Years ago couples would go out dancing when they were dating. According to our parents this was how they really got to know each other. Meeting each other at a dance and dancing the night away was also the way couples would fall in love. Many of the couples in the 40's and 50's had songs that were meaningful to them because they played the songs over and over as the dated. It is very rare these days to find a couple who come into a meeting with us that actually have 'a song.' The song they eventually chose to become their first dance will be that special song. So, we sit in meetings trying to come up with songs that will be moving emotionally and lyrically speaking appropriate to the client. The tempo and feel of the song hopefully is something that won't make the couple look foolish either. Most couples have very little experience with 'couples dancing' and either opt to take lessons or learn one or two steps, repeat them one or two times and gesture to the band leader or DJ to quickly invite everyone up to join.
How do you pick a first dance? First ask yourselves if you both do have a common song that you both love. Is it appropriate to dance to? If not, do you have a particular artist that you both enjoy. If so, go through her/his repertoire and try to find a song that fits. Remember the song is going to be something that stays with you your whole life. Think about the mood you want to evoke. Do you want a happy first dance that is a little quirky and silly? Do you want a classic standard like IT HAD TO BE YOU? or Does Van Morrison seem to appeal more to the both of you? I know one couple who performed this amazing latin rhumba to a song on Christina Aguilera's spanish CD. You can be creative and still make it something your guests will enjoy and something that will be customized to your personality.
A few years ago we had brides asking us to write first dances for them because they were not able to chose or find anything that spoke to them as a couple. Eventually we created an entire CD called VERY FIRST DANCE. Not every band is going to be able to write a song for you or be so inclined. AND many people prefer having a song that is better known by their guests. Really think about it and spend some time even listening to clips on itunes....
