Wedding dance 101: the basics explained

The wedding dance is one of those classic moments that guests wait for. Part romantic movie scene, part potential for chaos (we’ve seen the choreographed ones all over TikTok). But this time, we go right back to basics and ask the question: What is the wedding dance?

We look at the different types of first dances and help you choose which best suits you two!

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The Choreographed Showstopper

Is this your wedding or Dancing with the Stars? It doesn’t matter! A great way to have fun and break up the stress of planning a wedding is by going to dance classes together. And you can wow your family and friends with a choreographed dance.

Think: precision spins, surprise lifts, and a routine that looks like it took weeks of rehearsals (because, well, it did!). This style is ideal for couples who love a moment of spectacle and cherish being in the spotlight. Just be sure to pratice enough so that your nerves don’t send you offbeat halfway through your big dip.

Pro tip: Choose moves that feel natural to you. And, bear in mind, not every wedding dress is made to twirl.

Every wedding needs some great entertainment. Browse our suppliers of DJs and bands to find the music that fits your mood (and your dance!).

The Classic Slow Dance

Timeless, romantic, guaranteed to melt hearts. This is the go-to for couples who’d rather feel the moment than perform it. All you need is a meaningful song, a little sway, and the ability to forget there’s anyone else in the room. You know, it’s the whole: Dance like no one is watching energy. It’s all about connection, not choreography.

Pro tip: Don’t overthink it. It’s your first dance, not a test!

Getting the crowd involved

For some couples, it’s all about being together with their loved ones and making it a real party. Do you want your guests to feel part of the moment? Invite them! Make space in your song that halfway through they join in. It’s a sweet and inclusive gesture that turns a spotlight moment into a shared celebration. Plus, it gets the dance floor filled early – no awkward coaxing required later on!

Pro tip: Pick a song with a natural beat drop or tempo change for hte perfect “Everyone join in!” moment. (Proud Mary by Tina Turner, anyone!?)

The New Fashioned routine

This is far more common today. The bride and groom dance alone and complete the full number. Then the bridal party join the bridal couple and several couples dance. The best man will dance with the first bridesmaid (Matron of Honour) and the groomsman will dance with the second bridesmaid and so on.

During this second dance, couples may swap partners so it might mean the best man will dance with the bride, the groom with a bridesmaid and so on.

The third and final stage of this modern variation means everyone who wants to join in joins in.

The main advantage of the modern or new-fashioned routine is that it avoids any possible embarrassment if parents of the bride and/or groom have a new partner.

The Flash Mob Surprise

For couples who thrive on chaos and love a good reveal, the tried and tested flash mob might be the road to go down. Starting as a normal first dance: slow, sweet, romantic, the music switches up and suddenly the bridal party joins in with a choreographed routine. It helps if they’ve nailed the choreography but it makes it even funnier if they’ve only slightly nailed it.

The crowd goes wild, and you’ve almost guaranteed yourself a viral wedding video.

Pro tip: Keep it tight and upbeat. The charm fades if it goes on and on (and on)!

The TikTok Dance

Short, punchy, and definitely designed with social media in mind. Whether it’s a trending move or your own twist on a viral routine, this option is all about having fun and showing off your personality. It’s playful, not precious.

Pro tip: Make sure Grandma’s got a good view – she might want an insight to what the kids are up to these days!

Things to remember with your wedding dance

Get your timetable right

When do you have these special dances? A good timing idea is to have the first dance after the main course – remember there might be an entrée before the main course – and immediately after the cutting of the cake. To avoid any confusion, have the MC announce that the bride and groom will now take to the dance floor. Keep your guests well-informed.

Choice of music

This is vitally important. What type of dance do you wish to perform – a waltz, fox-trot, free expression? It’s a good idea to choose the style you can perform with style. Having chosen the type of music, choose the appropriate track/s. Then rehearse.

But there might be a problem. If you want Song X and rehearse to a recording, if on the day you dance to a live band and their arrangement, tempo, number of verses, etc is not the same; your bridal dance could be less than perfect. Either talk it over with the musos well beforehand or use recorded music – the same music you rehearsed to – just for your bridal dance.

Trying to find your first dance song? We’ve got some suggestions!