Very Important Bride, Kari E. and her husband explain to us the benefits of dance lessons as preparation for your wedding day. She said that the dance of the bride and groom is very improtant because EVERYONE is watching them. They want to learn how to dance so they can dance to impress!
It's your wedding your way with Forever Bride. Rich Frevert, President of Heartland Concert Artists and Emily Howald, editor of MSP Wedding Magazine talk about the benefits of having live music playing at your wedding.
Your wedding day is approaching, plans are made and wedding guests invited. All your wedding planning seems to be in perfect place until you realize....you have no idea what you are going to do for your first dance as a married couple! You begin to panic, imagining guests watching, while the wedding DJ invites you and your groom up for the first dance. What do you do? Sway back and forth? Panic? Hide in the bathroom?
That is probably an exaggeration and things will be just fine, but have you considered dance lessons? We know that dance lessons for your wedding may be low on your list, but let us shed some light on the subject.
This week we catch up with a lovely couple, Kari and Miguel at the DS Event Center where we filmed the latest episode on ForeverBride.com.
Here are a few reasons to consider taking dance lessons for your first dance at your wedding:
1.Dance lessons are fun. Consider the unique interaction that dancing provides you and your fiance. Dancing is incredible non verbal communication. One or both of you may be hesitant to take lessons during your wedding planning for various reasons. Don't let this stop you.
2. It's fun for your guests. Remember, this may be your wedding, but we want to consider your wedding guests. We all like being entertained at a wedding or anywhere for that matter. Think of how fun it is to watch people dance. Would YOU prefer to watch a choreographed dance, or a couple sway side to side in an awkward attempt to get through the song.
3. It's a bonding experience. You are getting married! Don't you want to bond with your finance? Taking dance lessons before your wedding can be a great way to break out of the normal routine, and do something different. It also makes for great memories after the wedding planning is over and you are married.
4. You can use your first dance for years to come. This is a dance you learned and danced at your WEDDING! It is sure to be a dance you can both go back to for some memories. Imagine on your one year wedding anniversary, dancing your first wedding dance again. How special. Seriously, you may forget some of the moves but you will never forget that night.
Keep in mind that your first dance at your wedding is MORE than just dancing. It's something special that even after planning your wedding, you will never forget. This week we feature a REAL engaged couple in our episode on Forever Bride. It was filmed at the AMAZING DS Event Center in St. Paul Minnesota. You can check out the episode HERE: http://www.youtube.com/TheForeverTV
Author: Forever Bride
So now you’re engaged. You’ve taken the first step toward one of life’s most fulfilling relationships. Congratulations! Now that the initial announcement has been made and you’ve celebrated your big decision with family and friends, it’s time to start making those wedding plans. Elements like date, location, food, invitations, guest list, where to register, dresses, tuxes; it can all seem overwhelming.
But think about it, how many of these items will your guests remember in 10 years? They might remember the location and your dress, right? For all of the time, effort, and yes, emotion that goes into choosing the elements of your wedding, very few end up being long-term memories of your special day.
Other than the bride and groom themselves, of all the elements of a wedding, the music (good or bad) is one of the most memorable aspects of the day. So, it is too bad that music is often an afterthought in the planning process, sometimes being left until just a couple of weeks before the wedding day.
While music isn’t the focus of your wedding day, it does set the atmosphere of the day. An inspirational soloist or a really cooking band playing tunes hand-picked for you and your family make everyone happy. At the same time, a band that isn’t experienced at doing weddings, isn’t very good, or can’t adapt to special requests can be a real downer.
So to help you make the best possible choices for your wedding music, here are five things to remember:
1. Start planning your music early. As plans take shape, your wedding day will take on a character of its own. Including music at the beginning of the planning process will ensure a good fit with your vision for the day. It will also make sure that your wedding budget includes enough dollars to get you what you want.
2. Decide what type of music you want for yourselves and your family. There are probably hundreds of options in your community for wedding music. As you go to the marketplace, knowing what will make you and your family members happy will save you time, money and regret after you’re married.
3. One stop shop. You will save money and time by working with a musician or booking agency that offers a wide range of options. You may want a classical singer for the ceremony, a swing band for the dinner and family dances, and a rock and roll band for late night festivities. Booking these three types of musicians separately will probably cost you hundreds of dollars more than if you work with someone that has access to all three styles.
