Tips for a great first dance song

Start with what you like and let the music take you

Some couples know instantly what song they want to dance to on their wedding day. Maybe it was playing when they met as the birds were singing and the sea of people parted at the perfect moment (Just The Way You Are). Or maybe it's the song they sing together while doing the dishes (The Way You Look Tonight) or maybe there is a verse that just seems to be written about them (Hey there, Delilah). If you don't know instantly want you want to dance to on your wedding day, picking the right song for your special moment can feel like a daunting task. Here are a few ideas to guide your selection.

Start with what you like

“Music creates the mood.”

Are you going for something slow and romantic, or lighthearted and upbeat, or definitively traditional? Let the mood you're trying to create with your wedding day guide your music selection. A song that builds on itself rather than staying flat will lend itself to more interesting choreography.

Not too long

"Even professional dancers shouldn't dance more than three minutes on their wedding day."

Your friends didn't come to see a dance recital; they came to see a wedding. No one is expecting strictly ballroom, but it does help if you do more than the hug and sway to create a special moment. I recommend 90 seconds to two minutes as a good amount of time to create a fun experience without it feeling like it's going on forever. Cut your song to the length that is right for you, keeping in the best parts of music you like best.

Meaning matters

“You probably don't want to be dancing to a break up song on your wedding day.”

Contrary to the stipulation of Jennifer Lopez's character in The Wedding Planner that you can tell how long a couple will be together by the song they choose for their first dance, your song choice is not going to make or break your marriage. That said, you want the song to set the tone and add to the celebration. I recommend reading the lyrics of any serious contender, so that you at least know what the song is really about before making a selection. Every Breathe You Take could be construed as a stalker song, and even though plenty of people have danced to it over the years, you might think twice before playing it on your wedding day.

Something you love

At the end of the day, this is your special day we're talking about, so you get to dance to whatever you like (or skip even having a first dance, but then why would you be reading this...) Choose a song that puts a smile on your face and you can't go wrong.