Today we’re talking about the first dance at your wedding, a topic not discussed very often. However, we feel it is an important part of your reception: it is, after all, your first official dance and the song you pick will be your song. So, today we’re sharing seven first dance mistakes to avoid to ensure yours goes off without a hitch. Also, tell us: what song have you picked for your first dance?

First Dance Mistakes to Avoid

MISTAKE #1: The Too-Long Song.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: when A & I originally picked our first dance song, it was EIGHT minutes long. Mind you, we were slightly kidding when we mentioned it to our DJ, but thankfully he was totally against it. He (gently) told us to, um, maybe scale back a bit. (Can you really imagine dancing for eight minutes straight?) Me & A’s first dance song was The Other Half of Me by Bobby Darin, one of our all-time favorites. Our Bobby Darin number came in at a sweet two minutes and twenty-nine seconds. And, come to think of it, it was the perfect amount of time. If your song is too long, guests will start to get bored; I mean, you’re really just twirling for minutes on end. They can really only watch for so long. Likewise, if your song is too short, you’ll feel cheated out of the moment. Pick something in-between and it will be just right.

MISTAKE #2: The Timing.

The first dance is usually held immediately after dinner and ‘kicks off’ the dancing portion of the evening. Don’t wait too long after dinner or guests will be eager to dance and will have to wait.

MISTAKE #3: The Awkwardly Slow Song.

If you and your spouse-to-be aren’t slow dancers, don’t pick a slow song. Instead, pick a song that you feel comfortable dancing to. Also, super-slow songs can be really hard to dance to anyway. Make a list of at least three songs and give them a try before the big day.

MISTAKE #4: Forgetting to practice.

As mentioned in #3, you’ll want to practice your first dance before the big day. It doesn’t have to be a big to-do… just play some music in your living room and dance along to it. You’ll know right away if the song is too fast, too slow, or just right. If you can’t dance, be sure to take dance lessons before the big day.

MISTAKE #5: Forgetting to test the shoes.

And, while you’re at it, be sure to practice in the shoes you’ll be wearing at your wedding. It makes all the difference. If you’re nervous about wearing heels and being able to dance, bring along a pair of flats.

MISTAKE #6: Not reading over the lyrics.

Before you finalize your song, read over the lyrics carefully. There are so many songs I’ve heard that people think are perfect for a first dance, but once you really read the lyrics it turns out the song isn’t romantic at all! Do your homework first just in case.

MISTAKE #7: Trying too hard.

Don’t try so hard! Just relax, focus on your spouse, and enjoy the moment in the spotlight.

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Don’t Forget to Commemorate It

Once your first dance song becomes ‘your song’, you should commemorate it. A piece of art for your home is one such idea. For instance, you can have one of your favorite wedding photos turned into a canvas with the song lyrics in the background. We love these! (By Geezees).

So, tell us: what’s your first dance song?

xo,
-E.

Do you have any first dance mistakes to add to the list?