No one can deny the joy of a wedding day but, for the happy couple, this is also a day filled with nerve-wracking moments. Never mind saying ‘I do,’ she’s got to walk down the aisle and he’s gotta make that iconic wedding breakfast toast. By the end of the day, it’s hardly surprising that both bride and groom are ready to enjoy a night to remember. But, there’s one last nerve-wracking wedding moment to master first and, if it goes wrong, the night could be memorable for all the wrong reasons.
We are, of course, talking about the first dance. One of the real ‘aww’ moments of the big day, that iconic occasion when the bride and groom take to the dancefloor is also rife with the possibility of things going wrong. For a couple who aren’t natural movers, there’s an especially pressing fear of falls, or just making fools of yourselves.
Luckily in the case of the latter, it’s your day and everyone will laugh either way. But, if you’re losing sleep over looking less than elegant when you take to the floor, we’ve got a few tips to stop you from tripping up over your first dance.
Tip 1: Take lessons!
This may seem a simple point, but we can’t stress enough that taking dance lessons is by far the best way to ease your first dance nerves. Sure, it’s an extra consideration at a time when you’ve already got a lot going on. And, yes, it’s something more to add to your wedding budget. But even a few dance lessons will make a world of difference to your first dance experience. You may also find that the time together is good for you and your partner during those pre-wedding weeks. So, don’t hesitate to book up and learn at least a handful of basic moves with professional guidance. Then, you’ll feel like a pro yourself come the big day, or at least knowledgeable enough to pull off a decentish dance without experiencing heart palpitations.
Tip 2: Learn your song inside out
Given that the first dance song is usually something meaningful to the wedded couple, you’ve probably chosen a track you know well enough. But, learning a song for a dance is a very different ballgame. For this, you need to recognise things like tempo changes, key moments, and just general pacing. The more familiar you are with these things, the more your dance will feel like a natural progression, rather than a dancefloor ordeal.
In the weeks leading up to your wedding, get into the habit of listening to your chosen song at least once a day, and pay attention to beat, pacing, and length. You don’t have to dance along every time, but it might be useful to get into the habit of counting out your steps as you listen. That way, as soon as that familiar tune starts up on the night, you’ll be able to fall back on a fair bit of muscle memory, safe in the knowledge that you know exactly the dips and troughs still to come.
Tip 3: Talk to your DJ
Whether you’re entrusting a friend to take care of music or are hiring a mobile disco for the big day, it also pays to talk to your DJ about things like timings and general setup. Specifically, you’ll want to know where in the evening your first dance will come, so that you’re ready and mentally prepped for the moment. This knowledge will also save you from feeling on edge as soon as the evening music starts, buying you time to settle in and have fun both before and after the dance.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that different DJs offer different things, and these could be of benefit if you’re dreading your dance debut. Simple things, like pretty dance floor lighting, can hide a multitude of sins, making you look like you’re gliding around the floor, even if you aren’t. Equally, this is a great opportunity to let the DJ know how long you want the ‘solo’ dance to last. After all, you and your partner can dance as much or as little of the song on your own as you’d like. If you only fancy a minute or two of private scrutiny, just let your DJ know to open up the dancefloor after that time.
Tip 4: Get your footwear right
Everyone knows that dancing in heels is a lot harder than dancing normally. As such, while your heels might look great for gliding down the aisle, you might want to think twice about sticking with them for your first dance. Instead, focus on footwear like pumps, that provide you with ease of movement, comfort, and a lot less chance of breaking your neck in front of a crowd. If you’re worried about everyone noticing the change, don’t be – it’ll be too dark for them to see what’s on your feet, either way. And, you can bet you’ll be a much better dancer as a result of this simple consideration.
Tip 5: Let your partner lead
Do you feel ill thinking about the big moment? Does your partner seem a lot more chill about the whole thing? If yes, then it’s probably a sign that you should let them take a little bit more of a leading role when dance time comes. After all, it’ll be a whole lot easier to have someone lead you onto the dancefloor than to take the first step. And, if your partner is taking the lead role in the dance itself, then you’ll be far better able to just fall into step without as much overthinking. Then, you can spend the dance gazing lovingly into their eyes while they worry about the important stuff, like staying vertical as you wow the crowd.
A first dance is a frightful thing for many couples, but it’s also one of the warmest memories of any wedding day. Use these tips to turn your imagined dancefloor ordeal into fantastic fodder for the memory books.
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