First, let’s define what dancing between courses is. It is used for all weddings on the east coast and amazingly enough called East Coast style. Secondly, it has become very popular for weddings throughout the country. The biggest difference is that the dance orchestra starts at the beginning of dinner instead of after.
Here’s what the overall schedules would look like:
Dancing after Dinner (Mid-West Style)
Schedule Overview:
5:45 – 6:30pm Ceremony Classical Duo (Violin and Piano)
6:30 – 7:30pm Cocktails Jazz Trio (Piano, Bass and Sax)
7:30 – 9:00pm Dinner Jazz Trio Continues
9:00 – 12:00am 10-Piece Orchestra
Ceremony
5:45-6:30pm Ceremony Classical Duo
Cocktails:
6:30-7:30pm Jazz Trio
Dinner:
7:30-9:00pm Jazz Trio Continues
7:30pm Doors open (Guests enter ballroom)
Bridal Party Introductions
Flower Girl: escorted by Ring Bearer:
Parents of the Bride:
Parents of the Groom:
Ushers:
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:
escorted by
escorted by
Matron of Honor:
escorted by Best Man
Bride and Groom:
Toasts:
1:
2:
3:
4:
Blessing Over Meal:
Meal is served
Cake Cutting
Dancing:?9:00-12:00am 10-Piece Orchestra
First Dance:
Father/Daughter Dance:
Mother/Son Dance:
Everyone begins dancing
10:30pm Bouquet/Garter
Dancing Between Courses (East Coast Style)
Schedule Overview:
5:45 – 6:30pm Ceremony Classical Duo (Violin and Piano)
6:30 – 7:30pm Cocktails Jazz Trio (Piano, Bass and Sax)
7:30 – 9:00pm Dinner 10-Piece Orchestra
9:00 – 12:00am Dancing 10-Piece Orchestra Continues
Ceremony:
5:45-6:30pm Ceremony Classical Duo
Cocktails:?6:30-7:30pm Jazz Trio
Dinner:?7:30-9:00pm 10-Piece Orchestra
7:30pm Doors open (Guests enter ballroom)
Bridal Party Introductions
Flower Girl: escorted by Ring Bearer:
Parents of the Bride:
Parents of the Groom:
Ushers:
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:
escorted by
escorted by
Matron of Honor escorted by Best Man
Bride and Groom:
First Dance:
Father/Daughter:
Mother/Son Dance:
Everyone dances one song
“Ladies and Gentlemen we will have plenty of dancing throughout the evening. In the meantime, please be seated”
Toasts:
1:
2:
3:
4:
Blessing Over Meal:
As Salad is served announce Cake Cutting
After Salads is being cleared:?“Ladies and Gentlemen, while you are waiting for your main course we’d like to invite you to join us for dancing.”
The Catering Director cues David once the main course is served.?“Ladies and Gentlemen, we will have plenty of dancing throughout the evening. In the meantime, please be seated as your main course is being served.”
Dancing:?9:00-12:00 am 10-Piece Orchestra Continues
10:30 pm Bouquet/Garter
Dancing Between Courses has several huge benefits to the flow of your wedding:
WHAT HAPPENS: Dance Orchestra starts performing as the door to the ballroom opens.
BENEFITS: You will make a big impression having a full orchestra playing as your guests come in.
WHAT HAPPENS: When you are introduced with a standing ovation, you walk right to the dance floor for your First Dance, Father/Daughter and Mother/Son.
BENEFITS: All the formal dances are completed. After dinner you will have 3 hours of uninterrupted dancing.
WHAT HAPPENS: Your guests are invited to dance one song.
BENEFITS: The dancing will jump start your party and put your guests in the mood for a great night.
WHAT HAPPENS: Guests are invited to dance after the salad course.
BENEFITS: Instead of sitting at their table with a dirty plate with waiters reaching around them, they can dance to their favorite songs.
WHAT HAPPENS: The dance orchestra performs for 4 ½ hours instead of 3.
BENEFITS: You can choose more of your favorite songs.?If toasts are longor the food is running behind, you’re covered.
SUMMARY: Dancing between courses is a huge advantage to the overall success of your wedding if you can afford it. Think of it as an insurance policy for having an amazing wedding.