As someone who has spent the last 30 years behind the camera lens, capturing countless first dances for couples across the United States and Canada, I can tell you – picking the right song is no easy task. Sure, it might seem as simple as choosing between chicken or fish for dinner, but trust me, there’s a lot more to it than that.
This isn’t just any old tune we’re talking about. It’s the soundtrack to that magical moment when you and your partner take to the dance floor as newlyweds for the very first time. It’s a wedding day detail that will be etched in your memories forever, and the right song has the power to make it truly unforgettable.
Some of my most emotional photos have been during the first dance. That heart-swelling intimacy between the newlyweds, lost in each other’s embrace as they sway to the music? Priceless. But the waterworks don’t stop there – the father-daughter and mother-son dances often bring just as many tears. I’ve captured so many tender moments between parents and their children on that dance floor, moments that are a reminder of just how profound this milestone is.
Significance of First Dance Songs
Let’s be real, choosing your first dance song is about so much more than just picking a catchy melody. It’s about finding that one track that perfectly encapsulates the love you share – the lyrics that give you all the feels, the rhythm that makes you want to sway together. The most memorable first dances are the ones where the song holds a deep personal meaning, like the one that was playing when you first met or the tune that always makes you think of each other.
But it goes beyond just nostalgia and sentimentality. You’ve got to think about the vibe you want to create. Are you picturing a romantic, candlelit moment or a fun, upbeat celebration? The song you choose will set the tone for the entire reception, so choose wisely!
And don’t forget the guests! Some songs are so powerful, so deeply moving, that they’ll have your loved ones reaching for the tissues right alongside you. I always try to capture those raw emotional moments from the guests in the background of my shots – their tears of joy becoming part of the story.
Popular Artists and Their Songs
When it comes to popular first dance songs, Ed Sheeran is a clear frontrunner, especially among the younger crowds. His heartfelt ballads like “Perfect” and “Thinking Out Loud” have become staples on first dance playlists, striking that perfect balance between romantic lyrics and soulful melodies that just make you want to sway.
But Ed’s not the only game in town. John Legend’s “All of Me” and Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” are also hugely popular choices, offering up that perfect blend of meaning and emotion that every couple dreams of for their first dance.
And let’s not forget the timeless classics from legends like Adele, Bruno Mars, and Elvis Presley. These artists have crafted tunes that resonate with couples of all ages, proving that true love is indeed timeless.
At the end of the day, the perfect first dance song is the one that speaks to your unique love story. It could be an oldie but a goodie that’s been with you since your first date, or a brand-new track that just hit the charts last week. As long as it makes your heart skip a beat and reminds you of all the reasons you fell for each other in the first place, you’ve found your winner.
Ideal Timing for First Dance
Okay, so you’ve picked your song – now it’s time to decide when to have that magical first dance moment. Traditionally, couples save this for after the meal at the reception, using it as a way to kick off the party portion of the evening. But who says you have to follow tradition?
These days, more and more couples are getting creative with the timing. Some opt to have their first dance during their grand entrance, setting that romantic tone right from the get-go. Others choose to tie it in with another big moment, like the cake cutting, for a seamless flow of special events.
The key is to pick a time that feels right for you as a couple. You want to make sure all eyes are on you for this big moment, so an excessively early or late first dance might not give you the attention you deserve.
And don’t forget about the length – shoot for somewhere between two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half minutes. Too short, and it’ll be over before you know it. Too long, and things might start to feel a little awkward (not to mention, your photographer and videographer need enough time to capture all the magic!).
Choosing Your Perfect Song
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of actually picking your perfect first dance song. This is a big decision, folks – not only will it set the vibe for the entire reception, but it’ll be the soundtrack to one of the most cherished memories of your life together.
Start by thinking about the songs that hold a special place in your heart. Maybe it’s the one that was playing during your first date or the melody that always makes you think of that epic road trip you took together. Those deeply personal tunes often make for the most meaningful choices.
Next up, consider the mood you want to create. Swooning ballads and soulful love songs are always popular picks, but don’t be afraid to mix things up with an upbeat, feel-good jam if that’s more your style. This day is all about celebrating your unique love story, so the song should reflect that.
And finally, don’t forget about danceability. You’ll want to pick a tune with a rhythm you can move to – after all, this is your first dance as a married couple! It doesn’t have to be anything too complicated, but a beat you can sway or spin to will make the moment that much more fun.
