Texas Wedding Traditions: Grand March, Cotton-Eyed Joe and the Two-Step
A Texas reception has dances that guests already know by heart. Some come from the German and Czech families who settled the Hill Country, some from dance halls and rodeos, and all of them get people who never dance up on the floor.
Here are the traditions couples ask about most, the songs that go with them, and the Avalon acts whose song lists include them.
The Grand March
The couple leads every guest around the room in pairs. The pairs split and rejoin into fours and eights, form arches for others to pass under, and finish in one big circle. It is a wonderful icebreaker, because it puts every guest on the dance floor in the first 10 minutes.
It is often played to a brisk march or polka such as "Under the Double Eagle." Give the band a heads-up and a leader, usually the couple or a confident relative, and it runs itself.
The Cotton-Eyed Joe
A Texas line dance that turns the whole floor into rows of kicking, stomping guests. Some couples love it and some ban it, so decide before a guest requests it. It is a good one to put on your must-play or do-not-play list.
Polkas and the Chicken Dance
Texas German and Czech communities brought the polka to weddings, and in many families "Beer Barrel Polka" is still a must. The Chicken Dance divides crowds, but kids and grandparents usually love it.
Two-Step and Country Favorites
A country set gets two-steppers circling the floor. These are safe bets for a Texas crowd.
- “Amarillo by Morning” by George Strait
A Texas classic for a slow dance.
- “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn
Smooth two-step tempo, and everyone sings the chorus.
- “Boot Scootin' Boogie” by Brooks & Dunn
The line-dance favorite.
- “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
The singalong that closes many Texas weddings.
- “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton
A soulful slow dance with a country heart.
- “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band
Easygoing and upbeat, and guests know every word.
Country Bands for Texas Weddings
Country Western bands
The country acts Avalon Music books, with song lists and samples.
Best country bands for Texas weddings
Our guide to choosing a country band for your wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should the Grand March happen?
Usually right after dinner, as the first dance-floor moment, because it gets every guest on their feet. It can also follow the first dance and parent dances.
Can a variety band play country sets?
Many can. Several variety and party bands include country and line-dance songs in their song lists, so you can have a country set without booking a full country band. Check each act's song list.
What if we do not want line dances?
Put them on your do-not-play list. Avalon Music accepts do-not-play lists with every wedding booking.