Photo courtesy of Tim Wood Photography
To dance or not to dance
When the wedding season is in full swing, there is still one thing that seems to get overlooked in the midst of all of the planning for the big day.
Choosing the song for the first dance is a different experience for every couple. For some couples, they have known for a long time.... "That's our song" simples! For others however, that just simply isn't the case. Maybe you don't have the same taste in music, maybe the song that means a lot to you just isn't appropriate for a first dance. Lets face it, House of Pain - Jump around is a great song! But doesn't really fit the theme of the "traditional first dance". Or maybe the thought of actually having to spend 3 minutes stumbling clumsily around the dance floor, stepping on each others toes, whilst maintaining the perfect smile for the perfect photo is just too much for some to bear.
There is an increasing trend of the bride and groom looking to our DJ's for inspiration on song choices.
So what advice can we offer?
The first dance is about you both being yourselves and having fun with it. It's also one of your best photo opportunities. If you work closely with your DJ or band, this is your chance to set the atmosphere for the evening. You are basically opening the dance floor for your guests.
Our DJ's will always try to use this as the ice breaker between your guests and the dance floor! With careful timing, (allowing enough time for photos/video) inviting your guests to join you is the perfect way to fill the dance floor. Add in a large round of applause at the end and then straight in to something up tempo but relevant to everyone from little Joey to great aunt pauline. (Celebration by Kool and the gang is my personal favourite) then voila... The party has begun!
Where to start when choosing a song
Obviously, there are the traditional methods to consider when choosing the first dance song.
Identify songs that are meaningful to you as a couple. Even if you think the song isn't appropriate, do some research! You would be surprised how many songs have been remixed or re-edited with a nice acoustic version that would be more suited to the occasion.
How about something that reminds you of a specific moment in time. Remember, You don't have to share that moment with everyone.
Maybe you could consider a favourite band or artist. If you can agree on one that is.
If you have chosen a specific theme for your wedding, then maybe it would make sense to select a song that would compliment your theme.
Choose a song your band can play. If you have hired a live band and will not be using recorded music, it's important to verify the band can perform your top choices. Ask the band to play 2 to 5 of your favourite first dance songs. Evaluate which songs the band plays best. If you thought you wanted to use an Aerosmith song for your first dance, your jazz band's rendition may make you change your mind.
If all else fails
There's going to be a first dance of the evening, you can't fight that, but if you're not that in to the whole thing, or don't want everyone staring at you, it's perfectly fine to choose a song that will get the dance floor pumping quickly. People will expect you to dance on your own, but you can minimise the time alone on the dance floor with a party-starting number and by actively encouraging people to get up and join you.
If you have read all of the above and are still none the wiser, don't worry, you're not alone. Let's be honest, if it was really that simple I wouldn't have written this.
At the end of the day, you don't have to love your first dance song. If you decide to just pick a song for the soul purpose of using it for your first dance then that's just fine. That song will always mean something special to you afterwards anyway right?
Photo courtesy of James Neale Photography
Some Inspiration
We may not be able to pick your song for you but I guess we could always offer a helping hand.
Photo courtesy of Tim Wood Photography
Here is a short list of some our most requested songs:
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
Ed Sheeran - Perfect
John Legend - All of Me
Mary J Blige - The One
Christina Perri - A Thousand Years
Etta James - At Last
Ellis Goulding - How Long Will I Love You
Lonestar - Amazed
Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up
Ed Sheeran - Tenerife Sea
Al Green - Let's Stay Together
Elvis Prestley - Can't Help Falling in Love
Adam Sandler - Grow Old With You
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
Take That - Rule The World
Shania Twain - From This Moment On
Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
Lifehouse - You and Me
Ben E King - Stand By Me
Aerosmith - I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars
Sixpence and None The Richer - Kiss Me
Shai - Baby I'm Yours
Michael Buble - Everything
One Direction - Little Things
Bruno Mars/Billy Joel - Just The Way You Are
Elbow - One Day Like This
Van Morrison - Have I Told You Lately
Elton John - Your Song
Bill Quateman - Only Love
Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do
Photo courtesy of James Neale Photography