Tips for your first dance
Picture this: It's your wedding day, and you and your partner take each other's hands, stepping onto the dance floor. The room is filled with love, laughter, and anticipation. As the music starts playing, time seems to slow down, and it's just the two of you in a world of your own. Your first dance—the moment that marks the start of your married life together—is about to begin.
But hold on a second! The first dance can be both incredibly exciting and a tad bit nerve-wracking. You might find yourself wondering which song to choose, how to dance without stepping on each other's toes, and how to make it a moment to remember. Don't worry! We've got your back.
Credit: https://nicolephotography.co.uk/
In this blog post, we're going to share some awesome tips and tricks to make your first dance an absolute knockout. From finding the perfect song to mastering those dance moves, we'll guide you every step of the way. So get ready to kick off your shoes, twirl around the dance floor, and create a first dance that will have your guests cheering and your hearts bursting with joy. Let's jump right in!
Choosing the right song
Providing the perfect soundtrack to your first dance is really important. It’s important to choose a meaningful song that reflects your relationship and means something special to you both - it could be a song you both love, or a song that reflects a special moment in your relationship. Sometimes, there may be a few songs that you have in mind that could work, and it’s worth making a list so you can really narrow down the best choices.
Consider the lyrics and their relevance to your relationship - does the tone of the song reflect you guys as a couple? Have a listen to the tempo and speed of the song and picture yourselves dancing along to it. Do you need a slower song to match your dancing skills? Or do you need something slightly more upbeat?
It’s worth noting at this point that if you’re really feeling nervous about your first dance (and it’s a lot more common than you might think!) maybe you should consider something a little faster and more upbeat, so you can get guests to join you on the dance floor!
If you’re after some inspiration, we actually have a full blog post on the topic which you can find here. Have a listen through the playlist and see what songs stand out to you and get some ideas from previous couples. There’s nothing wrong with picking classic songs either, especially if you do want guests to join you on the dance floor!
Consider a few dance lessons
The great thing about first dances is the huge range of options and possibilities you have available to you. You can really make a special choreographed dance, or you can choose to do something low key - either way works and we’ve seen some spectacular dances in our time - and there’s no right or wrong answer. Having a few dance lessons may help you calm the nerves and can be a great way to spend some time together preparing before the wedding! You could even use some free resources such as YouTube to check out some cool dance inspiration - even if it’s just adding a few spins or cool moves here and there!
Considering the logistics
Once you’ve got your first dance choice sorted, the next step is chatting it through with your band or DJ. Would you like the original track to be played, so you can nail your routine? Or would you like a one-off performance from your band of your special song?
When it comes to chatting through the song with your band, let them know your choice in plenty of time so they can make sure that they can play it live. Certain songs can be quite hard to replicate depending on the size and lineup of the band. For example, a song with lots of strings and synthesized instruments can be hard to replicate if you’ve booked a small band, such as a 3 piece, or if your chosen song is very piano heavy, it might sound quite different to the original recording. Have a chat with your band beforehand to make sure it’s an appropriate song - most bands will be happy to advise and most will be able to download the song for you if they don’t think that they can do the song justice live.
Ask people to join you on the dancefloor
A really good way to take some of the pressure off you both if you’re a little nervous about everyone watching you is getting everyone to join you on the dancefloor after the first chorus, usually around the minute mark of your chosen song. This way, the photographer (and or videographer) can get some great shots of you guys together before capturing some special moments with you and your guests! Your band or DJ can coordinate this with you beforehand, making sure you’re not holding on the dancefloor on your own for too long! You guys can also gesture to your guests to join on the dancefloor too - your friends and family won’t leave you hanging if you’re calling them out to join you!
Full dancefloor after we asked everyone to join in at Merrydale Manor!
Relax and enjoy the moment
Remember to embrace the experience and enjoy yourselves! Usually the first dance is the last ‘stressful’ thing you have to worry about on your wedding day, and then you can enjoy the party! Take a deep breath and relax, and really take the time to focus on your partner and the joyous occasion. Even if you’ve co-ordinated a really fancy choreographed dance - don’t worry about perfection - let your natural emotions shine through. Take the time to savour the moment and create lasting memories - whether it’s just you and your partner together on the dance floor or everyone joining you in support of your long lasting love!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed - you also don’t have to have a first dance
Now, let's pause for a moment and consider that having a first dance isn't for everyone. Maybe you and your partner aren't the dancing type, or perhaps you're looking for a more relaxed and unconventional wedding vibe. And you know what? That's totally cool!
Your wedding day should be a reflection of your unique style and preferences. So, if the thought of swaying awkwardly in front of a crowd makes you break into a cold sweat, it's absolutely fine to skip the first dance tradition. Embrace the freedom to choose what feels right for you and create a wedding experience that authentically represents who you are as a couple. After all, it's your special day, and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to celebrating love. Just make sure you coordinate with your band or DJ so they know what to do and what to expect - as they will still want to coordinate with you to make the best party experience possible!
Conclusion
Your first dance is a beautiful moment that symbolizes the beginning of your journey as a married couple. With the tips and tricks we've shared, you're equipped to make it a memorable experience. Choose a song that holds meaning for both of you, consider dance lessons for added confidence, and discuss the logistics with your band or DJ. Don't forget to invite your guests to join you on the dance floor and capture those special moments together. Most importantly, relax, enjoy the moment, and let your love shine through. However, if the first dance isn't your thing, don't feel pressured to include it. Your wedding should reflect your unique style and preferences. Whether you dance or not, embrace the freedom to create a wedding experience that truly represents who you are as a couple. Just remember to coordinate with your band or DJ to ensure a fantastic celebration. It's your special day, and there are no rules when it comes to celebrating love!