TRADITIONS / FORMALITIES

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If you are considering parent dances here are some common recommendations we can make. One thing we get asked all the time is, how long do most couples dance for with their parents? Most of the time they dance for 1 and half minutes to 2 minutes max. This takes you to approximately the end of the first chorus. 

Also, some couples just skip this portion all together, OR they do a combined parent dance. Meaning one song and the couple dances with their respective parents at the same time! Whatever your decision is you can let your DJ know what you would like to do. 

Lastly, some people have very unfortunately lost their parents already or their parents are not in the picture. Trust us, we get it and are very understanding. If you have someone else in mind for this portion it is more common than you might think. We are very well equipped to deal with sensitive situations and we are here for you. Remember it's your wedding, do what you would like and we will run things how you would like.

EVERYONE asks us, what is this? Well, it depends on how long you've been around! Traditionally it used to be your bridesmaids and groomsmen were all "married" couples. Fast forward 100 years and forcing your wedding party to dance with each other can be quite awkward right? Well we have been around long enough. We have seen it go from all married couples to mixed pairs. 

When mixed pairs became the norm we started having "flash mob" style dances. Meaning choreographed bridal party surprise dances. Needless to say, bridal party dances have almost become obsolete. We only see about 1 out of 100 weddings do a bridal party dance. 

If you have a plan for a bridal party dance you can definitely let us know!

If you are not familiar with this tradition, it is relatively simple. The couple goes out on to the dance floor, and your DJ encourages ALL guests to come out and dance with you. In exchange for a dance they give you money! Who doesn't want more money right? A lot of guests these days do not carry cash any more. Traditionally the couple would provide "safety pins" to pin money to the couple. 

However, it is now the 2020's and more and more we are encouraging guests to send money via venmo, cashapp, paypal, zelle and so on. You may want to consider setting up a venmo account just in case you don't already have one!

You may want to choose your songs for this event, however, if you don't we have a playlist we use that works for all generations. You want to pick at least 4 songs if you have more than 50 guests. If you have 100 or more you should consider picking 5-6 songs total. 

Cake Cutting is definitely one of the more simpler choices to make. While you cut the cake we play a song for this special moment. You can choose your own song or make a selection from our recommended songs!

If you have a bouquet toss you have some options here. We here at IEP like to consider all options. Bouquet toss can be for single ladies only, all ladies, or any combination of people you would like. Just be sure to let your DJ know what you would like for this moment. Again we have provided popular songs for this below!

Not every couple does a garter toss and that's ok! If you are planning on a garter toss we want you to know there are also some extra options. Not everyone is comfortable with garter removal. In this case we recommend just throwing the garter and skipping the removal. 

If you are going more traditional and removing the garter this is also just as fun! Either way we have a great list of songs for you to choose from below if you don't have your own!

This is the moment you get to say whatever is on your heart to all of your guests. You can thank special people for traveling so far, and others for their generous contributions. It's up to you what you'd like to say. Whether it's short and sweet or long and emotional, it's your time to say what you need to say.

This is most commonly done after the formal toasts. If however you feel like you will be too emotional sometimes it's later on in the event but absolutely before open dancing begins. We always recommend not waiting until after open dance because for one reason or another, a portion of guests tend to start to leave once open dance starts. We want to make sure we have as many people present as possible. We also want to have everyone's undivided attention. You may let us know when you'd like to do this.

Alternatively if you want to skip this, that is okay too. Once again, not everyone likes speaking in public and being the main focus of attention.