Folk, Ceilidhs & Barn Dances for Weddings

A Ceilidh or Barn Dance is just great for a Wedding. because it is something that anyone from 8 to 80 can enjoy, either dancing or just listening. And the volume isn't like a disco, so people who are at tables can still talk to each other. It also gets both sides of the family and all the friends interacting, so couldn't be better. We always have a caller, who teaches the dances, so even people who have never been to a Ceilidh before can do it. We normally start with some music for people to listen to, to get them in the mood, then get everyone up for a very easy dance [even the shy people have to get up for the first dance, because it is your wedding.] We make sure it is a dance that everyone can do, so those who are hesitant, find they can do it, that it is great fun, and do the other dances.

We do a couple of dances, then a tune while people have a rest, another couple of dances, and so on. Often there is a break half way through for a buffet, so people can recover their energy, then on for a second half. If there are a few experienced dancers, we put in some harder dances for them, but all in all make sure that everyone is involved.

There are lots of different ways to start the Ceilidh. A very few couples like to start it with them just doing a waltz, or something like that, and then invite guests to join in. That was probably a good thing in the past when everyone knew how to waltz, but now it tends to get a lot of embarrassed people and not many people on the dance floor, (unless of course, there are a fair number of guests who can dance reasonably well.)

The way I think it works best is for us to start the evening by playing a tune, to get people 'in the mood'. Then, we get EVERYONE up for a first dance WITH the couple. No one can refuse, because it would be rude to the Bride and Groom. So, even those who are a bit reluctant to try it, get up for the first dance. We make sure that it is a really easy dance, so that even those who are nervous of dancing find they can actually do it, and that it is great fun.

If we do it this way, it gets things started straight away, and normally everyone is up for it for the rest of the evening. Typically, we would have a dance with the couple as part of the group, but we can do one with the couple in the centre, and everyone dancing around them [to bring them good luck], if they like the idea of that.

After that, the format is normally a couple of dances, a tune for people to listen to while they sit down and get their breath back, another couple of dances etc. We chose the dances to suite the energy and experience of the people, as we go along.

Having said this, we can do whatever you like, so if you have other thoughts, please let me know. You may decide on a themed dance,  Scottish, Irish, English, European or American music or a little of everything, for maximum variety.

Also, remember that the venue is very important for the success of a ceilidh or barn dance as it has to have sufficient room for the dancers and a suitably even floor so as not to trip people.