First Dance Songs for Weddings

The first dance is many couples' favorite part of the wedding reception. Besides the fact that the bride and groom are in the spotlight during the dance, being on the dance floor all alone gives the newlyweds some time to chat in private. Seriously... so much of a wedding reception is spent schmoozing with seldom-seen relatives or graciously accepting congratulations that the bride and groom may never get another opportunity to spend a few quiet moments exchanging sweet nothings. Thank heavens for the first dance!

But choosing a first dance song can be complicated. You and your sweetie may not have ever dubbed any song "your song." Your favorite songs may have adult themes or bad language hidden in otherwise loving lyrics. And if neither of you is particularly into music, you may not even know where to begin! This is where your wedding DJ can help you -- he or she will have helped a lot of couples choose a first dance song and will likely have a huge list of possibilities for you to choose from. However, before you run off and call your wedding disc jockey, we here at Smart Wedding Planning have put together a short list of the most popular first dance songs for weddings. Here's a taste:

• "God Bless the Broken Road" (Rascal Flatts)
• "Wonderful Tonight" (Eric Clapton)
• "Inside Your Heaven" (Carrie Underwood)
• "The Way You Look Tonight" (Frank Sinatra)
• "Amazing" (Aerosmith)
• "Always" (Shania Twain)
• "I Cross My Heart" (George Strait)
• "It's Your Love" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
• "I Need You" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
• "Lost in This Moment" (Big and Rich)
• "Don't Take The Girl" (Tim McGraw)
• "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing" (Aerosmith)
• "A Whole New World" (Peabo Bryson)
• "Breathe" (Faith Hill)
• "Because You Loved Me" (Celine Dion)

Click to see the whole list of popular first dance songs for weddings

Questions to Ask Before You Get Married

I'm going to guess that unless you're just a wedding enthusiast like me, you've already decided you're going to get married. Congratulations! If you're well into the wedding planning process, you've probably already thought a lot about married life. If you've only just gotten engaged, you may be wondering just what being married will be like. The short answer is that it will more than likely be a lot like partnered life...just a bit more intense.

Why? Because your spouse's joys are your joys, their problems are your problems, and you have no choice but to face the world together. No ifs, ands, or buts! Being that this is the case, you should definitely prepare yourself for married life before tying the knot. Here are just some of the factors you need to consider:

Your attitudes about compromise
You must have the ability to compromise with your spouse because you're not always going to agree on everything. Compromising with each other is essential, as those who are unwilling to compromise will create serious issues.

Your attitudes about money
Money is vital to gratify all your family needs. Make sure you and your spouse have similar ideas about spending and saving. Before getting hitched, consider the costs of the wedding that you wish to have and how you will be able to afford to have it. This does not mean that you shouldn't get married if you don't have the average $30,000 -- it just means that you may need to have a smaller wedding. Make sure that you are emotionally and financially prepared to meet the financial demands that you may incur after you get married, e.g., buying a house, raising children, medical emergencies, etc.

Your attitudes about decorum
From here on in, you have to consider your spouse when making decisions, whether you're choosing between drapes or considering changing careers. Respect your spouse enough to never force them to do anything that goes against their moral, personal, or professional values. While you are a couple, your spouse is an autonomous human being.

Your attitudes about religion
If you are very religious, you shouldn't feel the need to give that up for your spouse. Conversely, if you are not religious, you shouldn't feel obligated to adopt their faith. However, you should respect that your spouse is or is not religious, and encourage them in their religious endeavors.

Good communication
This is absolutely essential! Be gentle with your spouse even when you disagree and always be willing to listen to their side of things. You may be surprised to find that they are often right. Remember that there are ups and downs in every relationship. You just have to be able to talk things out sanely and overcome the hurdles that are thrown at you.


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Responsibilities of the Groom

Just a reminder: It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and very few guys understand just what it is they are getting into when they propose to their sweethearts. While there are still some dudes out there who believe that all the groom has to do is show up to the wedding, the truth is that the responsibilities of the groom are many and varied. Grooms, after all, have their own responsibilities in addition to helping the bride do everything from choosing a reception site to picking a cake to writing up a guest list!

What are the groom's solo responsibilities?

