Including children in your wedding dance is one of the most heartwarming ways to create unforgettable memories. Whether they’re your own children, stepchildren, nieces, nephews or part of your extended family, giving them a role in the spotlight makes them feel valued — and delights your guests.
But how do you keep things organised, age-appropriate, and meaningful on the dance floor?
At Wedding Dance Sydney, we help couples choreograph beautiful, inclusive routines that bring families together. In this guide, we’ll share how to plan the perfect wedding dance with kids, no matter their age, attention span, or energy level.
Why Including Kids in Your Dance Is So Special
A wedding is not just about the couple — it’s also about the people who form the heart of your new family. Involving children adds:
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Emotional depth and symbolism to the event
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A playful, joyful vibe to the reception
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A bonding moment between step-parents, parents, and children
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Cute and candid moments guests will talk about for years
When done right, a family-friendly routine becomes one of the most talked-about parts of the day.
1. Choose the Right Role for Each Child
The best way to include kids is by matching the choreography to their personality, confidence level, and age.
Ideas include:
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Leading the intro: A child walks you onto the dance floor or gives a bow/curtsy before the couple starts dancing
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Joining midway: Kids enter partway through to add excitement
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The grand finale: Everyone finishes the routine together with a group bow or spin
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Holding props: For shyer children, having a flower or sign to hold while standing near you works well
We help choreograph each role so every child feels involved but not overwhelmed.
2. Keep It Simple and Fun
When dancing with kids, especially younger ones, less is more. Overly complicated choreography can lead to confusion or meltdowns — not the goal!
Tips for child-friendly routines:
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Use repetition and rhythm
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Include marching, clapping, spinning or hand-holding
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Avoid fast turns or tricky timing
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Practise in short, frequent bursts
Our team at Wedding Dance Sydney makes routines playful and age-appropriate — so kids feel excited, not pressured.
3. Pick Music That Works for Adults and Kids
Your first dance can still be romantic and meaningful — even with a fun twist for the kids.
Ideas:
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Start with a slow, emotional song
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Transition into an upbeat or familiar tune (like a Disney classic or pop hit)
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Create a mashup of two genres to balance elegance and fun
Need help editing tracks? We’ll customise your music to match your choreography and energy.
4. Practise as a Family
Get the kids involved in practice sessions — and make them feel like stars.
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Rehearse in short, fun bursts
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Turn it into a game (e.g. “Freeze Dance” or “Copy the Grown-Ups”)
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Praise their efforts and give them time to learn at their own pace
We’ll teach you tips for encouraging shy or nervous children while helping confident ones shine.
5. Give Them a Chance to Shine (If They Want It)
If your little one has a big personality, let them take the lead for a moment! A solo twirl, a signature move, or a surprise entrance can steal the show — in the best way.
Just be ready for anything. Sometimes kids freeze or freestyle — and that’s okay. The goal is joy, not perfection.
6. Consider Matching Outfits or Accessories
For extra cuteness and cohesion, dress the kids in coordinated outfits or give them matching props — like flower crowns, bow ties, or light-up shoes.
These small touches make the moment feel extra magical and photo-ready.
7. Keep a Backup Plan Handy
Even the most enthusiastic kids might get stage fright, tired, or distracted. Always have a flexible plan:
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Choose moves that can be done with or without them
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Have another adult ready to gently guide them offstage if needed
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Embrace spontaneity — it makes for some of the best memories!
Conclusion
Your wedding dance isn’t just a performance — it’s a chance to celebrate your unique family. Including kids brings authenticity, warmth and charm to your big moment. And with a little planning, it can be a highlight of your entire celebration.
At Wedding Dance Sydney, we help couples of all family shapes and sizes design meaningful, joyful routines — including the littlest members.
Because when everyone dances together, love takes centre stage.
FAQ
Yes — absolutely! Including children makes your first dance more meaningful and memorable. We choreograph routines that are fun, age-appropriate, and inclusive for kids of all ages.
Kids as young as 2 or 3 can be involved in simple ways, like holding hands or spinning. Older children can handle more structured moves or even perform small solos. We tailor the routine to match their energy and ability.
Use repetitive, easy-to-follow movements like swaying, clapping, or marching. Avoid complex footwork and let them have fun! Our instructors will help you create a child-friendly sequence that works for everyone.
Fun, upbeat songs with clear rhythm are ideal. Some couples start with a romantic song and switch to a kid-friendly tune halfway through. We can help you edit and transition your music smoothly.
Yes — but keep sessions short and playful. Children learn best through repetition and fun. We’ll provide guidance on how to practise at home so the experience feels exciting, not stressful.
That’s okay! We build flexibility into your routine so it still works if a child drops out. We also prepare them with encouragement and positive reinforcement to boost their confidence ahead of time.
Yes! Many couples choose to make their dance a family moment. You can still start as a couple and invite children in later for a grand finale. It’s a beautiful way to honour your bond.
Not necessarily. Simple moves that mirror yours, like following your lead or clapping in time, work well. If they love performing, we can choreograph a small solo moment just for them!
Shorter is better — around 2 to 3 minutes. Attention spans can waver, so we keep things fun, punchy and manageable for little ones.
Yes! At Wedding Dance Sydney, we offer custom music edits and suggestions for costumes, props, or accessories to enhance the routine and make it extra special.