Junior Rasmussen
Dancing is one of the most popular wedding reception activities, with many couples choosing to incorporate traditional dances into their celebrations. While the dance timeline might not seem important, following a schedule will ensure that your reception flows well and gives guests time to eat, drink, mingle, and dance without feeling overwhelmed. The first dance is usually performed by the couple, followed by the parents' dance, and then the wedding party is invited to take the floor. Other traditional dances include the anniversary dance, the money dance, and cultural dances such as the hora at Jewish weddings or the raas garba at Indian weddings. Line dances like YMCA and Cotton Eye Joe are also popular for getting guests of all ages involved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First dance | The newlyweds' first dance as a married couple |
| Parent dances | Father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and combinations depending on family makeup |
| Group dances | Line dances, such as YMCA, Gangnam Style, The Wobble, Old Town Road, Cotton Eye Joe |
| Anniversary dance | Also known as the bouquet dance; includes all couples or those married over a specified number of years |
| Money dance | Bride dances with guests who pin dollar bills to her dress |
| Cultural dances | Hora (Jewish), Raas garba (Indian), Sangeet (Indian) |
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What You'll Learn
The first dance
When choosing a song for the first dance, it is important to select one that is meaningful to the couple. Some popular choices include classic love songs, ballads, or even more upbeat, modern tunes. The song should also be easy to dance to, especially if the couple plans to involve their guests in the routine. In Western traditions, the order of formal dances often depends on whether the couple is using a DJ or a band and how the venue runs the dinner service.
Some couples may also want to incorporate cultural elements into their first dance. For example, Indian weddings may include folk dances like the raas garba, while Jewish weddings may feature the hora, a traditional circle dance. Ultimately, the first dance is a chance for the couple to express their personality and style, whether they choose a traditional or more contemporary routine.
To make the first dance even more memorable, couples should ensure that their videographer is ready to capture the moment and consider having someone take iPhone footage for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This will allow them to reminisce about this magical moment for years to come.
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Parent dances
The parent dances are a heartwarming wedding reception tradition. They usually involve the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance. The father-daughter dance is the original parent dance and the source of the tradition. The mother-son dance is a more recent tradition, added so that mothers and grooms could also share this special moment.
The parent dances may take place at several points during the wedding reception, depending on the order of dances the couple wishes to follow. Sometimes, they occur immediately after the first dance. Other times, these dances will take place towards the end of dinner, after the toasts, or after the cake-cutting.
For heterosexual couples, the bride dances with her dad, and then the groom dances with his mom. However, there are many ways to handle these dances. Couples may want to dance with stepparents or other important people, and LGBTQIA+ couples can also choose how they'd like to structure this moment. The parent dances can be combined into a joint dance, where the father-daughter and mother-son dances happen at the same time.
Some couples and their parents may hire dancing coaches to teach them how to dance, or even to choreograph a routine for them.
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Group dances
Line Dances
Line dances are a popular choice for wedding receptions as they are easy to follow and can be performed to a variety of songs, from classic country hits to modern pop sensations. Some popular line dances for weddings include:
- YMCA by The Village People: This song has straightforward moves and a cheerful tune that will get everyone on the dance floor.
- Gangnam Style by Psy: This dance-pop song has an ultra-catchy chorus and is a great way to liven up the reception.
- The Wobble: With easy-to-follow moves and a solid R&B beat, your guests will be eager to join in.
- Old Town Road: This line dance includes fun side-stepping and some horse riding and cowboy-style moves.
- Cotton Eye Joe: This comedic take on the classic country line dance includes skipping, jumping, and whooping. It's so easy to follow that even guests who don't know it can dance along.
Anniversary Dance
The anniversary dance, also known as the bouquet dance, is a sweet tradition where all the couples in the room are invited to the dance floor while a slow, romantic song plays. The DJ then asks couples who have been married for less than a year to take a seat, continuing until the couple who has been married the longest is left dancing. This longest-married couple may receive the bouquet or a round of applause.
Money Dance
The money dance, also called the dollar dance or apron dance, is a fun way to involve your guests and add a little cash to the newlyweds' new life together. The bride dances with the guests, and they pin dollar bills to her dress. It usually takes place towards the end of the reception.
Cultural Dances
Depending on your cultural background, you may want to include cultural dances in your wedding reception. For example, the hora is a traditional circle dance performed at Jewish weddings, while Indian weddings may include folk dances like raas garba. These dances can be performed at any time but are best when guests are seated so that everyone's attention is on the dance floor.
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Line dances
Some popular line dances that are well-known and simple to follow include "The Electric Slide" (also known as "Electric Boogie"), "Macarena", "YMCA", "Cha-Cha Slide", and "Cotton Eye Joe". These songs are catchy and have simple moves, so your guests will likely know the steps and can join in without needing to be taught the choreography.
If you want to encourage your guests to learn a more complicated routine, it's a good idea to let them know in advance. You can even send them a YouTube video to follow so they can practice the routine before the wedding. This way, they'll be more confident to join in and show off their moves when the song comes on.
For a fun twist, play one of these line dances right after the first dance to get the party started and encourage interaction between the wedding party and the rest of the guests. Line dances are a great way to build energy and create fun memories on the dance floor.
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Cultural dances
Dancing is a popular wedding reception activity, and there are certain traditional wedding dances—like the newlyweds' first dance, parent dances, and more—that make the celebration even more meaningful. However, wedding dances can also be an opportunity to incorporate cultural traditions.
In Jewish weddings, for example, it is customary for wedding guests to entertain the newlyweds by dancing in front of them. The Hora, a lively circle dance, may directly follow the first dance or be performed after dinner to kick off the main dancing portion of the event. The Krenzl is another Jewish wedding dance tradition where the mother of the bride is crowned with a wreath of flowers as her daughters dance around her. The Mizinke is performed by the parents of the bride or groom when their last child is wed.
Indian weddings often feature the Sangeet, a night of folk dances that takes place before the wedding. Couples may also choose to incorporate cultural dances such as the Raas Garba, a night of folk dances, into their wedding reception.
In Russian weddings, the game "Paying the Ransom" involves the groom pretending to be distraught when he sees that the bride's family has brought back another woman (or a man in drag) instead of his bride. He must then perform silly songs and dances to persuade the captors to release his bride.
The money dance, also known as the dollar dance or apron dance, is a popular tradition in many cultures. It usually takes place towards the end of the reception, with guests paying to dance with the couple and ultimately gifting them cash.
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Frequently asked questions
The first dance is when the newlyweds share their first dance as a married couple. This is usually the first dance of the reception and is performed right after the couple has been introduced.
Other traditional wedding dances include the parents' dance, the anniversary dance, and the money dance. The parents' dance involves the father-daughter and mother-son dances, with other family members joining in depending on the unique makeup of each family. The anniversary dance includes all the married couples in the room, with the longest-married couple being the last ones standing. The money dance, also known as the dollar dance, is when the bride dances with guests who pin dollar bills to her dress.
Popular line dances include YMCA by The Village People, Gangnam Style by Psy, The Wobble, and Cotton Eye Joe.
It's important to decide on the order of the dances and give participants enough time to practice and choose their music. The couple should also be the first ones on the dance floor to set the tone for the evening and encourage guests to join.
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