Talk with the Bride

Today’s brides are super busy. So the idea of a surprise bridal shower may not be the way to go. Ask the bride when she is free and tell her you’d be thrilled if you could throw her a bridal shower. Ask her to look at her calendar and pick two dates that would work for her (one plus an alternate). Then discuss what sort of event she would like.

Types of Bridal Showers

Bridal showers can run the gamut from a quiet and sophisticated country club lunch to a rockin’ night at a favorite bar or restaurant.  The type of shower you throw should depend on the bride’s tastes. If she is more mellow and reserved she may be horribly embarrassed by people making a fuss over her at a bar. If she’s very outgoing, she may find a quiet brunch a bit of a letdown. So consider the personality of the bride and base your shower type around that.

Location Options

You can have your shower anywhere you like. It can be at your home or the home of someone else who offers, a restaurant, a private room at a hotel or club, a destination such as a spa or golf course. Really, there are no rules as to where you can’t have a bridal shower. Just make sure the place you select has everything you want. Will you have to bring in tables and chairs? A tent? The food?

The Meal

Where you are having your shower will help dictate the meal options. If you are having it at a restaurant, they of course will provide the food, drink, tables, and chairs. If you are having it at someone’s home, you may need to rent chairs and either cater in food or have everyone volunteer to bring a dish. Your meal can be a very simple soup and sandwiches or a more formal sit down three- or four-course meal. You’ll also need to think about dessert. Do you want a tiered cake or just cupcakes? Anything you decide upon is fine, just plan it out in advance. It is customary that the person who throws the shower pays for everything, so if your plans are bigger than your budget, now’s the time to downscale.

Who to Invite

Here’s a bit of a tricky part. You don’t want to invite everyone in the neighborhood, nor should you have to. But you certainly don’t want to offend anyone by leaving them out. Here’s a good plan to follow. Most brides now often have more than one bridal shower thrown for them. They may have one at home, at the office, and at a special club or group they belong to or even at church. So, don’t feel you are obligated to invite people from all walks of the bride’s life. Start with your immediate circle. If you are part of the bride’s immediate family, invite the aunts and sisters and cousins who are closest to you. If you still have room left, start inviting other relatives. If you have important friends you couldn’t think of leaving out, invite them, too. And don’t forget that you must invite the girls who are in the bridal party.

You can throw a very unique and fun shower once you get comfortable with the basics. Add your own personality to the bridal shower favors, foods, decorations, and games you will play. All that’s needed to make the day special is an open mind!

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Of course, weddings can become expensive, too, depending on all the elements you choose to add to the occasion. Smart couples know that, especially starting out, making and sticking to a budget can make a vast difference to their available finances as they embark on life's journey together. Price, therefore, is a consideration throughout the wedding and that includes a wedding gift for each of your groomsmen.

Many affordable choices are available to help you choose just the right gift for those special members of your wedding party. A personalized gift is unique and you can find several options that can be obtained for a less than sizable amount - fitting in just right with your budget. Ideas for customization include items such as personalized glassware, lighters, cuff links, pocket watches, golf accessories, key chains, pocket knives, a money clip, coasters, pub signs, and beer steins. You can even give a personalized fleece blanket.

A personalized toiletry bag is another option for a groomsmen gift that can be very useful and also very affordable. The men in your wedding party will be certain to appreciate this handy travel tote, and they will think of you and remember the special day you had together whenever they use this handy bag. What about a personalized sit and sip cooler combo? This gift is a chair AND a cooler. Pull out your cool drink, close the lid, fold the chair over it, and you have a seat to sit on. Now there's a gift that is sure to get lots of use. If you are a diligent shopper, you can also find many items on clearance sale and your price can be reduced even further.

A wide variety of options exist; you're sure to find just the right item to suit the needs of your special groomsmen. Duffle bags, travel bags, wine and cheese cooler, and even a personalized lap top bag are sure to be a hit as wedding gifts. On game day, get a party tub cooler with personalized initials on the side. An embroidered fleece blanket will make a great throw for an outdoor picnic on a nice summer day, or it is also great to take along to sporting events when the weather is expected to get a little nippy. All of these gifts are affordable choices - and they will carry meaning that will last a lifetime.

