What to Know About Personalized and Memorable Choreographed Wedding Dances

For many couples, showing their personalities through little moments during the wedding day is a big deal. And what better way to do that than through choreographed wedding dances? A choreographed routine is especially fun and can help soothe the nerves, since you've spent months with lessons to build your confidence. Plus, if you're unsure about the exact order of wedding dances, having choreographed numbers will ensure there's no confusion for whoever is involved. We dive into everything you need to know, like how much is a wedding choreographer? And what is the choreography process like?

We also had a chance to hear from wedding choreography experts who gave their insight into the many types of dance routines for weddings. "Hiring a dance teacher is a bit like dating! You have to feel comfortable and resonate with their vibe! If you don't, the experience will not be as enjoyable, so make sure you really like the person's energy you have chosen to work with," Lexi Lyric of Wedding Dance Whisperer in NYC says of this crucial component in finding the right vendor. Ready to put your dancing shoes on? Let's begin those first steps into hiring a wedding choreographer for your big event.

In this article: Definition | Cost | How to Hire | Who to Hire | How to Choreograph | How Long Does It Take

What Does a Wedding Choreographer Do?

A choreographer can teach you everything from a father-daughter choreographed wedding dance to an elaborate first dance between you and your new spouse. Their routines typically go beyond the usual slow dancing, with more of a tailored approach to fit your skills, songs and overall wedding vibe.

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For the first lesson, Liza Marians of Dance With Liza in San Diego, says, "Learn some basic fundamentals of dance, then get started with introductory choreography. Decide what section(s) of the song we're using: average song length is 90 seconds to three minutes, with an average in the two-minute range. The best is to fade after the second chorus or edit the song, removing part of it if you want to keep the end."

Some choreographers even work virtually through Zoom calls or videos, making it easier for a wedding party scattered across the country to learn their routine.

How Much Does a Wedding Choreographer Cost?

Now for the big question: How much do wedding choreographers charge? According to our experts, "The typical cost of a choreographed wedding dance ranges from $90–$220 per session. Many companies have packages as well where, if you purchase those, you can save some money," Lyric says.

Marians adds that the overall cost could also be "between $500–800," and this will vary based on region, number of lessons and other factors. To learn more about local wedding costs, be sure to check out The Knot Budget Advisor to see how this expense will fit into your wedding day cost.

How to Find a Wedding Dance Choreographer for a Wedding Near You

On the search for someone with a wide range of wedding dance experience? Whether it's a first dance, parent and to-be-wed dance, wedding party dances or cultural dance, finding a wedding dance choreographer near you is as easy as searching the dance lesson section of The Knot Vendor Marketplace. Enter a location and filter by music genres, like Latin, African or Indian wedding dance choreographers, or styles like classical, bluegrass and more.

A pro tip from one choreography expert is to find a vendor who can effectively work with your dance concept. "Make sure you express your vision for your dance to your instructor and choreographer early on. Show him or her inspiration videos or explain what you envision. Make sure what they're showing you matches your vision," Marians says.

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Dance Choreographers for Weddings to Know

If the search for "wedding choreographer near me" isn't enough, then we've gathered some tried and true professionals with five-star reviews around the country to help out. Whether you're looking for first dance tips and tricks or someone who can guide you through the entire process, these choreographers will definitely put some pep in your step.

Sunrise Dance in Houston, Texas

Photo: Sunrise Dance

Sneha Dama at Sunrise Dance in Texas is an Indian wedding choreographer with more than 20 years of experience in crafting a variety of genres for her couples, including Bollywood, Latin, pop, Kathak, jazz, hip-hop and classical. Offering custom choreography for first dances, wedding party performances and other reception dances, she works with clients to make them feel at ease and confident in their dancing. Customers enjoyed her easy-to-follow instructions and flexibility with virtual and in-person classes.

Your Night Choreo in Los Angeles, California

Photo: Your Night Choreo

Your Night Choreo in LA is a Hispanic/Latinx-owned business with over 13 years in the business and a focus on custom choreography for first dances, parent dances and wedding entrances. They specialize in traditional ballroom, salsa, bachata, tango, country, swing, hip-hop, k-pop, Bollywood and cumbia dancing. Past customers rave about the couple behind Your Night Choreo and their fun choreography that is memorable and easy to learn through lessons.

Visionary Productions in Seattle, Washington

Photo: Visionary Productions

If you're looking for a trilingual dance choreographer for weddings in the PNW, consider the Hispanic/Latinx-owned Visionary Productions with their experience in a wide range of dances: American and Latin ballroom, like the foxtrot, Lindy swing, hustle, rumba, waltz, salsa, Argentine tango, cha-cha, house, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban and Caribbean. With multiple packages to suit your needs for first dances and other personalized wedding choreography, past couples appreciate Ernesto and Gabrielle's patience and creativity in crafting a unique wedding dance.

Live Free Wedding Choreography in Palm Harbor, Florida

Photo: Live Free Wedding Choreography

Since 2020, Live Free Wedding Choreography has had a passion for creating first dances and choreography for father-daughter dances, mother-son dances, wedding party performances and more. This woman-owned business has experience with Bollywood, classical, country, disco, jazz, Latin, pop and other styles of dance, guiding couples with patience and understanding to make their first dance one of their dreams.

