Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid for Your First Dance
Make sure your first dance goes off without a hitch!
Your first dance is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day, but there are a few common missteps (pun intended!) that can catch couples off-guard. Here’s a fun guide to the top 10 mistakes couples make—and how to avoid them.
1. Not Practicing Enough
It may seem obvious, but many couples underestimate how much practice they need to feel comfortable. A first dance is often more than just swaying back and forth!
Avoid It: Give yourselves time to practice together. Even 15 minutes a day for a couple of weeks before the wedding can help you feel more confident.
2. Choosing a Song That's Too Long
Your guests love to see you dance, but a 5-minute ballad can start to feel endless—especially if you’re nervous.
Avoid It: Choose a song that’s between 2-3 minutes long or ask your DJ to fade it out. If you love a longer song, plan for a shorter dance and a graceful exit!
3. Picking a Song That’s Too Fast or Too Slow
A song that's too fast can leave you scrambling to keep up, while a song that’s too slow can feel awkward.
Avoid It: Pick a song with a tempo that fits your dancing ability and comfort level. Practice dancing to it beforehand to make sure it feels right.
4. Not Thinking About Footwear
Many couples forget that the shoes they wear on their wedding day can make dancing a challenge—especially for brides in high heels!
Avoid It: Practice in the shoes you’ll be wearing. Brides may want to switch to a more comfortable pair of shoes for the dance or even go barefoot for added comfort!
5. Overcomplicating the Dance Moves
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to wow the crowd with complex choreography, but that can lead to stress and mistakes.
Avoid It: Keep it simple. Focus on moves that feel natural and comfortable, especially if you’re new to dancing. You can always add a spin or dip for flair!
6. Forgetting to Smile
Couples often get so focused on remembering their steps that they forget to smile, making the dance look more like a chore than a celebration.
Avoid It: Relax and enjoy the moment! Remember, your guests are watching because they love you, not to judge your dance skills. A genuine smile will make the dance more special, no matter how the steps go.
7. Not Practicing in Your Wedding Attire
Your wedding dress or suit can feel quite different from what you’re used to dancing in! Full skirts or fitted jackets can affect your movements.
Avoid It: Have at least one practice session wearing something similar to your wedding attire. Brides should practice twirling in their dress and grooms should get comfortable moving in their suit or tux.
8. Forgetting About the Dance Floor Layout
A dance floor that’s too small can make it hard to execute bigger moves, while a large one can feel overwhelming.
Avoid It: Get familiar with the dance floor space in advance. Practice any special moves (like spins or dips) with the space you’ll have on your wedding day in mind.
9. Not Coordinating With Your DJ/Band
Sometimes the DJ or band will play a version of your song that’s slightly different from what you practiced, which can throw you off.
Avoid It: Give your DJ/band the exact version of the song you’ve been practicing to avoid any surprises. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties.
10. Forgetting to Enjoy the Moment
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to get everything right, but the most important thing is to savor the moment and enjoy it together.
Avoid It: Don’t stress too much about perfection. If you miss a step, laugh it off and keep going. This is a moment to celebrate your love—enjoy it!
Final Thoughts
Your first dance is a moment you’ll cherish for a lifetime. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on what’s most important—each other—you’ll create a magical moment to remember. Keep it fun, relaxed, and personal, and you can’t go wrong!