It can be hard to choose among the large variety that is offered and since so many of the prices are so reasonable, that's not going to help your decision making process any easier. Let's look at some other gift ideas that are always popular. What would your groomsmen think about a personalized grilling set, including utensils and carrying case? It doesn't get much better than that. A personalized putting set is a tad more expensive but think about what you can get: a travel case with a four-piece travel putter, metal practice cup, and a golf ball. The putter can be engraved with a name or monogram. A less expensive choice could be a pewter engraved golf tag. As well, there are golf towels and other golf accessories.

What if your groomsmen aren't avid golfers? What about baseball - you can opt for a Hall of Fame baseball bat or an autographed baseball. Both are reasonably priced. Or, you can choose a set of pint-sized glasses that can be personalized with your favorite sports icon.

Personalizing your groomsmen gifts is easy and often free when you purchase the item. That is definitely a thank you gift with a lot of class, pizzazz, and style.

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First, let’s take a look at the guidelines suggested by the WeddingChannel.

• Co-worker: $50 - $75
• Relative or friend: $100 - $125
• Close family member or friend: $100 - $150, or more

The economy has thrown a wrench into those particular works however; it may be simply too much to spend, especially if you have five June weddings, a few in July…it can and does add up quickly.  The best policy is to do what you can comfortably afford.

As a side note: you do not have to accommodate your gift to the type of wedding (expensive gift for formal, upscale wedding, for instance), but it is nice to give a larger gift if you are bringing a date or your family to the wedding.

Factor in all of the costs of your attendance at the wedding. For instance, you may spend $100 on the gift, but how much are you spending to travel to the wedding? To attend the bridal shower or bachelor/bachelorette parties? If you have more than one wedding to go to, again, costs can quickly become outrageous.  Figure out what you can spend in total, and stick to that budget.

Cash is perfectly acceptable – and much appreciated by the vast majority of couples. Many times, couples have a birdcage card holder, wishing well, money tree, or other system for collecting cash gifts.  It is the gift that is most requested, and you can choose the denomination with which you feel comfortable.

Another good idea is to look at the wedding registry.  Many people think these are impersonal, but it is simply a list of everything the bride and groom want and need.  What could be more personal?  Registries add the benefit of convenience (you can ship right to their home, which is far better than lugging a 10 pound juicer with you to the wedding), and there are usually lower-priced items for smaller budgets.

Now, what if you are invited to the shower and the wedding?  One gift, right?  Not so fast say etiquette experts.  They recommend bringing a bridal shower gift (at least to the first shower to which you are invited) and one to the wedding as well.  However, because brides and grooms are being more cost-conscious themselves, most are likely to expect only one gift.  If you choose to go to the shower, you may present it there, or you can have it shipped to their home.  If you are invited to the shower and choose not to attend, you are not obligated to give a gift. If, however, you are invited to the ceremony and choose not to attend, you are still on the hook.

That doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune; you can make gifts (a photo album or scrapbook of the couple before they were married, for instance), you can offer your services (maybe you love to edit home movies and can offer to compile all the amateur video of the wedding), you could make a smaller donation to a favorite charity in their honor, or you can pool your money with other friends and get one bigger gift.

Because most couples today are more aware of their budgets, they certainly do not expect their guests to exceed their own limits with gifts.  With weddings, it really is the thought that counts.

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Imagine an intimate wedding, with 1,900 of your dearest friends and family members, an $80,000 cake, and a $400,000 dress.  Kate Middleton and Prince William’s brandy-soaked fruitcake could fund three or four weddings alone!  No expense was spared, as you can tell by the $800,000 floral displays, the $600,000 luncheon, the lavish wedding decorations, and the upscale $550/night hotel accommodations for guests.  The wedding cost about $34 million – but the British public picked up most of the $33 million security price tag.

Prince William’s parents also threw a wedding to remember. Prince Charles and Lady Diana outdid their son with 27 wedding cakes and a four-foot “main” cake (with backups), a massive 25-foot train of taffeta and antique lace, and 3,500 guests.  The newlyweds capped off their wedding with a Mediterranean cruise aboard Her Majesty’s yacht.  Diana did cut the budget by choosing a relatively “cheap” engagement ring that cost only $65,000.  She passed the savings on to Kate, who wore the ring also.  At the time, the wedding cost $48 million; adjusted for inflation, that is a whopping $110 million.

