Wedding Formalities

Which Wedding Formalities Actually Matter

(A DJ’s Guide to the Traditions Worth Keeping — and the Ones to Skip)

Let’s be honest — weddings are full of “you have to do this” moments. But not every formality hits the same way, and the last thing you want is to lose your crowd halfway through your own celebration. So here’s the breakdown from the pros who’ve seen it all (and kept the dance floor alive through it).

First Dance

No debate here. Do it. It’s your first moment as a married couple and the perfect opening scene to your wedding night story.

Grand Entrance

If you’ve got a big crowd or a big bridal party, go all in. Make it loud, make it fun, make it a moment people remember.
If half your guest list is the bridal party, skip the full lineup and just introduce the couple. The key is energy — if it’s there, it’s magic. If it’s not, it’s awkward.

Parent Dances

We love these — they’re emotional, meaningful, and timeless. But keep them short.
Even better: if mom or dad has moves, use that moment to open the dance floor and get your guests out there.
No parent in the picture? Honor someone else who played a special role — a sibling, an aunt or uncle — anyone who deserves that moment with you.

Cake Cutting

Let’s be real — guests don’t care.
Step aside with your photographer for the cute photo op, grab a bite, and keep the party going.
But whatever you do, don’t pull guests off the dance floor to watch you cut a cake. Nothing kills a dance floor faster than buttercream and awkward clapping.

Garter Toss

Dead. And it should stay that way.

Bouquet Toss

The toss is fading, and it’s being replaced by something way better: the Bouquet Dedication to the Mother of the Bride. We’re obsessed with this one — it gives mom her own special moment to shine.
Or, go playful: toss a plush bottle of wine or bourbon, then hand the real thing to whoever catches it. But if you ask us? The dedication wins every time. Dad gets a dance… mom deserves her moment too.

Anniversary Dance

Two great versions, depending on your crowd:

1. Classic: Start with everyone, dismiss couples by years married until only the longest-lasting pair remains. Hand them a mic and let them share their secret to love.
2. Reverse: Start with the longest-married and add couples by year until the newlyweds join the dance floor — then transition straight into party mode.

We say keep it, but tailor it to your vibe. No older couples in attendance? Skip it.

The Shoe Game (and Other Games)

Fun? Sure. But not on your dance floor time.
Perfect for a rehearsal dinner, not the reception.
If your friends never dance, maybe this helps.
If your crew lives for the club, cut it. Same goes for couple trivia, scavenger hunts, or any other party-killing games.

Group Last Dance

Absolute must. It’s your grand finale — the big, everyone’s-screaming-the-lyrics moment you’ll remember forever.

Private Last Dance

Your DJs love this one. It’s that quiet, emotional minute where it’s just you two, soaking it all in before you step into married life.
Today was the one day where everyone who loves you was under one roof — take that in before you go.

Grand Exit

Do it. But whatever you do, don’t fake it.
A Faux Exit kills the party — guests leave, energy drops, and even if you tell people it’s fake, they’ll still grab their coats.
Instead, pay your photographer to stay a little longer, or hand your phone to a friend to capture it.

Sparklers? They look great… until half burn out mid-line.
Bubbles? Classic and foolproof.
Cold sparks? That’s the move.

To quote our CEO: “Cold sparks set people on fire.”
Disclaimer: Cold sparks are not actually flammable. He meant the vibe.

Do the moments that mean something. Skip the ones that don’t. The goal is simple — keep the energy high, the memories unforgettable, and the dance floor packed.

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