Top 5 First Dance Songs at a Wedding

January 21, 2013 Leave a Comment

Picking the song to be played at the first dance at your wedding is a tough decision, because this will be the song that couples will forever remember as the one they first danced to as husband and wife. We wanted to find out what the top five “First Dance” songs are in terms of popularity, so we asked Robert Arthur, President of Invisible Touch Events. If you are not familiar with this company, they offer DJ, lighting and photo booths at weddings in Southern California.

According to Invisible Touch Events, these are the top five First Dance songs played at weddings. Let’s review the list in no particular order and dive into the song and what makes it so popular.

“I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz

This song comes from Mraz’s fourth album, “Love is a Four Letter Word” that came out a little over a year ago back in 2012. The acoustic love ballad has its roots stemmed in Mraz’s activist outings and the lyrics clearly point to the value of never giving up, especially on someone you love deeply. The song goes further to explain that one shouldn’t give up on loving themselves either, nor abandoning your dreams. It’s a very straightforward, catchy song that runs for about four minutes in length, the perfect amount of time for a first dance song.

“At Last” by Etta James

This song might be the single most popular first dance song and remains a classic, dating back all the way to when it was covered by James in 1960. This soul-filled blues song has been used in weddings, television shows, movies, home videos and dozens of other mediums thanks to a slow, almost hypnotic vocal triumph given by the immortal James. If you want to go with a safe classic, “At Last” is pure gold and will remain the standard by which most other first dance songs are judged by.

“Then” by Brad Paisley

Paisley wrote and recorded “Then” which is one of the top country songs over the last five years. This mild-tempo love ballad features a string section and piano, atypical to most of Paisley’s songs which are renown for his impressive guitar play. The song focuses on a male’s perspective, who is deeply in love for his female lover. During the song he retells significant and sentimental moments of their relationship. The chorus echos their love and says how much stronger his love is for her since the first time they met. This is a great song for country music lovers to choose for their first dance.

“God Gave me You” by Black Shelton

The song was originally written by contemporary Christian music singer Dave Barnes and covered by country music star Blake Shelton in 2011. The original artist has said on record that many fans who understand the song’s meaning say the song has helped them get through rocky times in their relationship. The song made #1 on the US Country Songs Billboard in 2011 and has quickly become a song that Christian newlyweds who enjoy country music choose for their first dance.

“Marry Me” by Train

Released in 2010, “Marry Me” was written by Pat Monahan of the band Train, who stated in several interviews that the song was supposed to be a short one, but was convinced to elongate and evolve the song based on the sweet, simple melody heard at the beginning. Popular in Adult Contemporary circles, the song is sweet, simple and perfect for a first dance, especially if the new wedded couple wants it on the short side, with the song length at just 3 minutes and 25 seconds.

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Ready to Dance at Your Wedding?

December 19, 2012 Leave a Comment

You just walked down the aisle and said ” I Do”, and now it is time to continue the celebration of  your love with your closest friends and family. Looking forward to dancing and having a great time? When does the dancing start? The first dance is typically by  you and your new husband. You and your groom will dance to a song which is romantic or meaningful. After  your first dance, there is a traditional order of dancing among the bridal party and parents. Lets take a look at these first, and then we can talk about other options.

  • The father-daughter dance: The father of the bride will dance with his daughter. The song is one that the bride chooses is special for her and her father.
  • The mother-son dance: The mother of the groom will dance with her son. The son can also choose a song which has meaning or possibly his mother’s  favorite song.

Next, the groom’s father can dance with the bride, and the groom with the mother of the bride. Following the bride and best man, groom and maid of honor. The groom can then dance with all the bridesmaids, and the bride with all the groomsmen. Not at the same time of course, but taking turns. Once all bridal party and parents had a chance to dance, the dance floor is now open for all the guests to join in. You and your bridal party will keep on dancing until the dance floor is full!

So, this was one option of traditional order of dancing at a wedding. It is your wedding, so you do not have to follow this order, you can do whatever you like. Here is one other way of dancing options you can do at your wedding:

  • Married Couples: Following your first dance, the DJ or band will announce that all married couples join the bride and groom on the dance floor. A romantic song to do a slow dance with is played, and all couples can have a moment together with you on your first day as a married couple. It is a wonderful moment that is shared with your friends and family.
  • Open Dancing: After the married couples dance, the DJ or Band can play a fast up beat type of song and invite all your guests to the dance floor. This is a great way to “break the ice” and get everyone to have some fun before dinner time.
  • Anniversary Dance: Later in the evening, the DJ or band can ask for married couples to join the dance floor. This time it is to celebrate their anniversaries.  So for example, it will start with the couples who have been together for one year of less, then two, then three, and then go all the way up to fifty or more. This is a wonderful way to include your guests who are married and can celebrate their love with you. It is always amazing to see how high the anniversary years go up to!
  • Bridal Party Dance: You and your groom along with your bridal party will take the dance floor and dance! It can be a slow dance or fast song. So, all the bridesmaids will dance with their partnering groomsmen, and maid of honor with the best man. You probably have taken so many photos up to this point, but why not another photo op for keepsakes?

There is really no right way to incorporate dancing into your wedding,  just remember that is your day and you do what you love best! Oh, and have fun of course!

 

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