Dancing at your wedding reception is a wonderful way to celebrate your special day with your friends and family. And although you have the freedom to celebrate in any manner you wish, if there are some traditions relating to "first dances" that are worth following.

After the bride and groom are formally introduced to their guests as "Mr. and Mrs." the couple shares their first dance, as their special song is played. The lights may be dimmed to add to the romantic atmosphere, or should the couple choose a "raucous song," the lights may be turned up high and the spotlight turned on them.

Choosing a song for your first dance should be fairly simple. It usually happens in one of two ways; you and your mate already have a song that represents a special moment for the two of you, or you can begin the selection process by deciding the type of dance you would like to do. The Foxtrot, swing, and waltz are the most popular choices, but a slow dance, rumba, or any dance you enjoy is fine. Then you and your groom will need to find a song that fits that type of dance. If you select a song, but are unsure what dance would be appropriate, consult a local dance instructor.

This brings us to the question of whether couples should take dance lessons together before their wedding day. If you have never done any partner dancing before, pre-wedding is the perfect time for you to start. Don't just force lessons though, make sure each of you want to do it equally. In my opinion if you have a son you both love,and you are loving each other, movement will come naturally.

Traditionally, after the bride and groom have danced for a while (usually 2 to 3 minutes), the father of the bride will cut in on the groom and dance with his daughter. Here you may want a change of music to indicate a change of partners. The groom should now ask the bride's mother to dance. After an appropriate amount of time, the groom's father cuts in on the bride's father and then he dances with the bride, his new daughter-in-law. Next, the bride's father cuts in on the groom and dances with his (own) wife. The groom will then ask his mother to dance. Next, the parents change partners with their in-laws. The best man comes out to ask the bride to dance and the groom dances with the maid or matron of honor. To complete the wedding dance tradition, the entire wedding party, ushers and bridesmaids come out onto the dance floor and join in the dancing. Once the entire wedding party is on the dance floor, all the guests are invited to participate.


Always remember, your first dance represents who you are. Your likes, dislikes and styles. Pick a song that is yours. Not everyone has to like it, it represents you as a couple.

Well this is Sandra Sable of to plan an Italian Seafood party. Jump on over to the forum and lets discuss.....whatever come to mind "weddings"