How to plan a memorable first dance

After the physical and spiritual nuptials are completed and the bride and groom have ‘sealed the deal’ with a kiss, it’s common for guests to anticipate a memorable first dance. There are many different ways to have a reception, but most of them contain one similarity: the bride and groom’s first dance.

In all the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, the first dance may seem to be a relatively minor concern, but trust us… it’s not. With most of the guests likely having cameras and phones plastered to their hands, not to mention the professional videographer who is likely near, your first dance will be etched into digital memory for a long time to come. Why not make it memorable with these tips?

Lower the lights. First, lowering the lights is a signal to your guests (who are likely milling around and chatting) that something is about to happen. If you haven’t had your first dance, they’ll figure out what’s next on the agenda. This will also allow your DJ to play with lighting effects as well.
Choose your song by dance type. If you’re planning to execute an actual dance (waltz, swing, rumba, foxtrot, etc), you’ll need to choose music with the correct beat. The good news is that you don’t have to go with an instrumental song that nobody knows if you don’t want, as plenty of pop songs use these beats.
Consider choreography. For those who don’t want to stand on the floor and rock back and forth, taking lessons together to prepare for the dance can be a good choice. You’ll have increased confidence, and be able to prove once and for all that you really can cut a rug. Also, taking the lessons together can be a fun activity as fiancées.
If you can’t dance, waltz. For those who want a choreographed look but can’t be bothered to take intensive lessons, learning a basic waltz can be one of the easiest dances to master. It’s a classic, looks good, and takes very little effort.
Don’t choose a long song. Particularly if you aren’t doing a choreographed dance that is flashy and exciting, a five-minute long ballad is likely going to bore your guests after the first couple minutes. Romantic songs that are three minutes or less are best. Of course, if you’re willing (and able) to tear it up with a salsa, this rule doesn’t apply.
Save the drinking for after the dancing. It seems obvious, but this is a step that some brides ignore to their detriment. You don’t want to have been taking rumba lessons for six months, only to be too tipsy to execute.

Bring the guests in! Sure, it’s traditional to do the first dance alone on the dance floor, but this isn’t a hard rule. If you’re not willing to have a choreographed dance and you’re uncomfortable with the idea of all eyes on you for two straight minutes, break out into a conga line or a group dance after the first minute.

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Carolyn Paddock

Owner / Dance Instructor at Wedding Dance FL

Carolyn Yancey Paddock is a former professional ballerina, who performed internationally, took her skills and talent to become an accomplished Producer/Choreographer and Makeup Artist.

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How to Plan a Memorable First Dance