1. Make your first dance a complete surprise. Seriously, don’t tell your mom or even your bestie. 

2. Don’t get attached to one tune. Just because a song is sentimental doesn’t mean it has high entertainment value. Give your choreographer several options.

3. Choose a song that’s no longer than two minutes. It will be easier to choreograph and more engaging for your guests to watch.

4. Practice, practice, practice. Review your choreographer’s notes after each rehearsal and listen to your song at home and in your car.

5. As you get comfortable with your routine, throw in your own ad-libs and comedic touches to personalize the performance.

6. Decide whether your song will be played by a band, deejay or through your venue’s sound system. Your rehearsal version should be identical to your performance version.

7. At least once, be sure to rehearse in your actual performance space. 

8. Remember, your wedding reception shoes might not be suitable (or safe) for dancing. Consider a separate pair of dance shoes.

9. Don’t drink and dance. Schedule your performance early at your reception, before the champagne bubbles make you too tipsy to remember your moves.

10. Don’t worry if you misstep; most guests won’t notice. If you aim for choreography worthy of Dancing with the Stars, you’re adding a lot of pressure to an already stressful day.