The Power of the Last Dance

In modern times, while planning their wedding reception, not only do couples opt for the traditional first dance, but it’s becoming increasingly popular to choose a last dance as well. In days gone by, perhaps it would have been more traditional to do the ‘wedding arches’ while you and your beloved leave the wedding reception, however these days rather than being the first to leave, I find in more cases than not the bride and groom are the last left standing!

So... whilst the wedding arches are always good fun and a nice way to see you off into your new life together, perhaps if you are not going to be leaving early it might be nice to think about a last dance instead.

There isn’t really a set format for the last dance, and it’s really down to how you and your other half would like the evening to end. Also, have a think about your guests and how you think they would like to finish the festivities.

Here are some options...

A Formal Last Dance

I’ve seen some beautiful last dances where the happy couple slow dance in the centre of the dance-floor whilst the guests gather around them, joining hands to form a circle, which perhaps gives it a more formal feel. This is a lovely idea and creates a real sense of unity from all the guests, and I think it finishes off the evening with real sentiment.

A few song ideas for this*:

• Time of My Life - Dirty Dancing
  Has to be my absolute favorite choice for this moment!
• Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
  It’s a classic, and the words are perfect.
• I Knew You Were Waiting For Me - George Michael/Aretha Franklin
  If you’re looking for a more up-tempo number, this one is great fun and again, lyrically just great!

* This really is a good moment to have any song that is personal to you, and I don’t think you should worry about what anyone else thinks of the song if you go for this sort of option; it’s all about you, so choose something lovely that means something to you both.

Some couples prefer to become part of the group rather than dancing in the middle, and that’s also lovely to see everyone coming together.

Suggested songs for this:

• That’s what Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick
  A lovely moment to embrace your friends and family after such an emotional day.
• Hey Jude - The Beatles
  A classic for getting everyone singing along!

A Smoochy Romantic End

A lot of wedding bands these days tend to focus more on getting everyone up and dancing to the up-tempo numbers, so you might find that (aside from your first dance) this may be the only time for a romantic slow dance for you and your guests.

From my point of view, being in the band myself, I love nothing more than seeing an audience full of happy slow dancers at the end of the night.

Song wise, obviously you should choose a song that you love and is personal to you, but remember that if you want everyone dancing with you it should be something your guests will know.

Here are a few that work really well:

• Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing - Aerosmith
  Hugely powerful song to finish on.
• Heaven - The Candlelight Mix by DJ Sammy
  Just gorgeous.
• Empire State of Mind - Alicia Keys
  Ok it’s not lyrically that romantic, but it’s a lovely song, and the great thing about this is that any singletons or youngsters that don’t want to slow dance can just sing along at the top of their voices instead!
• Let’s Stay Together - Al Green
  What a great song - always gets everyone up on the dance floor!
• You’re Just Too Good to Be True - Andy Williams
  This is great because it’s a romantic verse, and then during the chorus everyone usually jumps around like crazy people – it’s great fun!

A High Impact Last Dance

I find that often couples say to me that they’d rather keep things up-tempo and end on a high, and I must say this will definitely always leave your audience wanting more, which is a great way to finish. Some bands or DJs will play a good three or four slow songs at the end of the night, but it does create a huge impact if they do the opposite and build their set to a huge finale!

I’d say that if you’re going for this option try to choose the most epic song you can think of! You want to get EVERYONE up on the dance floor (if they’re not already) and get them to really let their hair down. Something a bit rockier usually works well here or a huge sing along number.

A few suggestions:

• Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
  You can’t go wrong with this one. Whether you like the song or not, everyone seems to love it at the end of the night!
• Sweet Child of Mine - Guns ‘n’ Roses
  Ditto the above, and you can’t beat a bit of air guitar to get everyone going!
• Don’t Stop Believing - Journey
  I have to admit this is my personal favourite to finish on – it’s just so atmospheric and is a really passionate song to finish on.
• Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon
  Brilliant for getting everyone jumping around and singing!

To sum up, whatever you decide to do, having a ‘last dance’ will make the last moment of your evening hugely memorable, so it’s worth putting a bit of thought (and discussion with your DJ or Band) about what might work well. I’m sure if you’re hiring a band they will have suggestions for songs they know will work well at this point, and similarly with a DJ, and perhaps so will your friends and family.

Best of luck with all the plans, and here’s to a happy 2012!

Love & Hugs

Sera

Article by Wedding Entertainment Specialist Sera Golding

Image courtesy of Surrey Wedding Photographer Matt Pereira Photography

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