Choreographed vs. Non-Choreographed First Dance
When thinking about all the "newer" trends in the past 10 years I think one that has truly stuck is choreographed dances. There are always new fun takes on them on social media and they just really create a fun memory. Sometimes it's the first dance and for others, it's a father-daughter dance or even mother-son. I recently saw one that went viral where the groomsmen surprised the groom with a fun dance. My favorite though, are the couples that take dancing lessons for a more sophisticated dance but still keep the traditional vibe.
do you do a choreographed or non-choreographed first dance?
This is really up to how you and your fiancé feel. Here are some questions to ask yourselves. Are you both dancers or both enjoy dancing? Is it something you both feel comfortable doing in front of your guests? Will you create the choreography yourself, or do you need a dance class/dance instructor?
When answering some of these questions and thinking about them, what fits you two best? Would this make one feel uncomfortable in front of a crowd? Or, is this something you both would like to do? It’s best to have you both on the same page because you won’t want to force your partner out of their comfort zone, on your wedding day. Just talk it through together and this will help you determine which way to go with your first dance.
If the two of you are the type of couple who loves to dance, make the best of your moment and shine! And remember, just because it's choreographed doesn’t mean the steps need to be hard, especially if you are not expert dancers. You can make the steps simple and fun to create an exciting choregraphed dance that matches your comfort level and experience.
Choreographed Pros & Cons
Pros:
It’s definitely fun for the guests to watch and very entertaining! It makes for a great memory for you and your guests. Plus, dance lessons can be a a fun night and bonding experience for the two of your, during the planning process.
Cons:
You have to remember the steps of the dance and find time to practice often. It can take time to learn a full, and it could add to any wedding planning stress and overwhelm you may already be feeling. Hiring an instructor or taking dance lessons can sometimes be pricing so if you decide to go this route, make sure you calculate that into your budget.
Non-Choreographed Pro & Cons
Pros:
You don’t have the stress of learning and remembering the dance on top of all your other wedding planning to-dos. And, you don’t have the added cost of working with an instructor or taking private dance lessons. The dance tends to feel more organic, fluid and in the moment instead of being fully planned out. This allows you two to really focus on each other and enjoy the moment together instead of thinking through and counting your steps.
Cons:
It’s less of a big specifical part of your wedding but, it’s still a sweet and special moment so make the most of it. If you are a person who doesn’t like having all the eyes on you, this can still feel awkward and uncomfortable but, just focus on your partner and nothing else will really matter in that moment.
Don't put too much pressure on yourselves on this decision. Do what makes you both feel comfortable and what feels the most natural for the two of you. Either way, it will be a moment from your wedding that you will remember for a lifetime! <3
Happy Planning,
Naticia