Why You Should Take Wedding Dance Lessons Before the Big Day

The reception dances are one the most common and touching wedding traditions. And if you're planning on doing one, you might be nervous about having two left feet or being in the spotlight. Luckily, there's a way to combat that. Wedding dance lessons minimize your nerves and offer numerous other benefits to your life. And yes, we know we sound like an infomercial but don't just take our word. We interviewed dance professionals so you can learn everything possible about dance classes and why they're worth adding to your wedding budget.

All the wedding dance lesson info you need: Why Take Lessons | FAQs | Tips Before Taking Lessons

Should You Take Dance Lessons for Your Wedding? Reasons Why

The first or family dance is one of the many unforgettable moments of a wedding. Because of that, here are six reasons you should take wedding dance classes before the big day.

1. You and your partner will step up your dance moves.

All eyes are on you during the first dance. Do you really want to be stuck doing the same moves you did with your crush in the eighth grade? Taking wedding first dance lessons allows you to add a new move (or two) to your repertoire. You don't have to learn lifts or a full-on choreographed number if you don't want to. But picking up some basic ballroom skills to help you look like you know what you're doing is worth it.

2. You'll be less nervous on the dance floor.

Taking wedding dance choreography is the number one way to make you less anxious and awkward about being in the spotlight. Practicing your dance steps instead will also make you feel more prepared and confident. If you think you'll be nervous on your wedding day, Elizabeth Marberry, owner and founder of Wedding Dance Coach with over 20 years of experience, suggests connecting with your dancing partner by looking them in the eyes. "Trust in your partner, look into each other's eyes, and allow the guests to fade away." Focusing on the music helps with anxiety too. "I find that the music is an anchor that helps you not rush and be in the moment," Marberry adds.

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3. You get the chance to connect with your partner or loved one.

One of the best ways to feel in sync with someone is while learning something new together. "Most couples I've worked with have mentioned that dance classes feel like a very intimate part of the planning process. It gives them the chance to be present together while learning a new skill and takes a lot of pressure from the wedding planning as they get closer to the wedding day," Siamidou says. Even if you're not learning the dance with your S.O., remind yourselves why you're making this commitment, laugh and get close all over again every week while learning how to cut a rug.

Photo: Katie Childs Photo

4. It's a fun date night.

Amid wedding planning, work and regular activities, "date night" can turn into you and your partner on the couch with a glass of wine and your seating chart in front of you. Although technically a part of wedding planning, wedding dance lessons are a fun way for you and your partner to do something new and step outside your comfort zone.

5. It's a good form of exercise.

Are you trying to tone up before the wedding? No one said you had to do it exclusively at the gym. Think of wedding dance choreography as a cool new addition to your workout routine. You'll barely even notice you're exercising until the next day when you have to walk up a flight of stairs.

6. You can use what you learned at other weddings.

Just because you're taking wedding dance lessons doesn't mean you can't use what you learned in other scenarios. Try your moves during your during the reception or while attending another wedding (but be careful not to show up the newlyweds).

Photo: Erin Johnson Photography

Wedding Dance Lesson Frequently Asked Questions

Now that you know why you should learn to dance for a wedding, let's address the logistics of this fun activity. We answer all the most common wedding dance class-related questions so you're not lost on the dance floor.

Where can you book wedding dance lessons?

Don't know how to find wedding dance lessons? Pick the easy option and book your wedding dance lessons using The Knot Vendor Marketplace. You can find instructors in the city of your choice, filter by music genre, look at reviews from real couples and request a quote through the site. Make sure you thoroughly read through each dance company's Marketplace page and official website to find the best instructor for your dance needs.

To simplify things for you, we've gathered some especially notable dance teachers from around the country. But if you don't see your location go to The Knot Vendor Marketplace and filter for your destination.

Wedding dance lessons by city and state:

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How many dance lessons before the wedding?

Marberry recommends taking a handful of dance lessons before the wedding. "Most of our couples do anywhere from five to 10 lessons. The average number is five lessons, and they'll book them one to two weeks apart. This gives people adequate time to go home and practice in between their lessons," Marberry explains.

