The Best Wedding Dress for Your First Dance

Picking out the perfect wedding dress is perhaps the biggest shopping trip of your life. You know what you’re looking for, but can you dance in it? We know you have a lot to think about leading up to the wedding, so we made it easy for you! Check out our recommendations on how to dance in your fabulous dress all night long.

A-Line

The fitted bodice and gradual flare of an A-line dress flatters all body shapes and all dance styles! The skirt gives you freedom to step in any direction, making it a splendid choice if you’ll be dancing the night away.

Be aware, there is a greater potential for you or your partner to step on the dress. The bustle normally solves this problem, but it’s important to keep in mind while you’re practicing.

Ball Gown

You can have a full ball gown fantasy and still dance! There is nothing better than spinning around the dance floor with a huge skirt swirling around you; however, the fullness of the skirt will mean that yo can’t get as close to your partner as you do in your lessons. This means fewer intimate moments and more dramatic and fun flourishes. While practicing, try dancing with a little more space between you and your partner so you get used to how it will feel.

Jumpsuit

A jumpsuit tells your guests that you are ready to dance! Every dance style is open for you to choose. There is potential for an accidental step on the hem if it’s wide legged and goes to the floor. But don’t let that stop you from having the dance (and jumpsuit) of your dreams.

Mermaid/Trumpet

A fitted bodice that drops to the knee or thigh, while glamourous, will restrict your movement. You can still dance in it, you’ll just need to take small steps!

The lower skirt flares, the smaller the steps you’ll need to take. Make sure you are only taking hip width or shorter steps and you will be fine.

Sheath

This silhouette rarely has much fabric, making this perfect for smooth and natural dance. As long as the fabric doesn’t catch on your shoes or your partner’s outfit, then you can get down on the dance floor!

Tea Length or Short

You’re ready for anything in a tea-length or short dress! This is also a popular second dress option, but it’s a fun choice no matter when it appears in the evening. If you have lots of spins and dips, you’ll want to think about the undergarments, but otherwise you’re ready to party.

Now that you have the wedding dress here are some tips!

Don’t forget about the sleeves

Make sure you can lift your arms above your head when you’re trying on your dress or a jacket. This goes for full length sleeves, strapless dresses, and buttoned jackets - whatever you’re wearing. If this motion limits your movement, you’ll need to get more creative with turns! To practice, wear a shirt or jacket that has the same neckline to your lessons.

Show your instructor a picture of your outfit

Cluing your instructor into the outfits lets them know what you’ll need to practice. Take them aside to show them a picture and let them know if anything restricts your movement. They’ll be able to suggest some subtle tricks, like sliding your feet instead of stepping so your heel doesn’t get caught in some tulle.

Wear your shoes to your lessons

Practicing in the shoes you’ll wear on the dance floor is your best preview of how the dance will feel on the big day. It’s also helpful to break the shoes in so they don’t blister or any other surprises on the wedding day. No matter if you’re wearing giant stilettos or sneakers, give them a twirl!

Try on a petticoat

We have petticoats at both studios, so you can mimic the feeling of wearing a wedding dress while you practice. We typically pull this out when you’re close to your wedding, but if you’d like to try it on earlier, let us know!

Think about the bustle

When you’re in your fittings, ask for bustle options. Choosing to bustle before your first dance will definitely make the steps easier as there will be less material to potentially step on!

That’s our advice! Take these suggestions into your fittings and you’ll have the dress and dance of your dreams. Let us know if you have any questions we didn’t cover - we’re happy to help answer them.

- Written by Karen Yatsko