1. First Dance: Traditionally, the first dance at a wedding was reserved for the bride and groom. It was seen as a symbol of their unity and the beginning of their new life together.
2. Father-Daughter Dance: The father of the bride would often share a dance with his daughter during the wedding reception. This dance was seen as a special moment between a father and his daughter before she embarked on her new journey.
3. Mother-Son Dance: Similarly, the mother of the groom would share a dance with her son. This dance represented the close bond between a mother and her son and her blessings for his new chapter in life.
4. Grandparent Dance: In some cultures, grandparents or other important relatives would also be invited to share a dance with the bride or groom. These dances were a way to honor and show appreciation for the older generations.
5. Dollar Dances: In certain traditions, guests would pay money to dance with the bride or groom. This money would often go towards the honeymoon fund or other expenses related to the wedding.
6. Last Dance: The final dance of the evening would often be shared between the bride and groom. It marked the end of the festivities and the beginning of their new life as a married couple.
7. Garter and Bouquet Toss: During the wedding dance, the groom would throw the bride's garter to the single male guests while the bride would toss her bouquet to the single female guests. This symbolized the passing on of good fortune and marriage prospects.
8. Regional Traditions: Different cultures and regions might have their own specific traditions and dances associated with weddings. These unwritten laws were often passed down through generations and varied greatly.
It's worth noting that not all these traditions were strictly enforced or followed in all weddings. As time went on, some unwritten laws became less common or replaced with more personalized and modern approaches to wedding dances.