First Dance Finishes: Now What?

The first dance at a wedding is a special moment for the couple, who may have even taken dance lessons to prepare. But what happens after the first dance? Well, it depends on the couple's preference and the flow of the wedding. Some couples choose to have the first dance before dinner, creating a natural transition into the dining portion of the evening. Others opt for the traditional route, saving the first dance until after the meal to signal to guests that it's time to get out of their seats and celebrate on the dance floor. After the first dance, parent dances, such as the father-daughter and mother-son dances, may take place, followed by the wedding party and then all guests joining in. The cake-cutting ceremony is also a popular post-first dance activity, creating an opportunity for more upbeat songs and energetic dancing.

Grand entrance

The grand entrance is an important moment during the wedding reception. It is when the newlyweds, along with their wedding party, make their grand debut and announce that the party can begin. Here are some tips to make your grand entrance memorable:

The Wedding Party

The wedding party usually lines up in pairs and includes bridesmaids, groomsmen, the best man, maid of honour, matron of honour, bridesmen, groomsladies, flower girls, and ring bearers. The DJ or emcee will introduce each member of the wedding party by name as they enter the room, creating an exciting and energetic atmosphere.

Announcing the Newlyweds

The newlyweds are typically the last to be introduced, entering the room to great applause. This is their moment to shine and enjoy the attention of their guests.

Music Selection

Music plays a crucial role in the grand entrance. Choose one or two upbeat and fun wedding introduction songs to get everyone in the mood for a celebration. Opt for songs that are classic, fun, and appropriate for all ages. Some popular choices include "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang or "I Feel Good (I Got You)" by James Brown.

Professional Announcer

Consider hiring a professional, such as your DJ or band leader, to announce the grand entrance. They will ensure smooth transitions, manage the crowd, and seamlessly usher everyone into the reception.

Timing

The grand entrance usually occurs after the cocktail hour, just before the newlyweds' first dance. If dinner is served after the grand entrance, the first dance would typically follow the meal.

Creative Ideas

To make your grand entrance unique, consider adding a twist such as a light saber duel or a dance-off between the newlyweds. You could also choose a unique song or transition from a slow dance to an upbeat number with snazzy choreography.

Remember, the grand entrance is your chance to make a lasting impression and set the tone for the rest of the reception. Enjoy this special moment and celebrate the love and joy of your wedding day!

Father-daughter dance

The father-daughter dance is a touching moment in a wedding ceremony, and traditionally follows the first dance between the newlyweds. This dance is a way for the bride to celebrate and honour the bond with her father, and to thank him for the love and guidance he has given her throughout her life.

The father-daughter dance is a great way to transition into an open dance floor, and it usually takes place after the meal and toasts. The father of the bride may also dance with the groom, and the groom may dance with the bride's mother.

There are many songs that are popular for the father-daughter dance, and it is a good idea to choose a song that speaks to your emotions. Some popular choices include:

• "Sweet Pea" by Amos Lee
• "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor
• "Father's Eyes" by Amy Grant
• "Unforgettable" by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
• "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
• "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle
• "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon
• "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart
• "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
• "My Girl" by The Temptations
• "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
• "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman
• "Wildflowers" by Tom Petty
• "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw
• "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon

Mother-son dance

The mother-son dance is a long-standing tradition that many couples choose to honour at their wedding. It is a sweet moment for the groom to honour and recognise his mother or any mother figure in his life. This dance typically happens after the couple's first dance and the father-daughter dance, although there is no set rule and it can be switched up based on the schedule of the day.

The song for the mother-son dance can be tricky to decide on, so it is worth considering what artists, genres or memories are beloved by both mother and son. It could be that mum introduced her son to The Beatles, or perhaps they both love country music.

Although the first dance is usually a slow, down-tempo tune, that doesn't mean the groom has to waltz with his mother. Uptempo mother-son dances are always a crowd-pleaser!

The Sentimental Dance

If you are looking for a more traditional and sentimental approach to the mother-son dance, opt for a slow dance with a meaningful song. This is a great way to honour the mother and her relationship with her son. Choose a song that has a special significance to both mother and son, perhaps something from the mother's youth or a song that has been passed down through the generations.

The Fun Approach

If the mother and son are looking for something more light-hearted and fun, they could choose an upbeat song with a faster tempo. This is a great way to get the crowd energised and create a joyful atmosphere. Opt for a song that is playful and celebrates their unique bond.

The Nostalgic Tune

Take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic tune. Choose a song that the mother and son used to listen to together when he was little. This will evoke happy memories and create a heart-warming moment for everyone.

