Why Montana Wedding Weeks Are the New “It” Trend And Why Dancing Should Be at the Heart of It
- Suzi Rose
- Nov 19
- 4 min read
We’re seeing a new trend in Montana destination weddings and I am completely in love with it.
Montana has always been a dream location for couples: two of America’s largest national parks, world-class rivers, iconic mountains, and wide-open plains that feel almost cinematic. There’s no shortage of beauty or ways to connect to the land here. A Montana wedding is unforgettable by default.
But the newest trend? Couples aren’t just inviting guests for the wedding day… or even a weekend.
They’re inviting them for a full Montana week.
And let me tell you—it is pure magic.
A Whole Week to Slow Down & Celebrate
When guests arrive early, they get to settle in, breathe, explore, and actually connect. Throughout the week they might join (voluntarily, of course!):
Fly fishing adventures
Horseback rides under the big sky
Museum tours
Brewery stops
And of course… DANCING
What continues to surprise us is just how many guests say “yes” to the experience when couples simply extend the invitation. And that extended time together changes the energy of the whole wedding experience.
The Welcome Party: Montana’s New Favorite Night
Welcome Parties have become one of my absolute favorite parts of the job. Everyone who is in town comes: friends who have never met, families blending for the first time, people who haven’t danced since high school.
As dance instructors, we get the honor of leading an activity that:
breaks the ice
mixes the crowd
gets everyone laughing
gives guests a skill they can use the rest of the weekend (and the rest of their lives)
Then comes the rehearsal dinner, rehearsal dance, and finally: the wedding day itself. By then? Your guests already feel like one big western family.
It’s Montana hospitality at its finest.
Why Dancing Belongs at Every Montana Welcome Party
Country dancing is woven into the fabric of Montana culture. Through sub-zero winters, wildfire summers, and everything in between, dancing keeps Montanans connected, grounded, and joyful.
If you're hosting a wedding celebration, put dancing at the top of the list and watch the magic unfold.
So Many Styles How Do I Choose?
LINE DANCING: The Crowd Pleaser
Perfect for groups who need a little guidance before they feel brave enough to hit the floor.
Line dancing:
Works for all ages
Requires no partner
Blends seamlessly with any music style
Creates an “everyone is in it together” moment
Our instructors walk guests through fun, approachable steps that build confidence fast. And when the band or DJ plays that song on wedding night (the one guests learned a dance to) your dance floor suddenly becomes the happiest flash mob ever.
COUNTRY SWING: For High-Energy Groups
If you have a lively, adventurous crowd, swing is your best friend. Our instructors demo just the right amount to get everyone moving, without overwhelming guests with high-level details.
If you hired a country band, swing dancing is basically mandatory. And don’t worry about the guests who swear they “don’t dance.” After five minutes with us, they absolutely do.
THE ULTIMATE COMBO: Swing + Line
Our personal favorite.
Learning any new skill can feel intimidating, especially in front of friends and family. Line dancing provides a roadmap—clear steps, simple rhythm, instant confidence. Once people warm up, we transition into swing, and the dance floor transforms.
It’s the surefire recipe for a full, joyful, connected dance floor—and unlike party favors, this gift doesn’t need to fit in anyone’s luggage.
Ready to Add Dancing to Your Montana Celebration?
If you’d like to explore booking a dance activity for any night of your wedding week, start here by submitting a Private Event Request.
We can’t wait to dance with you under the Montana sky.
DJ or Live Band? Here’s How to Choose
Your music sets the tone for the entire night. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Disc Jockey
A DJ is a great choice if you want:
All genres at your fingertips
Seamless transitions from Rihanna to George Strait
Professional sound mixing
Plenty of microphones for toasts
Highly versatile. Easy crowd-pleaser.
Live Band
If you’re leaning into a Western, Montana-authentic experience, a live country band is essential.
Picture this: boots, fringe, cowboy hats, warm lights, and a band playing under an expanse of stars. It’s immersive, memorable, and deeply Montana.
If the Western theme is part of your vision, we highly recommend going with a live country band.
Montana Bands We Love Working With
(All Bozeman-based and Western Roots-approved.)
Rocky Mountain Pearls
Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Miss Pearl, this band delivers high-energy country from every decade, plus originals. Vibrant, soulful, and always ready to bring the party. https://rockymtpearls.com/
Amanda Stewart
A captivating blend of originals and covers, Amanda’s voice brings warmth to quiet moments and energy to the dance floor. Her band can shift seamlessly from beautiful background music to a full party set. https://amandastewartmusic.com/home
The Band of Drifters
Self-described as “Western AF,” Ian Thomas and his band bring that Montana prairie heartbeat to every performance. Think Waylon, Willie, and a touch of bluegrass, rootsy, danceable, and authentic. https://www.bandofdrifters.com/
Dead Yellers
Led by frontman Peter King, the Dead Yellers specialize in dance-ready country: two-steps, swing tunes, waltzes, and more. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a true Western celebration. https://www.thedeadyellers.com/
The Montana Gazette
One of the region’s largest bands, featuring fiddle, upright bass, and a full western sound. Clint Anderson and the crew deliver classic country favorites with a rich, authentic Montana vibe. https://www.facebook.com/MontanaGazetteBand/
Ten Foot Tall & 80 Proof
Americana, rhythm & roots, and country—steeped in the art of honest songwriting. Their sets blend originals and covers for a heartfelt, dance-friendly experience. A perfect fit for couples who love country music with depth. https://www.facebook.com/tenfoottalland80proof/
Parting Thought
Montana weddings are already extraordinary, but when you give your guests time to connect, a chance to explore this land, and a dance floor to gather on, you turn your wedding into an experience they’ll talk about forever.
Here’s to unforgettable Montana weeks, magical Western nights, and dance floors full of people who feel like family.
Let’s dance.
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