• Plan the honeymoon...if the bride would like you to. Some brides would prefer to be involved in planning the honeymoon, and we recommend that their grooms let them!
• Buy a gift for your bride if you're exchanging gifts.
• Arrange transportation for the wedding party on the big day. Be sure to ask your bride how many people will need to be included.
• Write your toast or speech for the wedding reception if you fancy the idea of talking in front of a crowd. If not, let other people do the toasting.
• Choose your best man, groomsmen, and ushers.
• Decide whether you want to station yourself at the altar before the ceremony or if you'd like to be escorted down the aisle with your parents.
• Review the best man's responsibilities with him.
• Tell your best man what kind of a bachelor party you want so he can plan it accordingly.
• Select groomsmen gifts.
• Arrange for your best man to pay the celebrant and musicians and tip those who will receive gratuitites.
• Ask one of your groomsmen to take care of the wedding gifts and cards at the reception, load them into his car, and drop them at your home later.
• Select the men's formal wear. Be sure to consult with the bride because she may want to coordinate the menswear and the ladieswear.
• Arrange a time for fittings for you and your groomsmen.
• Choose boutonnières that coordinate with the ladies' bouquets.

Other than that, the groom should be involved in whatever else interests him while also helping the bride with whatever she needs help with. Good luck, grooms!


Click to learn more wedding planning tips for grooms

Choosing Groomsmen Gifts

It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing groomsmen gifts. Sure, you could buy your guys flask engraved with your wedding date and call it a day, but don't you want to wow your best pals with gifts that they'll really like?

Maybe you're not a big shopper and prefer leaving the shopping to your bride, but the following ideas will help you pick great gifts for your groomsmen. Your budget is your first consideration for your gift choices. Generally, the cost of groomsmen gifts is in proportion to the cost and size of the wedding and the responsibilities of the men. Many web sites and specialty shops offer unique gift ideas for your groomsmen. We like American Bridal.










Your career-minded groomsmen will love personalized business card holders crafted from sophisticated stainless steel and black leather. No more ugly, bent, dog-eared business cards -- from here on out, it's professional looking business cards all the way.










Even gentleman need to cut loose once in a while, and this cigar holder and flask ensures that the gentlemen in your life are never less than prepared to fill a spare moment. If you know what your guys like, fill this unique groomsmen gift up with a fine smoke and a spot of quality spirits.










Bulky wallets are out. Smooth lines are in. Tell your buddies to ditch the overstuffed tri-folds when you gift them with this classic leather money clip. It holds everything a man might need when out on the town without straining the back pocket of his jeans.










Sometimes called a gentleman's valet, this personal organizer will help your guys be at the church on time. It holds everything from cell phones to spare change to keys to an extra set of cuff links, which means your best buds will never again have to race to get out of the house in the morning.










Last but not least, consider gifting your guys with this awesome multi-function army knife. It includes a screwdriver, nail file, scissors, knife, corkscrew and bottle opener, and much more. Even if your best friend has a Swiss army knife already, who can't use another one? Back-ups for the win!


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Choosing the Right Tuxedo Pt. III

Just a reminder: It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing a tux. In fact, in some cases, that's all the future groom has to do before the wedding! Read on to learn more about choosing a tuxedo -- and if you're the bride-to-be, pass this post on to your husband-to-be!

Things to Think About
Even if you're usually a jeans and t-shirts kind of dude, you're probably going to think about fashion at some point before your wedding day. In fact, you may find that you're way more style conscious than you've ever been before because you are so desperate to look your best! We've put together a primer for those guys who know nothing about menswear or formalwear, so you don't end up knocked on your rear when you get to the tux shop.

The basic tuxedo -- and the one favored by most guys because it works on a variety of body types -- is the three-button tux. Classic black is always in style, so if you want to wear white or brown...or, goodness forbid, blue...check with your intended before reserving or buying anything. No matter what you look like, you'll be seen as crisp, cool, and classy in a great tux or suit.

When it comes to shirts, you can't beat micro-fiber. Even though these shirts are man-made, they feel as light and as silky as more expensive natural fabrics. Stay away from polyester, even if it's cheap, because it will be scratchy and trap air, leading to sweaty pits. Micro-fiber is revolutionary when you compare it to the synthetic fibers of days gone by.

Oh, and another thing: White is still best. Failing that, opt for ivory. Really, it depends on what kind of wedding gown the bride is wearing -- if she's in white, go for white, and if she's in any kind of off-white gown, choose an ivory shirt. The one exception to this rule is colored shirts that match the bridesmaids' dresses. Some couples outfit the groom and the groomsmen in shirts that are in keeping with the wedding color scheme.

Finally, when it comes to accessories, chuck the cummerbund. Those are for prom kings and waiters. Vests are hot right now, though we'd suggest that you shy away from those featuring cartoon characters or sports logos unless your bride-to-be is as much of a fan as you are. If you must wear a colored vest and tie set, think silver, mocha, brown, or champagne. You should match the bridesmaids only if the color of their gowns is somewhat sedate.


