Wedding first dance alternatives

Jan 16, 2025 | Weddings

Most of my couples tell me on the initial Zoom call that they don’t want to do a first dance. I get it, it can feel super cringe to stand in front of everyone you know and do something self-conscious. Luckily, those couples have come up with some fun ways to kick-start the evening part of the wedding, so I thought I’d share them with you!

So if you don’t want to do a first dance… take your pick!

1. Game On! A Mario Kart Showdown

Skip the dance floor and head straight to a Mario Kart battle. The couple race to victory while guests cheer!

2. A Flash Mob Surprise

Don’t love the idea of dancing solo? Bring your wedding party into the mix for a surprise flash mob that gets everyone out of their seats. Bonus points for killer choreography!

3. Singing Waiters – Surprise Entertainment

Picture this: Your “waiters” suddenly burst into song, transforming dinner into a full-blown performance.

4. Conga

A conga is hands down some of the most fun everyone can have on a wedding day. You don’t even need to announce it, just put your hands on someone’s shoulders and start can-canning! End up on the dancefloor and make sure the DJ is ready!

5. A First Group Dance

Tell everyone to just get on the damned dancefloor and boogy!

6. Ceilidh

Led by a “caller” and usually with a live band, a ceilidh (pronounced kay-ley) is a group dance where you do what the caller tells you to do. It’s SO much fun.

7. Karaoke

If you’ve got a screen and a microphone, start the party with some terrible singing.

8. A 10-Second Shuffle

Some guests will expect a first dance or they feel uncomfortable hitting the dance floor before you, so a quick shuffle will appease them – just wave them on the dancefloor as soon as you’re ready.

9. Play the Shoe Game for Laughs

Sit back-to-back, swap one shoe each, and answer hilarious questions about who does what in the relationship. It’s guaranteed to get everyone laughing.

10. Sparklers or Fireworks

Get everyone outside as it turns to dusk (but before they’re too drunk if you’re doing sparklers!) and kick the evening off with some fire.

11. Are You a Bit Dramatic? Have a Themed Entrance

One of my couples came in dressed as Sandy and Danny from Grease, and another dressed up in harem pants and sparkly tops and crowdsurfed!

These ideas are perfect for couples who want to shake things up, skip the tradition, and have a blast celebrating their unique style. Which one speaks to your inner gamer, entertainer, or drama queen?

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