A wedding day includes many rehearsed elements with the bride in the spotlight for most of the day. With the ceremony, reception entrance and first dance, there are many aspects of performance in a wedding. Some couples rehearse and choreograph a dance number (sometimes involving the whole wedding party), write their own poems or vows and even perform a musical number.
Choreographed dance numbers for a first dance idea are a great way to surprise the crowd and get everyone raring to go on the dance floor. Just search YouTube and you’ll find many examples of good (and sometimes bad) surprise performances from adventurous bride and grooms. Your performance doesn’t have to be a show-stopping music and dance number, but is it cheesy or even tacky to perform at your own wedding?
Traditionally, the bride isn’t even supposed to make a speech at the wedding (seems rather old fashioned now after all the work modern brides put into their big day!) but depending on how traditional your wedding is, or how intimate, you may want to find a fun way to make a grand finale. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about performing at your wedding:
1. Avoid turning the night into a cabaret
You may have musical talents, and perhaps your friends and family do too, but that doesn’t mean the night should turn into an endless sing-a-long or group dance lesson. A song or two performed by you or someone close makes a romantic statement, but keep it short and sweet, as the rest of your guests might not be so keen.
2. Don’t fret over it
You may love the idea of performing on your wedding day, but if you’re in any way uncomfortable or nervous then don’t do it. Don’t make it something else you have to worry about, or fret over the whole day, if you don’t have to. Only perform if you’re confident and comfortable singing, playing or dancing in front of a crowd.
3. Leave it to the pros if you have to
Everyone has good intentions when it comes to performing, but unfortunately not everyone has amazing talent. If it’s something you really want to do, but you’re unsure of your talents, then consider taking a few lessons beforehand. Or if there’s a song or dance you really love, have a friend or professional perform it for you or help you along. You could even find other ways to incorporate your love for music and dance into your wedding, by having a music-themed wedding with creative decorations, props or playlists.
4. Choose something special
The most important thing is that your performance should mean something and not just be an ego booster. Choose a song that means something to you as a couple. Performing to, or with, the love of your life may end up being one of the most special moments of the day.
Photo one: Green Wedding Shoes; Photo Two: table4weddings.com; Photo two; jeremylawsonphotography.com