Click to learn more about dressing the groom

Choosing the Right Tuxedo Pt. II

It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing a tux. In fact, in some cases, that's all the future groom has to do before the wedding! Read on to learn more about choosing a tuxedo -- and if you're the bride-to-be, pass this post on to your husband-to-be!

Tuxedos and Body Type
Guys sure have it easy, right? Wrong -- when it comes to buying (or renting) formal clothes, they have as much to think about as the ladies. You can't just throw on any old tuxedo and think it's going to make you look like James Bond, even if it does have a shawl lapel. Different tuxedos compliment different body types, which means that you should get a handle on your "type" before you show up at the menswear shop. Choosing your tuxedo is all about looking your best. After all, your bride is going to look beautiful...shouldn't you look just as handsome?

If you're short and slender:

• Look for single-breasted jackets with long lines, a low button stance (it elongates the body) and wide peak lapels.
• Other stylish options include wearing a double-breasted tuxedo jacket or subtly patterned vest and tie.
• Selecting the right pant style is key, too. Reverse double-pleated pant leg should always break slightly on top of the shoe and angle a bit downward in the back.

If you're short and stocky:

• You may look best in tuxedo jackets with slim shawl collars.
• The top button should fall at the small of the waist to give the torso a leaner look.
• Choose jackets with a natural shoulder line and avoid the more broad European styles.
• When it comes to pants, reverse double-pleated trousers with pleats extending toward the pockets tend to offer the best comfort and style. Pants should extend as low as possible on the foot, angled slightly in the back to elongate the leg. Be sure to avoid too much of a break on the foot, otherwise the pant leg will look sloppy.

If you're tall and husky:

• You may look best in shawl collar tuxedos.
• Jacket length is especially important. To determine a good fit, groom should place his arms at his sides and relax hands and fingers. His fingertips should touch the bottom of the jacket and his shirt cuffs should extend at least half an inch beyond the jacket sleeve.
• The construction of the jacket may need to be a bit loose to provide ease of movement.
• Also, grooms with thick necks and wide faces should avoid ties that are too narrow and wing tip collars that look constrictive. Instead, opt for lay-down collars and fuller bow ties.
• And the pant leg should have a slightly wider silhouette to accommodate muscular thighs.

If you're tall and slim:

• You will look well in just about every tuxedo style. An especially good choice is a double-breasted tuxedo with slightly broad shoulders and a suppressed waist.
• Jacket buttons closed up high on the waistline look especially good, and a high shoulder line is better than a natural one.
• Garments should be full, while still following the lines of the body, and trousers should also have a higher-rise with more of a break in the pant.
• This figure type can easily wear vests and ties in colors and patterns.

Click to learn more about tuxedo styles

Choosing the Right Tuxedo Pt. I

It's guy week here at Smart Wedding Planning, and one of the few responsibilities that most grooms-to-be have to shoulder is choosing a tux. In fact, in some cases, that's all the future groom has to do before the wedding! Read on to learn more about choosing a tuxedo -- and if you're the bride-to-be, pass this post on to your husband-to-be!

Tuxedo Basics
The world of tuxedos looks way more straightforward than the world of wedding gowns until you study it more closely. There are as many types of tuxedos out there as their are styles of wedding dresses, and while they don't necessarily vary quite as much, they all have their different characteristics. Here are some basics:

• Full Dress Tailcoat is also referred to as White Tie. Perfect for an ultra-formal evening wedding.
• The stroller is often worn by attendants, while the groom wears a Cutaway. These are good for an ultra-formal morning wedding.
• The Notch Lapel Tuxedo is a contemporary option appropriate for a formal wedding.
• The Peak Lapel Tuxedo is a more traditional choice than the Notch-lapel, appropriate at any time of the day or evening.
• There are also shawl lapels (think James Bond) and diamond lapels, which look like shawl lapels that come to a gentle point above the breastbone.

Choosing Menswear
What you decide to wear on your wedding day will depend on the time of day, the formality level of your nuptials, and the season. For a formal daytime wedding, think about a classic stroller coat with gray striped trousers, an ascot, and a white boutonnière. If yours is a formal evening wedding, switch that up to a classic black tux with a white wing or spread collar. Is formal not formal enough? For ultra-formal daytime weddings, opt for the classic gray cutaway coat with gray striped trousers, a gray vest, and no pocket square. In the evening, choose black full dress tails with a pique wing collar and a white bow tie.

Dashing!


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Bachelor Party Checklist

Some grooms don't bother with the bachelor party and instead enjoy attending a co-ed wedding shower with their brides. The thing is, bachelor parties aren't really about the groom-to-be...rather, they are about his buddies. Who has more fun at the bachelor party? Usually it's the single guys and the guys who are already married! Ladies, you can stop reading now. Just pass this post onto your fiancé's friends and call it a day.

