February 13, 2012
There was a time when couples had ‘their song’ and the decision of which track to use for the first dance at a wedding was a simple one. However, in the new millennium, this choice is not as easy as you might think for some couples. Whether this is due to a glut in good quality modern love songs and ballads is debatable, but with the growing popularity of hip hop, dance and house music, the likelihood of the newly-weds favourite song being at the right tempo and having appropriate lyrics, becomes more remote.
A quick search of U-tube will show you that this doesn’t pose a problem for everybody, with plenty of comedy clips of elaborate ‘first dances’ to tracks like ‘I Like Big Butts and I Cannot Lie’. However, such a theatrical approach is not to everyone’s taste and a return to the more traditional ballads of the twentieth century is still very common. Indeed, out of the top ten songs rated by users of www.occasionsongs.com only one was written within the last ten years.
It may seem obvious, but having selected a track, a quick check of the lyrics and some research into the premiss of the song is well worth doing. For example, at first listen, Lou Reeds ‘Perfect Day’ might be regarded as particularly suitable, with a great tune, tempo and seemingly appropriate lyrics. However, if you dig a little deeper, you will find that many people suggest that this song was written about Lou Reeds heroine addiction. Even if it wasn’t, the final line “you’re going to reap just what you sow” isn’t exactly the most romantic line ever.
Another classic song to be regularly misinterpreted is ‘Every Breath You Take’ by the Police. A quick google search will show you that this song is widely regarded as being about Stings break-up with his first wife (hardly a fitting sentiment for the first dance of a newly wed couple).
So how do you navigate your way through the pitfalls of choosing a song for the ‘first dance’ at your wedding, if you don’t already have a suitable favourite? Well, if you can’t face reading through the sleeve notes of your record collection, you can try some of the many internet sites offering suitable suggestions, such as www.occasionsongs.com , which as well as providing popular lists and song lyrics, also gives useful additional information about each song, allowing you to assess how appropriate it really is. If all else fails, you could just play safe and plump for an instrumental track instead (occasionsongs.com recommend Santana’s Samba Pa Ti).
James Jackson
http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/wedding-music-how-hard-can-it-be-to-choose-a-song-for-your-first-dance-673954.html
Help with song options for wedding dance?
I am getting married in two months and having trouble with choosing music for the "father/daughter" dance. It is difficult because the man giving me away is my uncle, not my father…so its hard to find the right song. I am hoping for some suggestions (nothing cliche please). Another option is my fiance and his mother might dance at the same time as us, so maybe choosing one song would easier? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Pick a song that means a lot to the both of you, or something that reminds you of the relationship you have.
Congrats on the wedding and good luck.
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Planning my wedding.
tim mcgraws my little girl is so beautiful….theres only one mention of ‘daddy’ in the chorus but its far enough into the song i doubt it’ll be noticed.
http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/mcgraw-tim/my-little-girl-16952.html
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I’m also planning my wedding and having trouble picking the father/daughter dance song. I’m planning on making my dad a CD of potential songs and letting him pick, that way we are both involved and the song becomes a little more personal. Some of the songs I’m including as options are:
Because you loved me (Yes, a bit cheesy, but good lyrics)
Sunshine of my life
You got it – Roy Orbison
Still Fighting It – Ben Folds
Good luck!
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Honestly, my personal favorite is "Isn’t She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder. Some other great ones are..
Unforgettable–Nat King Cole
The Way You Look Tonight- Frank Sinatra
What A Wonderful World-Louis Armstrong
My Wish- Rascal Flatts
Have I told you lately? -Van Morrison
If you don’t like any of the suggestions you see here, try looking at different dj websites..they usually have lists of thier songs available on thier sites.
Having your fiance and his mother join you would be lovely, just make sure its one-two minutes after you’ve stepped out onto the dance floor. It looks nicer
Congrats and I hope your wedding is beautiful!
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I’m a wedding planner
I’m getting married in 2 weeks and the song I’ve picked for the father daughter dance is "Daughters" by John Mayer.
Maybe cliche…but still a good song.
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I turn to you-Christina Aguilera
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I just love . . .
"Daughters" = John Mayer
=)
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if you choose something instrumental but not elevator music might be easier because you don’t have to worry about the words
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