It wasn't so long ago that a couple's first dance as man and wife, as special as it was, was only an effervescent memory -- a fact that was no small blessing for couples who happened to lack any experience with dancing. With the advent of home video, a newlywed couple's first dance is almost always recorded on tape, available down through the years for all of posterity to see. That's why prospective brides and grooms want to give a more polished and graceful performance on the their big day. They are increasingly opting to take dance lessons to help prepare for what may be the performance of their lifetimes. At Arthur Murray, we can help prepare you to make that performance a success. Since you are planning to get married, here are a few tips on learning to dance in preparation for your wedding: Most couples have chosen their "wedding song". If you plan to dance to a specific song at your reception, please bring a recording of it to your dance lessons so you can work on it with your instructor. Don't wait until the last minute! Remember that your schedule will get very hectic as your wedding day approaches. We recommend starting four to six months earlier to allow more time for practice, especially if you are a newcomer to dancing. Besides the Waltz and other traditional dances, the Mambo/Salsa, Swing, Cha Cha, Hustle and even the Samba are all applicable to popular music played at weddings today. If you start early enough, you'll have time to pick up the basics in some of these dances as well. Remember that dance lessons can actually be a stress reliever. Dancing is good exercise. Lessons will pull you out of the hustle and bustle of the day to spend an hour or so with your intended, having fun and working together productively at the same time. Don't forget to coordinate with your wedding videographer to get the best "coverage" of your special dance. You'll need to talk to your DJ or wedding band as well so they don't cut short your special dance. They're used to most couples who can't dance so you'll find they quickly get other people on the dance floor to dance with you so you can "hide in the crowd". Learning to dance for your wedding is a special gift that you and your spouse-to-be can give to each other. Feeling confident and poised when you dance together will ensure that your very first dance together as wife and husband will be a memory you will cherish forever.