The dance is usually after the main course is served. If the reception is large the couple may choose to have guests start dancing after they go through the receiving line. This will give guests something to do and the couple time to catch their breath. The master of ceremonies or bandleader should signal for the floor to be cleared so everyone can focus on the bride and grooms first dance as husband and wife.
There are different traditional dance formalities. The bride and groom can choose their dance order any way they choose. However, many choose to open the dancing to all after the first dance, to prevent an uncomfortable situation when divorced parents are involved.
• Bride and groom,
on the dance floor by themselves.
• Bride’s father cuts in with her while the
groom asks the bride’s mother to dance.
• Groom’s father cuts in with the bride,
bride’s father dances with his wife.
• Groom with his mother, and grooms father and
mother.
• Best man and the groom dances with the maid of
honor.
• Attendants and guests join in.
New tradition:
• Bride and groom
• Bride and father-in-law then bride’s father cuts in.
• Groom and mother-in-law then grooms mother cuts in.
• Bride and best man, groom and maid of honor
• Attendants and guests join in.
With the father-in-law dancing first, this show’s he is welcoming his
new daughter-in-law happily into his family, same with the mother-in-law
welcoming her new son-in-law into her family.
The Bride may want to have a special dance with her father a half hour before their departure. The bride may want to pick a special song a head of time. The mother of the bride and groom may cut in half way through.
After the parents and wedding party have danced. Some bride starts her “Dollar or Money Dance”. At this time any one who dance with the bride puts money in her dress. Not all bride do this, some do it to have money for their honeymoon. Groom can also have their dance too.
Remember it’s your wedding day; you can also set your own tradition.