10 Tips to make sure you have a memorable wedding dance

Just in time for the busy June wedding season, pros at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios would love to share with your audience the critical steps for couples to perfect their first dance: Don’t let the dress “trip you up” – The bride and groom should practice dancing in their wedding clothes so they can avoid one of life’s most embarrassing moments – tripping in front of a crowd.

As spring preparation turns into summer wedding ceremonies, the pros at Fred Astaire Dance Studios created this list of critical questions couples must consider when planning for their wedding dance.

What’s the wedding date? Most couples need two to three months of instruction and practice so they know the dance automatically without thinking about it.

What is your budget? Wedding dance lessons can cost as little as the average wedding cake to as much as the flowers and decorations, so having an idea of how much money you’re prepared to spend will help your instructor plan well.
What dress will the bride wear? Is there a long train? What about shoes and high heels?  The couple should practice dancing in wedding clothes so they learn to avoid tripping hazards.
DJ or band? With a DJ, the instructors can make a special cut of the music that makes it easier for a dance.  Bands are trickier because performers often play their own song renditions. Couples should practice dancing with the band so they know their dance matches the band’s version of the song.
What kind of dance? Fred Astaire Dance Studio pros say most couples pick out their song right away, but they have no idea how to dance to it. Instructors can help craft a dance that works with the song. Or if the couple has a dance style in mind, they can help pick a song to match the dance.
Who will be dancing? Wedding dance lessons aren’t just for the bride and groom anymore. Will there be a mother-son performance? Father-daughter? What about the wedding party?
How many guests, and how big is the dance floor? Instructors can map out dance moves so the couple faces the main audience most of the time. They’ll plan a dance around the layout of the room, the space and the location of the guests.
Photographer or videographer? Once couples know the dance, they need to meet with photographers and videographers so these pros know where to stand for the perfect shot.
Announcement of the bride and groom? Fred Astaire dance pros recommend couples dance when they first arrive so their guests can enjoy the dance and then move onto food and conversation. Otherwise, guests are caught off guard in the middle of their meal.
How long is the dance? Dance pros say the wedding dance song should be no longer than a minute or two to reduce the stress on the couple. Plus, after two minutes, guests can get antsy and bored.
Know someone who could use some dance lessons for your wedding day? Give us a call to learn how we can help!