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How to Choose the Best First Dance Song

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The first dance as a married couple is a cherished moment that symbolizes the beginning of a beautiful journey together. As you step onto the dance floor, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, the right song can enhance the magic of the moment. Selecting the perfect first dance song requires careful consideration, as it should reflect the unique essence of your relationship and set the tone for the celebration ahead.

Reflect on Your Journey

Start the process by reflecting on your journey as a couple. Think about the songs that hold special meaning for both of you—perhaps the one playing during your first date, the song that defines a shared experience, or the track that always brings a smile to your faces. These personal connections can make your first dance even more intimate and memorable.

Consider Your Style

Your first dance song should reflect your style as a couple. Whether you’re into classic ballads, contemporary hits, or something in between, choose a song that resonates with both of you. If you have different tastes, consider a compromise or find a song that seamlessly blends both of your preferences.

Match the Mood

The mood you want to convey during your first dance is crucial. Do you envision a romantic and slow dance, or are you more inclined towards a lively and upbeat performance? The tempo and lyrics of the song should align with the atmosphere you want to create. It’s all about capturing the emotions that best represent your love story.

Danceability

Consider your dancing abilities when selecting a song. If you’re not confident in your dance moves, a slower song might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you’re planning a choreographed dance, choose a song that allows for creativity and expression. Practice your dance routine beforehand to ensure it flows seamlessly with the chosen track.

Lyrics That Resonate

Pay attention to the lyrics of the song you’re considering. While some couples might prefer meaningful and sentimental lyrics, others might lean towards something more light-hearted or even humorous. Choose a song with lyrics that resonate with your relationship and convey the sentiments you wish to express on your wedding day.

Timelessness vs. Trendiness

Decide whether you want a timeless classic or a more contemporary hit. Timeless songs have enduring appeal, while trendy songs may capture the spirit of the moment but risk feeling dated in the future. Finding a balance between the two ensures your first dance song remains meaningful for years to come.

Pick Something Special for You and Your Partner

Choosing the best wedding song for your first dance is a significant decision that adds a personal touch to your celebration. Once you find your perfect song, you’ll need a great DJ to play it. At An Enchanted Evening, we’ve estimated that we’ve entertained over a million people at wedding events, so we know how to keep the celebration going. Contact us today to set up a consultation. Whatever song you choose, let it be the soundtrack to a moment you’ll treasure forever as you take that first dance as a married couple.

newlyweds dancing to wedding first dance song at wedding reception

How to Choose the Perfect First Dance Song

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Your first dance at your wedding is a special moment for the two of you, which is why it’s so important to choose the perfect first dance song.

Ways to Choose the Right Song

The good news is that it’s easy and fun to choose the perfect first dance song. After all, it’s fairly easy to listen to songs until you find the “one.” The bad news is that there are a TON of songs to choose from. But don’t stress. We’ve got a list of ways to inspire and spur your search for the right first dance song. (Don’t be afraid to ask your wedding DJ for ideas too.)

Choose a special song from your relationship

The song that was playing the night you met. A song that you both love to listen to together. The song that was playing when you said “I love you” or when you proposed. A song from a concert you were at together. Think back to those special moments, and don’t get discouraged if the song doesn’t have the right tempo for your first dance. Instead, look for other versions of the song online or ask a very musically gifted friend if they can record an instrumental version for you.

Ask a treasured friend or family for their first dance song

If you want your first dance to be a nod to a special couple, ask them if you can use their first dance song at your wedding. This could be a first dance song from your parents, grandparents, or close friends. Or for a twist, use an updated version of their song.

Select a song from your favorite era

Do you both love a particular era? Or is your wedding a vintage affair? If so, a hit song from another era may be the perfect first dance song for you—and it’ll be tons of fun finding it! Pull out your a-tracks or head to the internet to find a special throwback song that you both love.

Look for a song that speaks to a common interest

Your differences and commonalities brough you together, so why shouldn’t they play a part when you choose the perfect first dance song? Look for a thread that ties you together, such as a favorite music genre, activity, or dance you both love. If you don’t want a super-common song that everyone uses, look for a song online from a favorite group or do a search by topic.

How to Add Spice to Your First Dance

For a wedding first dance as unique as your song, use these tips to spice up your first dance.

