Couples make a production out of their weddings
According to The Canadian Press, there's an increasing trend for just-married couples to add personal flair to their wedding and provide some entertainment for their guests - like staging a dramatic entrance or a choreographed first dance. Several local couples have also incorporated their heritage and presented a cultural entrance or dance for guests to enjoy. This can be a fun surprise for guests as they wait for the couple, as well as give them insight into another culture and a part of who the couple is.
It's no surprise that couples want their day to be special and one of a kind, but now they also want to give something back to their guests and get in on the entertaining action instead of leaving it up to the professionals.
Gone are the days of simply introducing the newlyweds as they monotonously saunter into the room; and in is the use of pyrotechnics and horse-drawn carriages to wow the guests and make the couple feel like royalty as they're presented for the first time as husband and wife. Reception venue permitting, you could even enter on a motorcycle or, as a Mississauga couple did, a stretch limo.
For couples who are looking for that unique 'wow-factor' entrance idea, Planet Goodtime Productions in Waterloo has a reputation for giving a "full theatrical effect," says Owner, Kyle Priestley, who also owns The Event Firm. One special effect they offer is pyrotechnics to add flair (but hopefully not flare!) to the grand entrance into the reception.
Or, if jumping through a ring of fire doesn't appeal to you, a more classic and Cinderella-esque way to arrive to your wedding ceremony and reception in style (without having your ride turn into a pumpkin at midnight) is a horse-drawn carriage, something that Canterbury Horse and Carriage specializes in for GTA brides. "People usually stop and wave when they see the bride in the carriage go by which makes [the bride] feel like royalty," says Owner, Cameron Buttigieg. "There's usually a big crowd outside the church waiting to see the bride arrive, too." The carriage can also act as an elegant backdrop for photos with harness bows, garlands and floral accents to match the wedding colour scheme; not to mention a royal-like arrival for the newlyweds at the reception.
Traditionally, the first dance between husband and wife has been the waltz; but in modern times ballroom dancing is no longer a skill that everyone has. So, the first dance has been taken over by the 'slow dance' - the simple swaying to the music reminiscent of high school dances. But who says the first dance has to be slow? Some couples have choreographed dances to their favourite tunes and movies - like a wedding party dance to Michael Jackson's Thriller and groovy moves from Austin Powers, which can definitely showcase the couple's personality. And that's where dance studios come in to save the day so couples avoid boring the audience and stepping on each other's toes.
"The expectation for the couple to look good on the dance floor is higher," says Nico Kaburia, Founder and Director of The Flying Dance Company in Guelph, especially in light of the recent popularity of reality dance competition shows. Nico and his dance partner, Melissa Sikkes, offer many dance styles - including salsa, tango, cha cha and merengue (to name a few) - but are also willing to choreograph something that better suits your style and needs. The personalized choreography of your first dance is taught in private lessons, but they also offer group lessons for you and your bridal party. With Nico's twenty-five years of dance experience and the chance for studio time to practice the routine, all eyes are sure to be on the bride and groom as they dance their way into their marriage while entertaining guests.
Angela Dattolico and Aaron Ritkerk say they were proud to show off their choreographed first dance at their August 2008 wedding and say that "it was unique and very entertaining." Sabrina Martelli and Ricardo Figueroa also performed a choreographed first dance at their September 2008 wedding, which they felt was an accomplishment and loved "being able to share it with friends and family" on their special day.
However you choose to arrive at your wedding ceremony and reception or rule the floor for you first dance, be sure to add a personal touch that reflects your personalities and a unique edge that will have guests talking for years to come. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have all eyes on you and commendable applause for your grandeur.
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