Junior Rasmussen
Dancing in a wedding dress can be a challenge, but with the right preparation, it is possible to dance the night away in your dream dress. Wedding dresses can impact the way you dance, so it's important to consider the style of your dress when planning your first dance. For example, a long train might restrict your movement, and a tight skirt might make it hard to take big steps. However, there are ways to work around these challenges, such as adding a loop to the end of the train or changing into a second, more dance-friendly dress for the reception. Practicing your first dance in your wedding dress is also key to feeling comfortable and confident on the dance floor.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Wedding |
| Type of dance | First dance, parent dances, couple dances, etc. |
| Participants | Bride, groom, wedding party, parents, all couples in the room, etc. |
| Dance style | Slow, romantic, jazz, ballroom, waltz, foxtrot, etc. |
| Dance elements | Twirls, dips, lifts, turns |
| Dress style | Trumpet, fit-and-flare, mermaid, short, etc. |
| Dress features | Comfort, ease of movement, skirt type and length, tightness |
| Dance practice | Rehearsals, muscle memory |
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What You'll Learn
The impact of wedding dress style on the first dance
The wedding dress is an important aspect of the first dance, impacting everything from how the couple moves to their level of comfort.
The silhouette, sleeves, and train length of a wedding dress can all influence a bride's ability to dance. For instance, a skirt that hugs the body may restrict movement, especially if it is tight around the knees. A fitted dress, on the other hand, can be great for simple lifts as there is less material for the partner to get caught in. A dress with sleeves may also require the bride to practice lifting her arms during fittings to determine which arm placements will work for the dance.
The length and style of the dress can also impact the choreography. A long train may restrict how low a bride can get on the dance floor, and a full skirt may prevent her from getting too close to her partner, requiring a more traditional dance frame. A ball gown, however, can provide plenty of room to move and allow the bride to change into more comfortable shoes.
The choice of wedding dance style will depend on the couple's skill level and the song they have selected. Some couples may opt for a simple slow dance or sway, while others may choose a more upbeat style like salsa, swing, or hip-hop. The dress can impact the feasibility of certain dance styles; for instance, a mermaid gown may require smaller steps and limit the distance travelled.
To prepare for the first dance, some dance schools offer petticoats to mimic the shape of a wedding dress during rehearsals. It is also recommended that brides practice in their actual dress to identify any issues and work on choreography within the dress's limitations. Ultimately, the couple can make the wedding traditions their own, incorporating their uniqueness into the first dance while still feeling comfortable and confident.
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Dancing in your wedding dress
The style of your wedding dress will impact your first dance, and it is a good idea to practice in your full attire. Some couples even opt for a second, shorter dress for the reception, which is easier to dance in. A tight-fitting dress may restrict your movements, especially if it is tight around the knees. Trumpet or fit-and-flare silhouettes are more forgiving than a mermaid style, for example. If you can walk in your dress, you can dance in it, but it is worth bearing in mind that a large skirt will impact how it feels to dance, and you may need to adapt to taking smaller steps.
Some couples choose to choreograph their first dance, perhaps with a romantic slow dance that builds to an upbeat jazz number to get their guests clapping along. Others prefer to simply go with the flow and let the music guide them. Either way, it is a good idea to get to know your music and rehearse, so you can dance more intuitively and feel more comfortable.
Dancing is a popular wedding reception activity, and there are many traditional wedding dances, such as parent dances, that can make the celebration even more meaningful. The bouquet and garter tosses are also traditional dances at weddings, although many couples now choose to omit these.
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The history of the first dance
The exact origins of the first dance tradition are unknown, but it is quite a new custom in wedding celebrations, emerging after the First World War. Prior to this, weddings in Europe and America were usually held at the bride's house.
The first dance may have its roots in the days when the groom would steal his bride and show her off to his friends by dancing around the fire before the wedding celebrations began. This evolved into an era when brides were bought from their fathers, and the first dance became a fertility ceremony.
In the 17th century, it was customary at formal balls in France for the guest of honour, usually a person of high social status or a member of the royal family, to perform the first dance. This was a way of inviting all the other guests to dance. This tradition was reserved solely for the aristocracy, with the working class adopting the custom later.
In the 1800s, even the waltz was considered scandalous. However, by the 1920s, ballroom dancing had gained popularity, especially in England, and dancing was seen as a social skill. Etiquette columnist Emily Post, in her 1922 book, recommended that newlyweds not join the dancing until after their guests had begun, and that they dance with one another first before moving on to other partners.
Today, the first dance is a popular tradition in modern European and American wedding celebrations, with couples either slow dancing or learning a choreographed routine.
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Parent dances
The parent dance is a wedding event steeped in tradition, where the bride dances with her father and the groom dances with his mother. These dances are commonly called the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance. The father-daughter dance is the original parent dance and the source of the tradition. The mother-son dance is a more recent tradition, which became popular as father-daughter dances became standard practice at weddings.
The parent dance is usually performed after the first dance of the married couple. However, some couples choose to do the parent dances first, followed by their first dance as a married couple. This can be a nice way to transition into the open dancing section, with the newly married couple already in each other's arms.
The parent dance is a special moment for both the parents and their children. It is a chance for the parents to feel appreciated and proud, and for their children to express their love and gratitude. It is also a great way to kick off the dance party, with the DJ playing an upbeat song after the parent dances are over to fill up the dance floor.
Some couples choose to combine the parent dances to save time, avoid being the centre of attention, or honour parents evenly. It is recommended to keep the parent dance between 2 to 3 minutes. Anything longer can feel too long, and anything shorter may not give photographers enough time to capture the moment.
If you and your parents are unsure about dancing, you can always hire a dancing coach to teach you some simple moves or choreograph a dance for you. It is a good idea to discuss the dance with your parents ahead of time, choose a song together, and consider practising in your wedding attire to get a feel for your movements.
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The grand entrance
For the grand entrance, the newlyweds will likely be wearing their wedding attire, so it is a good idea to practice dancing in your full formal attire at least once. The type of skirt will impact how it feels to dance, so consider using a petticoat to mimic the shape of your wedding dress during rehearsals. If your dress restricts your movement, consider changing into a reception dress that's easier to dance in after the grand entrance.
If you want to get your guests involved, you can invite them to join you on the dance floor after your grand entrance. This can be a fun way to kick off the reception and get everyone moving.
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Frequently asked questions
The style of your wedding dress will impact your dance moves. If you want to perform elaborate choreography, a trumpet or fit-and-flare silhouette will be more forgiving than a mermaid style. A fitted dress is great for simple lifts, and an A-line style allows you to get close to your partner without your skirts getting in the way. If you have a long train, consider adding a loop to the end so you can carry it with you, or opt for a detachable train.
If possible, bring your wedding dress to your dance studio and practice dancing in it without your partner present. This will help you work out any issues that your dress might present. If you don't want your partner to see you in your dress, you can practice in a long skirt to get used to its length and material.
Quick or big steps can cause you to step on your dress. If your dress is tight around the knees, you will have restricted movement. You should also avoid looking at your feet while dancing—it's important to look into each other's eyes instead.
If your dress has a veil, make sure it's securely pinned up so it doesn't fall on your face. If you're wearing a jacket, keep it buttoned for a more polished look. If your budget allows, consider changing into a second dress that's easier to move in for the reception.
Learning how to dance for your wedding will help you feel more comfortable and confident. Practice your choreography at your final fittings to ensure your dress can handle the moves, and consider wearing a similar dress to your dance lessons.
