The first dance is an important part of any wedding reception. All your guests are completely focused on you and your partner and are eager to see what you have planned. Dancing is often not a skill both of you will have developed unless you regularly take part in dance classes and even then how do you choose the right song?

We have been present at hundreds of weddings and have therefor built up a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn’t. I am writing this blog as a simple guide to planning your first dance and making sure it is one your friends and family will remember for the right reasons.

What do you want?

The first thing you need to decide is what kind of first dance do you want? Do you want a slow romantic dance, a choreographed dance like a waltz or a foxtrot, a comedy dance or a mash up of all the songs important to you and your new spouse? If you are not sure then You Tube is an excellent place to look for ideas. Once you have decided on the type can get on with choosing your song.

The Song

Choosing the right song is very important and very difficult. Not only should it be something that suits the style you have chosen but ideally it should be one that means something to you and your partner. Try to think back over your time together, are there any songs that stand out? If not do you know of any songs that have relevant lyrics? Try using something like spotify to listen to possible tracks and ask you rfriends for suggestions. Try to avoid any songs that are about splittin gup or arguments as no matter how nice the song is to dance to the lyrics will overshadow it.

The Dance

Once you have chosen your style and your song it is time to start thinking about your dance. Getting a dance instructor to help you even if you do not want a fully choreographed dance can be a good idea. they will be able to give you a few pointers on what will work with your song and what to avoid.  Make sure you practice before the big day. Lots! Nerves will undoubtedly show up on the day and the more practice you have had the easier and more enjoyable your first dance will be.

On the Day

Make sure your dj or toastmaster knows what time you plan on doing your first dance. Usually between 7.30/8pm is a good time because all the guests have arrived but the party has not yet got going. Get your best man to confirm with the dj or toastmaster when you are ready to go on. Take a deep breath and relax. Remember at the end of the day your first dance is about you and your new partner, it doesn’t matter what your guests think and doesn’t matter if you make a mistake. Just enjoy yourselves.

Watch this space for our next post – The Top 10 Wedding Dance Songs of All Time…