Maine & NH Wedding Photographer | It’s Totally Okay to Skip the Parent Dances (Seriously.)

Alright, let’s get into something I see couples stress about way more than they need to:
parent dances.
Yep. The father–daughter, mother–son, step-parent–someone, who-stands-where, who-feels-left-out, emotional landmine of a tradition.

Listen… I’ve photographed a lot of weddings. More than my brain can count. And here’s the truth:
You do not owe anyone a parent dance.
Not a single person.

And the reasons for skipping or changing it up?
ALL valid.
Family drama, estrangement, untimely death, weird vibes, complicated history, or straight-up “meh, not for me.”
Whatever your reasoning is, you don’t need to explain it to anyone.

Here are some options that are absolutely fair game:

1. Skip the parent dances altogether

No one is going to storm out of your reception demanding a refund.
Your guests won’t even notice unless they’re on some kind of dance-tradition scorecard, and honestly… let’s hope not.

2. Bride dancing with her mom? Hell yes.

Normalize it.
If Dad isn’t in the picture for whatever reason, your mom can absolutely have her moment.

3. Couples with kids, do a dance with your littles

This one always hits.
It's sweet, it’s personal, and it makes everyone melt in the best way.
Plus, your kid gets bragging rights forever.

4. Got multiple parents? Split the song.

If your mom and stepmom are both ready to rumble for the groom’s dance spot, don’t pick sides.
Split the song in half.
A little tap-out moment. WWE tag team style, but wholesome.

5. Do a group dance

Yes, I’ve seen it.
Mom, dad, stepdad, bonus mom — everyone joins the circle like the most chaotic, sweet family hug ever captured on camera.
Works surprisingly well.

6. Pick something totally different

• Dance with a sibling

• Dance with a grandparent

• Dance with your best friend

• Dance with your dog (no, I’m not kidding — I’ve seen it, it was adorable)

Here’s the biggest take away

Parent dances are “tradition,” not law.
You’re not a bad daughter or son for not wanting one.
You’re not obligated to perform a heartfelt moment for the sake of optics.

And as someone who sees weddings every single weekend, I promise:
Your day will NOT be any less meaningful without it.
Your guests WILL NOT be whispering about it.
You ARE allowed to make choices that fit your actual life, not some Pinterest version of it.

Do the dance.
Skip the dance.
Remix the dance.

Just make it yours — and I’ll photograph whatever version feels authentic to you.