How to Choose the Perfect Song for Your First Dance

Choosing your first dance song is essential for your wedding reception planning process. The songs you choose become the soundtrack to your marital life and the memories will be with you forever. And so, the pressure is on to pick a special piece with the right lyrics and adequately captures the moment. 

It's easy to defer to popular songs, but you certainly don't want to have the same wedding day first dance songs as everyone else. With effort and creativity, you can pick the first dance song that makes your wedding reception stand out. 

Dig in as we detail how to pick a first dance song that will remain forever yours and make your first moments as a married couple special and memorable.

Find Common Ground

In some instances, you and your fiancé may have disparate tastes in music. At first glance, that may seem like a huge hindrance. A little tact can go a long way and help you pick the first dance song without any hair-pulling. 

Start the search for your perfect wedding song by broadening your scope. Focus on identifying shared interests at the genre level. 

Must the Song be Wedding Themed?

What if you get the perfect song that isn't traditionally associated with weddings? Go ahead and pick it. The first dance song is special because it'll stick with you for the rest of your life. Therefore, make that extra effort to make it joyous and memorable even when it goes against the grain. 

If you need further assurance, remember, it's your big day – so you have every right to make it all about you and your partner. 

Your first dance song is the soundtrack to your relationship - don't compromise or settle for popularity. Go with the song that adequately captures the moment to become the soundtrack to your relationship. 

How Long is the Song? 

How long should your first dance song be? There are no hard and fast rules, but three minutes is the sweet spot for a great first dance song. Keep it too long, and your guests might get restless, eager to join the fun. 

A tune that's too short isn't ideal either. You want the photographer to have plenty of time to capture and immortalize this special moment in great shots. Be sure to pick a song that's neither too slow nor too fast. The song should be fun, enjoyable, and have great lyrics. 

Pick a Song that's Significant and Sentimental 

A trip down memory lane may come in handy if you're stuck creating a list of meaningful wedding songs about your relationship. Can you remember the songs playing on your first date? Or the song that makes your partner light up instantly? Maybe something from your favorite concert together?

If none of the songs emerge as a clear winner, you'll have a list of the pieces to help you establish a baseline. You can quickly identify your musical tastes down to the lyrics and music genre you gravitate toward. 

Look for Lyrics that Describe Your Relationship 

Finding a song with the lyrics that tell your love story differentiates between your love song and a love song. How did your relationship bloom? Were you childhood sweethearts? Did you meet in college? At work? Or later in life with a previous marriage and kids to boot? No matter your love story, there's a song that tells your love story to a tee.

Pay Attention to the Beat

Naturally, you should pick a beat that you can easily groove to and have mad fun while at it. Although the beat is paramount, it might clash with the lyrics that melt your heart. Don't let this slight hiccup stifle your joy – ask your wedding DJ to play a different version of the song. 

While the lyrics to traditional ballads and love songs are profound and may describe your relationship to a tee, the rhythm and beat aren't always the best for keeping everyone energized. Your DJ may help you find a version with a more upbeat style. Just stick to a dancing style you can pull off without taking dancing classes. You certainly could do without the additional pressure. 

Be Unconventional

If dancing to a cheesy love song for 3 or 4 minutes in a roomful of your friends and relatives makes you nervous, don't suffer through it. 

You can dispense with the traditions and switch it up with something more upbeat. Instead of settling for a single song, seize this opportunity to showcase all the pieces that describe your entire relationship. 

Create a mashup with all your favorite songs, regardless of the genre, and have a blast. List all the meaningful songs that make you feel connected as a couple and create a funky routine using them. Your first dance song shouldn't feel forced or insincere – it should make you come alive and match your personality. Inject a skit and even rope your bridal party and guests into the mix. 

Ask Your Wedding DJ for Tips

It's easy to overlook your wedding DJ as a source of inspiration. Ask your DJ for suggestions because, well, music is their business. They can prove a treasure trove with helpful tips to set you in the right direction. 

Your DJ will offer helpful suggestions to set the right mood, tone, and atmosphere. They might also surprise you by giving a framework to help you zap through the entire process without spiking your anxiety level. 

Let Us Make Your First Dance Song Fun and Memorable 

Hiring a professional DJ company is the proven way to make your wedding day a roaring success. The DJ will not only help you curate a detailed list of songs that color your lives and describe your relationship but can also create custom renditions. 

At Cool Receptions, we specialize in turning your big day into a memorable event that will delight your guests and capture the essence of your marital bliss. 

Let us make your wedding reception in North Carolina the talk of the town.