If you are choosing to do a First Dance at your wedding, then this episode is for you! There are a few common First Dance mistakes that couples make – but you don’t have to. Take a listen to these mistakes and exactly how you can avoid them…
Episode breakdown
#1: Winging it
Unless you are both professional dancers who dance together a lot, you can’t just show up on your wedding day, pick a song and just dance. It is highly recommended that you put in some preparation.
Do this instead: set aside time to practice and get comfortable with your First Dance. Take dance lessons, watch YouTube videos, or hire a choreographer to help you create something really special!
#2: Choosing a song without reading the lyrics
Your First Dance is a focal moment in your wedding day and all eyes and ears will be on you. People will be listening to the words as you dance, so you’ve got to think about more than just the feel of the song. You’d be surprised at how many songs sound romantic until you read the lyrics!
For example: In ‘Ho Hey’ by The Lumineers… the hook of the song says “I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart”, but the song isn’t about a happy couple it’s actually about wanting to be with someone who’s in a relationship with someone else. You know that line “I don’t think you’re right for him”??
Do this instead: Choose your First Dance song thoughtfully. Take time to read through the lyrics before you make your final decision.
#3: Mistiming your First Dance
You don’t want to start your First Dance too early or too late! Mistiming your First Dance will have a knock on effect on the schedule for the rest of the night.
Do this instead: Work together with your wedding planner, venue coordinator and DJ to select the perfect time. Your First Dance will signify that the dance floor is open (refer to episode 91 for more details about that) so you’ll want to do the First Dance after dinner, but not so late in the night that guests don’t have much time to dance.
#4: Letting everyone stay seated
By giving everyone the option to stay seated during your First Dance, you might end up with prettier photos of the moment, but your guests will be too far away to enjoy it. And even worse, it’ll be harder to get them on the dance floor later.
Do this instead: Have your guests stand around the dance floor so that right after your First Dance, your DJ can play a banger that gets everyone onto the dance floor for the night!
Listen to episode 91 if having everyone dance with you is a big priority!
#5: Choosing a long song
It doesn’t matter how beautifully choreographed your dance is, your guests don’t want to stand around for 6 minutes watching it!
Do this instead: Have a portion of your First Dance that is choreographed and designed for people to watch (say a verse and chorus of a song – which is about 1 minute 15 – 1 minute 30). Then invite your wedding party to join you for the rest of the song – you’ll find that other couples will hop on the dance floor too!
#6: Getting drunk before the First Dance
There are a few key moments in your wedding where you want to be completely focused and not slurring your words – moments like exchanging vows, making a speech and doing your First Dance!
Do this instead: Limit your meal time drinks to one or two, so you’ve got that liquid courage if you need it, but save the shots and cocktails for later in the night!
#7: Not working with your Band or DJ
To make your First Dance as special as possible, it’s important to consult your Band or DJ. If you don’t, you may time things wrong (as we’ve shared) or miss out on a song you may not have thought of!
Do this instead: Let your Band or DJ know when you’d like to do your First Dance and what song you’re thinking of doing. Then ask for their advice on the timing – they might suggest fading the song out after 2 minutes or so, and transitioning into a fun song. They might have suggestions of brilliant First Dance songs you haven’t thought of. The point here is to include the professionals in the conversation!
