Your first dance is a special, emotional moment for you as an newlyweds. It’s also a memory that you and your guests will cherish for a long time. To make your preparations easier, we’ve gathered our TOP 10 tips – advice we most often give as instructors and creators of over 150 beautiful first dance choreographies. These are tried-and-true suggestions to help couples dance with joy and confidence on their big day!
Remember, your first dance is not just about steps and choreography – it’s about your emotions. Keep eye contact and smile at each other. Genuine joy and love on your faces will move your audience – but most importantly, it will make the dance meaningful for you. Start practicing smiling even during rehearsals so it comes naturally on the big day.
If possible, do at least one rehearsal in the wedding hall. Check how much space you have, where is the front, where the guests will be, and how the floor feels. Every venue has its own vibe – getting familiar with it ahead of time will boost your confidence.
Wedding shoes, especially new ones, can be unpredictable. Practicing in them reduces the risk of blisters or discomfort. You’ll also find out if the floor is too slippery or rough – which is important not only for your safety but also your comfort. During rehearsals, you still have time to switch shoes if needed.
A full rehearsal in your actual wedding clothes may not always be possible, but it’s worth testing how you feel in them. You can always do this seperately. Make sure the dress is not too long and allows free movement and everything stays in place. Make sure that the corset is properly tied and the train is securely fastened. Grooms – check if your suit doesn’t restrict arm or leg movement. Maybe it’s better to dance in just the vest? Brides, if you want to practice your Dance together, but you don’t want your fiancé to see you in the dress, wear a robe over it or a dress with a similar length and shape.
Video is one of the best learning tools. You’ll notice details you might miss while practicing – posture, timing, hand placement, gaze and smile. Plus, watching your progress builds confidence. So don’t hesitate to film your training sessions!
Make sure your DJ or band has the exact version of the song you practiced to – ideally in high quality. Test everything together to ensure technical issues don’t get in the way. Also, coordinate the entrance and ending of the dance in advance.
Even professionals make mistakes – the key is to stay calm. Agree in advance that if you lose track of the choreography, you’ll gently sway to the rhythm and rejoin the routine when possible. Guests don’t know the choreography, so the most important thing is your composure and smiles. After all, what truly matters is enjoying the moment and showing your love.
If you’re planning to use confetti, smoke, or stage sparklers, decide exactly when they should be triggered – ideally during a lift or dramatic spin. Also, discuss backup plans with the venue in case your chosen effects can’t be used. This coordination will help create an unforgettable performance.
Ideally, start learning your dance 2–3 months before the wedding. The more time you give yourselves, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel. It also reduces stress and transforms the process into a joyful adventure, not just a tradition you have to follow.
It’s completely normal to feel anxious – but remember, you’re dancing for yourselves, not for the guests. This moment belongs to you. If you allow yourself to experience it authentically and with love, everything else will fade into the background. Use the nerves as fuel for practice and excitement on your big day!
With the right preparation and mindset, your first dance will be unforgettable – not just for your guests, but most importantly, for you.
Still not sure what to dance? Check out our online first dance courses – learn at your own pace, wherever and whenever you like! Our choreographies are designed for beginners – beautiful, yet easy to master. We are sure that you will find a perfect match!
See you on the dance floor!
Ania & Matt
other online dance courses.
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