How much are dance lessons for a wedding?

The wedding dance lesson cost depends on how many sessions you take and the experience of your desired dance company. If you want to take dance lessons and save money, Kalli Siamidou, the owner of Wedding Dance Vows with knowledge of numerous dance styles, suggests you start with group classes since they're less expensive, then switch to private lessons as it gets closer to the wedding day. Are you considering getting dance lessons for the father-daughter or mother-son dance? Then Marberry says it's worth investing in a dance package. This way you, your partner and your parents can take advantage of the classes.

The Knot Expert Tip: If you want to save money, inquire if your desired dance company offers discounts for couples who book a certain number of classes.

Photo: Xiaoqi Li Photography

What to wear to dance lessons for a wedding?

"In the first few sessions, I suggest wearing comfortable clothes and shoes––usually athletic wear. Later on, I suggest the dancers wear shoes similar to the ones they'll be wearing on the wedding day, and I also provide them with a practice skirt. After we know the whole choreography, we want to practice dancing with circumstances being the closest they will be on the wedding day," Siamidou says. Simply put, practicing in your dress shoes, heels and (as close as you can) wedding day outfit during the lessons will result in you being more confident on the dance floor on the big day.

The Knot Expert Tip: If you're wearing a dress during your wedding dance, let your dance instructor know the length of your dress. By doing so, the instructor can plan choreography that works best with your wedding attire.

How long before a wedding should you take dance lessons?

If you don't know when to take dance lessons, Marberry recommends couples book them three to four months before their wedding. "If it's in the middle of peak wedding season, it's always better to book at the five-month mark."

Can you take lessons for dances other than the first dance?

Yes, you can book wedding dance lessons for parent dances too. And no, the style of choreography you learn for a first dance generally isn't the same as the steps you would learn for a mother-son or father-daughter dance. "With parent dances, it's tricky because people are always like, 'I don't want it to be romantic.' But there are so many simple and fun moves you can learn for parent dances that spice things up," Marberry says.

Should I do group or private dance classes?

It's best to do group wedding dance lessons if you're joining to learn a few new moves and don't need a choreographed number. If you want to have personalized music and rehearse specific moves for it, you should definitely book private lessons so you can have more one-on-one time with the teacher.

Photo: Tyler Boye Photography & Videography

Tips Before Taking Wedding Dance Lessons

There's some prep needed before booking your wedding dance classes. Read these four quick tips to hit the dance floor the right way.

Determine your dance song before booking.

It's extremely helpful to have your song picked out before your wedding dance lessons. If you're having trouble choosing a song, bring up to three options so your dance instructor can help you decide which song works best for the type of dance style you want. You can also do a song mash-up of two tunes you like. No matter what you choose, send something to your dance instructor before the first lesson. "This way on the day of the first class there's a clear plan on what you will be dancing to, and the choreographer can start making their magic happen," Siamidou says.

While in the song-choosing process, Siamidou urges couples to "make a list of the songs that you love––songs that are meaningful to you and your relationship with your dance partner. Maybe it's a song that played on your first date or a tune with lyrics that speak to your heart. A good music choice is key for making your dance special to you."

Figure out how long you want your song to be.

"I recommend no longer than three and a half minutes, otherwise, it just goes on too long. You want to keep your guests engaged and entertained the entire time," Marberry says. The three-and-a-half-minute max includes song mash-ups too. It's best to get your song professionally edited if you're doing a mash-up, so ask your DJ or dance company if they can do it for you.

Pick a wedding dance style.

Just as you would do with any other wedding vendor, you should see if your potential pro is the best fit for you and your needs. Ask them questions about what dance styles they're proficient in, if you can see videos of them teaching, what their favorite music genres are, and more. If they seem upbeat and passionate when they're talking about their craft, you know you've found the right person.

Choose an instructor that matches your energy.

You and your dance partner need to discuss what kind of performance you want to do. Do you want to have simple steps or a fully choreographed number? Do you want your dance to be silly or intimate and romantic? Whichever option you choose, these are things you must think about before booking so your teacher can move you in the right direction.