The first dance is a special way to represent the bride’s and groom’s new relationship.  However, having 100 pairs of eyes staring at you as sway on the dance floor may more than a bit nerve-wracking.  Here are some tips to ease the stress:

• Don’t dance to the whole song; ask your band or DJ to play only 2 minutes of the song.
• Schedule at least one professional dance lesson so that you are comfortable dancing together.  Learn how to lead and follow, which foot to step with first, and other basics.
• Start practicing a few months before the wedding (not the week of the wedding!).
• Make sure your band or DJ has the same version of the song that you have been practicing with.  If  there is any doubt, give them a copy of the CD.
• If you plan to choreograph your dance, be sure to keep your wedding dress in mind.  There may be a lot of added weight and fabric for your new husband to dance around!

I am thrilled to welcome our newest intern, Ileana, to the First Coast Weddings team!  Let’s get to know our newest addition!

My name is Ileana Rodriguez and I’ve recently moved back to Jacksonville after living in Orlando for 6 years. I grew up living in Puerto Rico for most of my life, and absolutely love the beach! My favorite color is purple and I love anything & everything that has to do with art and music. I LOVE to travel and haven’t had the chance to travel as much as I would like to just yet, but I’m working on it I’m excited to be back in Jacksonville to “re-explore” and discover new things starting off with my experience with First Coast Weddings & Events

• When you are looking at locations and packages, be sure that the total includes airfare.  Tickets for air travel can easily add $1,000 or more to your total price, depending on your destination.
• Hire a local wedding planner to avoid problems.  Check with the Association of Bridal Consultants for members in your wedding destination.
• Find out when the off-season is in your destination.  There can be significant savings on flights and hotels during non-peak times.
• Don’t shop for a “wedding” dress.  Look at evening gowns in a department store for great alternatives.

Love, A Bridal Boutique, is hosting a trunk show this week!

Legends by Romona Keveza Trunk Show
January 22-23, 2010

Appointments are required, call (904) 242-9800.

Love, A Bridal Boutique434 3rd Street North
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

We are often asked how to include both your mom and your future mother-in-law in your wedding plans.  Here are some fun and easy tips:

• If both moms live close by, or will be in town at the same time, plan a girls’ shopping day.  Have lunch at a nice bistro, then shop for both moms’ wedding attire.
• Include both in wedding plans by asking if there are cultural or family traditions that should be added to the ceremony or reception
• Ask your mom for “something old” and his mom for “something borrowed” for the wedding day.  This is another great way to include family heirlooms!

One often-overlooked wedding item is flooring.  Whether you need to rent a dance floor or build an entire “room” using a tent, here are some things to think about:

• If you are putting a dance floor on grass or another uneven surface, you will need a plywood sub-floor underneath it.  Be sure to ask your rental company to include this in their quote, because it will affect your price!
• If you are laying a dance floor on a smooth, uneven surface (such as stone), you may need carpet underneath to keep it from moving around.
• Tent flooring can make any surface level! Work closely with your rental or event design company to design a space that works for you.
• Ask you venue about any special requirements well in advance, preferably before signing a contract.