The first dance is one of the highlights and most memorable parts of any wedding. While just a few minutes long, your first dance is a few minutes you will remember for the rest of your life. A bride and groom’s first dance, which crowns your wedding and sets the tone for the rest of the evening, should be a momentous occasion. That’s why it’s worth taking a little extra time to plan your first dance out. As you do so, here are some ways you can make it even more exciting and special.
Dress Up
Don’t be afraid to do a costume change—even if it’s only for your first dance. Whether something sophisticated or something silly, a first dance get-up is sure to attract attention. You don’t have to go all out either. A tasteful accessory or embellishment can add just enough pizazz to make a statement without being overwhelming.
Pick the Perfect Song
Picking the first dance song is often difficult for most couples. However, it needn’t be that difficult. Don’t feel constrained by “traditional” love songs or songs with romantic themes. Pick a song that has meaning for both of you—whether that was the song you first danced to or that one song you were both so into once upon a time. Remember: the first dance song is for you, not your guests.
Add Your Own Touch
Do you play the guitar in your free time? Have a family member that sings? You can incorporate these musical elements into your first dance! Such personal accompaniments are usually touching and well-received and they certainly make for a memorable first dance! Even if you’re not a singer, a few practiced notes at the beginning of your song can be a big hit.
Create a Special Dance
Regardless of the tone of your first dance, traditional or modern, one surefire way to make your first dance unique is by choreographing something special. It can be a fun dance, a dance that has special meaning to you, or even a dance that is choreographed by a professional. Not sure where to begin? Look to YouTube for inspiration.
Consider a Mash-up
Can’t pick one song? With modern technology, you don’t have to. With a few songs that flow together well, you can create the perfect musical mash-up for your first dance. A good DJ will be able to whip this up for you—ask us about how our DJs can help you put together a multi-song mix.
Try a Flash Mob
Flash mobs are popular at weddings and for good reason: it allows guests to get in on the fun and usually guarantees a well-packed dance floor later on. Whether it’s just a few people or a few dozen, a well executed flash mob can be the perfect surprise ending to your first dance.
Personalize Your Song
For a truly unique take on a first dance, add your own voice and other elements to your first dance song. Some professional DJs can work with pre-recorded sound bites and edit them into your track. Record whatever is meaningful to you, whether that’s a special saying or poem, or merely the two of you saying “I love you” to each other. Don’t be afraid to make these sound bites funny, as well!
Make Sure Everyone is Prepared
It’s not only you and your future spouse who should be ready for your first dance. Your DJ, photographer, wedding planner and other wedding staff need to be prepared as well. You should plan out ahead of time who will ask the guests to stand, who will dim the lights, who will announce the first dance, etc. It’s key that you speak to your party staff and your DJ ahead of time about this. Speaking to your DJ is especially important, as your DJ will set the tone for the first dance.
Add Special Effects
Get fancy with special effects! From lights to props, there are an infinite number of things you can do to make your first dance memorable. One example: a “dancing on the clouds” effect (link here). We have done this for several clients with great success—get creative and think of what could make your first dance that much more special.
Need More Help With Your First Dance?
Let one of our Cutting Edge Entertainment DJs assist you with one of the most important parts of your wedding. Our DJs will help you plan and execute your first dance from start to finish—so that it’s exactly how you want it. Get in touch with us to learn more!