You don’t have to be royalty to have a lavish wedding; you just have to be the daughter of a steel magnate. Vanisha Mittal married Amit Bhatia in 2004.  On their expense checklist was 12 Boeing jets for the guests, 45 chefs, 10,000 flowers, 1,000 wedding invitations in silver boxes that included a plane ticket and accommodations in a 5-star Paris hotel, a massive wedding cake, and luxurious gifts for all of the female guests.  The wedding and events lasted five days and cost $66 million.  That’s only $13.2 million per day; a bargain!

British soccer player Wayne Rooney’s wedding to Colleen McLoughlin was relatively frugal at $8 million.  The happy couple paid for 65 guests to fly to Genoa for a ball aboard a $120 million yacht.

While Rooney said he would gladly run away to Vegas for a “quickie” wedding, he did agree with his bride to up the budget for things like an entire wedding wardrobe for his mother, three wedding dresses, and crystal-encrusted Christian Louboutin shoes.  It is likely that if Colleen had it all over to do again, she wouldn’t change a thing – except the groom.

Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former U.S President Bill Clinton, married Marc Mezvinsky, an investment banker, in 2011.

The $5 million budget covered Chelsea’s gorgeous Vera Wang gown, $750,000 for the caterers, $11,000 for the cake, $250,000 for bridal jewelry, $600,000 for air-conditioned tents, and a half million for flowers, among other expenses.

A diva has to have the perfect wedding; Michael Jackson as a best man, Elizabeth Taylor as the maid of honor, a 60-piece orchestra featuring Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, and Stevie Wonder, a $40,000 cake, $700,000 in flowers, lavish gifts for 1,000 guests.  When Liza Minnelli married David Gest in 1994, it was reported that even jaded celebrities were in awe of the spectacle.  It cost $3.2 million, which, adjusted for inflation, is $4.2 million today. Planning for this affair certainly took a lot longer than the one year the couple stayed married.

Could our list be complete with mentioning Kim Kardashian?  The reality star’s wedding cost a reported $10 million, but with business savvy, the Kardashians managed to get many expenses crossed off the list free of charge, including a $6,000 cake, $10,000 in invitations, a big discount on Kim’s $2 million engagement ring, and three Vera Wang gowns priced at $20,000 each. It is estimated that Kim and her husband of 72 days made $18 million from the wedding.

For the rest of us, there are sales and knock-offs of designer gowns – and we can still make magic with comparatively little - right?

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It's standard practice for a bride and groom to present their bridesmaids and groomsmen with small wedding gifts to show their appreciation for their appearance in and support with the wedding. Everything from corkscrews to jewelry to personalized flasks to keepsakes, there are so many different gift ideas to consider. Here are some ideas to think about:

• Personalized Favors. Giving a gift that has a personal touch will show the members of your wedding party that you've put a lot of thought into finding the perfect gifts just for them. Let's say a member of the bridal party loves fine chocolates. You could get her a box of delectable chocolate. Or maybe you have some particularly handy groomsmen that you get personalized multi-purpose tools with their names engraved on them. Whatever you decide, giving a gift with a personal touch is a very nice gesture that your wedding party will undoubtedly appreciate.
• Themed Gifts. Themed gifts are a great idea for couples that are having a themed wedding. Beach, cultural, fairytale, vintage, or seasonally themed weddings are all very popular, and treating your wedding party to memorable gifts that go along with the theme can be a lot of fun. If you're doing a vintage theme, for instance, you could get monogram cufflinks for the guys and some fun 1940s style earrings for the ladies. With a little thought and effort, it's easy to tie your wedding party gifts in with your theme.
• Useful Items. Getting practical gifts is always a nice idea, too. Who doesn't want something they can use again and again? The multi-purpose tools mentioned above is a very useful item, but there are lots of other ides out there too. What about personalized makeup bags, business card cases, desk accessories, money clips, or valet trays. There are tons of items out there that are both classy and practical and would make great wedding party gifts.
• Unique Gifts. There's no reason to limit yourself to the standard wedding party gift ideas. If you want something a little different, then just give some thought to what your wedding party might like. What about a donation to a charity that you know one of them supports? Or maybe you have an artistic flair and could make gifts for them. Giving unique gifts can be a lot of fun - let your imagination go and see where it takes you!

