Need some alternative first dance ideas for your wedding that won’t make you cringe? This is the post for you!
Here’s the thing. Weddings can be really cheesy. We all know this. Weddings tend to be sappy, over the top with love and romance, and it can be, well, overwhelming. Not only can we experience this overwhelm during wedding ceremonies, but we feel it in receptions, too. Certain traditions, like first dances, can be super cringy if not done in the right way.
Of course, cringe, or cheese, may be fine with you. It’s all good if it is. Your wedding, your way. That said, if you are feeling kind of strange about having a traditional first dance, there are many alternative first dance ideas for your wedding that will not make you cringe. Not only will they still give you a great wedding experience, but they may even be memorable and stand out to your guests, too. More on all that later.
9 Alternative First Dance Ideas For Your Wedding (That Won’t Make You Cringe)
This post is going to share with you nine alternative first dance ideas for your wedding that won’t make you cringe. At least, some of them won’t. Feel free to pick and choose the ones that work best for you and your partner. From keeping your first dance out of the eyes of others, to doing something totally different in place of a first dance, there’s a first dance alternative idea for everyone.
Let’s get into it!
1. HAVE A PRIVATE FIRST DANCE
First things first. You may want to consider a first dance that is totally private, if the thought of others watching you dance makes you cringe.
Of course, for some couples, the thought of having a private first dance is cringy, too. If this is you and your partner, don’t pick this idea for your wedding. However, if you really do want to have a first dance with your partner, and really do not want others to watch, make it private. Perhaps you have a first dance after your wedding ceremony, behind closed doors. Or, you have a first dance after your reception, or even on your honeymoon. Avoiding the circle of eyes around you may just be the idea you need.
2. MAKE YOUR GUESTS WATCH YOUR FIRST DANCE FROM AFAR
I saw this done at a wedding once and thought it was quite clever.
Here’s how they did it. The couple getting married did so at a large venue with a huge wrap around deck. They chose to have all guests gather on the deck after cocktail hour, so they could look out at the venue’s vast lawn and a body of water behind it. The couple then had music play loud enough for guests on the deck, and themselves, who stayed on the lawn, to hear. From there, they had their first dance on the lawn. It was great for them, keeping guests far away, but close enough to watch, and allowing them to have a seemingly private dance together.
3. GIVE A “START DANCING” TOAST TO EVERYONE
Alright, onto first dance ideas for your wedding that don’t involve dancing at all.
Maybe instead of a dance you just do a toast to kick off your celebration. Some people are of the mindset that the first dance starts all other dancing, never stopping the music after it. However, why not have a toast for everyone, letting them know it’s time to start celebrating and having fun? You can then join in on the dancing once it gets going.
4. SABER A CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE INSTEAD, HAVE A FIRST DRINK TOGETHER
This is such a fun way to start your wedding reception, and definitely does not involve dancing.
Have you ever seen a champagne bottle sabered? It’s really cool, and there’s an art to it. Plus, even if the saber attempt fails, you can still have fun with it. So, you or your partner should go for it. Or, have someone else attempt to do the saber. From there, have a drink, and start the party.
5. PERFORM SOMETHING TOGETHER AS AN ALTERNATIVE FIRST DANCE
Alright, I know what some of you are thinking.
Perform something?
Ick.
Look, yes, for some couples the thought of performing something together is way more cringy than just having a first dance. However, for others, it may be okay. Maybe you and your partner are actual performers. Perhaps you sing together, play instruments, or have another skill. Maybe do that instead of a first dance, if you’re comfortable.
6. HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE FIRST DANCE BY ASKING ALL YOUR GUESTS TO JOIN
For some couples, it’s all about the eyes on them, in a bad way. So, find a way to get the eyes off of you during your first dance.
For example, one of the simplest alternative first dance ideas is to have your guests join in on your first dance. You can even plant a few moles among your guests to make sure you’re not the only ones dancing. Just ask your MC or DJ to invite others to dance while you dance with your new spouse, and then have a few “plants” among your guests who will oblige. I promise more will join in, too.
7. SHARE A VIDEO OF YOU AND YOUR PARTNER AS AN ALTERNATIVE FIRST DANCE
The is among the most passive alternative first dance ideas for your wedding.
Play a video.
Now, this video can be whatever you want it to be. Maybe you do a funny interview thing and have a skilled editor place clips together. Or, it could be a short slide show of you and your spouse growing up, dating, and being engaged. The video is whatever you are most comfortable with. Just make sure your venue is set up with a screen and audio, and you’re good to play it instead of a first dance.
8. CHOOSE A NON-TRADITIONAL SONG FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE
Yes, I know, this is not an alternative first dance idea. It still includes having an actual first dance.
However, you can always mix up your music. The thing is, some couples do not have issues with being watched while they dance. They may not even mind dancing. For some, it’s all about the actual music. So, choose a song that works best for you. You don’t need some typical song to dance to. If you like heavy metal, or classical, or even children’s music, you do you.
9. ASK OTHER PEOPLE TO PERFORM A DANCE INSTEAD
I love a good outsource.
One of the best alternative first dance ideas for your wedding is to ask others to dance for you.
I’m serious about this. Maybe you have some performers coming to your wedding. Or, perhaps you can hire someone to dance. You may even have a bridal party who is willing to learn something new and perform because they love you so much. No matter the situation, if you’re really not into a first dance, but want to do something special, this is a way to do it.
THOUGHTS ON ALTERNATIVE FIRST DANCE IDEAS FOR YOUR WEDDING
Friends, having a traditional first dance isn’t for every couple. It’s totally okay to choose alternative first dance ideas for your wedding. Be sure to do what works best for you, so the task of having a first dance is not daunting, stressful, or cringy. No matter what, your wedding will be perfect and your first dance, or alternative first dance, will be amazing. Happy wedding planning!
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