10 Tips for a Fabulous First Wedding Dance
As one of the UK’s top classic swing and latin jazz bands, The Jazzberries have performed at hundreds of classy weddings over the past 10 years, as well as for parties at 10 Downing Street and Elton John’s mansion.
From their position on stage they have a perfect view of the first dance, so have seen their share of stressed participants – and cringe-worthy episodes. Here band leaders Ruthie Culver (vocals) and Jonny Gee (double bass) – recently married themselves – share their tips for enjoying this special moment – and avoiding yet another wedding day stress:
- Music – As musicians we would say that this is the most important element, but it’s essential you pick music that suits the sort of dancing you want to do. A ballroom-hold shuffle looks a bit silly if your music is fast and furious, while a slow ballad isn’t a great choice if you want to let your hair down and have some fun. The strangest first dance we ever did was Prodigy’s ‘Firestarter’ – we’re not sure what those lyrics said about the relationship!
- Timing – Allow your guests time to visit the loos or the bar between speeches and dancing. Many’s the time that the queue for the ladies has meant half the bride’s friends missed the moment! Also, guests can pace themselves better when they know what’s happening, so consider putting a guide to timings on the back of your order of ceremony. Alternatively ask your best man, MC or band-leader to announce what’s happening in advance.
- Location – the best option is to have the band in the same room as your dinner, as it prevents the party being split up, also allowing guests to hold onto their drinks and continue talking and circulating in a relaxed way. However, if you’re having a very loud band which people can’t hear over, it’s best if they are elsewhere! If you do move to a different room for music, make sure you let your guests know what is happening so they don’t miss your first dance. Oh, and ask your venue to put some sofas and occasional tables around the room as huge empty room isn’t a very inviting place to dance!
- Dance floor – If your venue has a hard floor like flagstones, a dance floor is essential. The bride’s legs may well already be a little achy thanks to those gorgeous shoes and a sprung wooden floor will make dancing so much more pleasurable. However don’t go for a huge dance area – many people love the chance to catch up with friends and relatives. And after a fine meal, many will be very happy just to sit and listen to live music.
- Choreography – If you’re the sort of people who will love the challenge of learning a new dance and don’t care whether or not it’s perfect, then go for it and have some fun. But we’ve seen many brides and/or grooms sick with worry about getting the steps right when it really isn’t necessary. If you’re the slightest bit unsure, forget about choreography and pick a romantic slow-dance – your guests will be delighted and, after a whirlwind day, you’ll be grateful for a few relaxed moments alone when nobody can interrupt!
- Guests – Remember to think about your guests’ enjoyment, not just yourselves! The worst first dance we ever experienced was an American couple who had flown all their guests into a ceremony at an historic venue in the UK. They prepared not one, not two, but three highly-choreographed and very long dances (bride and groom, bride and father, groom and mother) and their poor guests were expected to just watch and applaud for 20 minutes. Excruciating!
- your chosen song specially learned and arranged by the band
- a personal consultation on choice of music, including a list of suggestions to help get ideas flowing
- our secret no-stress formula for couples who dread the idea of ‘performing’ – it never fails!
We often spend a considerable amount of time talking couples through their first dance, so we know that it can feel a bit confusing and stressful, even months beforehand. To help out we’re launching a unique ‘First Dance Package’, which includes:
We’ve always loved performing at weddings, as live music makes the whole evening so special and vibrant. And now its even more special as it reminds us of our own recent wedding.
To celebrate we’re offering a FREE ‘First Dance Package’ to any couple who confirms a booking with The Jazzberries in 2007.
For further information about the band visit their website, send an email or call 020 7284 3083.
Happy dancing!
Ruthie Culver & Jonny Gee
The Jazzberries
