First dance top tips for amazing photos

A part of the day I love more and more is the evening party. This is often kicked off by the first dance. Does this put the fear of panic in you? Or does it make you think yes this is my moment to shine, I love to boogie! Either way, there are things you can do to make it either feel less awkward or enhance those moves and add extras to make the photos even more memorable. Read on for first dance top tips for amazing photos and to shake off those nerves.

Having witnessed countless first dances, I have them seen them in all their forms, from ceilidhs, to choreographed group moves, to a few shuffles – and everything in between. There is no right or wrong way but finding a way that makes you look forward to it rather than dread it, is key. Of course you don’t have to have one at all. The caveat here however is that it’s a good way to mark the start of the evening festivities. Ideas for the more awkward dancers among us that work well and don’t compromise on getting great photos are:

• A ceilidh. Everyone is involved. No centre of attention. Boom. And all the laughter makes for fun pics.

• A first group dance. It takes some organising but it’s a brilliant spectacle for the guests and you feel part of a gang rather than everyone focussed on you.
• Hold onto each other. Human nature makes us feel safer if we can clutch onto someone else. Arms round each other, a simple twirl or a kiss can help to make you feel more comfortable. Plus singing along to the song that you have chosen!

• You literally dance for the first few bars of the song before you usher people onto the dance floor. You can also get the DJ/band to invite guests on. Just make sure you arrange with a few couples to eagerly join you straight away rather than leave you hanging.

adding in extras

Feel free to invite your children to dance with you. Dancing with kids is a great way to lose your inhibitions and of course makes for some gorgeous photos. 

Another brilliant way to take the attention off you during the first dance is to have a few friends release confetti cannons. This works a treat for many reasons. Firstly, this looks very cool. Secondly the injection of confetti makes your guests look at that and not you; and thirdly, it makes people want to get in on the action and jump on the dance floor.

Your choice of song is also really important. The genre doesn’t matter. What does, is choosing something meaningful to you. Whether that’s a slow song or a jump up and down song. If it connects with you, you will feel comfortable and this will reflect well in the photos. 

final tip

To get those epic photos isn’t just about the first dance. You want to keep the momentum going with some awesome tunes. Immediately after the first dance you want the floor to be flooded with your guests, so plan for some killer tunes. This applies more if you’re using a DJ (lists are great). Otherwise a band will have their classics and will know what works well at weddings. An empty dance floor doesn’t bode well for great photos…

The main aim is to enjoy this part of the day. The formalities are all done so it’s time to let your hair down and have some fun! 

Thinking of booking your wedding photographer? To find out more, head to my about page to see if we are a good fit. Hope to hear from you! x