The private last dance wedding trend is growing in popularity, but what exactly is it…?

In short, it’s the final dance of the night, shared just between the newly married couple.

When the private last dance takes place, you are totally alone (apart from your photographer and videographer). After a long and busy day surrounded by people wishing you well and demanding your attention, this is a moment for you to be together with your other half, to enjoy your reception space for the last few moments and reflect on your wedding day.

The last dance song can be any song from any genre – this is a moment for you to celebrate your love story, so whatever song speaks to you as a couple is the perfect piece of music to dance to.

Not sure what music to choose for your private last dance? Have a listen to our last dance wedding playlist for some inspiration.

How does the private last dance work?

As the evening draws to a close, your musicians or DJ will ask everyone to exit the room for you to take your last dance alone.

Venue staff and suppliers aren’t exempt from this. They will also leave, with the exception of your photographer and videographer who will remain to silently capture the memory for you – you won’t even know they’re there. They will turn on the song of your choice, or your band will begin to play if you’ve opted for live musicians.

And that’s that – then the two of you look into each others’ eyes, hold each other close and reflect on everything that’s happened over the whirlwind that was your wedding day.

At the end of the dance, you’ll head out for your grand exit showered by love and adoration from your guests.

Why you should be having a private last dance?

Here are a couple of reasons why you should include a private last dance in your wedding…

Make a memory of your wedding day that’s just for you and your partner

This is your chance to soak everything up and be truly present in the moment with your partner.

The private last dance presents a beautiful opportunity to create a memory that’s shared exclusively between the two of you – so enjoy it, be present, and make it count.

The photos will look amazing

A private last dance makes for an incredible photo opportunity!

Not only does this give your photographer an extra opportunity to capture just you and your partner together, but the night-time also offers different (often ethereal) lighting which gives you a greater variation in your final photography.

Add in to the mix that your venue will be empty (apart from you), your image will pick up a serenity that hasn’t been experienced at any other point throughout the day.

Unlike your first dance, your photographer will also have much more space to work with meaning they can get more creative on angles to capture the two of you together.

…and so will the videos

If you’ve hired a videographer for your wedding, the private last dance makes a beautiful addition to your wedding film. You can keep it for a private collection if you want to keep the memory to yourselves, or you can include it in your full wedding film so that others can see the beauty of the moment you shared together.

Get rid of lingering guests

Well, sort of. The great thing about the private last dance is that it signals the end of the night for you, your guests and your suppliers who can start getting ready for their clean-up operations. But just because you’re the only one left in the room, it doesn’t mean your guests have gone home just yet.

In fact, they’ll be right outside waiting for you. While you’re enjoying your private last dance, they’ll be getting ready to give you one last spectacular send-off into the night when you emerge from the room.

Summary

The private last dance is a graceful, tender finale to your wedding celebrations. It’s a personal, quiet moment that solidifies your union and resonates far beyond the dance floor.

As couples embrace this intimate tradition, they leave their wedding day not just with memories but with a deeper sense of connection.

Will you be having a private last dance at your wedding?

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