Wedding dance videos have become an Internet craze, inspiring many to try, and most of the time succeed, in distinguishing their special days. The first wave of wedding dance videos to become YouTube hits began in around 2007 and 2008, before becoming something of a standard feature of the video sharing site by 2010. The popularity of wedding dance videos has gone on to reach the point where they have been spoofed on television shows like The Office in the United States, as well as notably appearing as a complement to the Royal Wedding last year.
The main part of their appeal arguably still lies with the seeming spontaneity of the wedding dances, which more often than not feature a sudden switch from a traditional routine into a highly choreographed one that draws in other guests. The amount of time and effort put into the videos has also helped them to become some of the most watched items on YouTube, with the best averaging over 10 million views. Some of the best, and funniest wedding dance videos to be found online include
1 – JK Wedding Entrance Dance
With close to 75 million views on YouTube, you can’t really look past 2009’s ‘JK Wedding Entrance Dance’ as the signature wedding dance video. With the camera following the procession as it moves through the church, the sombre music changes to Chris Brown’s ‘Forever’. A series of ushers and groomsmen dance down the aisle, and are joined by the bridesmaids and finally the couple themselves. The video became a viral hit, making the wedding party famous and leading to imitations around the world. Notable homages include The Office.
2 – T Mobile Royal Wedding
Inspired by the JK Wedding Entrance Dance video, T Mobile’s Royal Wedding video achieved similar fame in 2011. Tying the mobile phone company into the forthcoming Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, the video recreates the aisle dancing of the video, but set to East 17’s ‘House of Love’. The video features lookalikes as members of the Royal Family and the Archbishop of Canterbury, and was signed off with the slogan ‘One’s Life Is For Sharing’.
3 – Wedding First Dance W/Surprise
Predating ‘JK Wedding Entrance Dance,’ and more low key in style, Wedding first dance w/surprise’ sees a couple shift from Jack Johnson’s laid-back song ‘Better Together’ into a vigorous performance to Michael Jackson’s ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’. Smoothly choreographed and a surprise to the reception audience, the video has received more than 15 million views on YouTube since it was uploaded five years ago.
4 – Surprise – Virginia and Brian
Another more low key video, and titled ‘Best Wedding Dance Ever’, this video sees Brian and Virginia transition from a sedate first dance song into a version of Grease’s ‘You’re the One That I Want’ that draws in bridesmaids, ushers and groomsmen into a carefully choreographed routine. The video has received over 14 million views.
5 – Wedding Thriller
Part of a series of YouTube videos that find imaginative ways to use Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ ‘Wedding Thriller’ remains one of the best. With 16 million views, the video sees a group of waiters suddenly burst into a choreographed routine to the song. The best part is still the surprise on some of the guests’ faces.
Guest Post by Martin Roche – Professional blogger for http://www.messyknot.co.uk – Providing Live Entertainment for Weddings