Now, even though the bachelor party is really for the groom's guy friends, you need to keep the groom's tastes and preferences in mind. The stereotypical bachelor party involves strippers and boozing it up until sunrise, but that isn't every guy's idea of a good time. Forget the old adage that the bachelor party is the groom's last chance to party with the dudes before marriage -- most men still make time for their friends after they get hitched.

First things first...before you can plan a party, you have to figure out what the party will be like.

• Brainstorm
• Pick a theme
• Choose a location (e.g., a house, the go-kart track, a party hall, the woods, etc.)
• Decide on the food
• Think about drinks
• Strippers?
• Limo?
  

Next, give everyone something to do so the poor best man isn't left planning a men-only weekend (if, indeed, you're not going co-ed) all by himself. Here are some common roles that groomsmen and ushers can take on:

• Food Logistician - will organize all the food and refreshments.
• Travel Logistician - will organize accommodations for guests and travel support when necessary.
• Invitations Organizer - will organize and send out invitations.
• Entertainment Organizer - will organize the night's entertainment.

Have an emergency plan in case something doesn't go as planned...because something inevitably will go wrong. It's also a good idea to have a back-up plan in case you reserved pool tables at the gentleman's club and the groom would rather go out for a quite dinner of Ethiopian food. Weather can also be a factor in the cancellation of planned events. Going camping? Bring rain gear? Walking around NYC? Bring a subway map and enough cash for taxis.

Always consider:

• Is the location you have chosen available on the day that you need it?
• Have you reserved and double checked your reservations?
• Who can and cannot make it to the bachelor party?
• Is the amount of food you ordered sufficient?
• Are there any problems or unexpected delays forecasted for the entertainment?

Never try to force a groom to enjoy something he's not usually into. If he's not a steak and cigar guy, don't take him to the local steakhouse for dinner, even if the rest of your group is into that sort of thing. Maybe the groom is into something you think is wacky -- like musicals, the ballet, wine tasting, or bass fishing. Don't knock it! You may find out that his interests aren't so wacky after all!

Finally, have fun, but be safe. Your good pal's bride won't appreciate it if he arrives at the ceremony bruises, bleeding, or hungover.

Click to learn more about groomsmen and grooms

Tuxedo Fundamentals

Hey brides! This post is for the grooms, so either send your guy a link to this post or print it out and leave it in his underwear drawer where he's sure to find it.

The world of tuxedos can be just as complicated as the world of wedding gowns. While tuxes for the groom and his groomsmen can be ordered two to three months ahead of time -- instead of six to nine months ahead of time -- there is still a lot to think about when choosing a tuxedo.

Leave Nothing to Chance
Try on your tux! Yes, tuxedos can be altered, but the more they are altered, the funnier they start to look. If you leave the tux shop without trying on your chosen tux, you're doing something wrong and you can expect there to be problems when your wedding day rolls around. If you decide to overlook this crucial step, your mom or your best man will be the one on the floor pinning up your pants or trying to make a size 40 waist fit into size 40 pants.

Get By with a Little Help From Your Friends
Your bride will have help dressing on the big day, and so should you. Having someone assist the fellows with their ties, studs, cuff links and cuffs isn't strictly mandatory, but it can be a big help when the heat is on. Your men may never have worn a tuxedo, and there are elements of the tux that are different from a regular suit. Ask your dad or your grandpa to hang with the guys before the ceremony, as these are the men who will more than likely know what they are doing.

Black Socks, Please
No matter how classy your chosen menswear, paring it with white socks will make you look like a true doofus. If you think your men may not be aware of this simple rule of thumb, give them a few pointers are the rehearsal...and then bride a few pairs of black socks to the wedding dressing room on the big day. That way, if anyone has committed the cardinal sin of wearing white socks, you can order them to switch on the spot. And, oh yeah, forget going sockless -- this isn't Miami Vice.

Here are some other pointers that will help you look your best:

• Send the males in the bridal party to a reliable tuxedo shop.
• Allow two to three months lead time if possible (remember prom time can be a zoo).
• Make sure all receive a proper fitting.
• Everyone must pick up his (or her) own tux.
• Everyone must try on their tuxedos for a proper fit before leaving the shop.
• Have everyone count studs, cuff links, etc., to be sure it's all there. Ask for a few extras, just in case.
  
• Each person should return their own tux or designate one person to do this for everyone.
• If there is a swimming pool, lake or pond, near the reception site, everyone should know in advance what the tux rental shop's policies are regarding "a little swim."
• The correct tuxedo with the appropriate accessories of black nylon socks, black dress shoes and handkerchief makes for "spiffy" gentlemen.

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