There's so much to think about when planning a wedding, but don't let the wedding party gifts slip your mind. Your bridal party and groomsmen are probably under a little stress themselves helping you prepare for the big day, so show your appreciation with gifts that show you recognize their efforts.

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Aside from the general use of Celtic colors (green, yellow, and white), there are many ways to incorporate this theme into the celebration.  This might include the passing of a family heirloom to this new generation, the use of Celtic symbols in decorations, or it may even mean practicing some of the common Celtic wedding traditions.

Colors.

The typical colors of anything themed in a Celtic manner are green, yellow, and white.  Therefore, to have a Celtic-themed wedding, you would do best to incorporate those colors into the decor, clothing, and decorations.  The maid of honor could wear a butter yellow dress with a green sash, while the rest of the bridesmaids could be resplendent in green dresses of the same or a complimentary style.  The groomsmen could wear charcoal pants, and green oxford shirts with yellow ties, while the best man is featured in a yellow shirt and yellow tie. A green tie could be used, but the same on same might look nice in this respect.  White tablecloths could feature a yellow runner with green foliage loosely tossed about it, while yellow flower bouquets and white pillar candles complete the array.

Celtic Symbols.

Most are familiar with the intricate design work in a Celtic symbol.  These make for great charms on jewelry to be worn by the bridesmaids or given as Celtic wedding favors.  They can also be found adorning tins, which could be used to hold tasty candies or cookies given away as celebratory treats.  The groom might even pin the Celtic symbol to his lapel.  There are many ways that these special symbols can be integrated into a wedding theme, from tablecloths to sculpture; or from pins to platters.  Be creative, and while you don’t want to overdo it to the point that the decor looks tasteless, it cannot hurt to bring it into several aspects of the big event.

The Cake.

This piece of the overall wedding puzzle should be paid special attention because it offers a myriad of options for integrating the Celtic theme.  For instance, a traditional white tiered cake could simply be wrapped with real or frosted ivy and yellow flowers to tie in to the color theme, or a large round cake could be emblazoned with a Celtic symbol. One could also consider a giant shamrock-shaped cake, or the cake itself could be exchanged for 100-200 frosted cupcakes with green, white, and yellow icing.

This theme allows for a great deal of imagination, so that while two weddings may share the same theme, they could be completely different in execution.  Therefore, your big day can celebrate the past of your family, be true to you, and still provide a unique experience.

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While the taboo of wearing white to a wedding seems as old as marriage, it’s really relatively recent.  In ancient Rome, attendants wore the same color gowns as the bride to confuse evil spirits that may wish to harm the happy bride.  Later, wearing white was seen as trying to compete with the bride. A woman who did so would have drawn attention to herself when it was supposed to be the bride’s big day.  Pippa did draw her share of attention, but she did not overshadow big sister Kate because of the choice of the dress.

• According to USA Today, Pippa’s Alexander McQueen was “clean and modern” and helped create a more thematic look.  The bridesmaids all wore white, as did flower girls.  It creates a very simple, yet stunning, effect.
• The bridesmaid’s dress should not be elaborate. It can contain some detailing that ties it to the wedding gown, like subtle beading, but it should not overpower.  Stay away from trains, bustles, and big embellishments, like mermaid-style skirts. It's not hard to pick out the bride however, as she's usually the one with the wedding veil.
• Differentiate the bridesmaids’ dresses by adding color wedding accessories.  This is a great way to incorporate your wedding colors into the ceremony.  Sashes, scarves, belts, shoes, or other accessories add a nice splash of color and distinguish these ladies as your attendants.
• White works very well on bridesmaids if the bride is wearing a different color. Blush pinks are popular, but we are starting to see a wider range of shades in wedding gowns.  Turn convention on its head and take color back!  The bridesmaids could also wear sashes or scarves that match your dress to tie it all together beautifully.
• Consider different lengths.  A cocktail or tea length bridesmaid’s dress may provide great contrast with the bride’s longer gown.
• Mix it up.  Say your main color is eggplant and you have four bridesmaids; you can have two wear an eggplant dress with a white sash, and the other two white with an eggplant sash.
• Flowers can also make sure the bride shines just that much more brightly.  She should carry the best, most elaborate bouquet; bridesmaids should carry a small, bright bouquet, perhaps in contrasting colors.  If you go too far with the white theme, your photos can look washed-out. Do add color, whether in the flowers or the accessories.
• Think about the type of wedding you are going to have.  White works very well with formal weddings, as with Kim Kardashian’s black tie affair.  It can also be a great look for sunny, simple country weddings.  It all depends on the style of the dress and the material.
• Before the wedding, ask your girls if they would wear nude colored underwear that fit well.  You don’t want bright pink panties showing up in your wedding photos.

