dances, We are doing one -- but to take the pressure off its going to start with me and my dad, then my FI and his mom will join in, and then we will open the floor to everyone. The only two people that matter in your decision to have the dance or not are you and your father. Assuming your father isn't expecting it, then I think its fine not to do it. As for the other traditions -- I know I for one would be relieved there is no flower toss or garter removal as a guest... Make yourself happy, thats who matters most!

Sonicstef Posted: Jun 04, 2002 09:59 AM

Re: Dances and traditions...HELP

We are taking dance lessons and are going to do a choreographed dance to our song - but that is really the only 'show' part of the evening.

There will be no: football game like entrance, no long list of introductions, no garter toss (but will do bouquet), no parent dances, etc...

Trying to create an elegant atmosphere and I don't think most of the traditional wedding stuff adds to that.

Karen62794 Posted: Jun 04, 2002 10:57 AM

Re: Dances and traditions...HELP

I don't think we will take dance lessons. I think we'll just kind of wing it and hopefully we won't look too silly. We have a really slow song, so I think we'll be ok.

We are having father/daughter and mother/son dances.

Karen

jlf41 Posted: Jun 04, 2002 11:03 AM

Re: Dances and traditions...HELP

We are not taking lessons. We just don't have time. Like sonicstef, we also won't do introductions or entrance. No tosses either. Probably parent dances though, FH's mom would be devasted if we didn't, he's her only living child. FH and I are not really into most of the traditional things, we want to keep the wedding low-key.

NIHA Posted: Jun 04, 2002 11:23 AM

Re: jlf41 and sonicstef

Are you going to be introced as Mr. and Mrs? Wasn't sure since you said that you were doing introductions but I'm assuming you mean other people. I think this and the the first dance is all that we are going to do.

michele31 Posted: Jun 04, 2002 11:31 AM

Re: jlf41 and sonicstef

We are taking dance lessons but you do not have to do. It is really a personal choice. We are also doing the parent dances. I think they would be very upset if we didn't.
I would discuss the Father/Daughter dance with your dad before ruling it out, unless you do not have a good relationship with them then just don't have the dance.
I like the idea of doing father/daughter, mother/son dances at the same time. That might be a nice comprimise.
I am not doing a garter toss, no bouquet toss (not many single friends is why), but I am doing the cake cutting- minus smashing cake in faces.
Do a combo of traditions that make you feel comfortable. It is your day.
And we are being introduced as Scott and Michele. I will not be changing my name so no Mr. & Mrs. for us. But if I was changing it I would go with Scott and Michele XXX.

jlf41 Posted: Jun 04, 2002 12:08 PM

Re: jlf41 and sonicstef

I am not changing my name either. We will have the reverend introduce us as Jessica and Kevin at the end of the ceremony, same for the MC at first dance. I think what Stef and I meant about no introductions was no introductions of the bridal party by the MC at the reception.

jpsgirl Posted: Jun 04, 2002 02:56 PM

Re: Dances and traditions...HELP

I would video tape yourselves dancing a few days before the wedding to your song, and see how it looks. My friend and her FH took dance lessons and for their dance they looked so stiff and like they were concentrating so much on the position of their feet they forgot to really look at each other. Just something to keep in mind. That's why I decided not to take lessons.

Fran M Posted: Jun 04, 2002 04:43 PM

Re: Dances and traditions...HELP

We used At Last as out song and no we didnt take any lessons. We did practice once when we heard the song playing at a party . What I am trying to say is dont worry about it. Just relax and do the the things that are important to the two of you and the people you love.

aug9bride Posted: Jun 04, 2002 05:41 PM

Re: Dances and traditions...HELP

We are not taking dance lessons. We really didn't see the need for it.

As far as the parent dance, my FI does not really want to dance with his mom. He also feels that it would be extremely awkward and is uncomfortable with it. He still hasn't decided for sure what he is going to do though. If you really don't feel comfortable doing it then you shouldn't do it. Don't worry about what other people will think.

jennbaby Posted: Jun 04, 2002 06:15 PM

Re: Dances and traditions...HELP

WE ARENT TAKING DANCE LESSONS. HOPEFULLY THE LIQUOR WILL GUIDE US LOL!!!!
MY FAVORITE PART IS WHEN WE WALK INTO THE RECEPTION HALL AND THE DJ WILL SAY, FOR THE 'FIRST TIME'.... MR & MRS.......
I CANT WAIT!!!!!!

Melissa Posted: Jun 04, 2002 11:43 PM

Nina...

We're not taking lessons. Lessons wouldn't even help us!!! We're horrible at dancing to begin with. We're just going to do the rocking back and forth thing, and enjoy being with one another.

I still don't know what to do about the parent dances either. My FI mom definitely wants to do that dance, and my father and I are really worried about it. We both would be uncomfortable too! But, if we do dance, we're going to have all 4 of us dancing at the same time. I think it would help make it seem less pressure. Who knows, maybe my FI and his mom could dance by themselves.

Let me know what you decide!

tarakinspa Posted: Jun 05, 2002 01:15 AM

Re: Nina...

Do whatever makes you happy, if you feel awkward dancing with you dad think of something else you can do that is more 'you' maybe a montage of photos set to music or something, it's your day you can do anything!