The Wedding First Dance
Such a special moment, it’s the first time that you take to the dance floor as a married couple. The first dance has definitely progressed from what used to be the gentle sway to your favourite love song. Now there’s specially choreographed performances, group dances and YouTube worthy spectacles!
As a professional dance teacher, I have taught at least fifty couples to dance for their wedding day. This has included everything from a the traditional classics to the basic waltz, a romantic Rumba or a sizzling Salsa, to The Dirty Dancing routine. I’ve included some advice on how to approach your first dance.
Keep It Simple and Effective
The last thing that you want is to be nervous about a wedding dance, so the key is to keep it simple and enjoyable.
Choose your special song, a song that you’ll enjoy dancing to, or a crowd pleaser. If you’re struggling to find a song for your first dance, check out some of my suggestions here – wedding first dance songs.
Invest In Dance Lessons
Most local dance schools offer basic dance classes / courses, or the chance to book private dance lessons to master your first dance.
By investing in dance lessons you’re taking the time to learn and get comfortable with your dance.
A word of advice, book these lessons at least 3/4 months before your wedding day when you’re not busy / stressed / consumed by wedding prep. Taking dance lessons is a wonderful way to spend time together learning a new skill.
Visit the IDTA to find qualified dance teachers located in your area.
Space To Dance
How Big Is Your Dance Floor – It’s a good idea to be aware of how much space you will actually have to perform your dance.
Consider Your Dress – Be mindful of any limitations you may have with your dress. If it’s tight fitted then you might be restricted with your movement. If you’ve got a train, will your partner be standing / trip all over it?
Wedding Songs For Your First Dance
As an IDTA professional dance teacher, I have taught over 100 couples to dance for their wedding day. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s some of the songs that have been previously used for a first wedding dance.
All Night Long – Lionel Richie
All Of Me – John Legend
Always and Forever – Luther Vandross
Amazed – Lonestar
At Last – Etta James
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Andy Williams
Come What May – Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
Endless Love – Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
Evergreen – Will Young
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Everything – Michael Bublé
Feels Like Home – Chantal Kreviazuk
Greatest Day – Take That
Have I Told You Lately – Van Morrison
Heaven – Brian Adams / DJ Sammy Candlelight Remix
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
I Can’t Help Myself (sugar pie, honey bunch) The Four Tops
If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
I’m Kissing You – Des’ree (from the film Romeo and Juliet)
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
I’ve Had The Time Of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Lego House – Ed Sheeran
Moondance – Van Morrison
Sway – Michael Buble
The Sweetest Feeling – Jackie Wilson
This Will Be An Everlasting Love – Natalie Cole
Tiny Dancer – Elton John
Top Of The World – Carpenters
Whenever, Wherever – Shakira
You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher – Jackie Wilson
You’re All I Need To Get By – Aretha Franklin
You’ve Got The Love – Florence and The Machines
My Wedding First Dance
As a dancer, the first dance was really important to me. We concentrated on doing a simple and effective short choregraphed dance to a few bars of music. Taking this approach meant that we could both easily perform the dance (and remember it) after a few drinks. We danced to Paul McCartney’s Amazed.
Once our first dance was over, the music stopped and we broke into the children’s party dance classic Agadoo! This had always been the plan for two reasons:-
1. We were aware of the fact that the first dance can be a difficult time for some guests, especially if they’re attending a wedding on their own / are widowed.
2. It’s a brilliant opportunity for everyone to join in, both young and old.
This ended up working perfectly for us as Covid restricted our dancing and everyone joined in from their seats!
MY WEDDING WISDOM
THE WEDDING FIRST DANCE HINTS AND TIPS
Get In Hold
If you’ve decided to get in the traditional ballroom dancing hold, make sure that you do it right:-
Leader – Right hand on partner’s back. Left hand in hold.
Follower – Left Hand on top of partner’s right arm. Right hand in hold.
Encourage Your Guests To Join In
In my opinion, the recipe for First Wedding Dance success is to dance for approximately 1 minute 30 – 2 minutes and then encourage your guests to join you on the dance floor.
Think About Your Second Song
You’ve just finished your first dance, the floor is full and everyone is enjoying themselves – make sure the second song is a showstopper / crowd pleaser that keeps everyone on the dance floor!