What's Your Style? That first dance together should reflect both of your personalities. If there's one special tune that never fails to make you melt, pick it--even if it's not exactly traditional. Brides and grooms have been known to boogie to everything from Isaac Stern to Iron Maiden.
Think about the following genres to get some ideas:
- Classical
- Chamber music
- Country/western
- Easy listening
- Eighties
- Fifties/romantic
- Fifties/do-wop
- Heavy Metal
- Jazz (slow)
- Pop
- Rap (not easy to dance to...but it's been done!)
- Religious
- Rhythm & blues
- Rock-and-roll
- Rockabilly
- Roaring Twenties
- Soul
It's All About Compromise
You and your spouse-to-be might agree on everything--but music. If he's the head-banging type but you'd rather mellow out to jazz, see what you can find that's in between. Perhaps a contemporary version of an oldie will make you both happy. Whatever you decide upon, make sure it's something that everyone can manage to dance to, even if your mother's and father's swing might not exactly match your swivel.
Daddy's Little Girl
If Daddy's little girl is the traditional type, and the groom is amenable, try one of these all-time favorites. (By the way, "Daddy's Little Girl" is more appropriate as a segue when the bride's father cuts in):
- Always and Forever
- At Last
- Can't Help Falling in Love
- Chances Are
- Endless Love
- I Swear
- It Had to be You
- I Want to Know What Love Is
- Let Me Call You Sweetheart
- More than Words
- Only You
- Ribbons in the Sky
- Search is Over
- Something Tells Me I'm Into Something Good
- The Vows Go Unbroken
- The Way You Look Tonight
- Tonight I Celebrate My Love
- Unchained Melody
- Unforgettable
- Wonderful Tonight
- You Belong to Me
Making it Special
Usually, your first wedding dance song will be sung by your hired band or played by your disc jockey. Why not be different and have a soloist croon your first tune? This can be either a cherished friend, family member or a hired individual. Live music personalized to your favorite song will add something special to the dance.
A Dance for Everyone
Keep in mind that everyone--from children (if you have invited them) to your great-grandparents--will eventually be joining you in your first dance. If you have your heart set on a favorite hard rock song, save it for later (and ask the disc jockey to play it twice!). For anything but that first dance, guests can gracefully bow out and watch the fun from the sidelines.
Follow Mom's Lead
A very sentimental idea is to choose to your parents' first wedding dance song. Generally, the parents of the groom will take it much better if it is the bride's parents who are honored this way. However, if there will be any jealousy, forget this idea and opt for a more neutral one.
Your first dance wedding song will be one you'll never forget, so take your time and choose wisely. Arrive at a song that you and your groom will adore and your guests will always remember.
