How to Choose Music for Your First Dance at Your Wedding Reception

The first dance is the key note of your wedding reception and the start of your new life together. Carefully choose music for your first dance at your wedding reception to make it as touching and memorable as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Look at a list of popular songs. A good place to start is with a list of popular first dance songs. There are quite a few, so you should be able to find one that matches your tastes. See the resources for links to popular songs.
   
2. Decide on a song with your spouse. If you have a song that is special to you, use that. Think of a song you used to listen to together early in your relationship, or a song that was playing when you first met.
   
3. Pick a song with significant lyrical meaning. A lot of songs have thinly veiled sexual innuendos or ironic love themes rather than romantic ones. Take a bit of time to analyze the lyrics and make sure they speak to your relationship.
   
4. Let your DJ or band know. After you've picked a song, find out how the DJ or band will render it. Make sure they don't have a strange version of the song or are going to butcher it. Have them rehearse it and change things you don't like about their rendition.
   
   
5. Provide sheet music or a recording. If a band or musician isn't familiar with a song, give them ample time to perfect the piece.
6. Enjoy the dance. After the wedding is planned, it's time to stop worrying and just go with the flow. Lose yourself in your loved one and savor this most special day.
   

Tips & Warnings

• With live bands, you can alter the lyrics, inserting your own names or adding an inside joke as a twist.
• Some songs are better without vocals. Instrumental arranged versions of popular songs can be very pretty and keep attention on the dancers rather than the band.
• Take dance lessons beforehand if you really want to wow the guests.
• Make sure the DJ has done some soundchecks before you begin the first dance. Technical difficulties can really upset the magic.
• Avoid cliché. Be original and make the dance personal.

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