The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping. Wedding season is upon us! For many, this entails getting sized up for gowns, checking in with the caterer and navigating the minefield that is trying to stay on budget. (Good luck with that, by the way. The Knot’s recent survey discovered the average wedding cost in 2016 reached an all-time high of $35,329, and more couples found themselves going over budget.) Wedding season also means getting ready to dance. And whether you’re the bride, groom, member of the bridal party, or simply attending, if you’re in the facility, there’s a high probability you’ll wind up on the dance floor.
Google “dancing and weddings,” and in less than one second, you receive 36 million results. While dancing may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly adds to the memories of the special day. It’s like seeing the reluctant yet adorable 3-year-old tux-wearing ring bearer walking down the aisle. Dancing at weddings elicits a wide range of emotions. That first moment when bride and groom lock eyes and hands as a couple united in matrimony. Dad getting to share a quiet moment with his lovely daughter. Uncle Al leading everyone around the dance floor in the conga line.
On that note, let’s examine some of the trends you should expect to see in 2017 as wedding season shifts into full throttle.
Art
Pictures are worth a thousand words. But couples are no longer relying solely on photographers to tell their stories. Artists at weddings, be they caricaturists, watercolorists or oil painters, are in high demand in 2017 as newlyweds request their presence to capture the first dance.
Father Daughter Dance
The father-daughter dance is traditionally a slower affair, even when you’re stuck on a highway. But we’re starting to see brides and their fathers engage in a performance filled with more choreography and moments that energize the reception hall.
Stage Productions
We’re living in a viral world. What better way to set your reception apart from others than to add some flair to your first dance? Brides and grooms are spending several hours on dance lessons to nail their first dance. And the bridal party is certainly getting in the act. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are creating routines rivaling off-Broadway productions.
Specialty Performances
It’s not just the people in the bridal party taking part in the fun at the reception. Couples are incorporating specialty performing acts, such as dance troupes, to crank up the entertainment. What a creative and exciting way to spice up the reception.
Out with the Old
As always, audience participation is a must, and nothing compels people more to get out on the dance floor than a line dance. But after several decades of dominance, it appears dances such as the “Electric Slide” and “The Macarena” have run their course. Sliding in to fill the void? Line dances such as “Rock Me Mamma (Wagon Wheel)” and “Ju Ju On That Beat” are two organized dances that will get attendees of all ages moving in 2017. The good news, you can send links of any of the popular dances to attendees ahead of time to prepare them.
Last Dance
The saying “leave them wanting more” can certainly apply to your wedding reception. The trend is to send your guests home on a high note with an indelible final dance. No longer is that last dance a throwaway event. Couples are working hard to make a final impression on their magnificent day.
So, there it is. Enjoy the pomp and circumstance. Don’t be afraid to let out a few tears. And get on the dance floor. Remember, you don’t have to go at this alone. This is Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s specialty. We’re here to help. Our qualified dance instructors are ready to assist in making your big day a memorable experience!
