Identity Crisis: Wedding Style

The first dance, a reception staple, is having a identity crisis. For years it was a simple dance to a sweet, romantic song. Now couples are starting to incorporate energetic, sometimes silly, dancing and pop songs.
The first dance doesn't know what to do with itself. Is it a quiet moment for the bride and groom to share during the festivities? Is it a way to introduce the couple's style to their friends and family? Is it entertainment for the guests? Who knows?
To help the first dance sort itself out, let's look at some of its different forms.

This first video got over 12 million views on Youtube and is greatly entertaining.


This video, while similar to the first, has a goofier tone. The couple doesn't take themselves seriously at all and are obviously having a blast.


This video is the closest to the traditional first dance. There's no shimmy-ing or songs with "Big butts" in the lyrics, but the couple still showed their special style by choreographing a beautiful classic dance.


This last example is one of my all time favorites. The couple choreographed a swing dance number for their first dance which wow-ed their guests and showed their enthusiasm and excitement.


So where does all this leave the first dance? I think the answer, though ambiguous, is this: the first dance should be a blessing for the couple. Whether that means surprising the guests by getting down with Baby Got Back, waltzing or swing dancing, the couple should be excited to do it and enjoy every second of it.
If you're going to be first dancing soon, there are many resources to get you started. The list of 50 classic first dance songs is great if you're looking for something more traditional (or a fake song for the beginning of a surprise dance.) How to Choose a Song for the First Dance is also helpful if you can't immediately think of one. Another thing to remember is that many local dance studios offer private classes for couples who want to look polished during their first dance.
Whatever type of first dance you choose, have fun and own it and you'll be happy with the outcome.
See you on the dance floor!

Before "I do"

Here at Something Borrowed we focus on the big day, but for this post I want to write about the big question.
"Will you marry me?"
It seems simple enough, only four little words, but the meaning is tremendous. It causes a grown man feel like an awkward school boy, and can make the woman feel like a queen. Throughout history the proposal has had its own traditions and lore, with each asker trying to find new ways to make the moment special and unique.
Thanks to the advent of portable video cameras, many public proposals have been caught on tape for the enjoyment of millions.
One of my favorites is a recent proposal. Ginny was at a movie with her family when a trailer came on the screen that showed her boyfriend Matt asking for permission to marry her. It was very sweet and touching...and I won't ruin the ending.



Another favorite is from 2007, right after Boise State won the Fiesta Bowl. During the post game interview with Ian Johnson, the reporter unknowingly butted into a proposal... (Start watching at the :59 mark)



For those who are having a difficult time coming up with the perfect plan, here is a list of proposal ideas to jump start the process. Also, here's a link to seven proposals gone wrong.
Proposing definitely isn't an easy task, but in the end it's worth putting extra effort into because it will become a life long memory.