George Boyle
Dancing is one of the most popular wedding reception activities, and there are certain traditional wedding dances—like the newlyweds' first dance, parent dances, and more—that make the celebration even more meaningful. The order of these dances is flexible and can be tailored to the couple's preferences and cultural traditions. While the dance timeline might not seem that important at first glance, following a schedule will ensure that your reception flows well and gives guests time to eat, drink, mingle, listen to toasts, and dance without feeling overwhelmed or bored. This article will provide an overview of the different types of special dances commonly included in wedding receptions and offer suggestions for when to schedule them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of dances | The first dance is usually first, followed by parent dances, and then the wedding party dance. The money dance and anniversary dance are also special dances that can be included. The last dance brings the celebration to a close. |
| Timing | The first dance can be immediately after the couple is introduced, before or after dinner, or even during dinner. Parent dances may take place after the first dance, after dinner, after toasts, or after cake cutting. The money dance typically takes place towards the end of the reception. |
| Participants | The first dance is for the couple alone, or they can invite guests to join. Parent dances include the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance, with other special relatives like grandparents joining in. The wedding party dance includes the best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girl, and ushers. |
| Music | The couple's first dance song is often considered their wedding song. The music for parent dances should have meaningful lyrics that reflect the relationship and personalities of the dancers. The last dance can be an upbeat song or a slower, more emotional tune. |
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The first dance
In many cultures, the first dance is followed by the money dance, also known as the dollar dance or apron dance. During this dance, guests pay to dance with the newlyweds, and the money is either pinned on the couple's attire, placed in a designated box, or tucked into a pouch. This dance is a lighthearted way to support the couple financially and is especially common in Polish, Filipino, and Mexican weddings.
After the first dance, parent dances such as the father-daughter and mother-son dance may take place. The exact timing of these dances depends on personal preference. In some cases, they happen right after the newlyweds' first dance, while in others, they may take place towards the end of dinner or after the cake-cutting. For heterosexual couples, the bride dances first with her father, followed by the groom dancing with his mother. Other special relatives, such as grandparents, may also join in, and LGBTQIA+ couples can choose how they'd like to handle these dances.
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Parent dances
The parent dances at a wedding reception are among the most emotional and memorable moments of the festivities. The traditional parent dances include the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to these dances, and they can be adapted to suit the unique family dynamics of the couple. For example, some couples may choose to include step-parents or other important parental figures in the dance, or opt for a combined parent dance.
There is no set rule on when the parent dances should take place during the reception. They can occur at various points, depending on the couple's preferences and the flow of the celebration. Some couples choose to have the parent dances after the first dance, while others may opt for after dinner to draw guests back to the dance floor. It is recommended to space out the special dances to avoid having guests wait too long for their turn.
The length of the parent dances can vary, but it is generally advised to keep them between two and three minutes. This duration strikes a balance between capturing memorable photos and maintaining the attention of the guests. For couples who want to include multiple songs or longer dances, a mashup of two or more songs can be a creative solution.
For those who want to make their parent dances even more special, hiring a dance coach or choreographer can be an excellent option. Dance coaches can help couples and their parents learn basic steps or create custom choreography to surprise and delight their guests. Ultimately, the parent dances are a wonderful opportunity for couples to honour their parents and create lasting memories.
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Wedding party 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. These include the newlyweds' first dance, parent dances, and the wedding party dance.
The wedding party dance involves the bridesmaids and groomsmen joining in before opening the floor to all guests. It usually follows the parent dances, where the best man and maid of honour traditionally dance together first, followed by the rest of the wedding party.
There are also other special dances that can be included in the wedding reception, such as the anniversary dance or bouquet dance. This involves all the couples in the room taking to the dance floor as a slow, romantic song is played. The DJ or emcee then asks couples who have been married for less than a year to sit down, and continues until the longest-married couple is left dancing. This couple may receive the bouquet, or a round of applause.
