5 Helpful Tips for Choosing Your First Dance Song

Some couples have no trouble picking out a first dance song. High school sweethearts may select the song they danced to at the prom or a top 40s hit they listened to on their first date. For couples who met later in life, picking a first dance song can be as easy as picking a song from well-loved movie soundtrack or an old classic their parents enjoyed.

However, picking a first dance song isn’t easy for everyone. If you’re having a tough time deciding what song you want to remember your wedding night by, here are five tips that can make the process easier.

Five Tips for Choosing a First Dance Song

1.     Pick a song that describes your relationship. When it comes to picking a tune for your first dance, you want to pick a song that is meaningful to you and your future spouse. You want to pick something you both enjoy and that describes your relationship. Picking a song you enjoyed in high school would be perfect for high school sweethearts, while a traditional song may work better for you if you have a love for classic film.

2.    Focus on one genre. Most people listen to several different genres of music, and while this is great for your wedding playlist, it makes choosing a first dance song more difficult. Narrowing down the genre is an important step in this decision-making process. Select a genre both of you appreciate, and then list some of your favorite love songs within that genre.

3.    Find out what songs other people used. Some songs are tried and true first dance favorites, while other songs are unique but endearing choices. Hearing what songs your friends used can prompt you to think of related songs by the same artist or help you decide against certain music genres. Also, knowing what songs your friends and family played can help you decide between a slow tempo, a fast tempo, or a mix of both.

4.    Decide between a traditional song or a contemporary song. This is another important step when it comes to deciding what song you want to play for your first dance. The benefit of a traditional song is that ten years from now, the song will not feel dated or cringeworthy. However, there are also many contemporary songs that never get old and make great first dance numbers.

5.    Ask your DJ for advice. If after many hours of deliberation, you’re no closer to making the decision than when you started, you can ask your DJ for recommendations. Your DJ will have a collection of perfect first dance songs from a variety of genres, and they can help you pick something based on your music tastes and personality. Your DJ can also create song medleys for those of you who decide on two songs.

Choosing your first dance song doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Whether you decide to choreograph your first dance or wing it with the classic prom sway, picking the tune you open your reception with should be a fun and rewarding process.

If you’re feeling bogged down by choices, you can narrow them down by selecting a genre and deciding if you want a contemporary song or a classic song. Once you’ve narrowed the options, you can enlist your DJ, your friends, and your family on the hunt for the perfect song. Your friends and family can suggest songs based on how they view your relationship, and your DJ will have a wealth of ideas and suggestions based on their experience and your preferences.

Don’t worry! The perfect song for your first dance at your wedding reception is out there.