The First Dance
Amongst all the stress of planning your big day, thinking about your first dance with your new spouse may be last thing on your agenda. After all, you know you will be tired from the ceremony, hungry after taking endless photos, and excited to be celebrating with your family and friends. Who wants to add complication to your already busy schedule, especially for something that no one will remember?
However, your first dance is symbolic of the new life you are beginning with your spouse; there's a reason it is such a long-lasting tradition! It requires the same attention and planning as the rest of your ceremony. But that doesn't mean it needs to be boring; taking the time to make your first dance into something special and meaningful for the both of you as you begin your new journey together will only bring you and your partner closer, and create a fond memory to look back on long after the wedding. Here are five tips for creating the perfect, memorable first dance:
Tip #1: Consider Your Song
Obviously, you are not going to want just any song your DJ decides to play for your first dance. You also don't want to bore your guests with the same Ed Sheeran song everyone has been using lately (unless you both love that song and it is meaningful to you. This is your wedding after all). Take some time to consider all of your possible song choices; do you have your song as a couple? Is there a song that played during a meaningful time in your relationship? A song you listened to on your first date? On the day you said "I love you" for the first time? On the day you got engaged? Is there a song from a television show or movie that is symbolic for you? Is it just your favorite song to jam out to on the radio with your partner? There's a whole world of music out there; take the time to pick something that resonates with you both.
Tip #2: Consider Your Style
Not all first dances have to be waltzes. Not all first dances even have to be slow dances. Does the quickstep seem more your style? Have you considered a hip-hop first dance? Don't let tradition stifle your creativity; if you would rather samba than sway, go for it! Contact us for more information on the types of dances we teach and lessons we offer!
Tip #3: Consider Your Outfit
Does your ceremony outfit work with the first dance you're dreaming of? Will your flowing train get in the way of your fancy footwork? Will your hot tuxedo inhibit your cool moves? Consider changing between the ceremony and the reception into something more comfortable or fitting for your first dance. Whether that means a less formal version of your previous look or a completely different outfit, don't be afraid to mix it up. Did you meet your partner wearing something oddly specific? Or, do you want to theme your dance around a certain pop culture event; are you dancing to a certain movie soundtrack and want to dress the part? Get creative and take advantage of local consignment stores when searching for your first dance outfit; there's no need to break the bank to have an awesome dance costume.
Tip #4: Consider Your Story
Dance is a beautiful art that allows you to tell a story without saying a word. Is there a particular story you want to share with your friends and family on your big day? Do you want to relive how you met your partner? Do you want to gaze hopefully into the future with your dance, imagining your future house or children? Talk to your dance instructor and figure out how to communicate your ideas with your dancing.
Tip #5: Consider Your Family and Friends
Your wedding day is as much about your loved ones as it is about you and your partner. Consider bringing them into your first dance! Flash mobs are becoming more popular as a way to both take the pressure off the couple during the first dance as well as to include the family and friends of the newlyweds. If the prospect of dancing in front of a large crowd for two to three minutes makes you or your partner anxious, or if you want to celebrate the creation of your new family, consider a group dance. You can start with you and your spouse alone and gradually add your loved ones, or start with a group of dancers from the very beginning. Talk to your dance instructor and let them help choreograph an awesome group number for your first dance!
With these tips, you have the tools to create a fun, memorable, and meaningful first dance that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come! If all else fails, remember your wedding is about the love you and your partner share; you don't have to have a complicated, show-stopping number to communicate that. There is always beauty in simplicity; anything you do with love is show-stopping enough.