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. But what is the order of these dances at the wedding reception? While the dance timeline might not seem that important at first glance, following a schedule will ensure that your reception flows well and gives guests time to eat, drink, mingle, listen to toasts, and yes, hit the dance floor, without feeling overwhelmed, or perhaps even worse, bored.
Work with your planner or venue coordinator to create a wedding-day timeline, and be sure to share it with all of your other vendors to make sure everything runs smoothly on your big day. The DJ or bandleader has a particularly essential role to play here, as they’ll likely be the emcee during the celebration. Ready to learn the order of dances at a wedding reception? Here’s how your party timeline should look:
