An iconic moment of almost every wedding is the first dance of married life for the bride and groom. Whether you choose something intimate and romantic or go for a roaring routine, choosing the right first dance song is essential. Here are our five top tips to choose it!
Involve your partner
However you have decided to share the planning for your big day, choosing your first dance song is definitely something to do together. You both need to love the song and be happy dancing to it, so take some time out of your busy wedding schedule to listen to tracks, make a shortlist and then choose the one that works best for both of you.
Classic or contemporary
Classic songs that are used for weddings time and time again may seem clichéd choices, but they do have their benefits. If you’ve loved the song for the last five years, you probably will for five more.
That being said, if you both absolutely love a song that came out this year and don’t think you’ll go off it anytime soon, then there’s no reason not to choose a newer first dance song. Whichever way you’re leaning, check out these 16 quirky first dance songs, fast and slow, for some outside-the-box inspiration. Just remember, this is the song that will forever remind you of the day you said ‘I do’.
Make it personal
Many brides and grooms assume that their first dance song needs to be ultra-romantic and emotional – it is a very romantic moment after all. Some couples buck the trend and prefer to choose a first dance song that is personal to their relationship but that won’t reduce them to tears – a memory from a holiday or the year they first met, for example. This way they can treasure a moment together filled with special memories without risking the bride’s makeup running!
Can you actually dance to it?
If you’re full of confidence for your first dance, choose a song that you can really boogie to and consider planning a routine. You’ll need to choose a first dance song that’s upbeat and has a good beat for everyone to follow. Get the bridesmaids and groomsmen involved and wow your guests.
If you’re at the other end of the spectrum and are slightly dreading your first dance but want to keep up the tradition, choose a slower song. You can easily be excused for shuffling along with your husband in newly-wedded bliss.
Send your DJ a copy
You’d be surprised how many DJs only have one copy of a song, be it the original, a newer cover or a remix. This might not be the edition you want, so make sure you send your DJ a copy of the exact version of the song you want to share your first dance to in order to avoid any disappointment.
Now that you’ve got your song sorted, it’s time to get on with the rest of your wedding planning! If music is still on your mind, make your next stop on Wedding Ideas our 12 best songs for walking in and out of your wedding ceremony.
