Unless you are a really extrovert couple, the first dance always fills people with dread. Most couples are quite glad once it’s done and over with. But, why is the first dance with your beloved such an embarrassment?
The vows have been said, the meal enjoyed, the speeches laughed and cried at, and the happy couple are now man and wife. Of all the most nerve-racking parts of the wedding day, the first dance really has to be the hardest part. It’s such a shame really because it’s your very first dance as a married couple and it should be the epitome of romance and love. Instead, it feels a bit uncomfortable with all your family and friends standing around the dance floor watching you. That is not to say that it’s not fantastic to share your wedding day with all your nearest and dearest but there really is something quite difficult about everyone watching you sharing such a special moment. In a way, it was a bit like being on stage with an audience! No doubt, I speak for so many brides when I say that it was so nerve racking.
Why do you think so many couples have dance lessons before their big day? Everyone is quite literally petrified about looking like a complete lemon in front of everyone you know in the world! On the positive side though, it was so lovely to have a few minutes of uninterrupted time together on what was such a busy and eventful day. We had the opportunity to talk about the day so far, how lovely it was, how it had all turned out so well, how it was great it hadn’t rained, how great we both looked, how happy we were, how nice the meal was, how nice it was that Auntie had managed to come etc etc. All the things that we [or should I say ‘I’] had been worrying about for so many months didn’t seem to matter anymore because it has all turned out so well.
It was months after the wedding day that I realised why the first dance was so important and such a vital part of the celebrations. We were attending the wedding of 2 close friends and their first dance was fast approaching. The lights were dimmed and ‘their song’ started to play as the happy couple took to the dance floor. Just like our guests a few months before, we all started gathering around the dance floor with our cameras as the crowd ‘ooh-ed’ and ‘ahh-ed’ filled the room. Unconsciously, our hands slipped into each other’s and we gave each other a knowing smile. And, whilst looking around the room, all the other couples were too holding hands, smiling at each other and obviously recalling their special day. It then struck me why the first dance was such an important tradition. It allows all the other guests to recall their first dance and reminisce together and it is quite a special feeling.
So, try not to worry about your first dance too much. Everyone wants to share in your special moment together because it reminds them of their special day. Equally, your guests are so happy to see you so happy and so in love. The first dance is a special moment between you and your partner. It’s a special moment that – although it may be hard to relax and enjoy at the time – will be remembered and treasured for the rest of your lives.
