Most wedding couples focus on which song they will play for their first dance. However, there are nine other important steps to take that will ensure a flawless wedding dance. Here are some hints EVERY bride and groom should know:

1) Plan ahead: If you can, start planning your dance a couple of months in advance of your wedding day.

2) Consider the dress: If the bride is wearing a tight "mermaid" or sheath dress, she'll look gorgeous, but she won't be able to take long steps. If the bride chooses an off-the-shoulder neckline, she won't be able to lift her arms for spins. You don't have to change your dress, but you may have to change your dance moves!

3) Consider dance floor size: Find out the size of your dance floor. Some dance styles are best suited to a large floor. And, if you have practiced on a 25 x 40 dance floor but your reception space has a 10 x 20 dance floor, you may run into some challenges.

4) Have song options: Pick out two or three "first dance" songs if possible, and bring them to the sessions. An instructor can tell you which will be easiest to dance to. If you do not have a song selected, you can review our 700+ song database once you’ve registered.

5) Determine song version: Decide whether you will dance to the original version of the song on CD, or have your band play it. If your band is going to play it, get a tape of their version, practice to it, and don't forget to bring the music to your lesson.

6) Shorter is better: Remember that less is more, both in terms of song length and in terms of number of moves to learn. You are much better off dancing to a short version of your song and executing a few moves beautifully than dancing to the whole song while trying to pull off every move in your arsenal, and doing many of them badly. If you dance for much more than 2 minutes, you run the risk of losing your audience’s attention. Not good if the attention is supposed to be on you. Always leave your audience wanting more!

7) Practice as if it's the big day: Grooms should practice in a jacket and dress shoes. Brides should practice in a long skirt, a veil if they are wearing one, and their wedding shoes. To protect against smudges, cover shoes with a pair of athletic socks. Also, once you’re more comfortable, try to practice in front of a friend since there will be an audience on the big day. And, as silly as it sounds, you may even want to practice after you've had several drinks. If you're going to be drinking during the reception, at least be aware of what you'll look like. You may not want to do ALL the moves you learned after you've had some drinks. Dance responsibly!

8) Don't fight: Take it easy on each other during lessons and practice. When something goes wrong, it is rarely one person's fault. You are a team and need to work together. And NEVER compare yourself to one another or to the instructor. This should be a fun and stress-free part of your wedding plans - no fights!

9) Be honest: Be honest with yourselves, your band leader/DJ, your dance instructor, and anyone else who insists on telling you how to do things. If you don't want to dance the entire song, don't. If you don't like a certain move, don't do it. If you want to change songs, do it. It's your day and your dance; you should feel comfortable.