4. Always hear the bands you are considering, preferably live. It is surprising how many brides and grooms choose wedding musicians without ever hearing them perform. Reputable musicians and agents will readily offer you samples of their work, or even better, dates when you can hear them live. Avoid choosing musicians based solely on the recommendation of a friend, family member or through social media.
5. Ask questions. One of the main reasons music planning gets put off is brides and grooms feel intimidated talking to musicians. They feel they don’t know enough about music to make good choices. Any reputable musician or agent will be happy to answer any questions you have about choosing music. Always look for people who take the philosophy that “there is no such thing as a bad question.”
There you are, five tips that will help you get you exactly what you want in your wedding music. A little bit of concentrated effort early on in the planning process can make the long term memories of your wedding day especially sweet.
Author: Rich Frevert President of Heartland Concert Artists in Minneapolis, MN. He has over 25 years of experience as a musician, teacher, agent and music administrator. Heartland Concert Artists offers a variety of exceptional musicians to wedding and event clients
Website is www.heartlandconcertartists.com. You can contact Rich at 612-202-8383 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Weddings are wonderful events. The joy of the bride and groom permeate the room and bring smiles to the faces of family and guests. Often, despite the intense planning that goes into every detail of the big day, it is a simple gesture to a family member or friend that creates the most memorable moment.
Our musicians were involved in just such a moment recently at a wedding in Minneapolis. The big band on the Heartland Concert Artists roster, the KCGO Big Band, was asked to include a particular song as part of the evening’s dancing. The groom, Daniel, knew the song was one of his parent’s favorites. He also knew that in the context of his wedding day, the song would have special meaning to his parents, Bill and Andrea. (not their real names)
When Bill and Andrea were married over 30 years ago, it turned out they never had a chance to have their first dance together. This song was Daniel’s gift to his parents; a way for them to have the first dance they never had on their own wedding day. Needless to say, when Daniel explained the significance of the music the guests were about to hear, the atmosphere in the room was electrified. The band kicked in and his parents got their first dance in front of a delighted audience.
It made me proud to be involved in some small way with creating that moment. It also showed me that the simplest gesture of love and respect can be the most powerful. It also reinforced to me how live music can touch us in unexpected ways.
Whether it’s a favorite song, or a different way to honor a family member or guest, I encourage brides and grooms to find a simple gesture that will speak volumes about that person, and who they are as a couple.
Happy planning to you all and remember, live music is best!
Author: Rich Fervert
Rich Frevert is the President of Heartland Concert Artists in Minneapolis, MN. Heartland Concert Artists provides exceptional jazz, pop and classical artists to performing arts series, symphony orchestras, corporate clients and weddings.
Make sure to check out Heartland Concert Artists at Forever Bride or visit www.HeartlandConcertArtists.com today!
Image Source: Rich Fervert
V.I.B. Provider Delta Vacations shares how to have a destination wedding that will be perfect for you! Travel for your wedding and get everything you need to know to make it happen for you!
Author: Kaitlin Keller | Director of Content | Forever Bride
“Hoppy” Wednesday!
We have a lovely treat for you today from Sweets Bakeshop, Erin Johnson Photography, Sadie’s Couture Floral & Event Styling, On Solid Ground Vintage Rentals, and Spill the Wine!
For those of you looking for dessert inspiration, we have 7, YES 7, dessert buffets featured today.
The adorable displays, baked to perfection by Sweets Bakeshop and styled by On Solid Ground and Erin Johnson Photography, are themed in Circus, Vintage Bake Sale, White Party, The Nature of It, Manly Man, Pretty in Pink, and Soda Shop! Tons of tasty ideas for your occasion!
We hope you enjoy this yummy post, WeddingHoppers!
Meet Amie & Joseph, they planned the perfect honeymoon using a travel agent! Forever Bride offers many options to create special moments for your honeymoon or destination wedding. Be unique and personalize your honeymoon by combining you and your husband's interests! Go deep-sea diving or explore on an African Safari. Your options are endless! Take a look!
Author: Kaitlin Keller | Director of Content | Forever Bride