When should you have your first dance?

If you’re working on your wedding reception timeline, you might be wondering when you should do your first dance. Should it be later in the evening, like after dinner, or earlier?
At what point during the reception should we do our first dance?

Traditionally, the first dance kicks off the dancing portion of the reception. So, most couples save the first dance until after the meal has been completed. This way, the dining portion of the evening has a more leisurely, relaxed pace; then, once everyone is done eating, you hit the dance floor for your first dance, which instantly shifts the mood into a higher gear. This also signals to your guests that it’s time for them to get out of their seats and celebrate with you on the dance floor.

However, more couples these days prefer to introduce themselves as a couple at the start of the reception (this moment is sometimes called the “grand entrance”) and then head straight to the dance floor for their first dance. What’s nice about this option is that the grand entrance creates a great energy and buzz in the room, and that momentum is sustained throughout the first dance. The only caveat with having the first dance at the start of the reception is that you take away that signal to guests that the evening is segueing from dinner to dancing. However, an easy solution is to use the father-daughter and/or mother-son dances to kick off the dancing portion of the night. The parent dances will help focus attention onto the dance floor and get the party started.