Uber romantic, a bit scary and surreal. That’s just a few ways to describe how you might feel when you take to the dance floor for the first time at your wedding reception with your brand new husband.
You may have been dreaming of this moment for a long time, or you may have been dreading it. But for the next few minutes, the dance floor is yours. So, no pressure then.
It’s a wedding tradition that you both open the dancefloor after your wedding breakfast has finished. You’ll probably take to the floor to the sound of applause from your friends and family who’ve been enjoying the day so far.
First off, we’d like to say that you don’t actually have to have a first dance. It’s entirely up to you. It’s your wedding day and you shouldn’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable with.
That said, if you don’t have a first dance, it’s something you might regret for the rest of your married life. Just think of the atmosphere – everyone is wishing you well and even if you make a few mis-steps nobody will mind.
You could just start with a slow smoochy number that doesn’t require any complicated footwork – after all it’s the thought that counts here. Or if you’re a fan of Strictly Come Dancing you might like to take the opportunity to learn a routine. Maybe learn how to waltz in style. There’s nothing to say that your first dance has to be a slow number. There are plenty of teachers out there who specialise in couples learning to move to a first wedding dance and if you want to take a bit more time about it, there are even some weekend courses to take, plus you get to have a weekend together at the same time!
Once you’ve decided on the tune you’re going to dance to, particularly if it’s been featured on a programme like Strictly, check how the professional couples strut their stuff and see if you can pick up a few tips. Remember to smile, don’t look worried and stressed, and practise, practise, practise, in front of a mirror if you possibly can! Also remember to practise in the shoes you’re going to be wearing – you might want to think about this one because high stilettos could get caught in the hem of your wedding gown if you’re wearing something full and long.
So how do you choose what you’re going to start off dancing to? Like anything else on your wedding day, it’s a matter of personal choice. What we would say though is that you should discuss it fully with your other half – it’s not a unilateral decision, you both need to be entirely happy with what you’ve chosen.
10 popular first dance songs
Make you feel my love by Adele
This is fast becoming a modern wedding classic. It’s an easy slow dance, the words are beautiful and just about everybody will know the melody. A good choice if you’re shy about dancing, you can just have a slow smooch and enjoy being together, whispering quietly in one another’s ear.
Can’t take my eyes off you by Andy Williams
This is a wonderful song to learn a set dance piece to. It moves between slow verses and a faster chorus, so you can alter the tempo. We love it… it’s fun, not soppy and Andy Williams is right on trend just now.
How sweet it is by James Taylor
This is another timeless classic. Have a listen and see what you think. There’s a reason these songs are played over and over again.
Something by The Beatles
A beautiful slow dance – you start dancing to the first couple of verses and then everybody else won’t be able to resist joining in.
Greatest day by Take That
Gary Barlow writes some memorable songs and the words are perfect, don’t you think?
It had to be you by Harry Connick Jnr
How did you feel when you first saw the man who has become your husband. Was it love at first sight or did it take a bit longer? When was the moment ‘it had to be you’?
I’ve had the time of my life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
This is the one in Dirty Dancing when he lifts her up over his shoulders. Well, your groom doesn’t have to do that, but it’s a great song to dance some choreographed moves to.
If you’re struggling for more first dance ideas, why not head on over to our Music and Entertainment section for some more amazing ideas?
