Mastering the Art of Wedding First Dance

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of a beautiful journey as a married couple. Among the many magical moments that make up your special day, the first dance holds a unique significance. It's a time when you and your partner take centre stage, surrounded by loved ones, and create a lasting memory through the power of dance. Here’s all you need to know about the wedding first dance.

What Is the Wedding First Dance? 

The first dance typically refers to the first time newlyweds take the stage for a dance. This is something couples most look forward to, and guests wait in anticipation for the magical moment.

The first dance mostly involves only two people, the bride and the groom. However, it is still possible for them to invite others, including their friends and family, to join the move. Some couples don’t like the spotlight and will be happy to have others join in. Having said that, it is a good idea to make plans beforehand and make the DJ and musicians aware of how you plan the first dance to go.

How to Announce the First Dance

The first dance usually happens at the start of the reception as the band starts to play. You plan with the band when is the right time for you to appear. Some prefer the band to start playing and then join in, while others like the idea of the band waiting until you are in place.

What Type of Dance to Perform

So many couples fret over the right kind of move for the first dance. They don’t know whether to start with a slow song or a fast one. The key is to do whatever you are comfortable with.

Although classic slow dances were the most common for the first dance, today you can choose whatever you want, even something quirky and upbeat. You may borrow some styles and moves from different dance styles and mix them up for a dance of your own. The song and type of dance should be a reflection of your relationship, and if you think an upbeat song will do the trick, then go for it.

Wedding First Dance Tips

Your first dance as a married couple is a cherished moment that symbolises the start of your new life together. You might be filled with excitement or perhaps you feel a touch of nervousness. In any case, there are various tips and insights to help you prepare for this special dance.

1. Set Time and Budget to Practice

Practice makes perfect. It is important to set aside some money to get some dance lessons and get the moves right. You may hire a dance instructor for this purpose or even take online courses. A good dance teacher will teach you the basic steps, which can go with most dance songs. 

There are various first dance choreographers near Minstrel Court and in Cambridgeshire you may try. YoulieDance School and Colours of Dance are two good examples.

Even though you may not have a lot of money for lessons, try to put some time aside for practice and rehearsals. Practise some moves with your selected song, and get the twirls and nuances right.

2. Remain Calm and Steady

No matter how much rehearsal and practice you have, you may still get stage fright. It might be because you are not emotionally ready for the dance. Try to figure out what makes you nervous, and set some time aside to prepare.

Enter the dance floor with confidence. Stand tall and keep your heads up. Be in a proper dance position and start. Don’t forget to take a deep breath before the dance starts. This way, you will be able to calm yourself down and reduce the pressure of the moment.

3. Play Your Favourite Song

If you are the ones doing the dance, you should be the ones choosing the song too. It is only fair to go for a song you love and appreciate. However, you have to keep in mind that the first dance song you select must be danceable, have clear beats, and have lyrics suitable for weddings. It should be sweet and romantic and not contain inappropriate language.

After selecting your song, play it again and again before the wedding. Make sure you are familiar with everything about the song, from the beats to the lyrics.

4. Look at Each Other and Smile

If you make a wrong move or a mishap happens, no one will notice it unless they see it in your face. So try to keep as relaxed as possible. Look at each other, keep smiling, and simply enjoy the day.

Mishaps are common, especially if it is your first time. No one will notice these tiny mistakes if you stay calm, keep smiling, and enjoy the move.

5. Keep It Simple and Fun

The key is to take it easy and enjoy the fun. You don’t have to learn a complicated dance in a short period of time before the wedding. Just a simple style will do fine. It will be easier to practise and perfect.

Don’t worry too much about single moves and little stuff. Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. Fretting too much about them will just make things worse. So just brush them off and focus on the bigger picture: sharing your life with someone.

Remember to wear shoes that allow easy movement. The bride, therefore, might be better off wearing flat shoes than her usual high heels. They will be more comfortable, which may make them look more confident.

First Dance Alternatives

Some couples just realise that a wedding first dance is not for them. They might feel too much pressure and lack the skill to do all the dancing on their own. So they may decide to go for an alternative.

The couples may decide to host a big dance party as an alternative and invite all guests in for a group dance. They may even plan a popular game, like the shoe game, in which the bride and groom have to answer questions about each other.

In short, your wedding first dance is an opportunity to showcase your love, unity, and personal style in a way that reflects your unique relationship. Remember, it's not about being flawless dancers; it's about sharing a heartfelt moment and creating lasting memories with your partner and loved ones.