Tips for your First Dance
The first dance is my favourite part of the wedding reception because the bride & groom are given the opportunity to share in a personal moment that is exclusive to the two of them. Especially after spending hours with the wedding party, taking photographs, speaking with hundreds of family & friends, the first dance allows the bride & groom to focus solely on each other, even if it is just for a few minutes.
The thought of doing your first dance as newlyweds in front of all your guests might leave you
feeling a little nervous. This is totally normal, so some little tips for you:
Practice your wedding dance a lot – take a minimum of two classes and go over what you learnt at home for a natural looking first dance.
Make time on the wedding day if it's at all possible to quickly go through your dance routine so it's fresh in your mind. Maybe you could run through it if you get a few minutes free.
Treat your first dance like a show – rehearse it before you perform in front of your adoring audience!
Try to do your wedding dance in the shoes you plan to wear for your wedding – if you're not planning on showing them off on the day pick something similar so you know you can do the moves in your shoes.
No one will be looking at your feet as you dance – the focus is on your upper body to hold your back straight and keep smiling!
If you are really nervous, your band will announce the bridal party onto the dance floor after 2-3 minutes and this will take the limelight from you and onto them and you can continue to enjoy your first dance.
The Top 10 most popular First Dance songs
Ed knocked his own track off the top spot this year by releasing love song Perfect, which is already firmly on its way to becoming a wedding classic. In fact, Ed even made the top 10 twice with it…
Thinking Out Loud was the number one first dance song choice around the whole entire world in both 2017 and 2016. The song itself was a phenomenon, becoming the fifth most streamed song on the whole of Spotify and staying in the UK's top 40 for a whole year! The video alone could make us cry.
Etta James – At Last
Recorded back in 1961, Etta James' At Last is enduringly popular at weddings and it's clear why. Full of romance, passion and with that gorgeous opening string section, this song can't help but make you smile.
John Legend – All of Me
This modern-day love song took the world by storm on its release. John Legend sang at his own wedding to wife Chrissy Teigen – if it's good enough for them, it definitely makes our list.
Elvis Presley – Can't Help Falling in Love
Can't Help Falling in Love was actually the last song Elvis ever performed live. Its dreamy tone, romantic lyrics and rich vocals make it the perfect ode to true love.
Christina Perri – A Thousand Years
Written for the soundtrack to Twilight: Breaking Dawn, it's not just vampire fans who've fallen in love with Christina Perri's track. With her beautiful vocals and lyrics full of emotion, it's easy to see why so many couples choose A Thousand Years to enter into their new marriage too.
Ray LaMontagne – You Are The Best Thing
This folk-rock song is a more upbeat choice for a first dance song and perfects if you're a couple with moves to show off. It's got a '60s soul with plenty of passion.
Jason Mraz – I Won't Give Up
Simple, powerful and soaring, this acoustic ballad is an inspired choice for your first dance. The words encapsulate the heart of what a marriage is about and can't fail to be an emotional moment on your big day.
Ellie Goulding – How Long Will I Love You
If Ed is the king of first dance songs, Ellie is the queen. Her cover of Elton John's Your Song was even picked as Will and Kate's first dance and this cover is just as wedding-worthy. The sweet lyrics speak straight to our soul.
Ed Sheeran and Beyonce – Perfect (Duet)
That's right, Ed's Perfect is actually on the list twice. His acoustic version of the beautiful ballad with Beyonce is flawless and even more intimate than the original.
Unusual First Dance Songs for Quirky couples
There's no shame in saying you want something unusual for your first dance song. When you have quite a few weddings to attend in a year it makes sense to make sure you have an unusual first dance song.
Wonderwall – Oasis
Noel Gallagher, who wrote the Oasis hit, said the song was about 'an imaginary friend who's going to come and save you from yourself'. If you've found the one who has saved you, consider sharing your first dance as husband and wife to this Brit-pop classic.
I Walk the Line – Johnny Cash
Country fans should consider the Johnny Cash hit 'I Walk the Line'. He wrote it when he was newly married and described it as 'laying out my pledge of devotion'. So many of the lyrics are lovely and perfect for a wedding, whilst still remaining an unusual choice. If you're planning a vintage wedding, a retro song like this is a great way to stay on theme.
Heroes – David Bowie
If you've watched 'The Perks of Being a Wall Flower' you'll understand the impact this song can have (If you haven't watched it, why not?). It's an empowering song which details how falling in love can make you feel like a king and queen, as though you're heroes for the day. Everyone will be joining in by the end.
Love on Top – Beyoncé
Those looking for a more upbeat first dance song that isn't likely to be at anyone else's wedding, why not consider Love on Top by Queen Bey? It's a great choice if you want to really get the party started.
Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
In a world where everyone is choosing Ellie Goulding's covers of 'Your Song' (I mean, if it worked for Kate Middleton, why not!) and 'How Long Will I Love You' (which made it into our top love songs of 2014), why not go for this one? It's an unusual choice as it was featured in 'Fifty Shades of Grey' which gives it a bit of sultry edge.
Lifeboats – Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol specialises in gorgeously sentimental songs with lyrics that could be poetry all on their own, but if you don't want to hear 'Chasing Cars' again, consider the lesser known Lifeboats. A lifeboat can symbolise hope and can save your life – just like meeting the person you've fallen head over heels in love with.
Candy – Paolo Nutini
Who could resist Paolo Nutini's delicious tones? It isn't the first song you'd associate with weddings from Paolo's back catalogue (that would probably be 'Loving You') but that's why it's in this list! The video even features a wedding. Perfect.
If There is Something – Roxy Music
Go seriously old school and pick this smooth Roxy Music song for your first dance. It's definitely unusual thanks to Bryan Ferry's unique voice. You'd be in good company if you chose this song – Kate Moss and Jamie Hince danced to it at their wedding!
Tip of the Week:
Tie up your wedding dress before your first dance and remove your veil.
Trend of the week:
Pronovias – Emily: The fantasy of bridal fashion comes to this spectacular mermaid design capable of emphasizing feminine lines with crepe, hugging them with a suggestive skirt, fitted at the natural waist, that ends in a beautiful train. A dress that plays with the provocation of the thread-embroidered transparences with flower motifs and sparkling beading that reach the hips, defining a bodice with V-necklines. Simply spectacular. This dress can be complemented with a fixed lining for the bodice. Available at Belladonna Bridal, Galway.
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