Question of Class....

Ok.... so here's the question. I was at a party about a month or so ago, and the people who threw the party hired a bellydancer - they are Iranian & it's basically customary to have a bellydancer - or at least with him it is. I joked around and said to my mother that I would like to have one at the wedding for a little while (it was so much fun having her at this party), and my mother said that it was soooooooo low class. What do you all think? FH & I really liked toying with the idea.

Re: Question of Class....

If you'll have entertainment like that, then the spotlight will not be on you during the whole reception... Part of it will be on the bellydancer...
I wouldn't say its low class, but I wouldn't want that at my wedding, considering how quickly the time flies...

Re: Question of Class....

That is really different. I think it is great to add different things to your wedding day to make it more unique and special.. As far as low class I think if you get a proffessional dancer it will be fine I don't believe someone with a proffessional background would act inapropriate (sp?)..

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At one wedding I attended, during the reception they had an Irish bagpipe band come in and play for 15 minutes or so. I think it was definitely received in a positive way by the guests.

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I know someone who went to a wedding where there was a bellydancer(the betrothed were Iranian also) and people who weren't used to this custom were like what the...? So if you do decide to do this make sure to let people know (especially older relatives) before you do this IMHO

Re: Question of Class....

Thanks for the thoughts ladies.... The people who had this party are very good friends of my parents & my family is used to seeing them (my father & the husband) start belly dancing to the greek music which is inevitably played at my house!

Re: Question of Class....

So funny this should come up....FH is Turkish and I went to the first family wedding on his side with him last May and out of the blue FH's cousin comes up to the front and announces this surprise & this bellydancer broad came out! I was like It was pretty amusing though. I have pictures somewhere--I should post them! HAHA The good part is that everyone throws money on the dancefloor if they dance with her & then the bride & groom get to keep it! I won't have one @ my wedding though! Not a question of class--i don't think it's really low class, it was kinda fun, but I think some guests @ my own particular wedding would be a little lol

Re: Question of Class....

My parents went to the wedding of my cousin over the summer. She is catholic and just a Jersey girl and her husband is Iranian. The wedding incorporated both cultures traditions, but more of the Iranian since the groom's side paid for the wedding. They also had a bellydancer, which I think many of the bride's guests weren't expecting as they didn't know much of Iranian wedding traditions. They had 2 wedding ceremonies, one was a Catholic ceremony with a priest. My mother said that the priest felt a bit out of place at the reception when the bellydancer came out and at that point decided to leave (it was getting on a bit in the evening anyway).

Re: Question of Class....

I don't think this form of tradition should be classified as low class. Its simply an Iranian tradition. If your family is Iranian or FH's I wouldn't see the problem. If they are not, then it would be more difficult for your guests to understand why you have a belly dancer. If you have a menu and would love to do the belly dancer, maybe you could add a note at the bottom of the menu explaining what will happen?

Re: Question of Class....

If you are or your FH is not Iranian, you may offend some of your Iranian friends as using something sacred in their customs. Not sure.

Re: Question of Class....

Honestly I do not think a belly dancer at a formal affair (unless it is an ethnic custom) is a very good idea. JMO. It might be fun for a birthday party or retirement party though. I just cannot imagine my guests leaving the dance floor so a 1/2 naked women can dance for them- again JMO.

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I think that's a great idea!! I have no quams about that... it's for enjoyment and fun.. why would anyone get offended.. please!

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Having a belly dancer at a wedding is a cultural thing. I once went to a Moroccan restaurant and there was a belly dancer performing. However, it's your wedding and if you and your FH want a belly dancer there, go for it! It would certainly be memorable and a lot of fun!

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I think it sounds really unique and fun. Just have the bellydancer for a small amount of time. Not too long or the spotlight will fade from you and your FH.

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Personally I wouldn't but it doesn't mean you shouldn't... A very innovative and creative idea. I guess it really depends on your personality. I am very into cookie cutter traditional wedding, but if your game... power to you!

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i think its a nice idea....plan it for right after dinner...that way, people are still sitting and settling after their meal, so you dont cut into their dance time....i've seen it done and cheesy or not, guests always love it....so its really up to you guys..

Re: Question of Class....

Oh that sounds like fun. Thats a wonderful idea. Classless would be if the Belly Dancer took off her clothes.