First Dance at Altar..?

Are your wedding party seated with their dates/SO's?

Yes, it's just us and possibly our two munchkins up front unless they sit with grandparents

Hmmm....interesting. It could work. I'd probably try to think of another way because going from the altar to the first dance might be...I don't know...either too emotional or unconventional.

However, in the end, what difference does it make when you have your first dance? Do what works for you,

I think the plan is fine then!

My dad did something similar when he married my step mom. They got married in a small chapel and they had the reception in a room at a restaurant so no place to dance there at all. I think it would be nice

I've never heard of this being done before, but I think it would be totally fine. IMO, at the end of the day, as long as your guests are hosted properly, you can pretty much do what you want at your wedding. Will people think it's a little unconventional? Maybe. But you do you!

Are you doing the father daughter and mother son dances? You can do the first dance at the same time.

That's my plan, too. Go for it.

The cake cutting, father daughter, mother son, and tosses will be after dinner when we open the dance floor

I think that's fine

I think it could work, but you might also enjoy walking down the aisle hand in hand as husband and wife? Perhaps make an exit and then come back in? Then do the dances together after dinner?

Sounds like it would work to me. After the kiss, turn to walk down the aisle and cue the music. Stop halfway down the aisle and go into your dance.

From a wedding officiant's point of view this sounds awkward. Your wedding party will be left standing there while you have your first dance. This will be a long three minutes for them. Then they will just filter out to their seats with no semblance of order.

It would look better if you recess out from the ceremonial space wedding party and all. Let them grab their seats then you can be the center of attention for the first dance. This will also allow your photographer a chance to get some "fun" shots of your wedding party during the recessional which is always more festive.

Give your wedding day it's due importance and don't rush things. Best wishes!

The issue with the recessional is guests are left sitting because they are seated for the ceremony at their dinner tables. There's no cocktail hour and we're doing formal photos before hand.

Here's a thought:

- present you as husband and wife (kiss), pause for cheering

- as clapping dies down, start playing the beginning of your first dance song as the officiant or DJ announces your WP will be taking their seats as you share your first dance

Having the WP sit can be the "transition point" from ceremony to reception

From your original post it sounds like your guests are seated for the ceremony and first dance regardless. I'm talking about the recessional where the wedding party files out from the ceremonial space. Your guests remain seated as the WP then take their seats and everybody watches your first dance.

I think your guests will be just fine sitting, I'm assuming they have beverages and each other to talk to. Unless your ceremony is really long, I think they are fine just sitting and chatting with each other.

That sounds great! I think that transition works well.

We definitely don't want to rush but we don't want awkward standing or sitting for guests

Your plan sounds wonderful. While different from the majority, it is NOT off nor awkward.

Your BP can stay where they are.

Guests are standing and lined up along the dance floor all the time for First Dances. This will be no different.

I think in this setting/seating arrangement, your plan is just fine I like MrsSki's suggestion for the transition.