Practice, practice, practice

If you want to pair a traditional dance with a modern song, head to a local dance studio for dance lessons. Make sure you choose a traditional dance that works with the music, and have fun.

Choreograph a routine

A choreographed routine is a bit more complicated, but definitely scores higher in the wow factor category. If you need inspiration, search online for videos of newlyweds that went over-the-top with a choreographed wedding first dance.

Get your wedding party in on the fun

If you want to create more of a flash mob effect, ask your wedding party if they want to get in on the fun. This is an idea with ton of possibilities, such as starting with a slow dance until your wedding party “crashes” with a fast song. Get your wedding DJ in on the fun. They can come up with cool song suggestions and build up to the moment. (Don’t forget to tell your photographer and videographer so they can get the dance on film!)

Add a confetti or balloon drop

Another way to make a wedding first dance momentous is to add an effect to the dance. This can be a surprise appearance by a celebrity or a confetti or balloon drop. Fortunately, there are tons of ways to surprise guests during the wedding reception; this is your chance to make your wedding first dance completely and truly your own.

Tips for Avoiding a Terribly Boring First Dance

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bride and guests at wedding reception dancing to reception entertainerIf you’re a couple who doesn’t want your guests to watch a boring sway back and forth during your first dance, these ideas are for you.

Choreograph the first dance.

Choreographed first dances are all the rage, but the exact nature of the first dance is totally up to you. Depending on your wedding atmosphere, you can choose a traditional dance, an ethnic song that’s close to your heart, or a really modern dance that showcases your moves. Make sure you select a song that totally exudes who you are as a couple (use this list of tips and avoid creepy or awkward songs, for the sake of your guests) and have fun with it. Don’t forget to practice (a lot)!

Surprise guests with a shocking visitor.

A celebrity (or celebrity look alike), friend or family member who lives far away, school mascot…the options are endless for this fun surprise. Remember, mum’s the word for optimal shock value. Be really creative with the idea, and don’t forget to coordinate the surprise with the DJ who can have fun with cool lights and songs perfect for the moment. (Use these tips for choosing a DJ who can totally pull this surprise off.)

Coordinate a surprise medley with the DJ.

One of the newest trends is to mix up the first dance with a medley. This is a great idea for couples who can’t just choose one first dance song or who want to choreograph along with the music. For extra shock factor, start with a slow number and then bust a fun move. If you want to reinforce a wedding theme, choose a series of songs that reinforce the atmosphere. Then, have fun!

Bring on the flash mob.

A flash mob is a fantastic idea for any couple looking to add drama exponentially to their first dance. If you chose a groovy bunch of attendants, include them in on the fun (think of it as a bonding experience). If they politely decline, head to a local entertainment agent or dance studio to hire a flash mob just for the occasion. (As always, don’t forget to mention it to the DJ so he/she can cue the lights and music at just the right time!)

Do a confetti drop.

This first dance idea is for couples who don’t mind a little confetti (or balloons or…) in their hair. Before setting this idea in stone, always ask the venue if they allow a confetti drop. If you get permission, ask the DJ for ideas on how to make the moment extra dramatic.

Add a video to the fun.

If you want to add technology to the first dance, cue up the moment with a video or have a video going while you dance. The video can be a fun montage of all your special moments together, a chronological group of photos or videos that led to this moment, or a group of well-wishing videos from all your friends and family. Either way, it’s a sweet way to build up to your first dance together or—for shyer couples—to take some of the attention off of you.

Ask your DJ for suggestions.

There are a ton of ways to spice up the first dance, and chances are your DJ has seen quite a few of them. Don’t hesitate them about other couples’ first dances so you can customize their idea into your own. Hopefully, you chose your DJ because they are the ultimate pro. Use it!

10 Tips for Selecting the Right First Dance Song

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bride and groom at small wedding receptionA first dance with your new spouse is a special wedding reception moment; one that should be accompanied by a very special song. We’ve assisted many Chicagoland couples with planning their wedding reception—and specifically their wedding first dance. Some couples have a definite idea of what “their” song is, and others are still trying to find the right song for the occasion. If you’re in the latter category, use these tips to select the right first dance song for the perfect wedding reception.

Think back to your early dating days.

Memorable moments can be the perfect inspiration—and the song doesn’t always have to be playing at the time. Sometimes the right song can describe that moment perfectly, either in sentiment or in perfect detail (almost like they were there…).

