Reception Timeline: When to Show Off That First Dance

 

Happy New Year! To all the couples getting married in 2023, CHEERS! This is your year. And most likely you're feeling the pressure to check some things off your nuptial "to do" list now that you're only months away from tying the knot. Getting a timeline in place is probably one of them. Like all other elements of weddings, there are so so SO many different ways to go about how your big day unfolds. From what time your ceremony should start to making sure you capture the magic hour lighting for some killer sunset photos, every element of your entire day needs to be planned out and organized. And figuring that out can feel overwhelming and stressful. There are questionnaires you can fill out online to help you tackle some timing questions, but I strongly encourage you to hire a wedding planner. Good ones have done this a million times and know how to ensure your day runs smoothly. Hiring vendors who are pros and have tons of experience is invaluable too. That's where I come in😁

There is a lot of debate about when the best time for the first dance should be and I've seen it done a variety of ways. One way is to do your first dance when you do your "grand entrance" to the reception hall. This is a nice option for couples who maybe want to get their first dance done on the earlier side of the night so they don't have to be thinking about and anticipating this big moment for hours and can start partying (ahem, bring on the shots) a bit earlier. But personally, I highly recommend doing your first dance after dinner, cake cutting and toasts are finished...right before the dance party happens. Why? Because your first dance can get the party STARTED. Guests are often hesitant to enter the dance floor when the DJ opens it. No one wants to be the first one "out there".  If you and your partner just finished a stunning routine, your guests will be excited and feel energized. They'll want to rush up and join you not only to congratulate you but because they'll feel like dancing too.

That brings me to the after dessert dance line up. A lot of planners have it organized like this: first dance, then mother/son dance, then father/daughter dance. And I'm here once again to encourage you to do this: put your SPECIAL choreographed dance (if you have one) last. I've had couples where the bride & groom didn't plan out or practice a routine but the bride and her dad did. In that case, by all means, put the father/daughter dance LAST. Again, that energy from the excitement of the moment will get people on the dance floor! But in all other cases - even if you don't have something special choreographed, I highly recommend having the first dance last. You as a newlywed couple will have much more pull and draw to get family and friends off their seats and on their feet to move and groove with you than anyone else.

 

No matter what you choose, make sure you're happy about it. All us wedding professionals offer our expertise and opinions from experience to try to make your celebration as fantastic as possible, but at the end of the day it is YOUR day. If you feel really strongly about having everything unfold in a certain fashion, be vocal about it. You don't want to have any regrets on one of the most important days of your life.

Planner: Alston Mayger Events

Assistant Planner: Trellis Creative Co.

Photographer: Brady Bates Photography

Videography & Film Photography: Hannah Marich

Venue: The Griffin House  

Floral Design: Jodi Iverson Florals

Dress: Alena Leena Bridal 

Ceremony & Reception Music: John Ross Music

Officiant: Rooted & Wild 

Signage & Paper Goods: Letters & Dust

Bar & Catering: Devil's Food Catering 

Dessert: Banquette Bakery

Rentals: Arden Event Collective & Riverhood Rentals

Transportation: Aspen Limo Tours

First Dance: PNW Wedding Dance