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Key Takeaways
Swap the first dance with a fun group activity like a choreographed routine involving your guests.
Mark the celebration by slicing into dessert early, creating a sweet focal point for your reception.
Practice your unique first moment thoroughly to ensure it’s enjoyable and goes smoothly for everyone.
A wedding celebrates the unique bond of two individuals entering into a marriage. So, while many traditions surround this major life event, know that you aren’t beholden to include anything in your celebration that doesn’t feel authentic to who you are as a couple. And that includes the first dance.
Whether you don’t love two-step, tend to shy away from the spotlight, or just want to make the moment feel more inclusive, there are plenty of reasons you may want to forgo this custom. Whatever your reason may be, know that it’s perfectly legitimate—and that you aren’t alone in the choice! More and more couples are opting to forgo the first dance, and are instead marking the beginning of their reception with a unique alternative.
Thinking that you may want to do the same? Read on for 10 creative and thoughtful first dance alternatives, along with some practical tips for pulling off the swap.
The Best First Dance Alternatives
From celebrating with bubbly to planning fun performances, there are plenty of creative ways to commemorate your wedding day.
Practical Tips
In order to ensure your first dance alternative goes off without a hitch, follow these tips.
Practice, Practice, Practice
If you’ll be swapping in a choreographed number or a musical performance, don’t think you can wing it! Spend time rehearsing and you’ll feel much more comfortable when the big moment finally arrives.
Keep Your Vendors in the Loop
This is especially true of your DJ or band. Be sure they know what the alternative plan is, when it is happening, whether or not it is a surprise, and, perhaps most importantly, why you are choosing it. Once they know the backstory, they’ll be more careful with honoring your wishes.
Make What’s Happening Clear to Guests
If you want your first dance alternative to include other guests or be an all-eyes-on-you moment, be strategic about when it occurs during your wedding reception. You’ll want a moment when all guests are seated and/or by the dance floor and ready to pay attention, such as at the beginning of dinner. Guests should be able to clearly hear your DJ or emcee, and your DJ or emcee will want to clearly explain what’s happening. They may want to kick things off by saying, “In lieu of a first dance, Parker and Taylor now invite you to direct your attention towards X, where Y will be happening.” This way, guests will understand that something special is occurring, and they’ll pay full attention.
Conclusion
In sum, if the idea of taking dance lessons to prepare for a traditional first dance sounds more like a slog than something you’ll enjoy, know that you don’t have to! There are plenty of unique alternatives to the first dance to explore, and, if properly planned for and practiced in advance, they can make for a wonderful and meaningful addition to your wedding day. Find the “first” that feels right for you, and you’ll be guaranteed to look back on it with fond memories.
