Who doesn't love a first dance? It is seriously the sweetest thing ever to witness, and it doesn't matter if the couple sways or busts a move.
But how do you decide? What song perfectly sums up your relationship? Is the first dance really that important that you need to get a choreographer and learn a dance, or spend hours on YouTube learning to waltz? How do you go from clueless to dancing queen all while wedding planning?
Step 1: Have a conversation
Talk to your significant other and figure out what you are going for. Do you want to dance slowly and sway back and forth? Do you want to take on the task of learning some new dance moves? Do you want to full-on choreograph a new dance?
It won't be much fun going to dance lessons alone,
so make sure your partner is on the same page as you.
Whatever you are thinking, I suggest talking about all of the options. I myself thought we would FOR SURE be the swaying couple, but Alexander was set on shocking the crowd with a choreographed dance. I was SO happy we discussed this because I was quick to jump on board, and we were so excited about doing something special! Go into this conversation with an open mind, and come to an agreement before moving on!
Step 2: Find the Perfect Song
Not just the song from Spotify's "Top Hits" or that new country track that you can't help but sing along to. Spend some time on this and find a song that you really connect to. Listen to artists you like and similar artists to them. Start discovering some new music on your commute, and who knows, you might stumble upon gold.
And if you do, prepare your heart for when your fiance says they hate it. Yep, this happened several times- but keep at it! You'll find something perfect, I promise!
Alexander was adamant about having a unique song, so for me, it took SEVERAL WEEKS/DAYS/HOURS before I found our wedding song. I was constantly driving to a new love song playlist (and frequently crying my eyes out).
This step could be super easy if you already have a "song", then there it is.. the perfect song! Celebrate the fact you don't have to spend so much time on step #2!
Step 3: Plan time to Practice (or go to lessons)
I'm talking about putting it on your calendar or on your to-do list. You might think that you have all the time in the world to practice because the wedding is months or even years away.. but time flies when you're having fun!
The last thing you want is to be 2 months from the wedding, rushing to find a choreographer or teacher to help you.. and then having to find the one free hour you have between all the other wedding plans.
Start early, and make a plan to go to your first lesson. Decide how many will be needed (approximately) before the big day and SCHEDULE IT! Your brain will thank you for not having to do this in the midst of chaos.
Step 4: BUST A MOVE!
I mean PRACTICE: This goes for EVERYONE! Even the swayers!
You have no idea what it's like to stand up in front of 100-200-or, even 300 people, and dance to a song. (Unless you've done it, and if you have, then I'm sure this is already in your plans.)
If you're having a dance choreographed, then practice a lot.
If you're learning a new dance like the waltz, practice a lot.
If you are swaying back a forth, practice a bit.
Make sure you practice a dip, a turn, or how fast you want to sway!
& most of all, make sure you practice in your shoes and a LONG DRESS!
I practiced in my bridal shower dress so that both Alexander and I could get the feel of having a lot of fabric bunched around my feet. He learned how to take small steps to avoid stepping on my dress, and I learned how to do the whole stinkin' dance in a long dress (and boy oh boy is it different). My wedding shoes also were more slippery than normal so I had to figure that out. While it helped my turns, it made doing some moves totally different! Alexander also practiced in his dress shoes, and we realized he was taller, which changed our dance just a bit.
While you could just 'go for it' on your wedding day, and you will still be wonderful. It helps a bunch to practice beforehand so that you feel comfortable and ready for your big debut as a couple!
(Extra piece of advice for those with a choreographed dance: Make sure when you are practicing that you always go from start to end. As much as you want to start over every time you mess up, you can't on your big day. We are proof of that! We messed up and had to play it off and keep going without letting the mess-up wreck us!!!)
Step 5: Enjoy
You only get one first dance and you only get one wedding.
Enjoy the time you have practicing with your person. Laugh at your mistakes, cheer for your successes, and goof off. This should be fun, and if it isn't, then I would say just nix the idea completely because it's about YOU and should be FUN!
On your big day, focus on your significant other. Soak up the time you have just the two of you, and ignore the hundreds of eyes watching your every move. Hug, kiss, smile, and love on each other. Let the nerves become butterflies, live in the moment, an bust a move!
WATCH OUR DANCE HERE:
Always, Jess
L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S!
