This is part 9 of a 10 part wedding series.
Be sure to check back for the final post!
So...life happened. It's been awhile since I have posted anything regarding this wedding series. House buying, vacations, new dog, and everything in between has gotten in the way. Great things come to those who wait though, right? Anyways, I hope you enjoy the final two posts of my wedding series.
 | Though dancing at weddings or celebrations can be traced back to ancient times, the idea of the "first dance" tradition we are accustomed to started as far back at the 17th century and was a part of an etiquette for balls that were held by wealthy families. It was customary for the guests of honor to have the first dance and afterwards everyone else could join them on the dance floor. Today the idea of a first dance is to signify the beginning of the reception for a newly married couple. |
| In recent years, the first dance has become more popular than the actual wedding ceremony and in some weddings it even takes more time and preparation than the wedding itself. Perhaps you prefer the more traditional first dance where you share in a special moment of swaying back and forth with your new spouse to a slow romantic song that is meaningful to the both of you. Others may choose to take dance lessons and surprise the guests at the reception with their ballroom dancing skills. For some the idea is to choose an upbeat pop song and perform a well practicied choreographed dance that will end up going viral on YouTube. |  |
Regardless of the kind of first dance you have, it will be the first organized event that you and your new spouse will do together as a married couple. So fast or slow, choreographed or not, the first dance is significant of your love for one another and your desire to work together on whatever may come your way throughout the years.
From one former Bride to another, the first dance is sometimes the first chance you get to really communicate with your spouse on the day of your wedding. If you don't have a choreographed dance planned, then you are on the dance floor swaying back in forth and probably staring lovingly into each other's eyes...and more than likely talking about your day so far. Did your great Aunt from out of town squeeze your cheeks too hard after the ceremony? Is your tuxedo tie choking you? Wasn't it a beautiful ceremony? Bet you can't wait to get out of your killer pumps that look amazing, but feel awful to walk in.
Make sure that you have a photographer who can capture those sweet moments between the two of you during your dance. It will be these moments that will be most precious later. The ceremony is important. The portraits afterwards are always special. The first dance is your first experience working together as a married couple. So make sure it's a good one and be sure to find a photographer that will give you photographs you can cherish for the rest of your days.
Let's not forget about the Father Daughter Dance!
(or other variations of this dance)
The first dance is significant, but the father daughter dance is oh so sweet. Even the most stage fearing Dads won't turn down their baby girls when asked to dance at their wedding. These days it is becoming more popular to also have a Mother Son Dance and in the case of deceased parents another older adult, such as an Aunt or Grandfather, can be chosen. I have photographed weddings where the Father Daughter dance and Mother Son dance were seperate with their own specially chosen songs. At other weddings, I have witnessed the dance being done together. No matter what you choose, make sure the song is just right and that you have a photographer who can capture those precious moments with your family.
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