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What is Dancing Between Courses/East Coast Style Wedding?

(David Rothstein is one of StrictlyWeddings.com Chicago partners. He shared this great information with us on Dancing Between Courses)

First let’s define what dancing between courses is. It is used for all weddings on the east coast and amazingly enough called East Coast style. It has become very popular for weddings throughout the country because of the many benefits. The biggest difference isthat the dance orchestra starts at the beginning of dinner instead of after.

Here’s what the overall schedules would look like:

Dancing after Dinner (Mid-West Style)

Schedule Overview:
5:45 – 6:30pm Ceremony Classical Duo (Violin and Piano)
6:30 – 7:30pm Cocktails Jazz Trio (Piano, Bass and Sax)
7:30 – 9:00pm Dinner Jazz Trio Continues
9:00 – 12:00am 10-Piece Orchestra

Ceremony:
___________________________________________
5:45-6:30pm Ceremony Classical Duo

Cocktails:
6:30-7:30pm Jazz Trio

Dinner:
7:30-9:00pm Jazz Trio Continues

7:30pm Doors open (Guests enter ballroom)
Bridal Party Introductions

Flower Girl: escorted by Ring Bearer:

Parents of the Bride:
Parents of the Groom:
Ushers:
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:
escorted by
escorted by
Matron of Honor: escorted by Best Man

Bride and Groom:

Toasts:
Toast 1:
Toast 2:
Toast 3:
Toast 4:

Blessing Over Meal:

Meal is served

Cake Cutting

Dancing:
9:00-12:00am 10-Piece Orchestra

First Dance:

Father/Daughter Dance:
Mother/Son Dance:
Everyone begins dancing

10:30pm Bouquet/Garter

Dancing Between Courses (East Coast Style)

Schedule Overview:
5:45 – 6:30pm   Ceremony Classical Duo (Violin and Piano)
6:30 – 7:30pm   Cocktails Jazz Trio (Piano, Bass and Sax)
7:30 – 9:00pm   Dinner 10-Piece Orchestra
9:00 – 12:00am Dancing 10-Piece Orchestra Continues

Ceremony:
5:45-6:30pm Ceremony Classical Duo

Cocktails:
6:30-7:30pm Jazz Trio

Dinner:
7:30-9:00pm 10-Piece Orchestra

7:30pm Doors open (Guests enter ballroom)
Bridal Party Introductions

Flower Girl: escorted by Ring Bearer:

Parents of the Bride:
Parents of the Groom:
Ushers:

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:
escorted by
escorted by
Matron of Honor escorted by Best Man
Bride and Groom:

First Dance:
Father/Daughter:
Mother/Son Dance:
Everyone dances one song

“Ladies and Gentlemen we will have plenty of dancing throughout the evening. In the meantime, please be seated”

Toasts:
Toast 1:
Toast 2:
Toast 3:
Toast 4:

Blessing Over Meal:

Announce

Salad is served Cake Cutting

After Salads is being cleared:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, while you are waiting for your main course we’d like to invite to join us for dancing.”

The Catering Director cues David once the main course is served.
“Ladies and Gentlemen we will have plenty of dancing throughout the evening. In the meantime, please be seated as your main course is being served.”

Dancing:
9:00-12:00am 10-Piece Orchestra Continues

10:30pm Bouquet/Garter

Dancing Between Courses has several huge benefits to the flow of your wedding:

WHAT HAPPENS:
Dance Orchestra starts performing as the door to the ballroom opens.

BENEFITS:
You will make a big impression having a full orchestra playing as your guests come in.

WHAT HAPPENS:
When you are introduced with a standing ovation, you walk right to the dance floor for your First Dance, Father/Daughter and Mother/Son.

BENEFITS:
All the formal dances are completed. After dinner you will have 3 hours of uninterrupted dancing.

WHAT HAPPENS:
Your guests are invited to dance one song.

BENEFITS:
The dancing will jump start your party and put your guests in the mood for a great night.

WHAT HAPPENS:
Guests are invited to dance after the salad course.

BENEFITS:
Instead of sitting at their table with a dirty plate with waiters reaching around them, they can dance to their favorite songs.

WHAT HAPPENS:
The dance orchestra performs for 4 ½ hours instead of 3.

BENEFITS:
You can choose more of your favorite songs.
If toasts are long or the food is running behind, you’re covered.

SUMMARY:
Dancing between courses is a huge advantage to the overall success of your wedding if you can afford it. Think of it as an insurance policy for having an amazing wedding.

Feel free to contact me at my web site below to ask any questions.

David Rothstein
David Rothstein Music, Inc
www.drsmusic.com

Click to view David on video - This is a detailed and helpful video about how dancing between courses actually works. I describe the differences between mid-west style weddings and east coast style.

8 Comments on “What is Dancing Between Courses/East Coast Style Wedding?”

• Allan Heiman July 27th, 2011 1:38 am

  I thought that was an interesting your ideas about “What is Dancing Between Courses/East Coast Style Wedding”

• Allan Heiman July 26th, 2011 11:28 pm

  I thought that was an interesting your ideas about “Dancing Between Courses”

• Jonathan February 22nd, 2010 12:37 am

  I never knew all of this, Mid-West, East Coast-loved the read and I just think the gentlemen that started this Band knows a lot about music, and put a lot into each event that he does! Kudos!!

• Suzanne February 20th, 2010 3:59 pm

  They have a great site, and really put a lot into letting you know how to make your wedding-”your day” perfect-and dancing is a celebration of life, so why not start out with a big band, with a big BANG!!

• Gary February 20th, 2010 2:40 pm

  I am in charge for our wedding music-live in Miami though-but this was such great advise, did not know this! My Bride to be, will think I am so smart! THANKS!!

• Amy February 19th, 2010 11:25 pm

  What a great post!! I did not know this-thanks again for posting!!

• Nancy February 19th, 2010 10:28 pm

  Love the info, and the Video really helps to understand all. Also love this site and Blog-easy to move around on!!

• Rebecca February 19th, 2010 12:30 pm

  East Coast-what about West Coast? Love the video, and very informative-thanks!!

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