06 Feb Wedding Reception Ideas – Anniversary Dance

Most guests are quite accustomed to the standard reception itinerary… the First Dance, the Father/Daughter Dance, the Mother/Son Dance, the Cake Cutting, the Toasts, and the Bouquet and Garter Tosses, but surprise them with a fun activity to get your married couples on the dance floor all at once. It’s call the Anniversary Dance.

Pick a song that you know everyone will enjoy swaying to. Have your DJ or designated emcee announce that it’s time for ALL married couples to get up and join the bride and groom on the dance floor.

After the first bar or two of the song, announce… “Anyone married less than 6 hours, please take a seat.” Everyone will get a chuckle out of watching the bride and groom leaving the dance floor.

After a few more bars announce… “Anyone married less than 1 year take a seat.”

After a few more bars announce… “Anyone married less than 5 years take a seat.

Keep doing this for each of the following marks, less than… 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, 30 years, 35 years, 40 years and so on until one couple is left standing.

Once the last couple dancing has been identified, ask the crowd to… “Please put your hands together and give them a round of applause.” If this is not already being done.

Next announce to them… “Since you obviously know what it takes to make it work, would you please give the bride and groom some advice on a long happy marriage?”

Then hand them the microphone.

Your guests will love hearing their words of advice as well as recognizing a long-lasting love.

For an additional twist, I’ve also had brides present the couple with their toss bouquet rather than doing the customary but sometimes awkward toss to all the single ladies. This is a very sweet gesture!