A Perfect Wedding Dance in Las Vegas, Nevada

Photo: A Perfect Wedding Dance

Located in the marriage capital of the world (AKA Las Vegas) is A Perfect Wedding Dance, a woman-owned business with nearly three decades of experience. With their choreographed wedding dance lessons, you can choose between many dance styles like ballroom, Latin, swing, nightclub, country, jazz, tap and hip-hop. You can learn your first dance, father-daughter, mother-son, group dances, ceremony dances, grand entrance and even wedding flash mobs with their tailored choreography, both in-person and virtually.

Take the Floor Event Choreography in Alexandria, Virginia

Photo: Take the Floor Event Choreography

Take the Floor Event Choreography services the greater DC area, and this veteran and woman-owned business has 20 years of experience in first dances, parent dances and wedding party dance routines for your unforgettable reception. Previous couples praise Becca, the wedding dance choreographer, for her helpful and thorough instruction, while pairing the perfect dance moves to match wedding songs.

The Movement Factory in Lakewood, Ohio

Photo: The Movement Factory

The Movement Factory in Ohio has almost 15 years of experience in dance choreography in a wide range of genres, including African, bluegrass, Bollywood, Caribbean, Celtic, disco, flamenco, folk, Klezmer, mariachi, polka, pop and so much more. Alyssa Wilmot's choreographed wedding dance routines are customized to your first dance song, and she also teaches father-daughter dances, mother-son dances and group dances virtually or in-person. Past customers gave her rave reviews for her choreography and instruction, saying her flexibility and encouragement create one-of-a-kind dance routines.

Windrose Choreography in Newport, Rhode Island

Photo: Windrose Choreography

Windrose Choreography in Rhode Island, owned by Olivia Burnham, teaches lessons for choreographed wedding first dances, parent dances, group numbers and other reception dances. She has many different styles to choose from, like a "foxtrot to a Taylor Swift cover or breakdancing to Snoop Dogg" as well as classical, jazz, pop, Latin and more. Previous couples loved her encouraging teaching style, tailored routines and the seamless experience of learning new moves.

The Wedding Dance Whisperer in New York City, New York

Photo: The Wedding Dance Whisperer

Lyric of New York's The Wedding Dance Whisperer has more than two decades in the industry, and she specializes in many dance styles such as smooth and elegant ballroom dancing, flamenco, jazz, Latin and even R&B. With both virtual and in-person lessons, you can learn a new first dance routine, parent dance or a choreographed group number. Customers praise her fun, positive attitude throughout the experience and preparedness for giving couples all they need to know for their showstopping wedding dances.

Danse L'Amour in Atlanta, Georgia

Photo: Danse L'Amour

With locations in Columbus, Nashville, New York City and Atlanta, but able to serve couples around the country virtually, Danse L'Amour is run by Isabella Johns, drawing on her years of experience in wedding dances. Johns and her licensed instructors teach couples, their parents and wedding parties a choreographed dance for wedding receptions in many genres, like rumba, waltz, cha-cha, foxtrot, country two-step, salsa and tango. Starting from the basics and diving into a tailored routine, Danse L'Amour is noted for its personable touch and adaptability.

How to Choreograph a Wedding Dance

One of the benefits of wedding dance lessons is showing off your moves during your choreographed routine. But not sure how to choreograph a wedding first dance? That's where the dance experts come in.

Lyric says, "We'll start with a quick Zoom consultation to chat about your vision, go over important details, check availability and talk through pricing. This is the perfect time to share your vision—if you have one, totally okay if you don't—and anything that'll help your teacher make the experience feel as fun and comfortable as possible for you and your partner… After that, you'll book your lesson dates—whether you're learning virtually or in person, depending on the package you choose. Your teacher will have your custom choreography ready for your very first session, and from there, the fun begins!"

She also adds how important it is to prepare for the actual day with everything you'll wear: "Make sure to bring the shoes you'll be wearing on the big day—heels, dress shoes or anything else—so you can get used to dancing in them. If your outfit includes any special elements like jackets or your dress has a very big or constricting bottom, bring a rehearsal version of those along too! That way, we can make sure all the choreography works beautifully with your look."

How Long Does It Take to Learn a Choreographed Wedding Dance?

You're not required to choose from a list of slow dance songs for your wedding dance, especially if you and your spouse-to-be have a favorite upbeat tune or want to show off your breakdancing skills. But the importance of choosing your choreographed first dance wedding songs is making sure the length works for your lessons.

Marians says there's an "average of [five] lessons. [It's] best to start two to three months before the wedding and space lessons out every 7 to 14 days so [you] have time to practice in between."

However, the earlier you can plan for more involved routines, the better, according to Lyric. She says, "The ideal timeline for planning your wedding dance is to reach out six to eight months before your big day. This allows you to secure your preferred dates and times, especially since schedules book up quickly. We recommend starting your actual dance lessons about 7 to 10 weeks before your wedding. This timing gives you a comfortable buffer—about a week before the wedding—so you're not rushing, while also keeping the choreography fresh in both your body and mind. Starting too early can lead to forgetting the steps, while starting too late can add unnecessary stress!"