Why First Dance Songs Matter
The first dance can be one of the most beautiful moments of your wedding. It's not just about you two, but also about the energy and vibe you want to create for your guests and family members. A first dance song is an opportunity to convey your love (or aspects of your love story) to the people at your wedding. First dances also create space for an intimate moment between you and your partner on your special day. The song you choose should reflect who you are as a couple, and can set the tone for the rest of the evening!
If you're having trouble deciding between several options for a first dance song, consider these factors in your decision:
How does this song make me feel? This is probably the most important thing when choosing any type of music for any occasion—do I actually like this song? Does this song make me happy or sad? Does it remind me of a special moment from my past? These kinds of questions are a solid place to start your search!
Finding the Right Song
When choosing a song for your first dance, it's important to consider all of the factors that can make a song feel special. For example, if you're looking for a popular song that everyone knows and loves, explore Top 50 lists and ask around to friends and family. If you want something more personal and unique, you may want to consider a custom wedding song with special meaning behind it.
Finding the right song is all about finding a balance between what makes sense for your relationship and what will make your guests feel connected to you both during this collective celebration of your love.
Think about what you want your first dance song to represent to you and your partner and to the guests at your wedding. Do you want a song that reflects how long you've been together? Or maybe one that reminds guests of how much in love with each other the two of you are? Do you want a song that highlights that you’ll always be there for each other, no matter how challenging life gets? Perhaps there's a special memory or tradition from childhood that would make a great theme for your wedding dance music.
If there are certain artists or bands who feel special to both of you, consider using one of their songs for your first dance! It doesn't even have to be an actual song by them—you could just use one of their lyrics as inspiration for writing something new (or have us write something in their style)!
Creating a Custom First Dance Song
Creating a custom first dance song is an unforgettable way to make your wedding day even more unique and personal. It's also easier than you might think!
The easiest way to get started is to schedule a call with Give Love Originals (GLO). We specialize in creating custom songs for couples and take care of everything from writing memorable lyrics to recording the vocals and mixing your track. Here are a few tips if you're considering a custom first dance song by GLO:
Details, details, details! When you start the custom wedding song process, you'll be asked to fill out an intake form, make sure to add copious amounts of details and sweet anecdotes. It’s your stories, inside jokes, pet names, and little details that bring your relationship to life in the song. Your songwriter will have much more to work with if you don’t hold back on the sweet stories and details!
Start Early: You don't want any last-minute stressors right before saying "I do." So start planning early so there's plenty of time for revisions if needed!
Practice That Footwork!
The first dance rehearsal can make or break your comfort level during this special moment, so it's essential to set aside time to make sure everything runs smoothly.
If you’re uncomfortable with dancing, consider finding a dance instructor who can help teach you and your partner how to dance together. This person should be able to give feedback on any awkward movements or steps that need improvement before the big day.
Once everyone knows their part in the routine and feels comfortable with their moves, practice regularly until it becomes second nature—even if this means going over certain steps again and again until they feel natural! This can be a really fun way to increase closeness leading up to the wedding.
Tips for a Perfect First Dance
Find the right shoes. Practice dancing in them. Make sure they feel comfortable! You can always change from “picture” shoes to “dancing” shoes!
Choose the right dress. Again, a costume change may come into play here! Make sure you’re doing your first dance in something you’re able to move comfortably in.
Be present. This moment has the power to transport you into your own little world with your partner, dancing together for the first time as husband and wife. Choosing a song that really moves you both will help you stay present to this unforgettable moment.
Classic First Dance Songs
The songs below are a common list to get you started on your search. At the end of the day, you’re going to be happiest if you choose a style that feels right for you and your partner. These songs get used for first dances a lot and, honestly… there’s a reason! They’re meaningful and adorable, and lots of folks feel connected to them We’re all about unique, but if you’re looking for something classic that everybody knows, consider one of these!
"At Last" by Etta James
"Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
"My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion
"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith
“Thinkin' Bout You” by Frank Ocean
"The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
"Everything" by Michael Bublé
"You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne
"I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz
“For Once In My Life” by Stevie Wonder
"Marry Me" by Train
If you used a unique song for your first dance or used a more common song that we haven’t mentioned, we would love to hear about it in the comments!
Still Can’t Decide?
If you can’t decide on just one, consider dancing to multiple songs! This is a great way to incorporate a surprise into your first dance and to feel like you’re getting the best of all worlds! You can ask your DJ to create a mashup of several songs you love, or create a transition from a slow song into something more upbeat that will encourage everyone to run out on the dance floor with you.
If You’re Feeling Nervous
Nerves are normal when thinking about your first dance. After all, all eyes are going to be on you, and, unless you’re a dancer or a big enthusiast, you might not dance very much in your everyday life! If you’re feeling nervous about your first dance, there are plenty of things you can do to ease your worries!
First, consider having a private first dance. This can be a really special moment and the privacy can take some of the pressure off the formality and performative nature of this milestone.
You can also get out your nerves “backstage” with a pump-up song that you can just rock out to in a totally silly/fun way. That way you won’t be so nervous when it comes to the more formal first dance song.
And lastly, just remember what this is all about. At the end of the day, it’s about you and your partner connecting. It doesn’t matter how you look or what other people think. You’re doing this to share an intimate moment with the person you love most.
Conclusion
There are so many factors to consider when choosing a first dance song. The right song can set the tone for your entire wedding day—and send emotional ripples through your relationship for years to come. We hope that this guide helps you feel more at ease while choosing a song that feels right for you!