The last thing you want to feel during your first dance, is stressed.
Having a plan in place is key, to helping you relax and enjoy your moment in the spotlight. But, if you're like most couples, you may not know where to begin, or how to get started.
I'm going to share seven simple ways to prepare now for your first dance, so you can rest assure that everything will go off without a hitch.
Are you ready? Let's dive in!
1. Pick Your Song
This is where it all starts.
Your song will have a strong influence on your first dance, and will help set the tone, while making your guests feel connected to the two of you, as you're out on the floor, dancing as one.
And the great part is, that no matter which song you choose, there's a dance style to fit your selection. So the choice is all yours.
2. Test Your Song
For some couples, choosing the perfect song is a piece of cake. But for others, it can be a little more challenging.
You may find that you're in love with a whole list of songs, and feeling overwhelmed with having to choose just one. Or, maybe your stuck between two, and don't know which one to pick.
Whatever the case, putting these songs through a simple test can help make your decision a little easier.
“Testing your song ahead of time is important, because unless you put it to the test, you won’t know whether it’s a good fit until the night of your wedding, when it’s too late.”
Once you have an idea of potential song choices, try closing your eyes and envisioning your first dance moment (sights, sounds, etc.)
While listening to each song, ask yourself the following questions...
Does this song:
inspire me to dance
fit our style/personalities
spark a feel good emotion
reflect how we feel for one another
tell our love story (past, present, or future?)
And if you're still not sure:
Try dancing to your song, to make sure it feels comfortable to dance to.
Ask yourself: "Will we still love this song on our 50th wedding anniversary?"
Several couples worry about a song being overplayed or too popular, but try not to let that stop you from choosing one of the top hits. Remember these songs are popular for a reason, and if they speak to your heart, by all means, choose it without hesitation.
Find comfort in knowing that, whichever song you choose, it will still have special meaning, even if it's played at every wedding. The song itself is not what makes it special, but rather the way it relates to your personal love story, is what will make it unique to you.
3. Choose how to hold your partner
The next step in preparing for your first dance, is deciding how to hold your partner.
Now I know, this seems like a no-brainer. But, unless you're used to dancing together, it could be the one thing that trips you up on the dance floor.
For example, you might be planning on getting into a fancy dance position, when your partner might assume that you're just going to wrap your arms around each other in a hug-like fashion.
Either way, it's a good idea to figure this out ahead of time so you're both on the same page. This way you'll know what to expect, and avoid any unwanted surprises.
4. Choose how to start your dance
The most important part of starting your dance, is choosing how to enter the dance floor.
Some options are simple, and some are more elaborate. Here are a few ideas to choose from.
Stand in the middle of the dance floor and wait for your song to start (this is a more relaxed, informal choice.)
Have your DJ announce the two of you, as you walk onto the dance floor together (this is a fun, elegant look.)
Enter the dance floor apart, then join together in the middle (this adds a more dramatic, showy feel to your dance.)
Your song will help determine which one is the best fit, but in the end always go with the entrance that is most comfortable for you and your style.
5. Plan your dance moves
If you have already read my wedding dance story, you know that my husband and I had absolutely no dance moves planned prior to our wedding, which caused us to panic on the dance floor.
Having an idea of which moves you'll be dancing, is a life saver.
There's nothing worse than being in the spotlight, in front of all your guests, and having regret that you don't have something prepared.
For example, you may want to do a simple twirl. Or, you might want to travel around the dance floor a bit. Even if you're just going to do the rock and sway, having a plan in place is still a good idea so you know what to expect.
6. Plan your ending
And finally, your dance deserves a nice ending to finish it off. You have two things to think about:
Your final dance move
Your walk off the dance floor
You cannot go wrong by ending your dance with a beautiful dip.
This slows everything down and gives your guests one last look at the two of you, alone on the dance floor. It also gives your photographer a great opportunity to capture a beautiful, candid shot.
Once you're finished with your dip, you may also want to consider a simple exit off the floor. You can either plan to walk off hand in hand, arm in arm, or have your hubby pass you off to your Dad for the Father-Daughter dance.
Either one of these choices adds a special touch, and provides a smooth transition to whichever event you have planned next.
7. Practice your dance
Now, this is where everything comes together.
The final, and most important step in preparing for your first dance as husband and wife, is to practice.
Practicing is the only way to truly get a feel for how your first dance will play out, before you hit the reception dance floor.
It will give you a chance to work out all the kinks, decide if you want to change or add anything, and feel completely comfortable dancing with your partner, so you can both relax and enjoy the moment.
Recap
So now you know exactly how to prepare for your first dance as husband and wife:
Pick your song
Test your song
Choose how to hold your partner
Choose how to start your dance
Plan your dance moves
Plan your ending
Practice your dance
Now, it's time to put it all into action. Go ahead, grab your partner, turn on your special song, and have some fun moving together as one!
