Wedding Tip #6 - The First Dance

Another Wedding Tip. I know a long time coming. I've been wanting to add this one for a while, I just needed a chance to get it done. Here are the previous 5 tips.

Wedding Tip #5 - Servers/Speeches
Wedding Tip #4 - Preparation/Hotels
Wedding Tip #3 - The DJ
Wedding Tip #2 - Talk to your officiant
Wedding Tip #1 - The head table

Last November I saw what had to be the best idea yet for a first dance. Nate and Megan entered the Washington Pavillion after the ceremony, all of their guests were there and waiting. The DJ announced them as usual, but instead of heading straight to their table to eat they went directly to the dance floor.

Typically the first dance is done after the meal. There are a couple of issues with this:
- many (about 1/2) of the guests typically leave right after the meal leaving very few left to watch your dance
- often the dance floor is set up or cleared off after the meal. By already having it out you are eliminating the extra moving of stuff, therefore not disturbing the flow of the night.
- People that are still there are often talking or eating desert and aren't paying attention.

So doing your first dance at the beginning of the reception really does wonders for your images. The place is still beautifully decorated, virtually untouched, the guests are still there and into you and watching you and this makes great background images and it's just a fun way to start your evening.

From Nate and Megan:

Look at how the tables are full and how attentive the guests are.

From Evan and Elizabeth, done after the meal, but in a small area and the guests lined the dance floor:

From Starr annd Matt, done after the meal, it's a lovely image of them, but look at the empty places and how many people aren't paying attention.

Other things to think of:
- Ask your DJ to not used colored lights. The reason is that it can cast a horrible light on you and it can hurt the image. Now they colored lights are great for the faster songs.

- Ask your DJ not to use crazy fast lights. It really is just to add to the mood. It doesn't hurt my images, it's just that these are typically nice calm moments and crazy lights like strobes don't go with the feel.

- Ok I'm not trying to pick on DJ's but one more: Ask your DJ not to announce that this is a good time for images. Because if they do you will get guests that will come up to take an image and they will get in the way. Not just mine but yours. Often I see a guest come up and demand that you look at them and smile for the camera and then finally leave. Well I'm already there getting the images and you should all know by looking at my work that you don't need to be smiling looking right at the camera for a good image. Sometimes this is a good break for you two to have time together and I have to see it interupted by prompting for images from me or anyone else.

- If you are moving chairs and tables after the meal for room, be sure that they are put in another room out of the background of the dance floor. They look icky in person and in the images.

- Don't be afraid to have your guests line the dance floor. They make a great backdrop.

Just some thoughts from me of course do whatever you like it is your day.
CA