While the first dance is a traditional and cherished part of many weddings, there are several alternatives to consider if you want to switch things up or if dancing isn't your preferred activity. Here are 20 Alternatives to the First Dance at Your Wedding.
20 Alternatives to the First Dance at Your Wedding
1. Joint Speech or Toast
First on our list of 20 Alternatives to the First Dance at Your Wedding is giving a joint speech or toast. Instead of a dance, the couple can give a joint speech or toast, expressing their love and gratitude to their guests.
2. Musical Performance
Showcase your musical talents or hire a musician or band to perform a song that has special meaning to you as a couple. Choose one of your favorite local artists to make it more memorable.
3. Interactive Activities
Incorporate interactive activities like a trivia quiz about the couple, a photo booth, or a fun game that involves guests. This is a great way to break the ice and get to know more about the couple.
4. Candle Lighting Ceremony
Light a unity candle together to symbolize your union and the merging of your lives. This one just isn’t for the wedding actual ceremony. You can incorporate candle lighting into the reception as an alternative to the first dance.
5. Love Letter Exchange
Exchange heartfelt love letters or personal vows as a public declaration of your commitment.
6. Live Art or Painting
Have an artist create a live painting representing your wedding or love story throughout the evening. This is a good way to be creative at your wedding.
7. Storytelling
Who doesn’t love a good story? Share your love story with your guests through a storytelling session or a video presentation and watch the reaction from your guests.
8. Karaoke
Encourage guests to participate in a karaoke session, where they can sing love songs or dedicate songs to the couple. A great way to bring the fun to your wedding.
9. Dinner Theater
Arrange for a short theatrical performance or skit that tells a story related to your relationship. You can bring in friends and family members to make it comical.
10. Dance Performance
If you're not keen on dancing yourselves, hire professional dancers to entertain your guests with a captivating dance routine.
11. Wine or Whiskey Tasting
Organize a wine or whiskey tasting, where you and your guests can savor different beverages and learn about the subtleties of each.
12. Fireworks Display
End the evening with a spectacular fireworks display, creating a memorable and visually stunning moment. This is one of our favorite of the Alternatives to the First Dance at Your Wedding.
13. Video Montage
Create a montage of photos and videos from your relationship journey and share it with your guests. You can put the videos on a huge projector screen and event so that guests can reminisce about your journey together.
14. Outdoor Activities
If your wedding is outdoors, consider activities like a bonfire, stargazing, or even a mini-carnival with games and rides. Make the outdoors your personalized venue.
15. Cultural Traditions
Incorporate cultural traditions that are meaningful to you and your families, such as a tea ceremony or a handfasting ritual.
16. Group Dance or Flash Mob
Invite your guests to join you in a choreographed group dance or surprise everyone with a flash mob performance. This is a great way to get the party started at your reception and include your guests at the same time.
17. Silent Disco
Instead of a traditional dance floor, have a silent disco where guests wear headphones and dance to their choice of music.
18. Food Tasting
Also on our list of Alternatives to the First Dance at Your Wedding is a food tasting. Foodies would really like this option. Highlight your favorite foods with a food-tasting station, where guests can sample various dishes.
19. Book Reading
If you're both bookworms, share passages from your favorite books or poetry that hold significance to your relationship.
20. Outdoor Adventure
If you're hosting a destination wedding or a rustic celebration, organize an outdoor adventure like hiking, canoeing, or horseback riding for your guests. Outdoor adventures are a great way to get your wedding guests together for a day of fun.
If you would like to learn more about our 20 Alternatives to the First Dance at Your Wedding, contact us to speak to one of our wedding planners.