Do we swing or do we sway?
Planning a wedding involves a plethora of decisions, from selecting the perfect venue to curating a mouthwatering menu. However, one of the most memorable moments of any wedding is the first dance. The song you choose for this special moment can set the tone for the entire celebration. The question is if you want to kick off the reception with energy, fun, and excitement or establishes a romantic, calm, and emotionally touching ambiance.
Reflecting Your Relationship
Your wedding song should reflect you as a couple. Do you share a love for classic rock, or are you more into contemporary hits? Perhaps there's a song that has been "your song" since you started dating. Make sure the track you choose holds sentimental value for both of you. This way, every time you hear it in the future, it will rekindle the beautiful memories of your wedding day.
Guest Engagement
Believe it or not, the first dance song can also impact your guests. A well-chosen song can captivate everyone and make them feel part of your story. Guests are more likely to join in on the dance floor if the song has a universal appeal or triggers happy memories. It’s an excellent way to break the ice and get everyone moving.
Practical Considerations
While it’s essential to pick a song that you both love, it's also important to consider its danceability. Some couples opt for professional dance lessons, and the tempo or rhythm of the song can significantly impact the ease of learning the choreography. Your comfort and confidence can make all the difference, turning a potentially nerve-wracking moment into an effortlessly beautiful display of love and unity.
Fun vs. romance
Both choices offer unique experiences. Let’s have a look at main differences!
Swing Dance:
Energy: Swing dance is upbeat, fast-paced, and energetic. It injects a lively and fun atmosphere into the celebration right from the start.
Skill and Surprise: It often involves intricate footwork, lifts, and spins, showcasing the couple’s dancing skills, which can impress and entertain guests.
Interaction: Swing dancing promotes a playful interaction between the couple, often accompanied by laughter and smiles, setting a joyful and festive mood.
Music: Swing dance typically uses jazz or big band music, which can uplift the mood and encourage guests to join the dance floor with similar enthusiasm.
Breaks Tradition: It's less traditional, offering a modern twist. This choice can reflect the couple's unique personalities and break the ice for a more relaxed, party-like reception.
Slow Dance:
Romance: Slow dancing is classic and romantic, exuding an intimate, emotional atmosphere. It emphasizes the love and connection between the couple.
Elegance: It has a timeless, elegant feel that fits traditional wedding themes perfectly, often leading to heartfelt moments and teary eyes.
Simplicity: The simpler, swaying motion is easy to master, reducing stress for the couple. It's an opportunity to savor the moment without the pressure of complex choreography.
Music: Slow dance typically features love ballads or sentimental songs, enhancing the emotional depth and sentimental value of the occasion.
Focus: It spotlights the couple's bond and allows guests to focus on the emotional aspect rather than the technicalities of dancing.
Few examples of swing songs which will bring a lively, yet classy, feel to your first dance.
1. "Cheek to Cheek" by Fred Astaire
2. "It Had to Be You" by Harry Connick Jr.
3. "Sway" by Michael Bublé
4. "I’ve Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra
5. "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole
6. "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller Orchestra
7. "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
8. "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?" by Dean Martin
9. "Let's Face the Music and Dance “by Nat King Cole
10. "The Best is Yet to Come" by Tony Bennett
These songs have a romantic and timeless quality that will make your first dance unforgettable!
1. "At Last" by Etta James
2. "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
3. "All of Me" by John Legend
4. "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
5. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
6. "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele
7. "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
8. "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
9. "Your Song" by Elton John
10. "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
11. "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton
12. "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne
Ultimately, your first dance song becomes a timeless piece of your wedding day, an auditory snapshot of a pivotal moment. Every time you hear this song in the years to come, it will transport you back to the joy and love of your special day.