Most couples want to dance the traditional first dance, but most of them also know nothing at all about dancing! So as the big day approaches their sense of panic increases. Avoid anxiety by following a few easy tips.

1. Plan ahead: You’re planning everything else associated with your wedding, why not your first dance? Ideally you should begin practicing 6 to 12 months ahead of time. MAKE your groom, he will thank you later and you can make this fun while practicing!

2. Turn to professionals: Learning to dance is surprisingly painless. If you can’t afford private lessons at a local studio, look around for group classes (high schools, colleges and community centers often offer courses). Or, buy an instructional videotape -learn at home and avoid the worry of looking awkward in front of others.

3. Have options: If you are undecided about your first song, or can’t pick one, check the list of wedding dance songs from your DJ. Try practicing to two or three different songs that both of you like, and choose the one that feels most comfortable and most like YOU.

4. Less is more: You need not dance to the entire song (remember, dance professionals don’t). Your DJ can cut the song or your band can play a shortened version…..or you can even just have it fade out. Plan ahead so you are prepared and your DJ is too! Bottom line: you’ll look better dancing for two minutes and doing five terrific moves, than dancing for five minutes and doing twelve poorly executed moves.

5. Decide on a song version: Once you’ve picked a song, make sure your DJ or band knows how you want to hear it. For instance, don’t assume your band will play the song just like the Frank Sinatra CD you’ve been practicing to. It’s a good idea to give them a copy of the version you like, or to get a recording of their version, so that you are practicing to “the real deal.”

6. Think about where you’re dancing: If your wedding will be outdoors, install a dance floor – it’s pretty hard to spin in mud or on grass. If the dance floor at your reception hall is smaller than your bathroom, maybe you’d better rethink that waltz – it takes up lots of space. Try to practice in a space that’s similar in size to your venue.

7. Think about what you’re wearing: If you have a mermaid dress you’ll look terrific. You’ll also be taking very tiny steps…. bear that in mind when you plan the first dance. Similarly, if you have an off-the-shoulder gown you won’t be able to lift your arms over your head………consider that before you put in all those spins.

8. And speaking of what you’re wearing: practice your dancing as if it’s the big day. Grooms: wear a jacket and dress shoes. Brides: wear a long skirt, (unless you’re planning that mini-wedding dress!) and your actual wedding shoes. This will accomplish two things: it’ll break your shoes in, and it will give you a sense of security about your ability to manage them come the actual reception. If you’re worried about getting them dirty, protect them with an old pair of athletic socks.

9. Don’t expect perfection: Nobody at your reception is anticipating that the two of you will put on a show. You’re not a professional dance team – and if you are, why are you reading this?! While the two of you are learning and practicing, you are bound to make the occasional mistake. Just stop, talk it out, and try again.

10. Express yourself: Know your own comfort level, and that of your groom. If you don’t like a song, don’t dance to it! If you don’t like a certain move your instructor shows you, say so. (Be polite, though!) It is, after all, your day and your dance. If you are happy and comfortable you will look wonderful, so that should be your goal.

Some would consider him to be a “momma’s boy”.  She’s been his Number-One gal for a long time.  And now she’s about to hand her son off to someone else, another woman. Another woman who will officially become his new Number One.  It’s a big day for both of you, but it also may be very important to consider making his mother a part of it.

Finding the best way to include your new Mother in Law (aka MOG= Mother of the groom) should be part of the initial planning process but tradition has carved a clear (if rather small) niche for the responsibilities of the mother of the groom.  How rigidly you stick to these traditions is completely up to you (and her).

Once upon a time, the mother of the bride did all of the maternal work of a wedding.  All the mother of the groom had to do was show up and look nice and not fuss.  But that was long ago and far away.  Grooms are now a major part of the wedding planning, and their mothers have a greater part in the wedding. MOG’s first responsibility during the engagement is to contact the bride’s parents and offer to help in any way she can. Here’s a small checklist you can go over with his mom and make sure she feels comfortable with her responsibilities:

• Traditionally, the groom’s parents will at least plan and host the rehearsal dinner.
  
• Mom should also help come up with your family’s guest list, being mindful of your limits and not inviting third cousins twice-removed.
  
• She can chase down the guests who didn’t RSVP in time; giving her yet another excuse to get on the phone.
  
• Mom is expected to attend the bridal shower and bring a gift—lingerie is up to mom’s discretion.
  
• In Christian ceremonies, the mother of the groom sits in the first pew.  In Jewish ceremonies, the mother of the groom escorts her son down the aisle and stands with him at the chuppah.
  
• If there’s to be a lighting of a wedding candle, both the parents of the bride and the parents of the groom perform this ceremony together.
  
• Mom can help with creative projects as well, such as putting together gift bags for the guests or arranging the seating assignments.
  
• She can help make it known to your family and friends where you and your bride are registered.
  
• If there’s going to be a mother/son dance, you and mom should work together to choose the song.
  
• She also supports the father of the groom when he delivers his toast to the happy couple.
  

Before his Mom buys a dress for the big day, she should talk with the mother of the bride to see if she wants your mom’s dress to compliment her own in color or style. While the color of the mom’s dress can compliment that of the mother of the bride, it shouldn’t match it, nor should it match the color of the bridesmaid’s dresses.

Just keep his Mom connected somehow throughout the engagement and ask her what she’s willing to do to help. Remember, you are not the only one in the midst of change. While you are planning the wedding of your dreams to start your new life, his mother may feel as if she is losing a son (rather than gaining a daughter.) Find little ways t include her but if she wants to remain hands-off, just tell her to show up, look nice, and don’t make a fuss (it may be easier in the long run J)

There is something so formal about a man’s tux! Unlike a bride’s wedding attire, which can be so personal and individual, the tux allows for very little variation.  I was inspired by a friend’s facebook photo that showed his cuff and a gorgeous pair of cufflinks.  I must say I was kind of enthralled and i just had to smile.

So, looking for a gift for your groom that will make his wedding attire “perfectly him”? Check out some of these cufflinks…………. like that subtle garter you will be wearing, these elegant touches will allow your groom to should a little of his own style.

Thanks to Link Your Shirt for these unique touches!