Jun 253 min read

Fun Dances to Start the Party

While the traditional first dance and parent dances are heartwarming staples, let's talk about some fun and creative dances to add to your reception before you open the floor to all your guests. Ready to shake things up? Let's get dancing!

1. The Wedding Party Dance-Off

Kick off the festivities with a friendly competition between the bridesmaids and groomsmen. This can be choreographed or freestyle, but the key is to make it entertaining. Choose upbeat, high-energy songs that everyone knows and loves. Think "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars for the groomsmen and "Single Ladies" by Beyoncé for the bridesmaids. The laughter and cheering will set a fun tone for the rest of the night.

2. The Anniversary Dance

This one’s a beautiful nod to love and longevity. Invite all married couples to the dance floor and play a romantic song. Throughout the song, the DJ will periodically announce years of marriage, starting from one year and going up. Couples leave the dance floor as their years of marriage are called out, until the couple married the longest remains dancing. It’s a heartwarming moment that also honors the enduring love of your guests.

3. The Shoe Game Dance

A popular reception game, the Shoe Game, can be turned into a dance! The couple sits back-to-back in the middle of the dance floor, each holding one of their own shoes and one of their partner’s shoes. The DJ or MC asks a series of funny questions like “Who is the better dancer?” or “Who is more likely to start a dance-off?” and the couple raises the corresponding shoe. To wrap it up, have the couple stand up and share a fun, spontaneous dance together to a song that embodies their relationship.

4. The Generational Dance

Celebrate different generations by having the DJ play a short snippet of a popular dance song from each decade, starting from the '60s up to today. Grandparents can twist to “Twist and Shout,” parents can boogie to “Stayin’ Alive,” and friends can break it down to “Uptown Funk.” It’s a fun way to get everyone involved and celebrate the music that’s spanned generations.

5. The Conga Line or Train Dance

This classic is a fantastic way to get everyone on the dance floor. Start with the wedding party leading the way, and soon enough, all your guests will join in, forming a long, winding train of dancing fun. It’s simple, energetic, and guaranteed to get people moving. Plus, it’s a great way to lead everyone from the dining area to the dance floor if your venue is set up that way.

6. The Flash Mob Dance

Surprise your guests with a planned flash mob! Get your wedding party or even a larger group of friends and family involved in learning a simple, choreographed dance ahead of time. When the moment comes, it will be an unexpected and delightful surprise for everyone. Choose a song that’s meaningful to you as a couple or one that’s just too fun to resist.

7. The "Money Dance"

Also known as the "Dollar Dance" or "Honeymoon Dance," this tradition involves guests paying a small fee to dance with the bride or groom. It's a great way to interact with your guests individually and raise a bit of extra money for your honeymoon or a charitable cause. To add a fun twist, consider playing different genres of music for each dance or incorporating props like hats and boas to make it more playful.

Adding these fun and unique dances to your wedding reception is a surefire way to keep your guests entertained and engaged. Remember, the goal is to create an atmosphere of joy and celebration. By mixing traditional elements with a few surprises, you'll ensure that your wedding is a memorable and fun-filled event for everyone involved.