Picking the right first song for your wedding is a difficult decision. For some couples it is an obvious personal song – the first song you ever danced to for example, or the song that was playing when he proposed. For others it is a lot harder choice when no song immediately leaps to mind. An other factor that sometimes enters the mix is whether you use the track of the song or have the band play it, and whether the band are prepared to learn the song or if you have to use something from their repertoire.
The most important factor to consider is what the song means to you. Don’t think too much about what anyone else will like – it is your important song and should reflect your preferences. Saying that it is best not to choose anything offensive or with risqué lyrics!
On the subject of lyrics it is important to really listen to what the artist is saying. Some songs seem on the surface to be really suitable until you really listen to them. An example of this would be the song ‘Making Whoopee’ which I heard sung at a wedding recently. The start of the song is great “Another bride, another groom another lucky honeymoon”, however by the second verse “she feels neglected and he’s suspected of making whoopee”! Not really that suitable in the end!
Tempo is another thing to consider. Although many couples think a slow song is an easy choice, a very slow song can be difficult to keep in time to the music with if neither partner has any previous dance of musical experience . A classic slow song can be beautiful though and there are some lovely choices out there.
Something a little more uptempo is another choice – a jive, cha cha or latin feel perhaps, or maybe just something you can groove to. I recently worked with a couple who chose Groove Is In The Heart which we had a lot of fun with.
Another option is to go all out with a really unusual choice. Recently 2 separate couples have used the song ‘All I want is You’ by Barry Louis Polisar from the film Juno. It is a really quirky country 2 step feel but really does have lovely lyrics.  I have also recently done Chris Brown’s ‘Forever’ and even ‘Ice Ice Baby’!!
A lot more couples a starting to mix songs together. This works really well when a couple want a classic slow dance but also want to go a bit wild too!
I’ve listed a few recent songs and popular choices, however it really is a personal decision. I hope this helps you find the right song for you!

Classic Slow Songs
Rule the World – Take That
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
From This Moment On – Shania Twain
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
You’re in My Heart – Rod Stewart
What a difference a day makes – Various
All the Time In The World – Louis Armstrong
Feel My Love – Adele
As the World Falls Down – David Bowie
Greatest Day – Take That
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
Thank-you for Loving Me – Bon Jovi
I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder
One Day Like This – Elbow

Up beat – Cha-chas Quicksteps etc.
I’m your Man – Wham
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
You and Me Song – Wannadies
Groove is in the Heart – Deee Lite
My First My Last My Everything – Barry White
For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder
Everything – Michael Buble
Wouldn’t it be Nice – Beach Boys
Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher – Jackie Wilson
Can’t Take My Eyes off of You – Andy Williams

Waltzes
See my previous post on waltzes here