Your First Dance: Before or After Dinner?
Traditionally, the First Dance kicks off the dancing portion of the reception.
So, if you’re working on your wedding reception timeline, you may be wondering when you should this your First Dance. Should it be later in the evening? How about after dinner? Or earlier, right after introductions?
Before Dinner
At ATMOSPHERE PRODUCTIONS, most of our couples are encouraged to do the First Dance right after the formal introductions of the Bridal Party and the Bride and Groom. Why? Well, we think EVERYONE looks great at this point in the evening. The Bridal Party has taken time to fix their flowers or ties and, of course, the Bride and Groom look perfect!
What’s nice about this option is that the formal introductions create great energy and buzz in the room, and that momentum is sustained throughout the First Dance.
At least, in New England… “the Land of Steady Habits”, the dining portion of the evening has a more leisurely, relaxed pace.
Also, many facilities that provide a plated dinner will prefer this method. Because it gives the wait staff a chance to serve the appetizer while guests are occupied watching the First Dance.
Once everyone is done eating, we normally take care of the Cake Cutting Ceremony, and whilst everyone is eating cake we can easily do the Father and Daughter Dance and the Mother and Son Dance.
The parent dances will help focus attention onto the dance floor and get the party started.
After Dinner
However, some couples are deciding to do the First Dance after dinner and the Cutting Ceremony. And it’s perfectly fine to do it this way.
This instantly shifts the mood into a higher gear and signals to your guests that it’s time for them to get out of their seats and celebrate with you on the dance floor.
With this method, you need to make sure you visit all the guests during dinner because once we have them on the dance floor it’s hard to get them back in their seats.
Caveats
Each wedding reception and banquet facility is different. So, if dancing is done in an entirely different room/area than the dinner is served, then you may have no choice when the First Dance is done. Maybe, it’s logistically impossible and you have to decide ahead of time when your First Dance must be done.
Finally
Just ensure you consider all circumstances and review it thoroughly with your partner, entertainment provider, event planner or facility during your planning sessions. Whatever your choice, you’ll need to consider your guests, their energy level, and the overall flow of the reception.
RELATED POSTS:
Be Engaged and Inspired Podcast Episode 103: Grand Entrances.
Not A Fan Of Wedding Party Introductions? Then Just Skip It!
Atmosphere Productions LLC is a CT Wedding DJ with over 30 years of experience in wedding, radio, and nightclubs. Above all, providing professional mobile entertainment services and specializing in wedding disc jockey entertainment. In other words Music, Reception Entertainment Directors, MC, and DJs. Plus live music, ceremony musicians, strolling violinist, guitarist, cocktail, jazz duos, and chamber musicians.
In summary, centrally located for weddings in the Greater Hartford area. Available anywhere in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and throughout the New England area.
Additionally, providing entertainment for corporate and business events, plus photo booth rentals. Furthermore, custom lighting & wedding uplighting is available, in addition to custom song editing and voice-over services.
Finally, Atmosphere Productions LLC is available anywhere in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and throughout the New England area.
For Further Information
Visit our website www.atmosphere-productions.com and Contact us TODAY for FREE information. Most importantly, get free tips and suggestions, visit our FACEBOOK page.
DJ Sam
Sylvester Samuels
Reception Entertainment Director
As featured in Eric and Amanda’s winning wedding on the season finale of TLC’s TV
“FOUR WEDDINGS”
Couples’ Choice Awards™ 2014-2020, Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011-2013 and Gold Rated Awards™ 2011-2013
Atmosphere Productions LLC
Professional Disc Jockey Entertainment
PO Box 330303
West Hartford, CT 06133-0303
Phone: 860.231.7141
Skype: atmosphereproductions
Celebrating over 30 Years in the Wedding/DJ/Entertainment Music Business
Member of The West Hartford, CT Chamber of Commerce
DJ Times ~ Mobile DJ Of The Month
Former WKND Radio Air-Personality
Copyright © 2021 Atmosphere Productions™ LLC All Rights Reserved.
Parts of the Atmosphere Productions LLC blog and Be Engaged And Inspired Podcast are monetized. Therefore, content and affiliate links come from various platforms and may change. However, it doesn’t cost the user anything when links are clicked. Moreover, this allows Atmosphere Productions LLC and Be Engaged And Inspired Podcast to fund the site and provide a service to the wedding community.