Things to consider when selecting wedding dance choreographers in the Philippines

Availability & Fit

• Are you available on our wedding date and for our preferred rehearsal schedule?
• Do you work with couples in the Philippines and handle out-of-town (OOT) weddings?
• What dance styles do you specialize in (e.g., ballroom, contemporary, hip-hop, cultural/folk)?
• Can we see full videos of past wedding dances you choreographed (not just highlights)?
• Have you worked at our venue or in our city/province before?
• How many weddings do you take per week/month to ensure we get enough attention?
• Do you teach absolute beginners and couples with “two left feet”?
• What’s your teaching approach (step-by-step, counts, demonstration, video drills)?
• Do you offer a trial/assessment session before we book a package?
• Can you customize choreography to our personalities, story, and chosen music?

Scope of Services

• What packages do you offer for wedding choreography in the Philippines?
• What’s included in each package (number of lessons, routine length, video guides)?
• Do you also choreograph parent dances, entourage/bridal party dances, or a group performance?
• Can you coach social dance basics for open dance floor segments?
• Do you provide day-of assistance (final run-through, cueing, crowd leading)?
• Will you attend our reception for last-minute polishing and stage blocking?
• Can you help edit/merge our music track and adjust tempo if needed?
• Do you provide warm-up/stretch routines we can do at home?

Creative Direction & Music

• Can you recommend songs that fit our vibe and skill level?
• Can you cut/merge multiple songs into a clean 2–3 minute track?
• Will the choreography match our attire (gown with train, veil, barong, heels)?
• Can you incorporate lifts, dips, or tricks safely—with progressive training?
• Can you blend styles (e.g., slow waltz intro into upbeat remix)?
• Are you comfortable choreographing to live music or a band/DJ?
• Can you integrate cultural dances (e.g., Tinikling, Pandanggo sa Ilaw) respectfully?
• How do you adapt steps for different surfaces (grass, tiles, wood, carpet)?
• Can you create a version that works even if the dance floor is smaller than planned?

Rehearsals & Schedule

• How many lessons do you recommend, and how long is each session?
• How early should we start before the wedding date?
• How much practice time should we allocate between lessons?
• Do you offer in-person studio sessions, at-home sessions, or online/virtual coaching?
• Where are your studios located, and are there rental fees?
• Can you conduct rehearsals at our venue for blocking?
• What happens if traffic or weather delays cause us to arrive late?
• What’s your policy for rescheduling or canceling a lesson?
• Do you provide take-home practice videos after each session?
• Can we add extra sessions close to the wedding if needed?

Logistics & Venue Coordination

• What floor size and layout do you need for the routine?
• Do you coordinate with our coordinator/host, DJ/band, and photo-video team for cues?
• What technical requirements do you have for audio playback?
• Do you need a sound check on the day (and when)?
• Can you provide the final audio file in formats compatible with our DJ/venue?
• How do you handle fog machines, cold sparklers, or lighting effects in the routine?
• Can you advise on footwear (e.g., heel caps, rubber soles) for grip and safety?
• Will you mark starting positions and pathways for entrances/exits?

Team & Safety

• Who will teach us—one choreographer or a team/assistants?
• What’s your experience teaching couples with different fitness levels or injuries?
• How do you ensure safety when teaching dips/lifts?
• Are you trained in first aid or do you have a safety protocol?
• Do you have a backup choreographer/coach in case of emergencies?

Day-Of Support

• Will you be on-site during our reception for a refresher?
• Can you lead a quick warm-up or breathing routine before we go on?
• Will you cue us from the sidelines or coordinate with the host for our entrance?
• Can you adapt the routine last-minute if the floor is wet, crowded, or smaller?

Pricing & Payments (PH-specific)

• What is your professional fee for choreography packages?
• What are the inclusions/exclusions (music editing, studio rental, day-of support)?
• Do you charge out-of-town (OOT) fees, transportation, tolls, parking, or accommodation?
• Do you require per diem/meals for out-of-town or late-night schedules?
• What are your accepted payment methods (GCash, bank transfer, credit card, cash)?
• What are your booking terms (reservation fee, milestones, balance due date)?
• Are down payments refundable or transferable if the date changes?
• Do you have overtime rates for extended lessons or day-of assistance?
• Are there any hidden or optional fees we should know about?

Contracts & Policies

• Will you issue a written contract and official receipt?
• What is your cancellation and reschedule policy (including force majeure/typhoons)?
• What happens if our wedding date moves due to venue or government advisories?
• Do you carry public liability insurance or require any venue clearances?
• What are your data privacy terms for our videos and photos?

Creative Rights & Media

• Who owns the choreography—can we re-use it for future events?
• May we share practice and performance videos on social media?
• Do you request permission to post our videos on your pages?
• Can you provide a clean audio file and a rehearsal clip for our videographer?
• Do you have experience tailoring routines for Same-Day Edit (SDE) pacing and camera angles?

Personalization & Comfort

• Can you adapt choreography for gowns with long trains or heavy beadwork?
• Can you design steps that work with limited mobility or injuries?
• Can you choreograph with props (bouquet, fans, umbrellas, candles/LEDs)?
• Can you involve family or the entourage for a surprise dance?
• Can you simplify the routine if we get overwhelmed close to the date?

Cultural & Ceremony Considerations

• Are there steps/styles to avoid for conservative or religious audiences?
• Can you incorporate Filipino traditions tastefully within the reception program?
• Can you work with live performers (e.g., rondalla, choir) and adjust timing?

Timeline & Program Flow

• What’s the ideal timing of the first dance within a typical Filipino reception program?
• How much buffer should we keep before the dance for photos and speeches?
• If the program runs late, can you shorten the routine on the fly?

Communication & Support

• What’s the best way to contact you (message, email, phone) and typical response time?
• Will we have a shared folder for music files, videos, and schedules?
• How do you give feedback—verbal, annotated video, or written notes?
• Do you provide a practice calendar and accountability check-ins?

Add-Ons & Value

• Do you offer confidence coaching or stage presence drills?
• Can you lead an after-party crowd dance or icebreaker?
• Do you provide private mini-lessons for parents or VIPs?
• Can you package choreography with host/MC, DJ, or lights & effects partners?

Out-of-Town (OOT) & Destination Weddings

• What are your OOT fee components (travel time, fuel, tolls, parking, accommodation)?
• Do you have standard rates for popular destinations (e.g., Tagaytay, Batangas, Baguio, Subic, Clark, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan)?
• Who books transport and accommodation—us or your team?
• How many days ahead do you require to arrive for rehearsals and contingency?

Readiness Check (for us as a couple)

• How do we know the routine is “show-ready”—do you have a final checklist?
• What’s your advice if one of us forgets steps mid-routine?
• Any tips to manage nerves and enjoy the moment?

Post-Wedding

• Will you send us a final learning video or notes for keepsake?
• Can you provide a short recap reel for social media?
• Do you offer referral discounts or alumni rates for future events/anniversaries?

Red Flags to Clarify Early

• If a package seems very cheap, what are the limitations?
• If a supplier refuses a written contract or clear inclusions, what should we be cautious about?
• If they guarantee “viral” results, what realistic outcomes can they set instead?

Decision Helpers

• Can we speak to 2–3 past clients in the Philippines for references?
• Can you share a sample lesson plan and practice schedule?
• What differentiates your service from other wedding choreographers locally?

Final Admin

• Can you align timelines with our coordinator, DJ/band, and photo-video teams?
• What exact files will you deliver (final audio, cue sheet, formation map, practice vids)?
• What are our next steps to book—invoice, contract, and initial schedule?