Dance Floor Partners: Bridesmaids And Groomsmen's First Dance

Dancing is one of the most popular wedding reception activities, and there are certain traditional wedding dances that make the celebration even more meaningful. One such tradition is the bridal party dance, which sees the bridesmaids and groomsmen share a dance during the reception. Typically, this comes after the married couple's first dance, the father-daughter dance, and the mother-son dance. However, in recent years, this tradition has fallen by the wayside as many couples feel it is awkward and unnecessary to pair up what can sometimes be complete strangers.

The bridal party dance

The Grand Entrance

The First Dance

The newlyweds may then begin their first dance as a married couple. This is a special moment and the couple may have taken dance lessons or chosen to improvise.

The Bridal Party Joins

After the first dance, the bridal party joins the couple on the dance floor. In the traditional routine, the best man dances with the maid of honour, and the groomsmen dance with the bridesmaids. In the new-fashioned routine, the bridal party joins the couple, and several couples dance. During this stage, partners may be swapped, so the best man may dance with the bride, the groom with a bridesmaid, and so on.

The Group Dance

The third and final stage of the modern variation is when everyone who wants to join in, joins in. This could be an ensemble routine, with the entire bridal party performing the same routine, from a simple barn dance to a unique routine designed for the wedding.

Alternatives

Some couples choose to skip the bridal party dance altogether, as it can be awkward and unnecessary, especially if the bridal party members are strangers. Instead, the bridal party may be invited to dance with their dates, or the couple may opt for an anniversary dance, a bouquet dance, or a money dance.

The grand entrance

The Line-Up

As cocktail hour draws to a close, the wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man, maid of honour, flower girls, ring bearers and so on, should gather and line up, often in pairs. The DJ or emcee will then announce each member of the wedding party by name as they enter the room to the sound of lively music.

The Procession

Instead of taking their seats, the wedding party may circle the dance floor, building anticipation for the newlyweds' entrance. The bridesmaids and groomsmen can enter in pairs, with the maid of honour and best man going last, just before the married couple.

The Newlyweds' Entrance

The grand finale of the grand entrance is, of course, the newlyweds' entry. The DJ or emcee will announce them to the room, and they will enter to great applause. This moment is all about the married couple, so the wedding party should ensure they take centre stage.

Straight to the Dance Floor

If dinner is served after the grand entrance, the married couple's first dance will usually follow the meal. However, if dinner is served earlier, the couple may choose to begin their first dance straight after their grand entrance. This is a special moment as it's their first dance as a married couple, so all eyes will be on them.

The First Dance

The couple may have taken dance lessons to prepare for their moment in the spotlight, or they might choose to improvise. Either way, it's a good idea to have a plan and perhaps some practice beforehand to ensure the dance goes smoothly.

Alternatives

Some couples choose to buck tradition and forgo the grand entrance and first dance altogether, instead opting for alternatives such as inviting the bridal party to dance with their dates or performing a choreographed dance routine. Ultimately, there are no rules, and couples should feel free to adapt traditions to suit their unique circumstances.

The new-fashioned routine

Firstly, the bride and groom dance alone and complete their first dance. This is a special moment as it is the first time the couple dances together as a married pair. The couple may have taken dance lessons or chosen to improvise, depending on their comfort level and style.

Secondly, the bridal party joins the couple on the dance floor. The best man will dance with the first bridesmaid/matron of honour, the groomsman with the second bridesmaid, and so on. During this stage, couples may also swap partners, so the best man might dance with the bride, the groom with a bridesmaid, and so on.

The third and final stage of this modern variation means everyone who wants to join in is invited to the dance floor. This is a great way to avoid any potential embarrassment if parents of the bride and/or groom have a new partner, as it is less structured and more of a free-for-all.

This routine is a fun and inclusive way to get everyone involved in the celebrations and is a great option for couples who want to buck tradition. It is also a good choice for larger bridal parties, as it can be hard to coordinate a choreographed routine with many people.

The ensemble routine

If you want to go all out and put on a show, you can have the entire wedding party perform a full routine. This option is becoming increasingly popular, but it will take time to learn and may be expensive.

If you're going to go down this route, it's important to give your wedding party a heads-up in advance so they can prepare. You'll also need to let your guests know that they can't join in until the routine is over. This will ensure that the wedding party has the floor to themselves and that their performance isn't interrupted.

If you're not sure about a full routine, you could opt for a simple bridal party dance. In this case, you have a few options. One option is to pair up the bridesmaids and groomsmen and have them dance together. This can be a little awkward if they don't know each other well, so you might prefer to have them dance with their significant others instead. If you go with this option, it's a good idea to check with your bridal party first to make sure no one has any objections.

Another option is to have the bridesmaids and groomsmen dance with each other for part of the song and then switch partners. This way, they get to dance with their assigned partner without it being too awkward. You can also choose to fade out the song after a few minutes and have the newlyweds be announced and take the floor for their first dance.

Whether you go for a full routine or a simple bridal party dance, it's totally up to you and what you think will work best for your wedding party and guests.

The anniversary dance

There are variations on how to conduct the anniversary dance. One version suggests that instead of asking couples to leave the dance floor, they are asked to form a circle around the dance floor to salute the longest-married couples. This creates a packed dance floor and a fun atmosphere. The circle can then be invited to continue dancing with a lively song.

Frequently asked questions