Brides and grooms, how many times have you searched for “outrageous” or “funny wedding dance routines” on YouTube for a good laugh? If your answer is “Never”, you have got to take the time to look at some of the videos online. They are a riot! From couples smashing into their wedding cakes (by accident, of course) to entire bridal parties joining in the mix for an unexpected Swing or Salsa choreographed dance routine, wedding couples, and I’m assuming their dance instructors, have thought of it all! You’d think, “go big or go home” when it comes to “wowing” your guests, but sometimes less really is more. Here are a few examples of what not to do in your wedding dance.

First, my number one rule as a Wedding Dance Instructor/Choreographer is No Lifts! While re-creating the final scene from Dirty Dancing may really impress your friends and family, it is NOT a good idea on your wedding day. Even if the bride to be has taken years of cheerleading (believe me, I’ve heard this a million times), it is never a smart plan to fly high above your husband’s head in your wedding gown (or really in anything for that matter).

Safety first, fun second…that’s my approach to Wedding Dance Choreography. That said, I love a unique Wedding Dance! Let’s fill your first dance with excitement and drama with a sexy Argentine Tango, or make it playful and fun by doing a Swing dance, but let’s not put our bride in jeopardy of ending up in the hospital, or on top of her wedding cake, for sure!

Another common mistake that brides and grooms should learn from previous wedding dance disasters is the issue of wardrobe malfunction. Ladies, if you plan to wear a mermaid dress, and you want to dance something more than the 7th grade prom sway, I am going to recommend an outfit change. Even if you put on a new dress just for part of the reception, you will be able to move freely and comfortably without restriction in a dress that allows for movement. Mermaid and other tighter fitting dresses do look amazing on the right body type, but they are very limiting and often uncomfortable after a while.

A dress change for the perfect wedding dance is truly worth it! You’ll be able to spin freely and relax, rather than get caught up in whether you may ending up falling. Plus “costume changes” add another dimension to your first dance, helping to capture your audience’s attention and bringing some fun to your wedding choreography.

Lastly, to evade a “wedding gone wrong” experience on your big day, be mindful of the placement of your guests when performing your wedding dance. It’s super-cool to Country Two Step your way around the dance floor, but not if you end up spinning right into grandma’s lap! To avoid this catastrophe, know the dimensions of your dance floor and where your guests will be seated/standing, so you can have the space you need.

By starting the process of Wedding Dance Lessons with a Wedding Dance Consultation first, you will get many of these common mishaps out of the way before they ever become a thought. In some ballroom dance studios, you can receive a free consult, but I always recommend paying for one, even at a nominal rate, especially if a mini dance lesson is included. I firmly believe in “you get what you pay for”, so consider that when signing up for a consultation with an experienced instructor.

Wedding dance lessons can vary in price depending on what studio you attend, but keep in mind that no matter where you go, Private Dance Lessons are an investment. I always suggest picking a place that makes you feel comfortable so that you can relax and enjoy the journey of learning to ballroom dance for your wedding. It is a wonderful way for brides and grooms to de-stress during wedding planning times so call your local dance studio and let the fun begin!