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First dance - love it or hate it?


First dance photography, first dance weddings, Steve and Tania Photography, first dance photos

Whether you love or hate dancing, the first dance is a tradition that always produces some fabulous photos and for those couple of minutes you will be the focus of everyone's attention.




Apparently it wasn't always this way. In 1922, Emily Post, an American author famous for writing about 'Etiquette', wrote that newlyweds join the dancing after their guests and "simply dance with one another first before moving on to other partners". It wasn't given particular attention or treated as a performance.



Today, however, it starts with just the two of you and you will be the centre of attention, so it's a good idea to think about what kind of dance to go for.


First dance photography, first dance weddings, Steve and Tania Photography, first dance photos
Some couples choose to learn a routine with many dance instructors now offering a "first dance" service.
First dance photography, first dance weddings, Steve and Tania Photography, first dance photos
First dance photography, first dance weddings, Steve and Tania Photography, first dance photos
Others will be content swaying slowly from side to side and just enjoying the intimacy of the moment together


Traditional wed


ding dance order #weddingdanceorder


There is in fact a specific order for the traditional wedding first dance however any part of it may be changed according to needs and tastes of the couple. According to etiquette, the newlyweds start the dancing first, then the groom should dance with his new mother-in-law, then his own mother. Meanwhile, the bride should dance with her new father-in-law and then with her father.

First dance with father photography, first dance weddings, Steve and Tania Photography, first dance photos
Dancing with my father

These traditions vary according to the couple and their own family, so depending on your own circumstances, the bride may choose to dance with her mother.

First dance with mother photography, first dance weddings, Steve and Tania Photography, first dance photos
Dancing with my mother

Choosing Your Song #yoursong #yourweddingsong


Most couples choose a song which resonates or has some history between them. While this is generally a slow love song, couples are now choosing more up-tempo routines to ring the changes.

First dance choreography photography, first dance weddings, Steve and Tania Photography, first dance photos
Up-tempo first dance

Hitched have listed the best 150 first dance songs (https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-songs/first-dance/) of which their top ten are:

  • Perfect – Ed Sheeran

  • At Last – Etta James

  • All Of Me – John Legend

  • Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

  • Amazed – Lonestar

  • Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley

  • Your Song – Elton John

  • How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

  • Something – The Beatles

  • Let’s Stay Together – Al Green


First dance photography, first dance weddings, Steve and Tania Photography, first dance photos
Cheeky first dance

Whatever your choice of dance and music, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment. And, if you want to dance all evening, the next important thing is to choose your footwear carefully, or kick off those shoes!


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