Choosing the perfect song for your first dance can be a little daunting. We caught up with music-whizz Kitty from Entertainment Nation who has shared six amazing options for a unique first dance.
The first dance - you can see it in your head: gliding across the dance-floor to the song that welcomes you and your partner to the beginning of your married life. It's a special moment; a defining event, and one that you're determined to get right. But of the millions of songs out there, which one to choose to create that perfect mood - to capture the exact ambience you imagine?
To help you out, we've compiled some classic first dance songs which leave room for a twist: a sure-fire hit but performed in a style which means that the sound is unique to you and your partner - it's one way of finding the perfect song with your own personal flavour!
To help you out, we've compiled some classic first dance songs which leave room for a twist: a sure-fire hit but performed in a style which means that the sound is unique to you and your partner - it's one way of finding the perfect song with your own personal flavour!
Can't Help Falling in Love
Originally recorded by Elvis, this sweet ballad has been covered by a range of other artists - from Michael Bublé to Ingrid Michaelson; Meghan Trainor and Twenty One Pilots to Beck and UB40. With a slow rhythm, the song is ideal for gentle swaying, but the myriad of interpretations means that it can be performed in just about any style or genre.
By no means do the words need to be accompanied by the delicate tinkling of piano keys - why not take inspiration from Twenty One Pilots and pair them with the strains of banjo or guitar strings? Or why not take a cue from Michael Bublé for a slightly grander effect, incorporating some spectacular violin crescendos into the song's performance? You could even amp up the energy and completely transform the song with a fast-paced rock rendition!
Thinking Out Loud
An extremely popular and relatively recent release, it's another gentle rhythm perfectly matched with low lighting and slow dancing. Combined with lyrics about eternal love, it's not surprising that 'Thinking Out Loud' is such a popular choice for the first dance.
You could stick to the original acoustic ambience of Ed Sheeran's hit track, but why not add the sound of an electric guitar for a slightly grittier feel? This is what singer Hobbie Stuart did, whose cover of the song has now gone viral online. Meanwhile, fellow singer Fiona Culley put a country twist on the song in another wildly popular video, singing the track with a discernible country twang.
You could stick to the original acoustic ambience of Ed Sheeran's hit track, but why not add the sound of an electric guitar for a slightly grittier feel? This is what singer Hobbie Stuart did, whose cover of the song has now gone viral online. Meanwhile, fellow singer Fiona Culley put a country twist on the song in another wildly popular video, singing the track with a discernible country twang.
Halo
Halo is a song which has been chosen for first dances up and down the country, and there are all kinds of ways to interpret the track beyond Beyoncé's original power ballad version. Florence and the Machine's cover featured a more whimsical sound thanks to the inclusion of harp strings, while Harper Blynn's moves in a more rock 'n' roll direction. But if vintage Motown is more you and your partner's kind of thing, Postmodern Jukebox have shown how well this genre can work with the song for a funkier, more upbeat feel.
Hey Soul Sister
With its lyrics speaking of adoration and dedication, this cheery pop classic is another obvious choice for a couple’s first dance. But if ukuleles aren't quite your thing, The Dixie Chicks' famous cover of the song keeps the acoustic vibe but adds a country flavour to the track.
And if country's not your thing either, Glee's popular version of the song has shown how pretty it can sound if you've chosen to hire a band which can perform acapella. Even without words it sounds lovely! Something proven by the success of string quartet versions of the hit song.
And if country's not your thing either, Glee's popular version of the song has shown how pretty it can sound if you've chosen to hire a band which can perform acapella. Even without words it sounds lovely! Something proven by the success of string quartet versions of the hit song.
All of Me
John Legend's piano-driven ballad was hugely popular in 2013, and it's established itself as something of a staple in terms of first dance songs. Put your own alternative twist on it - taking inspiration from Italian pop singer Julio D's orchestral version, or Boyce Avenue's soulful vocals and guitar acoustics. Or, for a more jazzy spin, just take a look at Postmodern Jukebox's vintage soul version.
If you've hired a DJ, you could even ask them to mix Tiësto's dance remix of the song for a high-energy first dance! It would certainly be memorable.
If you've hired a DJ, you could even ask them to mix Tiësto's dance remix of the song for a high-energy first dance! It would certainly be memorable.
Happy Together
The Turtles' blissful love song from the 60s is another clear choice for the anticipated first dance. One way you can put a unique twist on it is to take a cue from Miley Cyrus' cover, which features stripped back instrumentation and a slightly mellower atmosphere; guaranteed by the faint backing vocals and the peaceful cadence of a flute.
But it's also another track which sounds glorious with no words at all - as shown by The Piano Guys' famous cello cover version of the song. On the other end of the spectrum, Weezer and Filter's performances of the song have also shown how it can work for a wedding (and couple) with something more of a rock vibe.
These classic choices are classics for a reason, but that doesn't mean you need to stick to the conventional ways of having them performed. We hope this list has inspired you with some alternative ways to spin these tracks, and that your first dance is everything you hoped it to be!
But it's also another track which sounds glorious with no words at all - as shown by The Piano Guys' famous cello cover version of the song. On the other end of the spectrum, Weezer and Filter's performances of the song have also shown how it can work for a wedding (and couple) with something more of a rock vibe.
These classic choices are classics for a reason, but that doesn't mean you need to stick to the conventional ways of having them performed. We hope this list has inspired you with some alternative ways to spin these tracks, and that your first dance is everything you hoped it to be!