Dance Styles for First Dance
Once you’ve locked in that perfect song, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to move to it. Now, I’m not saying you need to have your routine choreographed to the nines (unless you want to, in which case, more power to you!). But a little bit of planning can go a long way in making your first dance even more special.
For the classic romantics out there, styles like the sway, waltz, or foxtrot are always solid choices. They’re elegant, easy to pick up and work well with pretty much any tune you could choose. The sway is a nice, simple option for those who want to keep things low-key, while the waltz adds a touch of graceful flair. And if you picked a more upbeat song, the foxtrot could be just the lively partner dance you need.
But maybe you’re looking to put your unique spin on things. In that case, I’d recommend working with a choreographer to create an original routine that’s all you. It’s a chance to let your personalities shine through and make the moment even more memorable.
No matter what style you choose, the most important thing is that you both feel comfortable and confident out on that dance floor. So take the time to practice – trust me, it’ll be worth it when you can just lose yourselves in the moment without any awkward missteps.
At the end of the day, your first dance is all about celebrating the amazing love you two share. So pick a song that makes your heart swell, find a style that feels true to who you are as a couple, and get ready to create a memory you’ll cherish forever. Don’t forget the group dances. Like the image below I photographed at a wedding last year. This first dance turned into a full choreographed routine to thriller!.
Here is a list by Brides.com of some of the top first dance songs.
“All of Me,” by John Legend
Lyrics of Love: “Give your all to me/I’ll give my all to you/You’re my end and my beginning”
“Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” by Jasmine Thompson
Lyrics of Love: “So I’m gonna love you/Like I’m gonna lose you/I’m gonna hold you/Like I’m saying goodbye”
“500 Miles,” by Sleeping at Last
Lyrics of Love: “But I would walk 500 miles/And I would walk 500 more/Just to be the man who walked a thousand miles/To fall down at your door”
“Unchained Melody,” by The Righteous Brothers
Lyrics of Love: “Oh, my love, my darling/I’ve hungered for your touch”
“Thinkin Bout You,” b y Frank Ocean
Lyrics of Love: “It will never get old, not in my soul, not in my spirit, keep it alive/We’ll go down this road ’til it turns from color to black and white”
“Amazed,” by Lonestar
Lyrics of Love: “I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side/Forever and ever”
“If I Ain’t Got You,” by Alicia Keys
Lyrics of Love: “Some people want it all/But I don’t want nothing at all/If it ain’t you, baby”
“Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
Lyrics of Love: “But darling, just kiss me slow/Your heart is all I own/And in your eyes, you’re holding mine”
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” by Aerosmith
Lyrics of Love: “The sweetest dream will never do/I’d still miss you, babe/And I don’t want to miss a thing”
“The Way You Look Tonight,” by Frank Sinatra
Lyrics of Love: “There is nothing for me but to love you/And the way you look tonight”
“At Last,” by Etta James
Lyrics of Love: “At last my love has come along/My lonely days are over and life is like a song, oh yeah”
“There Is No Greater Love” by Amy Winehouse
Lyrics of Love: “There is no greater love/Than what I feel for you/No sweeter song, no heart so true”
“Yours,” by Russell Dickerson
Lyrics of Love: “I came to life when I first kissed you/The best me has his arms around you/You make me better than I was before/Thank God I’m yours”
“Kiss Me,” by Ed Sheeran
Lyrics of Love: “And your heart’s against my chest, your lips pressed in my neck/I’m falling for your eyes, but they don’t know me yet/And with a feeling I’ll forget, I’m in love now”
“Escapade,” by Janet Jackson
Lyrics of Love: “Come on baby, let’s get away/Let’s save our troubles for another day”
“By Your Side,” by Sade
Lyrics of Love: “When you’re on my outside, baby, and you can’t get in/I will show you, you’re so much better than you know”
“Sweetest Thing,” by Allman Brown
Lyrics of Love: “You’re the sweetest thing that I ever did see/Like a bird taking way/Tears that set you free”
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Frankie Valli
Lyrics of Love: “You’re just too good to be true/Can’t take my eyes off you”
“My Best Friend,” by Tim McGraw
Lyrics of Love: “I fall in love all over/Every time I look at you”
“Give Me Love,” by Ed Sheeran
Lyrics of Love: “All I want is the taste that your lips allow/My, my, my, my, oh give me love”