Ask your family and friends for ideas.

If you want to pay homage to someone special, such as parents or grandparents, ask that person or persons for the song that played during their first dance with their husband or wife. It’s also okay to ask for suggestions from friends and family; it can even be fun to do a general survey and get input from your friends (just remember that it’s your wedding day and your first dance).

Find inspiration in a fav.

How much fun would it be to dance to your absolute favorite song? The right first dance song doesn’t have always have to be slow; if you want a unique first dance that’s close to your heart, opt for your absolute fav song—just make sure it’s your spouse’s new favorite too.

Listen to songs.

The simplest advice for finding the right first dance song for your big day is to just listen. Mix up your favorite tunes and listen to a random mix, both on your own and as a couple.

Make the decision together.

When making the decision for your first dance together as newlyweds, find some commonality so you can make the selection as a couple. Look for some commonality, such as a favorite movie (and movie sound track), musical, or special past time.

Decide what era song is right for your wedding atmosphere.

It’s the age-old wedding first dance debate: modern versus vintage? The answer depends on the existing wedding day details. If planning a vintage wedding, find inspiration in the decade of the wedding. Make a new hobby of listening to the classics and finding the right song that fits your love story.

Have your friends “nominate” songs.

If you want a fun way to get your guests’ input, hold a contest on your wedding website or on the RSVP cards. It’s simple: come up with your top 3 choices for first dance songs and ask your guests to vote on it. Once the votes have been calculated, make a big deal about announcing the winning song at the wedding reception.

Choose the song based on the dance.

Have a favorite dance that shows all your best moves—or a few? Show off your fancy dance moves with a specially choreographed dance or medley. To up the ante, keep your dance lessons a secret from everyone—except your DJ. Get your DJ in on the fun, and let them make a big deal about your surprise.

Keep it short and sweet.

A wedding first dance is a special moment, but don’t let the moment be too long or boring for guests. When choosing the first dance song, choose a song that is not too long (ask your DJ if you are concerned about your first dance song length). You don’t want your guests to leave because it’s taking too long to get back on the dance floor.

Ask the pros for suggestions.

Hopefully, your DJ has been there, done that. (That should be one of the reasons you hired them!) If you’re still lost on the right first dance song, don’t hesitate to ask the seasoned pro for recommendations (and ways to make it over-the-top).

Tips for a Memorable Wedding First Dance

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bride and groom at small wedding receptionThere are a million moments to remember on your first day; that special moment dancing with your new husband or wife is definitely one of them—or can be if you use these tips.

Be “theme-y”

We know the term makes many couples cringe at the mere thought; however, if you’re planning a wedding with a common theme (i.e. nautical, country, seasonal), a song that fits with all the other details can take your wedding to another level. We’ve given you a few song ideas for your theme in a recent post; it’s up to you to choose the song that’s special to you and your wedding atmosphere.

Make it special

As tempting as it can be to choose a random song off of one of those first wedding dance lists, choose a song that’s a little closer to your heart. Your first song can be a song that was playing in the background at your first date, when you became engaged, or on a special night when you knew he or she was the one. If you’re still drawing a blank, or you and your spouse-to-be just don’t dance, ask your parents or grandparents for their first dance songs.

Ask for recommendations

A romantic love song or a choreographed dance. We’ve been part of thousands of wedding receptions. Lean on our experience. Use it. Ask your DJ for ideas for recommendations for a ideas for memorable first dance songs or choreographed routines.

Avoid the awkward

There is a fine line between awkward and different. Make sure when you choose your wedding first dance song—and choreographed dance—doesn’t leave your guests with an awkward feeling. Dance songs about wishing your current partner was your ex or a dance that leaves your guest with a strange twinge can make your first dance memorable—for all the wrong reasons.

Get your attendants in on the act

Want to make a big impression on your guests? Ask your attendants to join you as part of your first dance. Start out the dance with just the two of you, then pull your attendants in for an over-the-top surprise choreographed dance.

Practice, practice, practice

If you chose a choreographed dance for your first wedding dance, don’t leave the night to chance. Add a regular practice schedule to your calendar—including full dress rehearsals. As the wedding reception draws near, practice your steps in your wedding shoes and attire (especially if the dress has a wedding train!). Don’t forget to include your DJ in on your plans; he or she may have suggestions on ways to make your first dance even more memorable.