There are many things to consider when planning a wedding; budget, photography, attire, venue, etc. One thing that tends to get overlooked is the first dance. Many couples decide to “wing it”. Instead of letting the magic of your special day stop with the “high school sway”, a choreographed first dance will create a beautiful moment for you and your soon-to-be spouse to share with your wedding guests. Here are some tips on what to consider when planning your first dance.
Check out our interview below with former wedding dance studio, Serendipity Dance Studios.
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When to Start
Dance instructors typically recommend signing up for first dance lessons at least 4 to 5 months prior to your wedding. This will give you enough time to learn and practice a dance routine. Remember, this isn’t Dancing with the Stars and most people will need a few lessons just to get the hang of a basic box step. With that being said, your skill level will also determine the amount of time that you will need prior to your wedding. However, even if you consider yourselves to be better than beginner dancers, you’ll still want to start your dance lessons early. Choreographed dancing is different than going out on a Saturday night dancing. Giving yourself time to master your dance will help you build confidence so you can perform flawlessly in front of your wedding guests.
Song Choice
Find a first dance song that encapsulates your relationship and that you won’t get sick of. If it’s not on the radio, you can’t overhear it when you are practicing your first dance routine. If you like a particular artist, check out their lesser-known songs. Put some thought into it because every time you hear this one song, you’ll get the butterflies all over again.
Creating a Dance
When creating a dance, your dance instructor will focus on style, tempo, and length. The style of the song dictates what sort of dance, be it a swing, waltz, rumba, etc. The tempo is important because that dictates how fast (or slow) YOU move. As far as timing, they will have the capability to edit in-house. Two to three minutes is a solid amount of time for a first dance song. Remember, that time will move slower when dancing in front of a crowd, so if you would like to scale back on the song let your instructor know. This way they can seamlessly fade out where you’d like to end.
Dance Experience
A couple’s dancing ability is what dictates the number and frequency of the lessons. Most couples sign up for dance lessons with little to no dance experience. Your instructors will know how to teach the basics and lead into a full choreographed first dance, so don’t be intimated if you aren’t a natural dancer.
A choreographed first dance can keep the magic flowing throughout your wedding. Committing to dance lessons is also a fun and great way to work together and try to release some stress from wedding planning.