The Best Time to Do Your First Dance at Your Wedding

When Should You Have Your First Dance?
Here’s my hot take: Right after the Grand Entrance.
Hear me out. Most couples I work with choose one of two moments for their First Dance:

• Right after dinner and speeches, as a way to kick off open dancing
  
• Or… my personal favorite: right after the Grand Entrance
  

Here’s why I think that second option is the winner:

1. Get it out of the way early. A lot of couples feel a bit anxious about having all eyes on them. Doing the First Dance early means you can check it off the list and relax for the rest of the night.
   
2. You’ll have your guests’ full attention. Right after the entrance, everyone is seated, paying attention, and ready for what’s next. Later on, people are more likely to be chatting, stepping outside, or wandering to the bar.
   
3. Better lighting for photos. If your reception is during daylight hours, you’ll still have some natural light, which can make for way better First Dance pictures. Photographers love this.
   

---

---

​How would this flow?
Here’s an ideal timeline I love to recommend:

• Ceremony
  
• Cocktail / Social Hour
  
• Grand Entrance
  
• First Dance
  
• Dinner
  
• Speeches
  
• Dessert
  
• Parent Dances
  
• Party Time