Fathers often give the most emotional speeches, so I’m sad when a their too nervous to give one. Talk to your father well in advance, and set a clear expectation that you’d like him to speak at your wedding. Dad’s usually have good senses of humor, so get him a toy microphone to practice on if he’s nervous.

Too often, the bride is unsure if her father wants to speak at all. She’ll tiptoe around the issue all the way up to her big day. When I walk over to ask the father if he’ll be speaking, he’ll say, “I didn’t know I was giving a speech”.

As a bride, tell your dad you’d like him to speak during your precious day.

This might sound silly until you realize smushing your face into someone’s looks funny (or even gross) in pictures. Giving him a small peck on the lips apparently looks better.

I’m not a photograph-kissing expert, but our photographer told us this during our wedding, and your photographer might do the same. I remember feeling awkward because I had never practiced this before. All the sudden, our wedding photos are being taken and I’m now focused on piercing my lips just right.

Maybe before your wedding, practice taking photos while kissing your fiancé in this manner. Do some research what couples’ poses look good. Set your phone’s camera on timer and do a mini practice photo shoot. Get comfortable now so you don’t look too staged during your big day.

It happens every wedding. Guests circle around and start to cheer on an energetic dancer showing off their dance moves. Finally out of energy, or out of moves, the dancer flees the middle of the circle leaving an empty hole. Hopefully someone else jumps in (or is lured in) so the fun can continue. This usually lasts about five dancers before no one else is willing to jump in. This is when the awkwardness sets in. Right before it starts to get weird, It’s important for the DJ to help close the circle either using the mic, or jumping onto the dance floor to help out the guests.