Weddings are beautiful occasions, but if you’re the couple at the center of attention, it can be a little nerve-wracking—especially during the first dance at the wedding reception. The Makoy Center in Hillard, OH, is an event and wedding venue that’s hosted hundreds of happy couples over their 30 years of business, and they’ve seen their share of nervous dancers pull off flawless moves. If you’re anxious about your first dance, here are their three best tips for calming down.

3 Ways to Overcome Wedding Reception Dance Nerves

1. Be Prepared

Nothing prepares you for public performances quite like practice. Whether you’ve worked out an elaborate dance routine or you want to do something simple, practicing will help you be ready. When you know that you can do the routine at the drop of a hat without a mistake, you’ll feel better about doing it in front of the crowd at the wedding reception. You should also try to plan your routine with the dancing environment in mind; for instance, if you’re having an outdoor wedding ceremony on grass, choose shoes that are easy to move in and limit the number of sharp turns.

2. Focus on Your Partner

During the dance, keep your eyes on your partner, not on the crowd. Let the other people present fade into the background, blending into a whirl as you move around the dance floor. Focusing on the person that has vowed to love you for the rest of their life should make you feel more at peace, and even if you do mess up, you can laugh about it together. You’re creating a wonderful memory either way, so let the warmth of your loved one pull you in and make everything else disappear. 

3. Ground Yourself

‘Grounding yourself’ is a technique to help those having a panic attack, but it can calm you in other stressful situations, too. Before your dance, breathe deeply and find five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste, even if it’s just your lip balm. Focusing on your senses will keep your thoughts from racing while helping you stay in the present moment. More than anything, try to remember that this is your night, and even if you do make a mistake, the dance does not define your wedding.

The most important thing about your wedding reception is the love shared between the two of you. In Hillard, OH, you can celebrate that love at the wedding venue voted The Knot’s Best of Weddings for six years in a row: the Makoy Center. Whether you want an outdoor wedding ceremony or an indoor one, they can accommodate your wishes. Call them at (614) 777-1211 or visit their Facebook today.