The Little Things: A Private Last Dance
- Myles Brown
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Weddings move fast. One moment you’re zipping into your dress or straightening your tie, and the next you’re waving goodbye to guests, wondering where the day went. That’s why we’re starting our new blog series “The Little Things” with one of the most quietly powerful moments we’ve seen couples embrace: the private last dance.
While not every couple opts for one, the ones who do often tell us it’s one of their most meaningful memories of the entire day.
What Is a Private Last Dance?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: one final slow dance, just the two of you, after your guests have left or stepped outside for the grand exit. No phones. No noise. Just the two of you, holding each other close and sharing one last moment together before the day becomes a memory.
At The Boylston Rooms, roughly 25% of couples choose to include a private last dance in their timeline. It’s not a widespread tradition (yet!), but it’s a deeply intentional one. It requires a little planning and a willingness to slow down at the very end of an exciting, whirlwind day, but for the couples who make space for it, the reward is undeniable.
How It Works at Our Venue
Because it can be difficult to clear your reception space (aka The West Room) in a timely way at the end of the night, we often guide couples into the East Room, our ceremony space, for their final dance.
There, under the soft glow of the courtyard bistro lights and the silence of an emptied room, something beautiful happens. The space where you said “I do” becomes the space where you say a quieter, more reflective kind of yes: Yes, we really did this. Together.
The lights are dimmed. The energy shifts. And for a few short minutes, it’s just the two of you again, the last quiet moment before the packing up starts and before married life officially begins.
If it is a nice evening, some couples will dance on the Courtyard under the bistro lights and in front of the glow of the dimly lit East Room.
Photos by Ron Lemelin, BKB Photography and Kelsey Haley Media
Why We Love It (and Why You Might, Too)
From a professional perspective we love recommending this moment to couples who want to end their day fully present with each other. Weddings are filled with celebration and movement, but very few moments are truly private.
A private last dance offers something rare: stillness.
We’ve seen couples cry softly, hold each other in silence after the music ends, or simply smile and sway under the lights. It’s simple. Intimate. And powerful.
What Song Should You Choose?
There’s no right answer here! Many couples choose to replay their first dance song, bringing the night full circle. Others choose a different track that holds personal meaning or one they couldn’t fit earlier in the night.
And if you’re torn between two first dance options during planning? Save one for this moment. It’s the perfect excuse to have both.
Final Thoughts
A private last dance may not be for everyone, but if you’re the kind of couple who wants to carve out just a little more time to be present with each other, we can’t recommend it enough.
It’s one of the little things that doesn’t take much, but gives back tenfold.
If you’re planning your wedding with us and this moment speaks to you, let us know. We’d be honored to help create it for you.
Stay tuned for the next feature in our Little Things series!
Ready to start planning your own unforgettable wedding?
Email or call us to inquire! events@boylstonrooms.com - 413-548-4852