Everything You Need to Know About Preparing a Wedding Dance

Your wedding is one of the most significant and special days of your life, but the planning stages can come with a lot of stress. Knowing what to expect and having a good support team behind you is one of the best ways to enjoy the process, and your first dance as a married couple is no exception! With the right guidance, you’ll have cherished memories and a skill that will stand the test of time.

First Things First – Here’s What to Expect from Wedding Dance Lessons:

  • You’ll start with a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced dance instructors where you’ll discuss your vision for your first dance and how best to achieve your goals. Ideally, this consultation should happen about 3-6 months before your wedding; the more time you have to prepare, the more confident you will feel on your wedding day!
  • The more detail you can give your instructor, the better. If you can, let them know the dimensions of your dance floor, your wedding attire, your special song, any specific types of movement you want to include or avoid, etc. You will also try a few basic movements so your instructor can evaluate how you move, how quickly you pick up the steps, and your comfort level with new material. Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward bringing your first dance to life.
  • Based on your goals, schedule, timeline, and budget, we’ll create a program that covers every aspect of your first dance– including your entrance onto and exit from the dance floor, cutting your music, a customized dance, practicing how to overcome nerves, how to gracefully cover up any mistakes that may happen, and how to move naturally – so that both of you will feel comfortable, confident, and treasure these moments for the rest of your lives!
  • Typically, the first “step” in learning your dance is to get a general idea of the sequence of steps. Don’t worry about perfection right away! First focus on the order, then you’ll polish up the finer details once you have a clearer picture of how the dance fits to the music.
  • Once you feel more confident with the dance, be sure to bring your wedding shoes to rehearsal (and similar attire if possible!) and get ready for some fun practice sessions. We want to make your First Dance one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day, and we want you to feel 100% prepared for anything that may happen (and we mean ANYTHING)!

Benefits of Practicing for a Wedding Dance

Wedding dance lessons are a valuable tool to help you bond before your special day, to eliminate the guesswork and pressure of dancing in front of your friends and family, and – with enough time – give you a hobby to enjoy together for a lifetime. In addition to your first dance as a married couple, just imagine dancing in the moonlight to live music while on your honeymoon, at the upcoming wedding of some dear friends, waltzing on your vacation in Vienna, or impressing your colleagues at your next corporate party. As a couple, dancing is a great way to stay connected, enjoy date night, and work together toward a common goal.

  • Take the stress away. Dance lessons for your wedding are a fantastic way to have fun and destress before your wedding day. With all the planning, decisions, and deadlines that go into wedding planning, enjoying some time that’s carved out just for the two of you can be the difference between a headache and a happy evening!
  • Weddings can pass by in the blink of an eye. After months of preparation, the day goes by in a whirlwind; however, your first dance gives your a chance you to take a pause during the festivities. When your eyes are on each other and you’re in each other’s arms, that magical moment will be a cherished memory for years to come.
  • Wedding dances are something you’ll watch again and again. In today’s world, it is inevitable that guests will take out their phones to record your first dance. This is your day and your moment to shine! Learning to dance will give you a memory to treasure (the owners of our studio watch their wedding video every year on their anniversary!). We even have students who have recreate their dance for vow renewals and anniversary parties!
  • Make your wedding dance yours. At In Motion Ballroom, we’ve choreographed dances from a few simple sways and turns to a traditional Waltz, and from a jazzy swing dance to a full 90s mashup complete with dips, lifts, and yes, even flips! Each couple is different, and each dance should be different too – make a first dance that is uniquely you!
  • Dance lessons help you shake off the jitters. If you don’t feel comfortable with your dance skills, let us help you ease your nerves on your big day. Like the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”, and having an experience professional guide you will give you the confidence you need. Each student comes with different skills, varying amounts of time, and a unique vision – we’re ready to help!
  • Dance lessons help you learn to dance spontaneously. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you’ll be on your way to the burning up the dance floor at your next event! It only takes a few classes to get an idea of the basics and boost your confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Dance Preparation:

Is there a “correct” type of first dance?

In our opinion, you can do whatever you want! Your wedding is your special day, and you should fill it with moments that are meaningful to you. If you are looking for a classically romantic dance, go for it! If you and your future spouse would rather recreate the dance from Dirty Dancing,, make it happen!

I have no dance experience, but I want to look good on my wedding day. What should I do?

First things first, make sure you are comfortable in your dress/suit/etc. Uncomfortable shoes or a dress that doesn’t allow you to walk freely can make your day a little more difficult. When it comes to dancing, thought, good old-fashioned practice is the only way! It’s important to practice your dance for at least a few months ahead of the wedding; the more time you have to practice, the more confident you will feel. Repetition is the only way to feel comfortable dancing, no matter how simple or complex the steps are.

When should I start taking dance lessons?

The sooner the better! We recommend that you begin taking lessons around six months before your wedding date. That gives you enough time to master the basics, practice so that any wedding day jitters won’t throw you off, and even add some flourishes or two to make the dance uniquely yours. Keep in mind that life happens, and the closer you get to the wedding, the less free time you will have to attend lessons or to practice at home. Set yourself up for success by planning ahead!

Should we learn other dances for our wedding?

That all depends on your goals! Just as you have thoroughly planned out the venue, décor, and menu, it is wise to plan the dancing. Will you have a first dance after dinner or immediately upon entering the reception venue? Are you doing father/daughter or mother/son dances? Are there members of the family that you wish to honor with a special dance? What kind of music will be played at the wedding? Our instructors can help you decide what would be useful for you on your special day.

Give us a call to schedule your complimentary wedding consultation today!