Planning Your Wedding Dances
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- February 28, 2022
Weddings are a momentous occasion for south Asian families. The whole family and extended family gets involved in celebrating with the bridal couple. And what better way to celebrate together than dancing!
Here are some of my tips to help you plan and create the best dance memories with none of the stress and hassle.
How to plan your wedding dances:
- Consider what you want for your wedding and who will be involved. Discuss it with your family, consider who would like to take part; siblings, cousins, mum and dad, aunties etc. And of course the all important couple dance.
- Decide when it will be featured: during your mehndi, hen night or reception for example.
- Research and contact your favorite choreographers based on your style of dance, budget and location. These days dances can be taught over zoom too so it’s not necessary to pick local. Book the right one for you.
- Book the sessions and get the commitment of all participants. We recommend you start 2-3 months before a wedding so that you are not stressed or rushing and you have ample time to practice and feel confident, however we can help with last minute plans too!
- Discuss your requested songs and ideas with the choreographer and begin
- Lastly practice is key so that you don’t have to think about the moves on the dance floor but instead bring in your personality and a lot of smiles.
Wedding choreographers take the stress out of planning the dances during the busy run up to the wedding. They instil confidence in the couple and the family group and help them enjoy the process. Well planned it can be a source of much fun and closeness for the couple and family helping them de-stress and enjoy these special moments.
The couples first dance is a hugely anticipated moment in the wedding. It can be simple or more detailed depending on the couples dance skills. No matter what skills it can be made beautiful by a skilled choreographer. The groom for example if less experienced with dance can be made to look skilled by twirling the bride and creating fabulous poses while the bride takes on more of the dancing which makes her the centre of attention too.
The father and daughter dance can be a special moment too and why not mother and son! Bridesmaids, best men can do fun dances and so also siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles get involved too making it a fun entertainment feature for the guests and a moment of bonding for the whole family. A wedding baraat or wedding party arriving at the wedding ceremony can be great fun too.
A skilled choreographer will take into account different ages and abilities creating a simple and striking dance routine for all to participate in. Even those who feel nervous with dance, who have never danced before or feel they have two left feet can be made to feel special. It’s a skill!
Our biggest tip would be to have fun.. a simple tip but most important as these memories will last a lifetime, so well planned with an experienced choreographer this task can be great fun for everyone throughout the process. Remember finally to just shine and enjoy these special moments on your big day.
(Angelique is an award winning dancer, Instructor and choreographer who runs D-Style Dance company and specializes in wedding dances. Check out her website)
