Let’s give the men a shout-out in this blog! Most of the time, we talk about what the blushing bride is wearing, how she should do her hair, what shoes to wear, and so forth. At Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona we’re especially concerned about the lady because a bride in 4-inch heels and a fitted mermaid dress is going to be a lot more difficult to deal with than one in ballet flats and a ball gown – at least when it comes to the ever-terrifying first dance. But at this studio, we also like to keep the guy in mind. When you’re thinking about your first dance, be it a simple and sweet slow dance or a fun Country Two Step, the man’s wardrobe choice can have a definite impact. Let’s kick off this week by talking about a few of the guy’s choices and how it affects your first wedding dance.

Jacket On vs. Jacket Off

What kind of dance are you doing? More importantly, what mood are you going for? Is the jacket fitted around your shoulders with room for you to comfortably lift your arms? These are all incredibly important questions to ask yourself. If you have broad shoulders and the jacket is a bit snug, it may be in your best interest to take the jacket off. You want to be able to turn your girl smoothly, and a tight jacket can take that away in a heartbeat. If your jacket will work either way, consider the style. If you’re going for a classic ballroom dance like the Foxtrot or Waltz, keep the jacket on… You’ll make Fred Astaire proud. Any other style will work nicely either way.

Suspenders vs. Belt

This one is personal preference, but if you’re going for a flashy first dance, you can have a lot of fun with suspenders. The bride can play with them, you can play with them, whatever. Suspenders can be incorporated into fun choreography much easier than a belt can. If that isn’t a big deal to you, then go with your gut (although I love suspenders, personally).

Tie vs. Bow Tie

This one is another area to where we can play in your first dance. It’s a little cheesy, but who doesn’t love dragging their new hubby onto the dance floor by his tie? Okay, maybe that isn’t for you, but here’s something to keep in mind: If you’re going the tie route – and you aren’t incorporating it into your dance – make sure you have a nice tie clip. You don’t want the tie to become the center of attention because it decided to Salsa dance on its own! This is your dance, so keep the tie in check. Want to go with a bow tie? We can’t play as much, but it’ll definitely stay put.

Dress Shoes vs. Sneaker/Boots/Etc.

I actually don’t have too much preference when it comes to the guy’s shoes. Dress shoes are probably the easiest to dance in, unless you’ve got some boots for your Country Swing Dance. Sneakers are definitely the hardest in terms of keeping the steps smooth (thanks, rubber soles), but it just takes a little extra practice. Any shoe you choose will work, just make sure you give yourself time to break them in before the wedding. You won’t regret it!

If you have any other questions about your first dance, or don’t even know where to start, come visit Dance FX Studios in Mesa, AZ. We’ve helped thousands of bridal couples create the perfect first dance for their wedding and would love to help you, too. We offer everything from fully choreographed, show-stopping routines to simple, basic wedding dance lessons. We’re just minutes away from Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Gilbert, so give us a call and book a wedding dance consultation to talk shoes, music, dancing, and more!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.