dance alternative

very simple - just don't do it!

its not that bizarre - sure, there are 'traditions' and general guidelines, but the bottom line is that your wedding should be about you - not what the 'other' people have done.

my cousin was married this past october and, like you, opted to pass on the parent dances for personal reasons. in fact, she passed on alot of traditions - being announced into the hall, the cake cutting song, tossing the bouquet...and no one said a word. The wedding was very, VERY enjoyable!

We are not doing the dances at my wedding, also for personal reasons. I don't think people will notice.

If you don't want to go all out to thank your parents, just mention them in a speech that you and your new husband give. That's what we are doing.

There are so many etiquette rules, I hate it. I'm just doing what I want, even though I hear it from my family members. Since my fiance and I are paying for the entire thing, they have no say. That's my opinion.