WELCOME TO THE PERFECT
FIRST DANCE GUIDE
“Your first dance is so much more than just a dance, because it's a natural part and a loving conclusion to an amazing wedding day.
The complete guide to planning your first dance
Insider tips to take the stress out of choosing the perfect first dance song with a massive 140 song playlist!
Planning your wedding can feel pretty overwhelming at times, the first dance is one of many things to think about, so where do you start?.
When I got married many years ago, my partner and I were scratching our heads over the same question: "where do we start?". So relax and read on, we've got this covered!
The selection of that song is such a different experience for every couple. For some, it's an easy "that's our song" and hey presto, it's sorted.
For others, it can often cause a little bit of anxiety, because let's face it, coming up with suggestions for the first dance song, is not something you do every day.
If you're a little nervous about the first dance, perhaps you don't like being in the spotlight, or looking for a bit of inspiration picking that perfect song to dance with your loved one, the answer's here.....
What kind of song?
Maybe reflect on a happy experience or memory, trust me, there will be a common thread somewhere to start with. Some couples choose a song that reminds them of an event, a favourite artist or band, a festival or a happy song they heard on holiday together.
Consider a cover version or if practical, can your band play your first dance song? At the end of the day you don't have to LOVE your first dance song, it's perfectly ok to choose one that serves a purpose. I alway suggest when couple ask is to start with something that you both love.
A massive collection of over 130 unique first dance songs for inspiration!
Click the play button below to listen:
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Read on...
What kind of dance?
Before trying to find a song, I’d say have a think about the kind of dance you want to do. I’ve seen shy shuffles where the couple can’t wait for their guests to join them on the dance floor, to full blown epic rehearsed routines with lifts and twirls. So do some dance research and go from there! Here are a few to get you started…
The Slow Dance – This is the most popular, it’s like it is at the school disco, it simple and needs no preparation.
The Slow Dance for 30secs – Some couples really don’t want this bit to last long, so they set the tone, and then encourage their guests to join them as soon as possible (bear in mind that your photographer will be taking some great shots of the first dance, so give them a little time to capture those magical moments)
The Choreographed Dance – Couples pay a professional to teach them to dance Salsa, or Classic Waltz etc
Film Inspired – Dances inspired by famous dance scenes in films such as Pulp Fiction, Greece, Dirty Dancing, Scent of a Woman, Saturday Night Fever, Footloose etc
Flash Mob – this starts with a slow dance and ends in a surprised choreographed dance with certain guests. I love this idea, although it takes a lot of preparation getting all the other dancers together (usually the bridal party if you have a large one)
Everyone Dance – this is where all the guests come onto the dance floor at the same time as the couple don’t want everyone looking at them for the traditional first dance.
The reason for a first dance is to start off the party, so have fun with it, no matter how you do it. It's a good idea to ask your DJ to announce your first dance and remember, if you're a little nervous, it doesn't have to be slow, there are no rules!
Make it yours!
Most people have been to a wedding, the first dance is 'one of those moments' that makes everyone fall in love with life. A romantic classic song will always go down well, but it's YOUR big day, it's your moment, make it special and enjoy it!
The first dance is one of my favourite parts of a wedding, to hear a new song is always a treat, here are a few beautiful ones, that are in the juicy playlist below:
Bruno Mars – Just the way you are: say's it all..
Jack Johnson - Better together, soft, easy going and wonderfully romantic
Michael Buble - Everything, warm, happy and full of love, easy to dance to!
Ed Sheeran - Perfect, quite a popular first dance song these past couple of years
Louis Armstrong - La vie en Rose, seriously romantic!
Of Monsters and Men - Love Love Love, says it all
Adele - Make you feel my love, quite a soft and easy song to dance to, call me an old romantic, but when i hear this at a wedding, it kind of puts a wonderful finishing touch to the day.
James Arthur - Falling like the stars. A voice made for love songs, what lyrics!: “We’re falling like the stars, falling in love.”
Jaja Ding Dong. Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams from the Eurovision film: The Story Of Fire Saga. Crazy - Bouncy - Funny and guaranteed to make everyone laugh with love!
Andy Grammar - I am yours. This is off his new album, he wrote it for his wife and I think it's a perfect song to spin on the dance floor with the one you love.Not heard it before?, just listen to the lyrics: "You take my breath away every night. Still can't believe it when you say you're mine, and I am yours." How nice is that?
Sleeping at Last - 500 miles. Acoustic version of the Proclaimers original hit song, sensual and emotional, it's a beautiful rendition of a song everyone knows, a song for your partner who would walk 500 miles for you x.
Ray LaMontagne - You are the best thing. I absolutely love his voice and i've seen this first hand as a first dance, it works beautifully, it's a little bit upbeat, whilst being slow and romantic at the same time, it has no awkward pauses and trust me, looks great dancing!
Ray Charles - Come rain or shine. I first heard this at a wedding many years ago, and it blew me away with the way it captures what married days ahead will be: "Happy together, unhappy together and won't it be fine? Days may be cloudy or sunny...we're in or we're out of the money", just perfect.
The key areas to consider:
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Taking a bit of time to consider all the details will result in a wonderful experience that you and your guests will love.
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Consider what kind of song you as a couple will be comfortable with and don't be afraid to break the rules.
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What 'kind' of dance will suit the occasion or location, even consider asking the DJ for their advice.
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Create your own playlist to narrow down your ultimate final choice.
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Remember, it's personal and all down to you two, no one else, do your homework beforehand and it will all be perfect.
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Listen to the unique sample playlist below for inspiration.
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Remember: there are no rules!
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It is going to be the final 'traditional' part of your amazing day, follow these tips, do a little bit of nice homework and you will be rewarded with an enjoyable first dance you and your guests will love.
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