The trend in bridesmaids’ dresses for 2012 is simple, timeless, and practical.  When you choose well, white dresses can meet all of these requirements and more!  You don’t need an Alexander McQueen or Vera Wang to pull of the white bridesmaid look; more and more bridal retail shops are offering a variety of cream, ivory, and white dresses.

Now that it is “acceptable” for bridesmaids to wear white, what about female guests?  That tradition still clings.  Unless requested by the bride and groom, it is generally not a great idea to wear an all-white dress.  You can wear a white dress with a design (such as a floral print) or a dress with a white bodice and colored skirt.  Brides still want to steal the show!

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The first step is to decide if you want a religious ceremony or secular.  If you choose a religious officiant, like a pastor or priest, they may require that you and your future spouse receive pre-marital education or counseling.  The religious or secular nature of a wedding is an important consideration, too, because it often affects the ceremony itself as faiths celebrate marriage in different ways.  In many religious ceremonies, there is a great deal of tradition and ritual, which may be just what you want. Or it may not be.  Your choice of officiant may be affected, at least in part, by the type of wedding you want.

Before you speak with possible officiants, think about what, exactly, you want them to do.  Yes, they will pronounce you husband and wife, but do you have other expectations?  Do you want him/her to plan or write the ceremony?  Help at the rehearsal?  Help ensure the ceremony runs smoothly?  Book another officiant for you if he has an emergency or is sick on your wedding day?  These details may seem small now, but they won't when you are walking down the aisle.

You should like your officiant.  If it is not possible to engage the services of someone you know, then meet with possible candidates and see how you respond to them.  Are they warm and personable?  Do they have a nice voice that will carry?  Do they speak well and fluently?  Do they seem happy about performing your ceremony?  More and more weddings today can be termed “nontraditional.” Will your officiant be open and accepting of blended families, of couples in which one or both partners has been divorced, of interracial, interfaith, or same sex couples?  Will he be willing to perform the ceremony in your chosen locale?  All of these questions, and more, are important to discuss prior to any agreement.

In the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, don't forget to dot your i's and cross your t's.  Make sure to book your officiant as soon as possible to ensure he/she will be available.  And do make sure he/she is legally authorized to marry you!  The requirements vary by state.  Check your state here to make sure that everything is in order.

Another consideration is the officiant's fee.  This, of course, will depend on the individual, the area, and the specifics of the ceremony, as well as how much responsibility the officiant has.  The fee can be as little as $50 or as much as $1,500.  According to the Bridal Association of America, the average fee for a justice of the peace is $50 to $100.  A retired judge or intern minister typically costs between $100 and $200, while a church official or professional officiant costs between $200 and $400.  If this seems high, remember that this is often the lowest fee among all the vendors you will engage, and it is the most important as well.

An option more and more couples are choosing is to have a friend or family member ordained.  This way, a loved one can perform the ceremony.  The Universal Life Church, for instance, ordains clergy for this purpose.  They have ordained more than 20 million people online.  The laws in your state may allow this or have conditions, so if you are interested, check the ULC site for more information.

Choosing an officiant for your wedding takes some consideration and time; don't settle for less than your ideal. It will make all the difference on your wedding day when you like both people who are waiting for you at the end of the aisle.

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As you might expect, military weddings carry with them a great amount of tradition, ritual, rules, and regulations.  But in many respects, planning a military ceremony is just like planning a “regular” one: you need to start early.  Just as desired venues get scooped up fast, especially during peak seasons, military chapels and halls are also booked well in advance.  It is advisable to book your chapel and reception venue a year in advance by applying to the chaplain’s office.  Check to make sure you are eligible for a military wedding as some rules apply.

If the service is performed at a military chapel or on academy grounds, the chaplain charges no fee, but do plan on making a donation to the chapel.  Some chapels allow another clergy person to co-officiate, so do ask if you would like to pursue that option – and you will have to pay that officiant’s fee.  Your chaplain may require pre-wedding counseling as well.

