May I Have This Dance? (More Disbaled Bride Issues)

Last night I insisted on "practicing" for the wedding. I had Mike fire up our song. To recap, my groom is well over a foot taller than I am and I do not have the balance for heels. I also have a recently fused spine so dancing is a lot more difficult logistically than it's even been.

I have always loved to dance despite my complete lack of rhythm. I have danced with every boy I've ever loved at some point. This will be the most important dance we ever dance (and possibly the last time we ever dance together in public). I snatched the plastic stool Riley uses to reach the bathroom sink so I could dance comfortably with Mike. The height difference was mildly annoying when I could bend my back now if I push to hard against my fused spine I get spasms. I do not want those on the wedding day.

So, I was all set for a romantic slow dance on a plastic stool. It wasn't romantic. I swayed a bit on the stool, but it wasn't really dancing. We discussed platforms, stools and even roller skates. I was irritated that it should be so complicated. I've never had to spend months planning to slow dance before. I just got up and did it before. While there are other challenges like getting down the aisle I'd rather do without than torture myself over the first dance is something I really want. I was feeling completely depressed by our failure to slow dance when Mike pointed out he can't dip me. Fused spinal column strikes again! For Pete's sake.

In the worst case scenario I'd have to dance in the wheelchair which seems like a pretty awkward proposition. Poor giant groom hunched over bride on wheels? Or on his knees? I'd rather he just held me up like he does with Riley if it came to that. Why does it have to be so complicated? If any brides disabled or otherwise have any words of wisdom I'd be extremely grateful.

And Then What?

A few things occurred to me recently not the least of which is: I need a way to sit during the ceremony that doesn't look stupid in pictures. As I was cutting up a wedding magazine that was still kicking around from last winter I saw a picture of a bride and groom sitting in white monogrammed directors chairs. That's the answer. Something like the first picture in this slide show:

Boundless Photos

I like it because it won't cover the whole back of my dress, my actor roots, it's super portable and I'll use it after the wedding. Don't you love those photos? I wish I were in the UK. I like the groomsmen reflected in the sunglasses and the wedding dress with the bridesmaids dress hung in a row, among others.

The other issue on my mind recently is our not so insignificant height difference. It used to be annoying to reach Mike or dance with him, but ever since the metal rod in the back it is painful. I had originally thought I would get a small stool and put my dress over it to hide it. That was fine until I landed on a short dress for the reception. I'm still stumped on this one. I want something just high enough, not like a step ladder or anything that won't be ugly in pictures. I figure Mike may not be the only person it would be more comfortable to dance with from a more reasonable height. Also, I'll find use for it after the wedding for sure.

That's very much where my mind is right now. What will I do with it after the wedding? Second bouquet, nah. Guest book? When would I ever look at that? I should order green champagne flutes. Wait, what the heck would I do with 80ish green champagne flute afterwards? Never mind.

It led me to a great idea though. We talked about how people have had guest book tables or wish tree stations, etc and everyone ends up crowding them and you feel pressure to come up with something witty and get out of there. About a month ago Mike suggested we leave postcards on the table for people to write well wishes on at there convenience. I loved it and pictured big ribbon boards for guests to deposit them on the way out.

I was still thinking that was the way we'd go until I saw this idea in Martha Stewart Weddings for a guest book quilt:

We'd have a box of fabric on each table in different colors and patterns and fabric markers. Everyone could write or draw us a message, even the kids. In the end they'd all get sewn into a quilt. Cute and useful! I am sold on this one. So, look forward to that, friends and family. Also, if my out of town folks can't make it I can send them a piece of fabric to sign (much cheaper postage than mailing a whole book).

Hurray! On to bigger and more pressing problems (and the continuing stool search). Ten-ish months and counting...