By Alina Litvak
February 13, 2026
8 min read

Planning Your First Dance: A Complete Guide for 2026 Couples

Everything Montreal couples need to know about creating an unforgettable wedding first dance.

⚡ Quick Answer

How many lessons do we need? Most couples need 4-8 private lessons over 2-3 months to feel confident for their first dance. Start early, practice at home, and you'll have a moment you'll cherish forever.

Your first dance as a married couple is one of the most photographed, videotaped, and remembered moments of your wedding. It's also one of the biggest sources of anxiety for couples who "don't dance." After preparing hundreds of Montreal couples for their first dance over the past 19 years, here's what I can tell you: you don't need to be a dancer—you just need a little preparation and the right guidance.

First Dance Timeline

Timing matters. Here's the ideal preparation schedule:

6+ months before: Choose your song and book your instructor. Popular instructors fill up fast during wedding season, so don't wait.
3-4 months before: Begin lessons (4-8 sessions typical). This gives you plenty of time to learn without feeling rushed.
1 month before: Finalize choreography and start practicing at home regularly. By now the steps should feel familiar.
Week before: Final run-through with your instructor. Relax and trust your preparation—muscle memory will carry you on the day.

Choosing Your Song

Pick a song that means something to you as a couple. Our instructors can choreograph to virtually any song—upbeat, slow, or anywhere in between. When choosing, consider:

Personal meaning: Your song as a couple (how you met, fell in love, or a favourite road trip anthem)
Lyrics: Do they speak to your relationship? Will they make you tear up mid-dance? (It happens more often than you'd think!)
Tempo: Match the tempo to your comfort level. Nervous dancers do better with slower songs; confident ones can handle upbeat tracks.
Length: 2-3 minutes is ideal. Anything longer and your guests' attention starts to wander. We can edit songs to the perfect length.

Popular First Dance Styles

The style you choose depends on your song and your personalities:

Waltz: Elegant, romantic, classic—works with most ballads. The most popular choice and the most forgiving for beginners.
Rumba: Slow and sensual for romantic songs. Beautiful for couples who want something intimate.
Foxtrot: Smooth and sophisticated for jazz standards and classic pop.
Cha Cha: Fun and flirty for upbeat couples who want energy on the floor.
Mixed: Our most popular option—combining a slow opening with an upbeat section for variety and crowd engagement.

What About the "Surprise" First Dance?

The viral "surprise" first dance—where couples start slow then break into choreography—has become increasingly popular. It requires more preparation (typically 6-10 lessons) but creates an unforgettable moment your guests will talk about for years. The key is committing to the transition: the bigger the contrast between the slow opening and the high-energy section, the bigger the crowd reaction.

If this interests you, budget extra lessons and practice time. We recommend choosing a mashup that starts with your romantic song and transitions into something with a strong beat—think "At Last" into "Uptown Funk."

Tips for Non-Dancers

Start simple. A polished basic step looks far better than complicated choreography done nervously. We'd rather teach you three moves you nail than twelve you fumble through.

Practice at home. Even 5 minutes a day in your living room makes a huge difference. Practice in the shoes you'll wear at the wedding.

Look at each other. The biggest mistake couples make is staring at their feet. Eye contact is what makes the moment romantic, not perfect footwork.

Breathe and smile. Nerves are normal. Take a breath before the music starts, smile at each other, and remember why you're there. Your guests are cheering for you, not judging you.