Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Dec/Jan 2019 (Issue 74)

Let’s dance! What are your top tips for getting our first dance looking on point? ❤ Start preparations early. The last thing you want is to be worrying about remembering your steps in the lead-up to your big day. You want your dance to be second nature, no matter how intricate or simple the steps, which is why you must… ❤ Practice, practice, practice. Nothing will speed up your progress like rehearsing regularly. This will result in the creation of muscle memory, which is what you want to achieve by the time your big day comes around. Practicing is also a good excuse for spending quality time with your partner. ❤ Choose a song with meaning. No matter how non-traditional or cliché, find something that is significant to you both. The first dance is all about showcasing your personalities and love for each other, so whether you want to portray your fun side or be romantic, your instructor will help bring this across in your choreography. ❤ Rehearse in similar attire. For ladies, bear in mind that heels can interrupt our balance and dictate the size of steps manageable. I always recommend that brides show their choreographer their dress as certain moves may need to be adjusted dependent on the size, weight and shape. Gentlemen, your shoes may be slippery depending on the sole, and you may need to undo your jacket button or dance in a waistcoat to avoid any tears in clothing – we don’t want any of those kinds of splits! ❤ Have fun! It’s scientifically proven that dancing makes you happy, so enjoy every minute of the preparation and execution of your special newlywed moment. I regularly hear from my clients that it’s one of the best parts of their special day. Steph Kelsall | Kelsall Choreo kelsallchoreo.com I want to give a bride’s speech on my wedding day. What should I include and how can I manage any anxiety? Nerves are natural; most people fear public speaking. The good news is that a little fear helps you give a great speech, if you manage it. Here are a couple of strategies to help: ❤ Tell yourself you don’t have to do it. A bride’s speech isn’t traditional, so don’t let anyone know your plan – apart from your partner, maybe. Prepare the speech, but don’t decide whether to give it until the last minute. My daughter used this technique for her wedding and it really helped. ❤ The second method works well for visual people. Try sitting down and breathing deeply, then think of a favourite place where you feel relaxed. Give that place a name. Then, just before the speeches, say that name to yourself and take your mind there for a few moments. When it comes to what to include, luckily it’s totally up to you; there are no conventions to worry about for a bride’s speech. Stories work best – people love them. For example, think about what events in your relationship showed you the qualities you like best in your partner? As the old saying goes, people won’t remember all your words, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel. For more ideas, you can get a free speech template here michaelmacmahon.com/speechchecklist Michael J MacMahon The Wedding Speech Man michaelmacmahon.com MIC DROP 110