The Unique Spin

If you want to add a unique twist to the mother-son dance, consider adding some choreography. Surprise your guests with a fun routine that showcases your personality and relationship. This could be a mash-up of different songs or styles, adding an element of surprise and delight to your performance.

The Modern Touch

For a more modern take on the mother-son dance, choose a contemporary song that reflects the groom's relationship with his mother. This could be a song by a current artist or a tune that represents their bond in a unique way.

The Classic Choice

Opt for a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Songs like "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel, or "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts are sure to evoke emotions and create a memorable moment.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a song that reflects your relationship and creates a special moment for you and your loved ones.

Wedding party dances

The first dance is a special moment as it's the first time the couple dances together as a married pair. The couple may have taken dance lessons for their moment in the spotlight, or they might choose to improvise—it really depends on their comfort level and style.

After the first dance, the father of the bride dances with the bride, and the groom may also dance with the mother of the bride. Next, the bride's mother and father dance together, followed by the groom dancing with his mother, and then the groom's parents dance together.

After the parent dances, the wedding party is invited to take the floor. The best man and maid of honour traditionally dance together first, followed by the rest of the crew. If the parent dances are taking place after dinner, the couple may opt to skip the wedding party dance altogether and simply invite all guests to the dance floor. However, if you're concerned that your guests will need a little push to start dancing, having the wedding party kick things off may be a good idea.

If you're looking for a fun way to get more people involved, you can pause the dance party and have an anniversary dance, also known as a bouquet dance. All the married couples are invited to the dance floor, and the emcee begins to ask couples to take a seat, starting with those who have been married for less than a year and going up from there. The last couple left dancing (the couple who has been married the longest) receives the bride's bouquet.

When to Have the First Dance

There are a few options for when to schedule the first dance. Many couples prefer to introduce themselves at the start of the reception and then head straight to the dance floor. This creates great energy and buzz in the room, and that momentum is sustained throughout the first dance.

Traditionally, the first dance kicks off the dancing portion of the reception, so most couples save it until after the meal. This way, the dining portion of the evening has a more leisurely, relaxed pace, and once everyone is done eating, the couple hits the dance floor for their first dance, instantly shifting the mood into a higher gear. This also signals to guests that it's time to get out of their seats and celebrate on the dance floor.

Another option is to follow up on the momentum of cutting the cake with the first dance. Most guests will already be gathered around the couple, so it's a natural transition. Plus, it's customary to cut the cake after dinner, so people will be energised and ready to continue celebrating by hitting the dance floor afterward.

Bouquet and garter toss

The bouquet and garter toss is a fun wedding tradition that has evolved over the years. While some couples choose to forgo this custom, others embrace it as a lighthearted way to engage their guests and honour the past. Here is a guide to the bouquet and garter toss, with some modern twists to keep things interesting.

The Bouquet Toss:

The bouquet toss is typically done by the bride during the second half of the reception, after the meal and toasts are finished, and most guests are on the dance floor. The bride gathers all the single female guests and tosses the bouquet over her shoulder to them. It is said that whoever catches the bouquet will be the next to marry. Alternatively, it can be seen as a symbol of good luck. To avoid singling out individuals, some brides choose to invite all guests, regardless of relationship status, to join in the fun. This option also reduces the potential for awkwardness among guests.

The Garter Toss:

The garter toss is usually done by the groom after the bouquet toss. The groom removes the garter from the bride's leg, often with his hands, but some grooms may opt for the challenge of removing it with their teeth. The groom then tosses the garter to all the single men in attendance, and the catcher is believed to be the next to marry.

Modern Twists:

For those who want to keep the tradition but prefer a more subtle approach, there are some creative alternatives. One option is to have the garter hidden inside a balloon. The groom is given a sharp-ended pole to pop the balloon, releasing smaller balloons that fall to the ground. The bachelors then scramble to find the garter inside one of the small balloons. Another idea is to have a "Teddy Toss", where the bride tosses a teddy bear to a crowd of children. This option adds a playful element to the tradition and includes the younger guests in the festivities.

Timing:

The bouquet and garter toss are typically done towards the end of the reception, often in the last hour. This timing is intentional, as it symbolically passes the torch to the next potential couple to wed. It is also a good idea to consider the comfort of younger guests and older relatives when planning the timing of these activities.

The bouquet and garter toss adds a playful element to the wedding reception, engaging guests in a long-standing tradition with a touch of modern flair.

Frequently asked questions