A first dance is a momentous occasion in any wedding. It’s a time when the bride and groom share a special dance together, often accompanied by loved ones.
But what is the history behind first dances?
And why are they so important? Read on to find out!
What is a First Dance at a Wedding?
The First Dance is a tradition that is often seen at weddings. It is a dance between the newly married couple, and is often the first dance that they will have as a married couple.
The First Dance:
- Can be seen as a symbol of the beginning of the couple’s life together, and is often seen as a romantic moment between the two.
- Is usually performed to a slow song, and often the couple will choose a song that has special meaning to them.
- Can be a traditional ballroom dance, such as the waltz or the foxtrot, or it can be any type of dance that the couple enjoys. This can be a choreographed dance or freestyle.
Regardless of what type of dance it is, the First Dance is often a cherished moment for the newlyweds.
Who does the first dance at a wedding?
At most weddings, the first dance is reserved for the newly married couple. While some couples opt to choreograph a special dance, others simply enjoy a slow dance together.
The first dance is often seen as a symbol of the couple’s love and commitment to each other, and it is often one of the most memorable moments of the wedding day.
In recent years, some couples have chosen to invite their parents or other close family members to join them for the first dance. This can be a nice way to involve loved ones in the wedding and to create an even more memorable moment.
The history of the first dance
The first dance is a time-honored traditional dance that is often seen as a right of passage for young couples. While the exact origins of the first dance are unknown, it is thought to have originated in medieval Europe.
The first dance was typically a slow and intimate affair, allowing the couple to get to know each other better. As time went on, the first dance became increasingly popular, and it began to be seen as an important part of wedding receptions and other formal gatherings.
Today, the first dance is still seen as a cherished tradition, and many couples view it as an opportunity to create lasting memories.
How to pick the perfect song for your first dance
Your first dance as newlyweds is a cherished moment that you will remember forever. While it may seem like a daunting task to choose the perfect song, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you pick the perfect tune for your first dance.
First, think about the overall tone of your wedding. Are you planning a formal affair or a more laid-back celebration? The tone of your first dance should match the overall feel of your wedding.
If you’re looking for something romantic and timeless, consider a ballad like “At Last” by Etta James. On the other hand, if you want something fun and upbeat, try “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas.
Another thing to keep in mind is the length of the song. You don’t want your first dance to end before it even begins, so make sure to pick a song that is at least three minutes long.
Lastly, choose a song that has personal meaning to you and your spouse. This could be a song that was playing when you had your first date or kiss, or Maybe it’s a tune that always makes you think of each other.
The pros and cons of a slow first dance
When it comes to wedding first dances, there are pros and cons to choosing a slow song.
On the plus side, a slow dance can be incredibly romantic and intimate. It’s the perfect opportunity to get close to your new spouse and share a moment of connection.
Plus, there’s something about a slow dance that just feels special – like you’re in your own little world.
On the downside, a slow dance can be a bit awkward if you’re not used to dancing together. You may feel self-conscious or even stumble over your feet. And if the song isn’t well-chosen, it can drag on forever.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your partner to decide what kind of first dance will be right for you.
Just remember that there’s no right or wrong answer – it’s all about what will make you feel most comfortable and happy on your big day.
Why you might want to consider a fast first dance
The first dance is one of the most anticipated moments of the wedding reception. It can be a time for the newlyweds to share a special moment together, or it can be a time for the guests to watch and celebrate the start of the marriage.
However, some couples choose to forego the traditional first dance in favor of a faster-paced option. There are several reasons why this might be a good choice.
First, it can help to get the party started. A fast first dance can get everyone out of their seats and set the tone for a fun and festive evening.
Additionally, it can be a way to add some variety to the reception.
If all of the other dances are slow and traditional, a fast first dance can be a nice change of pace.
Other Wedding Dances
The first dance is usually the most highly anticipated dance of the night, but there are often other special dances that occur throughout the evening.
Proper order of songs at a wedding reception:
- First Dance
- Father Daughter Dance
- Mother Son Dance
- Wedding Party Dance
The father-daughter dance and mother-son dance are typically emotional moments for both the bride and groom and their parents.The bride dances with their father and the groom dances with their mother.
These dances are often set to sentimental songs that have special meaning to the couple or their families.
The bride and groom may also choose to include a dance with their wedding party, which is typically a fun and lighthearted moment.
In addition, many couples choose to open up the floor to all of their wedding guests at some point during the reception, allowing everyone to celebrate together.
Whatever dances are included (mother daughter dance, brother sister dance, money dance, dollar dance, parent dances), they are sure to add special memories to an already unforgettable night.
First dance tips for newlyweds
Your first dance as a bride and groom is a moment you will always remember. As you take to the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife, all eyes will be on you.
Here are a few tips to help make your first dance special and memorable:
- Start by choosing the right song. It should be a song that is special to both of you and expresses your love for each other. If you are not sure what song to choose, ask your wedding planner or DJ for suggestions.
- Once you have selected your song, it is time to start practicing! Even if you are not a great dancer, a little practice will go a long way. You may want to hire a professional dance instructor to help you get comfortable dancing together. There are many dance instruction videos online or take dance lessons.
- When it comes time to actually dance, focus on each other and not on the people around you. This is your moment to shine as a couple, so enjoy it! Let the rhythm of the music guide your movements, feel comfortable and let yourself go with the flow.
- Finally, don’t forget to smile! This is one of the happiest moments of your life, so make sure to enjoy every second of it.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your first dance as a married couple is truly unforgettable.
First dance ideas for non-dancers
As anyone who has ever been to a wedding knows, the first dance is often one of the most anticipated moments of the evening.
For couples who have been dancing together for years, this is their chance to shine. But for those who have never danced a day in their lives, the thought of being in the spotlight can be downright daunting.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry – there are plenty of options for first dances that don’t require any prior experience. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
One popular option is to simply walk around the dance floor arm-in-arm. This is a great choice if you’re not comfortable with actual dancing, but still want to share a special moment with your spouse.
Another option is to sway back and forth to contemporary songs; this is a classic choice that even non-dancers can do easily.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you could try some basic steps like the box step or grapevine. These are relatively simple and easy to learn, but they’ll still make you look like pros out on the dance floor.
Whichever route you choose, just remember to relax and enjoy yourselves – after all, it’s your big day!
Wedding First Dance FAQ
What to do if you don’t know how to dance
If you’re wedding day is fast approaching and you still don’t know how to dance, don’t worry!
There are plenty of resources available to help you learn the basics. You can start by watching tutorial videos online, or even signing up for a few wedding dance classes.
If you have friends or family members who are good dancers, ask them for help.
And finally, don’t be afraid to practice at home in front of a mirror. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel come wedding day.
With a little effort, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with your fantastic first dance!
How long should your first dance last?
How long should your first dance last? The answer may surprise you – 2 to 4 minutes is plenty of time to enjoy your first dance together as a married couple!
Of course, you can always extend the dance if you feel like you’re just getting started, but there’s no need to plan for a marathon session. 2 to 4 minutes will give you plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company, share a few twirls around the dance floor, and perhaps even share a dip or two.
So go ahead and plan your first dance – but don’t forget to leave some room for spontaneity!
Conclusion
A first dance at a wedding is a time to share an intimate moment with your partner, to express your love for each other in front of all your friends and family.
It’s a chance to let loose and have some fun on the dance floor, showing everyone just how perfect you are for each other.
Whether you choose a classic ballad or something more modern, make sure it reflects your personality as a couple.
What will your first dance song be?
