| At most American wedding receptions, there is music. | | | | The first dance by the married couple kicks off the |
| It sets the tone for the event and changes as | | | | dancing portion of the evening. The song choice for |
| different events happen during the evening. Just like | | | | this dance is significant. It can be slow and romantic |
| scary music in a movie let's you know something bad | | | | or sometime people do a "surprise" first dance and |
| is going to happen, music at a wedding reception lets | | | | do something a little funky or crazy. The dance |
| the guests know what's going to happen next. The | | | | should reflect the couple's relationship and love for |
| stages of the wedding reception include the following: | | | | each other. Often, a couple will learn a ballroom dance |
| - Interlude | | | | for this very special moment. |
| - Grand Entrance | | | | Father-Daughter Dance |
| - Dinner Music | | | | The Father-Daughter dance generally follows the first |
| - First Dance | | | | dance. The father of the bride dances with his |
| - Father-Daughter Dance | | | | daughter. The song is usually a slow song that is |
| - Mother-Son Dance | | | | special to the father and daughter. The song is |
| - Other special people (step parents for example) | | | | usually not as romantic as the first dance song, but |
| dances | | | | will be equally meaningful. |
| - Last Dance | | | | Mother-Son Dance |
| Interlude | | | | The Mother-Son dance follows the Father-Daughter |
| The interlude music is played while the guests arrive | | | | dance, or sometimes the two dances are combined. |
| to the reception. Soft, gentle music usually | | | | This is usually danced to a fairly traditional slow song |
| accompanies this period of time while cocktails and | | | | and is very special for the mother and her son. Like |
| hors d'oeuvres are served. There is general mingling | | | | the Father-Daughter dance, the song is usually not as |
| of the guests, so the music should not be | | | | romantic as the first dance, but is very special. |
| overpowering. | | | | Other Special People Dances |
| Grand Entrance | | | | There may be other people in your life that are very |
| The Grand Entrance is when the Bride and Groom | | | | special to you and you may want to honor them |
| arrive at the reception. This occurs after all of the | | | | with a dance. Examples of these include step parents |
| guests have arrived, and often the guests are | | | | or even a Mother-Daughter dance. Although any |
| seated in the main reception area. The wedding party | | | | combination can really be done, you should reserve |
| is announced first as they enter the room. The new | | | | these special dances for the closest people in your |
| married couple enter last and everyone cheers or | | | | life. |
| claps. | | | | Final Song of the Evening |
| Dinner Music | | | | The final song of the evening wraps up the reception |
| During dinner, soft music is once again played. This | | | | celebration. There are a couple of different directions |
| can be done with soft music being played by the DJ, | | | | you can go with the last song of the evening. A nice |
| or a quiet band, or even a harpist. People socialized | | | | slow song for everyone to dance to reaffirms the |
| during dinner and do not want overpowering music | | | | love that is in the room. Another choice is to play an |
| during this time. | | | | upbeat celebration song so everyone leaves on a |
| First Dance | | | | high note. The choice is up to you! |