WHAT TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE WEDDING SONG
Before you start the planning journey of finding your ideal first dance ballad, take a moment to consider the following ten things:
Is there a significant song?
Start by narrowing down the options and seeing if there is a song that captures and holds special significance for you both. A song that played on your first date? A song that describes your relationship? Is there a song that wraps melodies and words around how you feel about one another?
Your audience
Consider your audience by avoiding risque' or questionable lyrics. You'll be centre stage for this moment with all eyes on the both of you, so save the wilder tunes for later in the evening when the party really gets started.
The length of the song
Keep your guests engaged by either choosing a song under 3 minutes in length or fading the music out if it's much longer.
What feels comfortable?
Don't feel the need to conform to ‘the norm' — choose a song that you both enjoy and will feel comfortable dancing to. Slow, upbeat, choreographed or frivolous you get to set the tempo!
Is there a theme?
If you have a themed wedding, consider choosing your first dance to complement the ‘feel' and vibe of your day.
Band or DJ?
Take into account ‘how' you want your song played. For example, if you have a band entertaining your guests for the evening, check to see if they have your song in their repertoire. If not, are they willing to learn it?
Do you want a modern twist?
Love a classic but want a modern twist? Look for covers or acoustic versions that cleverly rework and put a contemporary spin on the songs you love.
Narrow the parameters
If a favourite ‘style of the song' feels like too wide of a field, narrow the parameters by selecting a favourite artist and then choosing a song of theirs that you both like.
Get outside inspiration
Lower the stakes a little! The first dance is, first and foremost, about you both embracing and celebrating as a couple together in front of family and friends; the song merely provides the musical backdrop for that to happen. Feeling really stuck? Ask your guests to RSVP with a song that they think depicts your love story. It may be the inspiration you've been looking for!
Could you soundtrack your first dance with an instrumental take on a modern song?
Lauren Lucas, our Wedding Planning Team Lead, says instrumental versions of modern first dance songs are having a moment.
"Artists like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, covered by instrumental groups such as Vitamin String Quartet, are becoming quite popular," she says.
"We're also seeing more country artists like Chris Stapleton and Dan + Shay making an appearance."
