First Dance Alternatives
Having a first dance might not be your thing, and that’s ok.
There are many ways to creative special moments at your wedding and we wanted to give you a list of all sorts of great first dance alternatives.
But first a little bit about the traditions behind the first dance:
“In the days of Kings and Queens the First Dance was used to open a ball or a special event. This special occasion was led by the guest of honour. This person was typically someone very high on the social ladder or someone of royalty. The First Dance was the grand opening for the ball. It has now evolved into a tradition at our modern-day wedding. In the past ballroom dancing was a skill that many people had. It was even apart of the educational system at one point. Because ballroom dance was a known skill, many bride and grooms used Waltz, a ballroom dance style, for their First Dance. ” – Source
We made a list that are a different kind of excitement, memorable and unique ideas that might appeal to you as the bride and groom. Regardless of your reasons of wanting an alternative to a first dance, we hope there is an idea you will find in this post that makes your special day much more memorable!
Once upon a time
Do you remember the first time you and your partner met? The first time you said to your best friend “they are the one”? You and your partner could write, have your bridal party act out or pre-record the story of how the first date turned into your wedding. Once dinner is complete, request that all your guests have their seat and show, or story tell them your love story to replace the first dance (it’s cheesy but a great way to remember all your exciting memories).
To game or not game?
Are you and your partner video game players? Why not set up a big screen and do a round of one on one Mario Kart Racing, or an epic Dance Dance Revolution or Guitar Hero battle! Maybe the two of you are big Star Wars or Game of Thrones fans? You and your partner could stage a light saber scene or a sword duel. After the two of you face off, let your guest have a go! It’s a great idea if the both of you are competitive and want to show off your talents as being the next Jedi knight!
First time for a first!
Is there something you and your partner have always wanted to do, just never did? Find something (within limits of your venue) and do it in front of your guests! Maybe a round of Double Dutch, Super Soaker fight or learning to hula hoop, something neither of you have done. Share not only a special moment between you and your spouse but something your guest will be honoured to be a part of!
Did someone say group dance?
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the dancing scenes of classic movies such as Grease or Footloose? All those characters breaking into the exact same dance? Invite your guests to the dance floor with the both of you and play a song that everyone knows! If you and your partner really admire a movie scene, have it playing in the background to really add to the moment! We recommend the Cha Cha Slide or the Chicken Dance (because how fast can you really go). A group dance is a great alternative to a first dance!
Singing with your Soulmate
Hopefully, you and your partner don’t get embarrassed easily! Pick a duet, and sing it to the best (or the worst if you’re both feeling silly) abilities. Have a friend record the song and you can reminisce on your anniversary. Invite your guests up to sing with you to make long last memories. Who knows, there maybe the next Celine Dion at your wedding?
Slideshow of the Past
Not every couple is as outgoing as the next and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! You and your partner, your bridal team or even family can make a slideshow showcasing pictures from both of your childhoods to present day or just over the course of your relationship! We are sure that there will be cute baby pictures, embarrassing pictures, and pictures that mean something special. Invite your guests to take a seat and have the slide show go along to a favourite song of your choosing that would have been used for a first dance.
First dance – for all Couples
The first dance doesn’t have to be you and your partner! Make an announcement and invite all the married couples to the dance floor with you and your partner. To make it more memorable for the other married couples, ask the songs of the married couples and replay it for them! Not only will this take the pressure off you and your partner, but you’ll spark those first butterflies for the other married couples.
Wedding Party Dance
Your bridal party is made up of your closest friends and will do anything to ensure your special day goes smoothly (or that is what we all hope)! Pre-wedding, ask your bridal party to choreograph a dance for the big day and perform it as the first dance of the evening! You and your partner don’t need the details of the dance and it’ll surely be a surprise with what they come up with! We are sure you’ll both get a great laugh out of it and so will your guests.
