Part of what makes your wedding day so special is being surrounded by your nearest and dearest. Whilst family members are usually the guests of honour, families look different for everyone. This can sometimes make things like parent dances a little awkward so what do you do if you or your spouse doesn’t have a mum or dad? We’re here to share some advice on how to handle the situation.
Be inspired by Sarah and Jason’s classic white wedding
Sibling Support…
If you’re lucky enough to have a close relationship with your siblings, they could be the perfect person to step in for a parent that is no longer in your life. Despite the squabbles and spats you may have had when you were younger, sibling love is strong. They’ll always be there for you no matter what and will most likely want to do anything to help make your big day as perfect as possible. Turn a parent dance into a sibling dance and enjoy this special moment together.
Fall in love with Krystal and Dimitri’s fairytale wedding on the Gold Coast
Call In The Understudy…
If you want the father-daughter or mother-son dance tradition to be a part of your big day, even though one of those relations is no longer in your life, you can always ask another relative to step in! Good examples of relatives you can ask to be a part of the dance instead are aunts or uncles, grandparents, step-parents or your new in-laws. These are people who you still have a very close relationship with and would love to help make your wedding day perfect by accompanying you or your partner on the dance floor.
Via Modern Wedding
Mama Bear…
Another alternative dance partner for this special moment is your other parent! Traditions can be broken and asking your mother to step in for the father-daughter dance if your dad is not around, or your partner dancing with his father, will make for a really sweet and special moment on your big day.
Browse our top picks for mother of the bride and groom dresses here
First Dance Dedication…
If one of your parents has passed away and you don’t want to replace that special dance with another relative, you can incorporate their memory into your first dance with your partner. Pick a first dance song that had special meaning to you and that parent, or was their favourite song, and announce that your first dance as husband and wife is dedicated to that parent.
See more from Dani and Safa’s luxury wedding day here
We’re All In This Together…
If your parent has passed away, choosing an upbeat song that held sentimental value to you and that parent and inviting all your guests to come up and dance to celebrate their life is such a sweet tribute. This transforms what could be a solemn and saddening moment into one that is lively and positive that you’ll always remember fondly.
Check out Lara and Dave’s serene rose garden wedding here
Skip That Song…
Weddings are completely personal and customisable so, you can pick and choose which traditions you want to follow, if any! Deciding to skip a parent dance altogether is becoming increasingly common and perfectly acceptable. You might decide to skip the dance as a way to keep the mood of the day light and happy if you feel like focusing on the moment would bring you down. It’s your wedding and you should do whatever makes sense to you.
See more from Jade and Anthony’s classic style wedding
Alternative Tributes…
If you want to incorporate a tribute to a parent that has passed away during your wedding without the dancing element, here are some alternative ideas:
- Video tribute
- Pin their photos to your bouquet
- Reserve a seat for them
- Have a moment of silence in their honour
- Include a note for them in your program
Via Modern Wedding
Check out our favourite songs for the parent dances here.
