Franklin Dean
Dancing is one of the most popular wedding reception activities, with traditional dances like the newlyweds' first dance, parent dances, and more, making the celebration even more meaningful. While the dance timeline might not seem important, following a schedule will ensure the reception flows well and gives guests time to eat, drink, and mingle. The couple can decide the order of dances, and there are many options for dance styles and songs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of traditional dances | 3 |
| Order of dances | Varies, but usually starts with the newlyweds' first dance, followed by parent dances and the wedding party |
| Parent dances | Father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and dances with step-parents or other important people |
| Wedding party dances | Best man and maid of honour dance together first, followed by the rest of the wedding party |
| Variations | The hora at Jewish weddings, the money dance, and cultural or religious dances |
| Timing | The first dance can be before or after dinner, with some couples choosing to do it while dinner is ongoing |
| Music | Slow or upbeat songs depending on the mood and whether there is an after-party |
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Newlyweds' first dance
The newlyweds' first dance is one of the most anticipated moments at a wedding. It is the first time the couple dances together as a married couple and can be a very special moment. The couple can choose to have their first dance immediately after their grand entrance or after dinner—there is no fixed order.
The newlyweds can decide on the style and mood of the dance. They can opt for a slow, romantic dance or a choreographed routine. Some couples even take dance lessons to prepare for their moment in the spotlight. The song chosen for the first dance is also important, and there are hundreds of options to choose from. The newlyweds might select a song that is meaningful to them or one that fits the celebration and happiness of the moment.
After the first dance, the newlyweds can invite their parents to join them on the dance floor. This includes the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance. These dances are a way for the parents to celebrate their children's marriage and are often very emotional. The parents of the couple may also dance with each other, symbolising the welcoming of the couple into their new families.
Following the parent dances, the wedding party can be invited to join. The best man and maid of honour traditionally dance together first, followed by the rest of the bridal party. This can be a fun way to get everyone involved and warm up the dance floor for the rest of the guests.
The newlyweds' first dance is a meaningful tradition that can be personalised to suit the couple's style and preferences. It is a special moment shared with family and friends and can be tailored to make it unique and memorable.
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Parent dances
The parent dances can be done separately or combined, and they can be done at the same time to the same song. The combined dance is sometimes called the joint parent dance and can be a good option for couples who want to save time, avoid being the centre of attention, or honour both parents evenly. The combined dance can also be a good option if there is a specific song that the couple wants to use that doesn't fit with the traditional separate dances.
Many couples and their parents hire dancing coaches to teach them how to dance for their wedding, and some even choreograph a custom dance. This can be a good opportunity to spend quality time together and learn something new.
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Grand entrance
The grand entrance is an important dance floor moment during the wedding reception. It usually takes place at the beginning of the reception, following the cocktail hour and any photo sessions. The grand entrance is when the wedding party, including the bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man, maid of honour, matron of honour, bridesmen, groomsladies, flower girls, ring bearers, and the newlyweds, makes a lively and spirited entrance to kick off the celebration.
The DJ or emcee plays energetic music and announces the wedding party members by name as they enter the room, culminating in the bride and groom's arrival to thunderous applause. This sets the tone for the entire reception and creates a festive atmosphere that entices guests to join the fun. The grand entrance can be made even more memorable with lighting and sound services, creating a captivating ambiance.
The grand entrance is often followed by the first dance, with the couple traditionally opening the dance floor as a way to mark the start of their relationship. The first dance is a unique and intimate moment, symbolizing their love and unity, and can be made even more special with a song that reflects their love story and personalities.
Some couples may choose to include a choreographed routine or a surprise element to their grand entrance, enhancing the experience for themselves and their guests. The grand entrance song is typically upbeat and energetic, marking the official beginning of the party, while the wedding entrance song is more solemn and emotional, often accompanying the bride's walk down the aisle.
The grand entrance is a crucial moment that sets the stage for the evening's celebrations, and careful planning is necessary to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for the wedding party and guests.
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Order of dances
The wedding dance is one of the most anticipated activities at a wedding reception. While there is no fixed order of dances, here is a typical sequence:
Grand Entrance
After cocktail hour, the wedding party lines up, often in pairs, and enters the room to lively music. The newlyweds enter last to great applause.
First Dance
The newlyweds' first dance as a married couple usually follows the grand entrance. However, some couples choose to dance while dinner is ongoing or after the meal. The couple may opt for a slow song, hip-hop, or even a choreographed routine.
Parent Dances
After the first dance, the couple can invite their parents to join them on the dance floor. In heterosexual couples, the traditional pairing is the bride dancing with her father, followed by the groom dancing with his mother. However, couples can adapt this to include step-parents or other important people. LGBTQIA+ couples can also choose how they'd like to handle parent dances.
Wedding Party Dance
After the parent dances, the wedding party is invited to join the newlyweds and their parents on the dance floor. The best man and maid of honour traditionally dance together first, followed by the rest of the crew.
Open Dance Floor
Once the wedding party has danced, all guests are invited to the dance floor.
The Hora
At Jewish weddings, the hora, a lively circle dance, may follow the first dance or dinner. The couple and their parents are lifted up on chairs to kick off the main dancing portion of the event.
The Money Dance
Towards the end of the wedding, guests offer the new couple money to dance with them, helping them raise funds to begin their married life.
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Types of 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. The couple usually has free rein on the order of dances, but there are a few dances that are typically included.
The first is the newlyweds' first dance, which is often a special moment as it is the first time the couple dances together as a married pair. The couple may have taken dance lessons for this moment or may choose to improvise. This dance usually happens after the newlyweds make their grand entrance, but it may also take place after dinner.
The second traditional dance is the parent dance, such as the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance. This dance may take place at several points during the wedding reception, and there are different ways to handle it depending on family dynamics. For example, the couple may dance with step-parents or other important people, and LGBTQIA+ couples can choose how they'd like to handle the parent dances. After the parent dances, the wedding party is invited to take the floor, usually starting with the best man and maid of honour.
The third traditional dance is the money dance, which happens towards the end of the wedding. In this dance, guests offer the new couple money to dance with them, helping the couple raise money to start their new life together.
There are no strict rules about the order of dances, and couples can invent their own traditions. The couple should decide when they will most enjoy their first dance and whether they want to do all the special dances at once or spread them out.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three traditional dances that usually take place at a wedding reception: the newlyweds' first dance, the father-daughter dance, and the mother-son dance. The newlyweds usually dance first, followed by the parents, who then pair with each other. After that, they pair with the other parents. The sequence continues with the best man dancing with the bride and the maid of honour with the groom.
The couple has free rein on how the order will go. It is their wedding, and they can invent a tradition if they want. However, it is important to let the people who will dance know in advance so they can be instructed on when to cut in or join in the dancing.
One option is to invite all of the wedding party to break open the dance floor. They can dance to either a fast or slow song with either their aisle partner or their own significant others. You can also have a money dance, where guests offer the new couple money to dance with them. This is a cultural tradition to help the couple raise money to begin their lives together.
The newlyweds' first dance usually happens immediately after their grand entrance. However, some couples choose to do it after dinner to kick off the main dancing portion of the event.
