Wedding Dance FAQs: Everything Engaged Couples Ask Us
After 20+ years and hundreds of couples, I've heard every question imaginable. Here are the real answers to what Montreal couples really want to know.
📍 The Basics
Q: Do we really need dance lessons for our wedding?
Honestly? No, you don't NEED them. You could shuffle awkwardly for 3 minutes and nobody would disown you. But consider this: your first dance is one of the most photographed, videoed, and remembered moments of your entire wedding. For a few hundred dollars and a few hours of your time, you can transform that moment from "serviceable" to "unforgettable."
Q: My partner has no rhythm. Is there hope?
Absolutely! Rhythm can be taught—it's not some magical gift you're born with. I've seen complete self-proclaimed "non-dancers" become confident on the floor with proper instruction. The key is patience and the right teaching approach. Check out our private wedding dance lessons designed for all skill levels.
Q: Can we do this without a partner? One of us can't practice together.
It's trickier, but yes. In your lessons, I'll work with each partner individually on their part. Then when you're together, we put the pieces together. We've made it work for military couples, long-distance relationships, and extremely busy professionals.
⏰ Timing Questions
Q: When should we start lessons?
The sweet spot is 2-3 months before your wedding. This gives you enough time to learn without cramming, but not so much time that you forget everything. Read our full wedding dance timeline guide for details.
Q: Help! Our wedding is in 2 weeks. Is it too late?
Never too late! We offer intensive packages for last-minute couples. You won't learn a complex choreography, but you WILL learn how to look confident, elegant, and connected. I've done wedding-week lessons that saved couples from awkward shuffling.
Q: How long should our first dance be?
2-3 minutes is the sweet spot. Anything longer and guests start checking their phones; anything shorter feels rushed. Most songs are 3-4 minutes, so work with your DJ on a strategic fade-out.
👗 Practical Stuff
Q: What should we wear to lessons?
Comfortable clothes you can move in—yoga pants, t-shirts, whatever you'd wear to the gym. For shoes, bring something with a smooth sole (avoid running shoes with sticky rubber). As you get closer to the wedding, practice in your actual wedding shoes!
Q: Will my dress/heels be a problem?
We'll work around it! Bring your dress (or something similar) to at least one lesson so we can practice managing the train and hem. For heels, get them early and practice walking/dancing in them at home. We can also specifically choreograph moves that work WITH your dress, not against it.
Q: What if our venue has a tiny dance floor?
We'll design your routine for your specific space. Bring me photos or dimensions, and we'll create something perfect for a 10x10 floor. No dramatic cross-floor moves required!
🎵 Music Questions
Q: Can you help us pick a song?
Absolutely! In fact, I love this part. We'll discuss your relationship, your vibe, and what you want to feel during your dance. Then I'll suggest songs that match—and tell you honestly which ones are easier or harder to dance to. See our top wedding dance song recommendations.
Q: Our song is really long/short. What do we do?
Your DJ can edit almost any song. For long songs, we'll identify the perfect 2-3 minute section. For short songs, we can loop a section or the DJ can extend it. Don't limit your song choice based on length.
Q: Can we switch songs mid-dance?
Yes! Mashups are one of my favorite techniques. Start with something slow and romantic, then BAM—switch to something fun and upbeat. Guests love the surprise. It does require more practice, though.
💰 Money Questions
Q: How much do lessons cost?
At Quartier Latin and similar Montreal studios, expect $80-120 per hour for private wedding dance lessons. Most couples need 4-8 lessons. We offer package discounts for booking multiple sessions upfront.
Q: Is it worth it if we're on a tight budget?
Honest answer: yes. Compare $400-600 for dance lessons to $3,000+ for photography. Your photographer will capture your first dance extensively—wouldn't you rather look confident? It's one of the best ROI items in your wedding budget.
😰 Anxiety Questions
Q: What if we completely blank out during the dance?
We build a "rescue move" into every routine—a simple step you can default to if your brain freezes. Nobody will know you forgot anything. Promise.
Q: I'm terrified of everyone watching us. Help?
Read our full guide to overcoming first dance nerves. The short version: focus on your partner's eyes, not the crowd. When you're genuinely looking at each other, the world disappears.
Got More Questions?
This list barely scratches the surface. Check out our full FAQ page or better yet—book a free consultation and ask me anything!
— Alina, Founder of Quartier Latin Dance Studio
