Your Wedding First Dance Song

What is your special song?

If you do have one, is it ‘danceable?’

Don’t stress about your first dance.  Once you have picked a song, the rest of the decisions flow easily. If you have a special song, use it!  If you are working with a dance instructor, they will help make a dance that is appropriate to your song, whether the song is ‘danceable’ or not.

If you haven’t picked a song for your First Dance, here are some tips on picking a song for your Wedding Dance:

What is your vision for your Wedding Dance?

Romantic, Elegant, Traditional, Contemporary, Upbeat? Depending on your vision, choose a song that matches the style you want. Share what you envision with your dance teacher and they can help with suggestions for a song that matches the style you are looking for.

Can your band or DJ play your version of the song?

If you have a choreographed dance, it is important that your band or DJ play the same version of the song to which you have practiced. There can be many different versions and tempos (speeds) of the same song, even by the same artist.

If you found your song on YouTube – go here to convert it and bring it to your first lesson on your device.

Are the lyrics appropriate?

Listen to the lyrics and make sure that the song conveys what you want for your wedding.

What dance can you dance to the song?

Some songs are easier to dance to than others.  A strong consistent beat and a comfortable tempo are two important factors. It is harder to dance very slow, because it requires more control and training, or very quick. Many contemporary songs that are popular for wedding dances are Viennese Waltzes, which is a very fast version of a Waltz. Learning a Viennese Waltz will be more challenging for people without dance experience, but we have prepared many people to do beautiful fast waltzes for their wedding dance. If you pick a song such as ‘A Thousand Years’ be prepared to take a few more lessons that for ‘It Had to Be You.’

How long is appropriate for a Wedding Dance?

2 to 3 minutes is a long time. The routines on Dancing with the Stars are less than 75 seconds. Professional competitive routines are only 90 seconds long. A good dance instructor will choreograph an entrance and a finish to help fill up more music in a longer song. There are also other choreographic strategies to help you with a longer song. You can also cut the song for a DJ or have the band play a shorter version. Plan ahead with your dance instructor.

There are many songs to choose from for your first dance.  Choose one that makes you feel amazing.  Your wedding day is full of memories and special moments.  Make sure your wedding dance reflects who you are and looks, sounds and feels just the way you want.