The first dance is daunting, to say the least, especially if you and your partner aren’t big on the dance front. Instead of worrying about showing off your two left feet, we’ve rounded up some of Cape Town’s finest studios where you can fine-tune your best ballroom moves:

 

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“I’m saying thank you to the one who let her get away” ????? . . . . . . #momentsmatter #rockmywedding #thatsdarling #birminghamwedding #creativewedding #indieeedding #bridetobe2019 #botanicalgardens #lookslikefilm #destinationwedding #weddingplanning #elopmentphotographer #photobugcommunity #featuremeoncewed #indieweddingphotographer #detailshots #weddingphotography #weddingdetails #thefirstdance #bridalshots #weddingdress #beautyandthebeast #churchwedding #dof_of_our_world

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1.Phoenix Dance Company

Based in Belville, Cape Town, this dance studio offers a wide variety of dance classes including lessons on how to perfect your first dance. No previous dance experience is required. If you and your partner can’t decide on a song, they can also help you pick the perfect tune. They also offer classes for the father-daughter dance, bridal party and parents.

2. The John Hamman School of Ballroom Dance

Based in Newlands, Cape Town, here you’ll feel confident as they teach you all the right moves. They offer quick classes which means you won’t have to spend too much time learning your first dance.

3. Enerchi Dance

Based in Claremont, Cape Town. They offer a variety of packages to choose from, and can tailor each dance to suit every couple’s needs. Enerchi Dance also customises your dance according to the size of your dance floor.

4. Paradiso Academy

Based in Zonnebloem, Cape Town. Forget the stress and panic involved with wedding planning and have a little fun while learning your first dance or father-daughter dance. Again, no experience required!

5. Jacques Carstens Dance Studio

Based in Belville, Cape Town. This dance studio will be there to help you every (dance) step of the way, with a hefty side of fun.

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The best man is there to assist the groom to be – the equivalent of the maid of honour. Some of their duties include giving advice when picking an outfit, planning the bachelor party, lending an ear and providing some words of wisdom. One very important responsibility, of course, is the best man speech. It can be nerve-wracking to say the least, but don’t worry, we’ve gathered some tips on how to carry out your toast.

1. Plan and prepare

This goes without saying, but it’s vital to be prepared. Some may say that winging it is the best way to go, but not in this case. Start thinking about things or funny stories you’d like to mention. Take notes whenever you can and build something up. It really does come in handy when you’re sitting there trying to think of everything to say in one go.

2. Are you a comedian?

If not, then please try not to be. Yes there will be some hits, but when the misses come, it’s just awkward. If you do plan on cracking a few jokes, try aiming them at your buddy and not his new bride, unless you’re all really close.

3. Practice and written copy

As odd as this may sound, practicing your speech out loud helps a lot. You’ll get comfortable with the words and it won’t sound as though you’re reading your speech on the big day. Know your pauses and when to make eye contact. As the big day approaches, ask someone (not the bride or groom) to listen to your speech. Remember the notes you took? Formulate it all into one copy. If you prefer not to read on the night, write a few points down in bullet form, so if you do stumble, you’ll be able to look down and get back on track.

4. Don’t mumble and remember the basics

This goes without saying – people need to be able to hear you. Open your mouth when you talk and project your voice. Introduce yourself and explain how you know the bride and groom. Thank the guests for coming and congratulate the newlywed couple.

5. Anecdote

People enjoy listening to stories but not when it’s long and dragged out. Try keeping the speech under five minutes. The stories have to be interesting and funny, and if you’re not sure on how to make it funny, then aim for just putting a smile on the guests faces. You don’t always have to have people in stitches – people appreciate a sweet ‘awww’ moment too.

6. Avoid at all cost

Don’t say anything negative about marriage, even if you think it’s funny. This newlywed couple have just entered their marriage and shouldn’t feel regretful. Ex-partners should not be mentioned and this includes girlfriends, boyfriends and ex-spouses. Sexual humour should be avpided completely, because it’s downright inappropriate and may be awkward for the happy couple as their family and close friends are there.

7. Content

Just a basic outline of what should or can be mentioned include:

• • Introductions
  • Thanks and congratulations
  • How you know and met the bride and groom
  • Something nice about the groom that people may not know
  • Why the bride and groom make a great couple and how you’ve witnessed their love
  • Relevant quote or poem
  • Champagne time!

 

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This is part of a speech I gave at my friends wedding recently. Here are 5 Lessons. The speech was scripted because I wanted to share a specific message and I landed that morning after 20 hours of travel haha. I know relationships can be tough but I wanted to share lessons that I believe can make a difference. Nothing good in life comes easy. But when we have principles to live by, values to honor and lessons to start with, we have a better chance of success. A HUGE congrats to the happy couple! It was by far one of the most beautiful weddings I had ever been too because it was with all my closest friends I grew up with. Thank you for having me and allowing me to share some words. So grateful to have you all in my life! I hope this resonates with you. Share it if it does! ? @filmworkstudios

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