Another special dance is the money dance, also known as the dollar dance or apron dance, which is common in Polish, Filipino, and Mexican weddings. This is a lighthearted way for guests to support the newlyweds financially, either by pinning money on the couple's attire, placing it in a designated box, or tucking it into a pouch.
The last dance of the evening is a sentimental moment shared by the couple alone or with the guests, bringing a close to the celebration.
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Anniversary dance
The anniversary dance is a sweet tradition that celebrates enduring love and inspires the newlywed couple. It usually takes place towards the end of the wedding reception, before the bouquet, garter toss, or cake-cutting.
The anniversary dance involves inviting all couples in the room to the dance floor while a slow, romantic song is played. The DJ or emcee then asks couples who have been married for a certain number of years to leave the dance floor. For example, the DJ may start by asking couples married for five years or less to sit down, then couples married for ten years or less, and so on. This continues until the couple married the longest is left dancing.
The couple who has been married the longest may receive a special bouquet or a round of applause from the wedding guests. Alternatively, the bride may give her bouquet to the woman of this couple, and the groom may offer a gift, such as a bottle of alcohol, to the man. This moment celebrates the enduring love and commitment of the long-time married couple and serves as an inspiration to the newlyweds.
The anniversary dance is a wonderful way to honour and celebrate milestone wedding anniversaries during the wedding reception. It is a sentimental touch, especially if there are many married couples and older guests in attendance. The song chosen for the anniversary dance should be selected in advance to create a meaningful and emotional moment.
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Money dance
The money dance, also known as the dollar dance or money spray, is a well-known tradition at wedding receptions in many cultures. It is a way to help establish the couple in their new life together, show them how much they are loved and appreciated, and unite their two families. The dance typically takes place towards the end of the reception, but couples can choose to incorporate it at any point during their nuptials.
There are several ways to perform the money dance, but they all end with the couple being gifted cash. In some cultures, guests pin money onto the couple's attire, place it in a designated box, or tuck it into a pouch. In other cultures, guests may toss or shower the couple with money as they dance or walk from table to table greeting their guests. In some variations, guests pay to dance briefly with the bride or groom, and the money is said to be for the couple's honeymoon or to help them set up their home together.
The money dance is popular in many regions and cultures around the world, including Eastern Europe, Latin America, Africa, Greece, Portugal, Poland, the Philippines, Nigeria, Mexico, and the United States. The specific rituals and meanings associated with the money dance may vary depending on the culture and region. For example, in Nigerian culture, it is called the money spray, while in Polish culture, it is known as the apron dance, and in Filipino culture, it is simply called the money dance.
In some cultures, the money dance is seen as a way for the couple to have face time with their guests and wish them luck. Any guest may have the opportunity to dance with the bride or groom for 30 to 60 seconds. The money dance can also be a lighthearted way to support the newlyweds financially, with guests giving money directly to the couple or placing it in a designated container.
The length of the money dance can vary depending on the couple's culture and the number of guests participating. It is recommended that the dance lasts at least 10 minutes but no more than 20 minutes to keep guests engaged and avoid it feeling like a required activity.
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Frequently asked questions
The couple's first dance usually happens at the beginning of the reception, directly after they are introduced. However, it is up to the couple to decide when and how they want to do their first dance. For example, some couples may choose to dance before or after dinner.
Parent dances, such as the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance, may take place at several points during the wedding reception. They usually occur immediately after the couple's first dance, but they can also take place after dinner, after toasts, or after the cake-cutting.
Yes, there are several other special dances that are common at wedding receptions. The anniversary dance, also known as the bouquet dance, invites all couples in the room to the dance floor and ends with a round of applause for the couple married the longest. The money dance, also known as the dollar dance, is a tradition in many cultures where guests offer the couple money while dancing with them. This usually takes place towards the end of the reception. Finally, the last dance of the evening is a sentimental moment shared by the couple alone or with the guests, bringing a close to the celebration.
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