Today’s your wedding day, and you’re so happy to share it with your family and friends. You’re quite sure everything will be perfect, even the first dance. Here’s why.

Let’s learn about the wedding tradition called the first dance.

“Ladies and gentlemen. Please join me in welcoming, for the very first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. _______!“ announces the host as you confidently take the floor.

What you need to know about the first dance.

• The first dance symbolizes a new partnership that requires give-and-take on and off the dance floor.
• Gentlemen, your lady really wants to dance with you because you’re her best partner.
• A lot goes into planning a wedding. So don’t let the thought of dancing in front of your guests add to your stress. Call in the pros and start some lessons now.  
• Be sure to schedule your lessons a few months before your wedding day. After all, you’ll want to have plenty of time to practice. If you put it off until the last minute you’ll add more pressure just when you don’t need it.
• Some couples worry about forgetting their routine. No problem. If you need a brush-up lesson, it’s easy enough to arrange.

What to Expect at the Lesson and Consultation

The lesson introduces you to the elements of dancing. Because everyone learns differently, your instructor can also gauge where you’re starting.

Many couples have a special song they want to use. Be sure to tell your consultant what your song is so they can share your options.

Many of the special songs engaged couples love are actually Viennese Waltzes. Read this Dance Safari post: “Viennese Waltz, A Dance You’ll Fall in Love With.”

By the way, why not ask your teacher for advice on buying ballroom dance shoes for your wedding?

Okay, so what are the 3 ways to prepare for the first dance?

In my experience, these are your choices:

1. You and your partner can learn to dance.  

When the music starts, he leads, she follows, and off you go. Besides being simple and cost-effective, you’ll have a hobby that you can do together for the rest of your lives.

2. How about some ‘light’ choreography? 

To give a lightly choreographed routine structure, you’ll learn groups of steps that you perform one after another. You’ll also dance some basics between each series of patterns.

3. Or, you can learn a fully choreographed routine.  

If you’ve always dreamed of dancing your heart out on this day, a fully choreographed routine is for you. Think “Dancing with the Stars”.

This performance usually includes fancier moves (lifts, dips, and side-by-side steps). You’ll learn customized choreography and practice things like walking onto and off the floor and taking a bow. The downside is that you can only do it to one song. 

But think about it, wouldn’t it be cool to redo it at your first-anniversary party!

When to start? Start once you’ve tried a lesson, are convinced you can learn, and have picked the right teacher. What are you waiting for?