When Should My First Dance Happen?

First dance at the Essence in St Paul, MN

Right after the Grand Entrance.

Hear me out.  There are genuinely 2 spots in the wedding timeline that I have seen the first dance done. Typically it is done after dinner and speeches and leads right into the open dancing.

But I think the best spot for the First Dance is right after the grand entrance.

Here’s why:

1.  A lot of couples are anxious about the spotlight being on them.  So get this part done early and you can relax the rest of the evening.

2. Contrary to what I just said in 1, you will have the full attention of all your guests as opposed to people moving around or outside if you wait till after dinner.

3. Lighting.  The room will still be brighter and have more natural light for pictures.

So how could this flow?

My ideal timeline is:

Ceremony

Cocktail/Social hour

Grand Entrance

First Dance

Dinner

Speeches

Dessert

Parent Dances

Party

What do you think?