This ceilidh dances guide exists because a wedding ceilidh works best when guests feel confident from the very first dance. That’s exactly what good calling is for. I explain every move clearly before the music starts, so nobody needs any experience to join in. These are the dances I call most often at weddings across Scotland, chosen because they’re fun, accessible, and get the room moving quickly.
Click through to any dance below for the full instructions, tips for guests, and what to expect on the night. Whether your guests are seasoned ceilidh-goers or have never danced a Gay Gordons in their life, there’s something here for them.
The Ceilidh Dances
Each dance in this ceilidh dances guide is explained in full, with step-by-step instructions, a difficulty level, and tips to help your guests enjoy them. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) also recognises most of these dances, so the moves your guests learn here carry a genuine Scottish tradition behind them, not just a fun night out.
Download This Ceilidh Dances Guide, One Dance at a Time
Share these with your guests before the big day so everyone feels confident on the floor. Each PDF is short and simple, covering just the moves for that one dance, so nobody has to wade through a whole booklet to find what they need. Many couples include them in their invites or share them in a wedding group chat a few weeks before the day.
