Picture it: after months of planning, the big day is here. You've said "I do", and the celebration begins. Photos, chatting with guests, the drinks reception, the meal: you're both busy all day and barely get a moment together.
Then comes the first dance. This moment is different. For the first time, you hold each other as a married couple. All eyes are on you, but you only see each other. The music, the lights, everything is perfect.
To make that dream come true, here's how to prepare those few minutes and turn them into something truly special.
Traditional, modern or both? It's up to you
Traditionally, the couple opens the dance floor, often followed by a father-daughter dance and a mother-son dance. Today, anything goes. Here are some ideas so everyone remembers your dance.
- The waltz is the classic choice. From Strauss's Blue Danube to modern waltzes such as Ed Sheeran's Kiss Me or Norah Jones's Come Away With Me, you're spoilt for choice. For a moving father-daughter dance, think My Girl by The Temptations or What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.
- For a romantic mood, choose a slow dance to your favourite love songs: Perfect by Ed Sheeran, All of Me by John Legend or Elvis's Can't Help Falling in Love. A tender moment, just the two of you in your own bubble.
- Film fans love recreating the iconic routine from their favourite film: Dirty Dancing (careful with the lift!), Grease or La La Land.
- Fancy a surprise routine? Start with a classic slow dance. Then the music crackles, you pretend to be confused, and suddenly the DJ drops an upbeat track for a totally over-the-top routine. Expect laughter and cheers!
- Or turn the first dance into a fun moment with your wedding party: a dance-off, bride's team against groom's team. May the best crew win!
Create a magical atmosphere
To make your first dance unforgettable, you need the right staging.
If the weather allows, dance outdoors, for example under fireworks or straight after the finale. Skip sky lanterns and balloon releases: lanterns are banned by many venues and councils, and balloons harm wildlife. Bubbles and sparklers are lovely alternatives.
Dancing indoors? Bring the sky inside. A dry ice machine will have you dancing on a cloud, quite literally. Guests holding sparklers around you will make you feel like you're dancing among the stars. Or surround yourselves with bubbles.
For a real show, dance surrounded by professional dancers performing a routine that tells your love story. Plan the lighting and effects carefully.
Have you heard of the umbrella dance? You dance under an umbrella while guests throw streamers over it. Little by little you disappear behind a colourful curtain, perfect for a kiss away from prying eyes.
How to prepare
If you want to learn on your own, YouTube has plenty of tutorials for simple routines. The upside: you practise at your own pace. The downside: nobody is there to correct you. A good option if you mainly want to have fun or already have some dance experience.
Three tips to make it easier:
- Tip 1: keep the steps easy to remember. Without dance experience, you won't become a Strictly pro in a few weeks, but simple steps let you enjoy the moment.
- Tip 2: choose music with a clear beat, such as Marry You by Bruno Mars or Firework by Katy Perry. It makes dancing in time much easier.
- Tip 3: have fun with props: sunglasses and a cap for a rap track, a flower in your hair for Latin music. Let your song inspire you.
For a more polished routine, nothing beats a dance teacher. Many offer dedicated first dance lessons. Depending on your level and the difficulty, you'll need around 2 to 10 private lessons. Some teachers come to your home, ideal for busy couples or parents.
Build rehearsals into your wedding timeline: starting about three months before the big day is a good rule of thumb.
You now have everything you need to make your first dance an emotional highlight. So, what will your song be?
