All About Wedding Dances

After guests are fed and toasts are made, you and your new spouse meet on the dance floor for what may be the first relaxing moment the two of you have had together all day. The first dances of the evening set the tone—then it’s time to let loose and cut a rug!

For wedding receptions with a seated dinner, the wedding dance begins after dessert is served. For afternoon weddings, dancing can begin before the bridal party goes to their table. If the reception is buffet-style, the bride and groom may start dancing as soon as they finish greeting guests in the receiving line.

The Traditional Dance Sequence
The bride and groom kick off the reception dance, traditionally followed by the bride’s father-in-law asking for the second dance, with the bride’s father cutting in to complete the dance with her. The groom dances with his mother-in-law, then his mother during or immediately following the bride’s dance. Next, the bride’s father asks the groom’s mother to dance, and the groom’s father asks the bride’s mother. The groom dances with the maid-of-honor, and the bride dances with the best man.

These first dance sequences may be altered because of family circumstances. If parents are absent or stepparents are involved, the bride and groom should determine the first dance protocol ahead of time and inform all family members and the wedding party before the wedding.

The Local Lesson Scene
Don’t dance? Don’t worry. One of these local studios can work with you to make sure you’re in step on your big day.

Arthur Murray
Minneapolis
612-920-1900
Experts can teach wedding couples a special first dance, plus all popular social styles. Classes available for the whole wedding party.

Brian Sostek Dance Instruction
Minneapolis
612-384-6914
The objective here is to relax, have fun, and enjoy the first dance. Create unique choreographed or freestyle routines in a professional environment.
Dance with Lois Donnay
Minneapolis
612-822-8436
Amaze your guests with your fancy footwork in a specially choreographed dance designed with your personality as a couple in mind.

Four Seasons Dance Studio
Minneapolis
612-342-0902
Choreograph a dance routine to the song of your choice. Book private lessons or include the entire wedding party—or bring the experts right to your wedding. A professional dance couple will come to your reception to teach and assist your friends and family and get them all dancing.

Let’s Dance Tonight
Minneapolis
612-703-8040
Expert teachers make your lessons fun, easy, and personal. First dance choreography packages include a minimum of four fifty-minute private lessons and two practice parties. Bridal parties are also welcome.

Time To Dance
Plymouth
763-557-6004
Learn the popular wedding dances from instructors who make dancing easy and fun.