The first dance of newlyweds is probably one of the biggest highlights of any wedding celebration. It’s an intimate, romantic, and very sentimental tradition that shows the devotion of two loving souls. The first dance is much anticipated by guests who are desperate to see the couple’s beautiful dancing moves as a married pair. However, such attention might be very intimidating and puts a lot of stress on newlyweds, especially when it's their first time hitting the dance floor. Remember: a lot of couples have zero dancing knowledge before their wedding, so you are not alone. Just follow these simple steps to succeed in your first dance experience. Check out the tips below.
Basics
The first dance usually features the married couple slow dancing while the wedding guests enjoy the performance from the side. However, that’s not always the case. Newlyweds may invite guests as well as other members of the party to join them. Just choose the right point of the song to make an announcement asking everyone to hit the dance floor too. Plus, there are a lot of other alternatives like organizing a flash mob with your bridal party.
What about timing? Typically the first dance kicks off at the start of the evening reception. Still, there are no set rules. For example, some couples prefer to perform before the wedding meal. So it’s really up to you and your partner to decide.
Pick the right song
First and foremost, the song should suit you both. Don’t try to run for trends, but better choose the tune that makes you feel something. It might be a nostalgic song that is meaningful to you and your partner. Slow instrumental tunes or upbeat ones — it doesn’t really matter. The first dance should be all about you and reflect your personality. So don’t get trapped into thinking that you should stick to a particular type of song just because it is considered more wedding appropriate. Do your own thing! However, don’t forget to check the song lyrics beforehand (if it’s not an instrumental one) so as not to be embarrassed afterwards.
Consider taking dance lessons
If you are new to dancing and don’t know where to start, think about contacting the pro. Take a short-course private lessons to learn the basics from the dancing teacher. By doing so, you will gain a little bit of confidence in your moves and eliminate the awkwardness factor. Also, the instructor can help you in choreographing the first dance of your dreams. Don’t have time for offline lessons? Consider learning some moves in the comfort of your home. Find a suitable online-tutorial, put the shyness away, and have fun. You and your partner can do it!
Keep it short and simple
Dancing in front of a crowd of people whose eyes are locked on you might be a nerve-racking experience, and minutes could feel like forever. So it’s better to keep your dance short, simple, and sweet. Come up with moves that are easy to remember and make the dancing routine up to 3 minutes long. That’s enough to show everything you are capable of. Plus, that way, you will leave your guests wanting more. Just master all of your moves, and the dance floor is yours!
Practice makes perfect
Practice, practice, and even more practice! That is the only way to become proficient in a new skill. Even professionals started from zero, but hard work and diligence helped them to achieve their goals. We know that wedding preparation is a time-consuming process, with the first dance being just a small part of it. Still, spare an hour or two from your busy schedule to practice your moves. When possible, play your song on repeat to catch the feel and be familiar with the beat. You won’t regret it.
Think about the shoes
When it comes to the first dance, comfort is the key to success. A gorgeous pair of heels might be great for the ceremony, but not so much for the dance floor. So consider purchasing an extra pair of shoes that are more practical. For instance, check out ballet flats by Miu Miu or Jimmy Choo. These designer pairs will let you move around, turn and waltz in comfort, plus they are pretty. Forget about rehearsing barefoot! Before your wedding celebration, practice in your new shoes to be confident that you will be able to move easily during the actual event.
Forget about the flaws and have fun
If something goes wrong, laugh it off. Life consists of constant learning, and making mistakes is a part of this process. No one knows your dancing routine except you and your partner. So as long as you stay calm, there is a chance your guests won’t even notice the mishap. Just try to keep your composure, as all professionals do. Don’t aim for perfection — embrace the flaws and errors, and enjoy yourselves. It’s just your first dance as a married couple, and absolutely not the last.
