Choosing Music For Your Traditional Wedding Dances
By DJ Justin Warwick from DJ Enterprises Mobile Disc Jockey & Photo Booth
You just said “I do” and now it’s time to let loose! 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.
Just what are the traditional wedding dances?
First Dance
After the newlyweds make their grand entrance, they may almost immediately begin their first dance. If guests are sitting down to dinner after the grand entrance, the first dance would happen after the meal. The first dance is a special moment as it’s the first time the couple cuts a rug together as a married pair. The couple may have taken dance lessons for their moment in the spotlight, or they might choose to wing it. It really depends on their comfort level and style.
Spotify Playlist: Wedding First Dance
Parent Dances
Parent dances, such as the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance, may take place at several points during the wedding reception, depending on the order of dances you wish to follow. Sometimes, parent dances occur immediately after the first dance. Other times, these dances will take place toward the end of dinner, after the toasts, or after the cake cutting.
For heterosexual couples, bride dances with her dad, and then the groom dances with his mom. Other special relatives, like grandparents, may join in at the end. However, you can handle these dances in many different ways—some couples may want to dance with stepparents or other important people, and LGBTQ+ couples can also choose how they’d like to handle parent dances.
Spotify Playlist: Wedding Father Daughter Dance
Spotify Playlist: Wedding Mother Son Dance
Anniversary Dance
Lastly, the anniversary dance. Also known as the bouquet dance, is a sweet tradition that some couples choose to include in their traditional wedding dances. All of the couples in the room are invited to the dance floor, as a slow, romantic song is played. The DJ then says something like “Couples who have been married for less than a year, please take a seat.” Your emcee will then ask other couples to leave the dance floor until the couple who is married the longest is left dancing. The longest-married couple receive the bouquet (if there’s no bouquet toss) or simply a round of applause from their fellow wedding guests.