It’s your night!

By Nolan McNiel (DJ Rollin Nolan)

A couple of weeks ago, I worked for a couple who decided not to do any typical dances during her reception. That means no father-daughter, mother-son, and even the first dance were excluded from the reception. The bride acknowledged that her mother was not happy with this decision, but it made her and the groom more comfortable not dancing in front of a room full of people. The couple wanted to get married and party with their friends and family. They had no interest in any of the formalities. So, that’s what we did. they got married, and we partied all night.

I have always been under the opinion that your wedding day is your day. No matter who shows up, who helps plan it, or who helps pay for it, it is your wedding, and it should be crafted to best represent the commitment being made. Your wedding day should also express the personalities of the bride and groom.

Some couples want to spend the day in the spotlight, taking part in every wedding tradition, and being the life of the party. In comparison, other couples feel more comfortable with less attention. These couples only want the spotlight during the ceremony and then kick back for the rest of the night with their friends and family. Both ways are right because it is authentic to the couple at the end of the day.

Every week, I meet with couples who are worried about the choices they have made for their wedding. “Would it be alright not to do the garter toss?” “Should I feel bad for not including this person in the wedding?” “Is it alright to shorten the first dance?” I tend to always answer the question by asking what do YOU want to do? If the garter toss makes you uncomfortable, then don’t do it. If you want a guest to be a guest, then that’s their role for the night. Your first dance can be as long or as short as you want it to be.

There will always be people you want to please, but you have to stay true to who you are as a couple and what best represents your relationship. Celebrate how you want because it’s your night.