We have a guest writer today to help us with .. the dance. There is a lot more involved with the dance then just turning around in circles on the floor. Today’s guest blogger is Elaine Carson from Everybody Dance.

When you begin to plan your wedding your first thought is of the dress, and the ceremony. As the day approaches, suddenly you remember – I have to dance in front of people!

Your first dance symbolizes so many things. It is the first time he takes you in his arms to dance as man and wife. It is two people working together in partnership. It is also the start of the party!

Although Waltz is the traditional first dance, there are many other styles of dance: a passionate Tango, a jazzy Foxtrot, a hot Latin number, a fun Swing, or even a Disco dance! Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you feel relaxed and confident on your wedding day.

Often couples request “choreography”. A choreographed dance routine is actually a series of dance steps strung together in a set order, to best interpret the accents of the music. People generally think that this is the easiest way, as they have the idea that if they memorize their dance it will be more successful and take the pressure off the groom.

1) If you choose to continue with the idea of choreography, you will need to begin 6 months in advance of the wedding and take one hour of instruction per week. Your result will be worth the effort. The learning process will be a fun, romantic way to spend time together, and on your wedding day, you’ll dance a routine filled with variety.

2) If you don’t have the time or inclination to learn a choreographed routine, just learn to dance! Learn however many steps you have time for and dance freestyle. This means that the groom dances whatever steps come to mind, in any order he chooses. Add one or two private lessons to learn a nice entrance for coming onto the dance floor, and a nice dip or under-arm turn to end your song.

Private or Group lessons?
This will depend on how much time you have, what your end result to be, and your budget.

With Private lessons, you will receive the benefit of one-on-one instruction. Your instructor will teach you the dance steps that best suit your personal style. You will learn an entrance, and exit, and as much variety as you have time for…or if you have chosen choreography, it is private lessons which will be necessary to learn and perfect it.

Group lessons are an economical way to learn to dance, if you have time. The group class will cover various dances so you will learn several different types of dance that you can use at your reception and in your future life together. Group lessons are also a great way to get in some extra practice if you have waited until the last minute.

If you have:

1 – 2 months: take 3 – 7 private lessons (don’t plan on one the week of the wedding as
you will be too busy by then).

3 – 4 months: a weekly private lesson will provide you with enough time to dance
confidently and competently with quite a bit of variety; possibly a short
choreography.

5 – 6 months: weekly private lessons will allow you to have a choreographed dance
routine. Or learn to dance in the group class and then take a private lesson or two for a
special entrance and exit.

6 – 12 months: weekly private lessons for a choreographed or freestyle first dance.
More time means increased skill level, more variety, and more style.
-or enough time to become quite competent taking only group lessons.

Thank you Elaine for all of your insight.

This is a post dedicated to those who help throw the engagement parties. Finally a very cool, hip collection of paperplates that look like they came from an art museum. These are stylish and are eco friendly.
They are made from sugar cane fiber, bamboo, and reed pulp. You can find them here. Enjoy.

We started this little “shoe of the month” quite awhile ago and we love how this is catching on! Let’s face it — I love shoes so I devoted some time each month to bring you the funkiest, sparkliest, sexiest shoes I can find. This month we feature Badgley Mishcka Shoes. Now one thing you should know is that this line carries some steep heels. So this is not for the novice, this is for the experienced! Enjoy.

Ok — we have to admit — these are uber cool and you can eat them too. This was an Etsy find that we just adore. How about some edible, icing decals for your cupcakes? How ingenious is this? You can do just about anything you imagine, from dates, to monograms to even pictures. Yes you can eat these this is what makes them so unique. We love these and hope you do to. They are as easy as Frost, Stick and Smooth!

You can find them here.

It’s no secret that photographer’s cringe every time they photograph those gorgeous, expensive gowns, hanging from a PLASTIC hanger. Finally, someone is putting some thought into those hangers! We love these — it’s the little things that make a big difference on your wedding day. We can see these as perfect gifts too for all of your bridesmaids.

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Sorry, we couldn’t wait any longer. We really, really love fall. To get everyone in the mood — we are going to give you a little slice of fall themed wedding inspiration boards. Enjoy.

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We’ve all seen amazing outfits for the flower girls, but sometimes we feel like the ring bearer is left out. Well thanks to Me and Matilda, now your ring bearer can walk down the aisle in style. We adore these matching ring pillows and neckties. It’s all in the details and we love this quirky match.

Yes, it’s true we feature a lot for the brides, but here is a little inspiration for the Groom. What’s hot this year? The bow tie! What better way to make a bold statement then to have an amazing bow tie with artistic attitude. The makers of these sweet ties is Somethings Hiding in Here. Let us know what you think, we adore the patterns just as much as the marketing.

We’ve all seen them, the candy-coated almonds, the little candles all of the wedding favors that we spend hours trying to figure out really don’t make much of an impression after the gala. However, a little thought and ingenuity and wah-la — you have Tea Towels. These are favors that don’t sit and collect dust – these are favors that you can actually use and put to work. We love this idea and think it’s pure genius. Enjoy. Their tagline sums it up perfectly: “Create an impression your guests can keep forever.”

If you’re looking for a dress that is versatile — that can be used for a courthouse wedding or a fancy, hotel wedding — look no further than Dress Me Fancy. These fantastic dresses are perfect for those with an hour-glass shape and want to keep it simple yet cosmopolitan. Some of these look like they are straight out of a MadMen episode. LOVE. Take a peak.