5 Ways to Make Your First Dance More Personal
“At Last” by Etta James, “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley, and a more contemporary “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran – are all go-to contenders for a first dance song.
While these choices are great, especially if they resonate with you and your partner in some specific way, they are a popular choice that many other couples will have used on their big day. Your first dance is an opportunity to have a heartfelt moment with your partner before the party starts to kick off. Although an age-old wedding tradition, the first dance can also be an opportunity to shake it up a little and show off your personality as a couple. This could be as simple as adding a few intricate spins to your dance or going full choreo. Either way, if you choose a song or dance that is personal to you and your partner’s love story, you can’t go wrong. If you need some ideas, here are some fun and easy ways to make your first dance more personal!
Commission A Custom Song
Running through all potential wedding songs and don’t feel a connection to any of them? Toss those aside and commission a custom song! Not only would it be guaranteed to tell your love story in perfect detail, but it will create a “wow” moment and take your first dance to another level. If you do decide to go this route, we recommend Bring Your Song to Life. They are a group of professional musicians who will craft a custom song based on the personal stories you share with them. You get final approval of lyrics and they offer three package options, so you can choose what is best for your budget.
Photography by Fabiana Skubic Photography
Photography by Jess Sinatra & JNR Photography
Create A Medley
No rule says you can only have one first dance song! If you find yourself gravitating towards multiple songs that represent your relationship, create a medley of them for your first dance. It will create an interesting effect for guests and be different from any other first dance song, even if you do use a more traditional wedding song in the mix. Just make sure to choose songs that can easily flow into each other and try to stick to only 3 or 4 songs, you don’t want too many transitions in the medley.
Choreograph It
Go full Dancing With The Stars for your first dance! Even if this is only a few choreographed spins or a major dip at the end of the song, incorporating planned moves into your first dance can be a fun way to ease the pressure and make guests laugh. Try to keep it simple so you have no trouble remembering the routine and practice with your partner to be able to go into your first dance confidently. If you want to make it even more fun, include your bridal party in part of the dance to create a memorable moment for everyone.
Photography by Alyssa Parker Photography
Photography by Emma King Photography
Dance to A Live Version of Your Song
If you decide to hire a live band for part or all of your wedding reception, consider having them play your first dance song. Many bands will offer to learn your wedding song as a part of their services, but if not, ask them if they would be willing to learn the song and give them enough notice so that they have time to perfect your chosen track. This allows you to be in the moment and enjoy your first dance with your partner, making it extra special and romantic for the two of you.
Include Your Guests
Taking part in your first dance can be nerve-wracking with all of your guests sitting there looking at you and your partner. If this makes you nervous or uncomfortable, consider making your guests an active part of your first dance. Dance with your partner alone for the first minute of your chosen song and then start pulling guests onto the dance floor or have your DJ announce when guests can join in. You can also give your guests sparklers or glow sticks that they can wave around as you move through your first dance, getting them up and moving as well.
via Unsplash
Share this with a bride who is in the process of picking her first dance song! If you’re still early on in your wedding journey, get a head start on finding your wedding gown by browsing our $1,200 or less gown collection.
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