Speak with your chaplain about proper seating as there are some guidelines to consider.  Also ask about flowers and chapel decorations because rules vary.  The Chapel Altar Guild does arrange the flowers, candelabra, and other décor, and this is the same for every wedding.  You may have to provide your own reception decoration or even plan it yourself.  Part of the appeal of military weddings is the sense of tradition, and this extends to every detail, down to the decorations. And don't forget to look into matching wedding accessories as well.

Military weddings are gorgeous, and a large part of that are the uniforms.  Officers or enlisted personnel in the bridal party wear their uniforms (which may differ depending on the seasonal regulations or formality of the wedding).  A black-tie affair, for instance, would require dinner or mess dress uniforms, while a white-tie and tails event would require evening dress uniforms.  Non-commissioned officers wear dress blues or Army greens, and none of the uniformed service people wear a boutonniere.  Guests who serve in the military can choose to wear their uniforms or civilian clothing.

What if the bride is an officer?  Does she have to wear her uniform?  She may, but she may also wear a bridal gown, if she chooses.  Even the military knows not to mess with the dress.

There are also rules for the receiving line and reception.  For example, if the groom is uniformed, he must be before the bride in the receiving line.  Again, your chaplain is a great resource and can help you follow the regs – and have a great wedding!

The arch of the sabers (or swords, for the Navy) is optional, but it is often a highlight of the ceremony. Surprise; there are rules for this too!  In the Army, for instance, the couple exits the church under the arch.  In the Navy and Marines, the ushers usually form the saber detail, while in the Air Force, they cannot.  Regardless of the branch of the military, it is a stunning tradition.

From seating and decorations to dress and cutting the cake, there are rituals and traditions in every detail of the ceremony and reception. The rules and regulations may seem overwhelming at first, but chaplains (and handy websites!) are there to guide you through your military wedding preparations.

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If you’ve ever been to a Jewish wedding, you’ve no doubt seen a cheerful dance called the Hora. This is a lively circle dance that is traditional at Jewish weddings and often at bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs.

The Hora came to America in the early 20^th century with Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. The tradition was kept alive and the dance is still being danced today at Jewish ceremonies. The word Hora comes from the Greek word khoros which is found in English words such as chorus and choreograph.

The dance is usually performed to the Hebrew folk tune of Hava Nagila. The title translates literally into “Let us rejoice,” and is very appropriate for festive occasions.

The dance is simple yet poetic and very entertaining to watch. At a wedding reception, the bride and groom would grasp an end of the same handkerchief. Then, they are seated on chairs. The men lift the chairs over their shoulders and carry the bride and groom around. The rest of the party forms a closed circle. They dance steps that resemble the winding of a grapevine.

To do the dance, enter the circle and grasp hands with the people on either side of you. Take a step to the side and bring your left foot behind your right foot. As the circle moves to the music, move your right foot next to your left foot. Alternate for the next set of steps—left in front of right.

As the music plays, the circle will pick up momentum. You’ll need to add a hop to your steps to keep up. The continuous circle will move as one into the center of the circle and raise their linked hands into the air. Then, everyone moves back to their original place and the circle continues moving.

There are, of course, shouts of joy and much animation during this celebratory dance. To really enjoy it, you must be a part of it. The spinning can get pretty wild, so often you’ll see women taking their high heels off and dancing barefoot. Don’t be surprised if the group breaks into hysterical laughter when they can’t keep up with the music. That’s all part of the fun.

Mezinke Tanz or The Krenzl

Another dance you may see at a Jewish wedding is the Mezinke Tanz, or The Krenzl. Krenzl, meaning crown, is a dance that is danced only when a mother’s last daughter is married. In this touching dance, the bride’s mother sits in the center of a circle and her daughters crown her with flowers and guests dance around them. In the Mezinke Tanz version, both of the bride’s parents sit in the center of the circle as their daughters present crowns of flowers. The guests dance around them along with the daughters.

These days modern Jewish couples may opt to include the traditional dances or not. It is up to them. But often, the dances are included not only to please parents but also to avoid disappointing guests who will be looking forward to the traditions being included. There is no hard and fast rule as to which dances a couple should include. Often, today’s couples will hire a band that knows all the traditional wedding dance numbers, but also plays a full array of oldies and current music as well.

If you enjoyed this article, you will probably like this post on Jewish Wedding Traditions.