The first dance is such a special moment in any wedding. It's an intimate moment between you and your other half that's shared with all the people you love, it's no wonder that it's so hard to choose just one song that sums up your vibe perfectly. We're also seeing couples playing around with these classic wedding day moments, to create their own special memories, such as having a father-daughter first dance, or a mother-son first dance, or one that's a particular favourite of ours - the Aniversary Dance. This sweet tradition allows you to celebrate all the married couples in the room who still love dancing with each other. Sound like something you'd like to incorporate into your celebration? Read on and we'll tell you all about it.
What is an Anniversary Dance?
The Anniversary Dance is a sweet custom that has been growing in popularity as it's a lovely way to include and celebrate your guests. During an Anniversary Dance, you invite your married guests onto the dancefloor to dance with each other to a special song of your choosing. After a minute of dancing, your band or DJ calls out wedding anniversary milestones starting from year one onwards. As the dancing couples hear their anniversary called out, they sit down, or stand to the side. This goes on until there's just one couple left dancing with the newly-wed couple. As this dance is really for the older couples, it's a good idea to go with a classic love song. We have some suggestions below!
Should you Have an Anniversary Dance?
Having an Anniversary Dance during your evening celebrations can be a really unifying moment for your guests. Not only will it get people up dancing, but it might even provide a surprise romantic interlude for some couples. And there's nothing we love more than romance! Not only this but the Anniversary Dance is a great alternative to the traditional bouquet toss (we have other alternative ideas here too!). This is because, instead of throwing your bouquet into a crowd of singletons, you can instead award it to the last couple left dancing.
How to do an Anniversary Dance?
- Get your wedding band or DJ to invite your married guests onto the dancefloor.
- Get your band or DJ to call out wedding anniversary milestones from year one onwards.
- When couples hear their anniversary, they sit down or stand to the side.
- The last couple left dancing gets a prize (or a big cheer!). You could prepare a special bunch of flowers for them, or give them your wedding bouquet.
- If they're not too shy, ask them to take the mic to share their advice for a long and happy marriage.
10 Great Anniversary Dance Song Ideas
- Better - Tom Baxter
- You're Still the One - Shania Twain
- It Had to be You - Frank Sinatra
- Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
- I Got You Babe - Sonny & Cher
- Let's Stay Together - Al Green
- You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
- Endless Love - Lionel Richie
- You Make Loving Fun - Fleetwood Mac
- Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
We have lots more great Anniversary Dance song suggestions on our Spotify playlist here. You'll find these and more in our wedding music section, including recommended bands and DJs. Hit follow on Instagram for more great tips!
