Wedding Line Dances

Why Line Dancing?

Line dancing – party dancing that gets the entire crowd moving on the dance floor – is a fun way to get all your wedding guests involved in the celebration, whether or not they have dance partners. Most line dances are familiar to many guests, and because they are large crowd dances, no one is singled out for moves they may not be familiar with. The songs for line dances are fun and energetic with moves suitable for all ages and abilities, making them perennial favorites for wedding receptions.

Popular Wedding Line Dances

There are many popular line dances that are great for weddings, including:

• Electric Slide
• Macarena
• YMCA
• Chicken Dance
• Boot Scootin’ Boogie
• Tush Push
• Watermelon Crawl
• Cotton Eyed Joe
• Slappin’ Leather

Many of these dances are named after the songs they have become associated with, but they can also be danced to other popular party songs with an appropriate beat.

Learning to Line Dance

While line dances may seem simple, not everyone knows how to do them. Many wedding DJs can call out moves or offer basic line dancing instruction during the reception so everyone can get involved, or couples can opt to take line dancing lessons before their wedding. Many couples take dance lessons so they can have an elegant first dance, and instructors are often willing to include basic line dancing lessons as well so the bride and groom are well prepared to shine during their reception.

Another option is to arrange a group lesson for the bridal party and close family members and friends before the wedding. This can ensure that everyone knows the dance and can have fun during the festivities without feeling out of place or uncoordinated. Group line dancing lessons can also be a fun activity for a couple’s wedding shower, the rehearsal dinner, or other pre-wedding events.

Couples and groups who want to learn line dancing in the privacy of their own homes can buy or download step-by-step instructional videos for the most popular party and wedding line dances. Videos generally cost from $20 to $40 depending on the number of dances included, and downloads can be significantly cheaper. Online resources for line dancing lessons include:

• Active Videos
• Shawn Trautman
• Dance Crazy
• Line Dance Lessons
• Dance Lovers

Is Line Dancing Right for my Wedding?

While line dancing may be fun for many groups, it isn’t right for every wedding celebration. These dances are best for large groups, and they can be awkward for weddings with small guest lists. Furthermore, if the event is very formal, it may seem just a bit ridiculous for guests to engage in corny line dances. Couples should gauge the attitudes of their guests before deciding to include line dances – if few guests like dancing or energetic music, it may be best to add line dancing songs to the reception’s do not play list to ensure the DJ does not spin them on a whim.

Line Dancing Tips

Be sure the dance floor is big enough.

If line dancing is a fun addition to your wedding dance lineup, these tips can help you and your guests dance the night away in style.

• Be sure the dance floor is large enough to accommodate line dancing without moving tables or blocking walkways.
• Space out line dances throughout the evening, and do not begin group dances until most guests have finished eating.
• Be sure your wedding shoes have non-skid soles so you can dance without fear of slipping, tripping, or falling.
• Be sure your wedding dress is adequately bustled so it will not be stepped on or tripped over by you or other guests in a group dance.
• Avoid pressuring reluctant guests into participating if they are not comfortable with the dance.
• Don’t be afraid to spice up dances with your own moves to show off your dancing style.

Wedding line dances are particularly popular at western themed weddings and more casual affairs, but they can be a fun addition to the reception activities for nearly any celebration. A great way to get everyone involved, wedding party and line dances will ensure that you and your guests can dance the night away in a fun and easy way.