I have seen it all with the bride and grooms first dance. Some people might say that but between working at weddings and attending weddings I think I have. From a whole bridal party doing a choreographed dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller to a couple just improvising some crazy moves. Nothing surprises me but it does occasionally still give me a laugh. So as someone big into their music, this advice is for those unsure about how to go about it and also some music suggestions should you get stuck.
This is your day (yes both of you). Make a moment.
Sometimes you can see the groom (occasionally the bride) and despite this being the best day of his life, for the next 5 minutes he would give anything to be already on his way to the honeymoon. The first dance. He is just not a mover, he dances like Chandler Bing (shame if you dont know that pop culture reference). Even worse is the groom that doesnt really want to miss out on drinking with his mates and cant be bothered. Planning is not about one of you knowing what will happen at a certain moment but what is expected from each other at certain moments. Whatever you do, try and celebrate the moment. With the whole day, it goes past so quickly, why not make another moment to remember.
Do what is comfortable for you.
Trail each other around uncomfortably. Get the bridal party involved. Learn a routine for the both of you. Get your family involved. Stand in one spot draped all over each other (much to the discomfort of the guests) Just be normal like everyone else. All of this can be you or not. Most important is that you are completely on board and happy with it.
Dont let it drag on.
My first dance became uncomfortable because it went over that 5 minute barrier of shame. I just invented that name. We weren’t the first couple who picked a song they loved but didnt tell the band or DJ to invite the bridal party or slowly turn it down and off! Unless its got variety 5 minutes gets to the uncomfortable stage especially if its slow or repetitive.
A slow dance or fast and furious?
Again this falls on who you are as a couple. For me its one of those moments of the day and there will be time for rocking it out after. However if you are gifted with some real moves then get on it and ramp up the beat.
Daddy/daughter dance.
I have spoken about this with some of my friends about it potentially being the worst moment of my life - dancing that last time with my daughter before she is away to be with someone else and start her family. I guess if you have had a a great relationship with your dad then it might be another moment to celebrate. I have loved hearing some of the songs chosen for this.
Skipping that first dance.
This is the one that doesnt sit right. You have this whole day about you both and then decide to remove a focal point in the day. It has happened a few times and it has been a little confusing for the guests.. While its not about them, the evening and the dance floor needs that first dance,if only for a few brief moments.
The Music.
Wish I had a list of every first dance I have heard. From the beautiful to the megamix….. here are a few selections from the traditional to current trends
Recent Favourites A little bit of Class
Kodaline - The One 1. Joe Cocker - You are So Beautiful
Ellie Goulding - Your Song 2. Etta James - At Last
Ed Sheeran - Photograph 3. Des’ree I’m Kissing you
Ed Sheeran - Perfect 4. Josh Groban - When you say you love me
John Legend - All of Me 5. Glen Hansard - Falling Slowly
Double Fromage Rock Ballad City
Lonestar - Amazed 1. Bryan Adams - Heaven
1000 Years - Christina Perri 2. That Aerosmith song from the film about the meteor (i know
Anything by Ed and Bon Jovi it I just dont want to say it!)
The megamix if it goes wrong 3. Foo FIghters - Everlong
Make you feel my love - Adele 4. Bon Jovi - Always
5. Bryan Adams - Everything I do
I have my preferences. They are all quite simple songs. My first dance turned out to be the ‘This song is a little too long’ dance. We loved the song by a local artist, Iain Archer - Working up a storm. He released two albums with a small reach (and he doesnt even list them on his back catalogue. This is on the 2nd (in case you try to find it ). 3 minutes in and I was all for giving it a miss.
Van Morrison medley - Crazy Love/ Tupelo Honey / Have I told you lately.
Foy Vance - Guiding Light
Peter Gabriel - the book of Love
Coldplay - Everglow
Jason Mraz - I’m yours