Before we start, as with everything, this is our opinion and advise – the final choice is with you and what you would like.
The Father/Daughter dance is still something only a few people decide to do, however has increased in popularity post covid. The timings of this dance however is something that is important and needs some thought towards – it can affect the beginning of your night quite a bit.
There are endless option but the 3 main times people choose are
Before the First Dance (what we recommend)
After the First Dance (what most people ask for initially)
Later in the Evening
Now without doubt, in our opinion, number 1 normally works best for the flow of the evening. However, we will describe the pros/cons of each below, because as mentioned it is YOUR choice.
1. Before the First Dance
Having the Father/Daughter dance before the first dance usually means the flow is Cake Cutting (with everyone gathered round), Father/Daughter Dance (with everyone gathered round the dancefloor) then First Dance (with everyone there ready to join in).
It is also a nice touch that you dance with your Father then he passes your hand over to your new husband
Don’t forget – you don’t have to do the whole dance, this can be cut short if preferred.
As we have mentioned this is our favourite – the reason for this is it helps with the flow and movement of people. If people are constantly being asked to gather round, sit down, go here there and everywhere – pretty soon they get fed up.
2. After the First Dance
The initial choice many make, however we think it is because this is what hotels recommend for some strange reason.
The reason many think of this order, is your ‘First Dance should be the First Dance’ which we suppose is correct. Many do prefer it that way, so this would be the correct option.
If you are choosing this however, then realistically you should NOT invite people onto the dancefloor for your First Dance. Reason quite simply being they are going for the Cake Cutting, Gathering for the First Dance, Joining in the First Dance, then asked to clear the dancefloor again, to re-join shortly afterwards – the result inevitable is people sit down and do not join in at the end most of the time.
Again though, you can always shorten your first dance, so it is just the 2 of you, then have your Father/Daughter dance, then invite everyone onto the Dancefloor.
3. Later in the Evening
This does work quite well and is a great way to build a dancefloor again if it goes a little quiet. It also means you aren’t doing ‘everything at once’ – it can get very tiring for a bride doing everything together.
The downsides however are that your Photographer will likely have left so won’t get the professional photo and also people are normally glad the ‘formalities’ are finished so can let their hair down – and have a drink or 5. If at the back of your mind you still have this dance it can spoil things for you a little.
As mentioned the above is only our opinion – the choice is yours !!
