You’ve probably started thinking about your first dance as husband and wife and what that will be like. What song will you choose, what dance will you do. Do you need to learn how to dance? If so, how are you going to go about it?

When thinking about learning a particular dance, you will also want to consider who else you will be dancing with at your reception.  If your father or mother is going to dance with you, do they want to do a formal dance?  If they’re willing to learn a formal dance, then you can really wow your guests with several beautiful dances in a row. 

One of the best ways to learn to dance is to take a group class.  This is especially important if you’ll be dancing with your partner and your family.  If your family is not local, then they can take a similar class in their area.  Dancing with different people will help you learn to dance with anyone and you’ll be ready to dance with your father or mother, even if you never have before the big night.  You only need to know the basic steps to do this successfully and have a great time.

I was fortunate that my father took classes and wanted to dance with me.  He only felt comfortable doing the waltz, but that was enough and we had a great dance.  The day before my wedding, we did a practice run and I would suggest doing that if you are able.  It will put your mind at ease and you will be relaxed for those special dances on your big day.

Technorati Tags: Father Daughter Songs, Mother Son Wedding Songs

There are three main wedding dances that need a lot of care in deciding what song to choose. These include Wedding First Dance Songs, Father Daughter Songs and Mother Son Wedding Songs. There are several things that should be taken into consideration when choosing these songs.

For all three dances, the first thing to consider is your personality and the relationship of the people dancing. Many weddings have very romantic songs for the first dance; however, that may not be your style. You may want to have something unique and cutting edge as your first dance song. You may want to have a little bit of country for your first dance song. Or maybe you’re a bit cheeky or funny and want to reflect that in your first wedding dance. This should be the first thing you decide when you start thinking about the first dance.

Another consideration for the first dance and the father daughter dance is the bride’s gown. Some gown’s are rather restrictive and don’t allow for a lot of flash and movement by the bride. It may not allow for large steps that might be required by a particular dance. Other dresses may be easy to dance in and won’t cause a restriction on the type of dance done by the bride. Knowing this in advance will help you pick the dance and song you want to use.

Next, you’ll want to think about the genre of the music. You may want to consider genres outside of your normal musical tastes, or you may be adamant about staying within a particular scope of music. Communication about your preferences with your partner is essential in this step. Also, keep in mind that you may need to be flexible in this department. If you want to do a particular dance, the genre you like best may not have the appropriate tempo and beat for that dance.

Many songs have been remade by many different artists. It may matter to you if the song you use is sung by the original artist or someone else. There are also a number of cover bands for wedding music. You may find that the original song is not quite right in terms of tempo and arrangement, so you may want to look at remakes by other artists or the cover bands. If these options are unacceptable, then you will want to find another song.

What dance do you want to do?  Some couples may pick the dance first, and some may pick the song first.  If the dance is chosen, for example a waltz, then the potential songs will be limited.  Different dances need different tempos and beats to look and feel right when dancing.  For example, a waltz needs three beats to a measure.  A song that is too fast for a waltz can make it hard to dance to and not as graceful and beautiful as a slower waltz.  If choosing the song first, then you are limited to the type of dance that can be done.  You can always just circle around, but if you do want to learn a new dance for the song, you may have to learn a different dance than you had in mind.  For example, a two-step cannot be danced to a song that is meant for a waltz.  If you do have a song first and you take dance lessons, make sure your instructor knows what song you want to use so they can teach you an appropriate dance.

For the Father Daughter dance and Mother Son dance, make sure you ask your parents if they had a song in mind for that dance.  You may be surprised to find out that they picked a song long ago and would be disappointed if it was not used.  They may not bring it up if you don’t, but believe me, you will hear about it later!  So, just ask.  If they don’t have a song in mind, find out if they have a particular dance in mind.  I knew my father wanted to do a waltz, so I had to find a song that was appropriate for a waltz and the Father Daughter dance.

Finally, be careful of the “why did we ever pick that song?” regret.  The more traditional and romantic songs are less likely to have later regret.  However, a unique, funky song may always bring a smile to your face when you hear it in the future.  Just be careful of crazy trends if you think you might not appreciate it later.

Checklist:

• Personality of the couple
• Bride’s gown
• Genre
• Original artist vs. remake
• Lyrics vs. instrumental
• Dance
• Parent’s preference
• No regrets

Technorati Tags: Father Daughter Songs, Mother Son Wedding Songs, Songs for Weddings, Wedding First Dance Songs

At most western culture’s wedding receptions, there is music. It doesn’t matter if it’s a sit down dinner, a buffet or light refreshments, music is universal. The general order of music is the following:

• Interlude
• Grand Entrance
• Dinner Music
• First Dance
• Father Daughter Dance
• Mother Son Dance
• Other special people (step parents for example) dances

While every family has its traditions, other special moments during the wedding reception include:

• Anniversary Dance
• Cake Cutting Song
• Garter Toss Song
• Bouquet Toss Song

Interlude

The guests arrive at the reception before the wedding party and bride and groom. Often the bride and groom are having pictures taken while the guests make their way to the reception. Gentle, soft music usually accompanies this period of time while cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are served.

Grand Entrance

The Grand Entrance is when the Bride and Groom arrive at the reception. Often the wedding party is announced first as they enter the room. The Bride and Groom come in last and are introduced as the new married couple.

Dinner Music

During dinner, soft music is once again played. There is a lot of socializing during this period and generally people want to talk and not be drowned out by the music.

First Dance

The dancing doesn’t begin until the first dance of the Bride and Groom. This is a very special moment when they take the floor for the first time as a married couple. The choice of song is important for this dance. It should convey the meaning of the couple’s relationship and love for each other. It should also be appropriate for the type of dance the couple wants to do.

Father Daughter Dance

The next dance is the Father Daughter dance. This is where the bride’s father takes the floor with his daughter. You may have a special song that the two of you love or a song that characterizes your relationship. Your father may have a song special in mind, so make sure to ask him before starting your search. While the father daughter songs are special, they are usually not as romantic as the first dance songs.

Mother Son Dance

Following the Father Daugher dance is the Mother Son dance. Sometimes these two dances are combined. The Mother Son dance is another very special dance where the mother of the groom dances with her son. She may have a special song picked out that she’s been thinking about for a long time, so make sure to ask her! These songs are usually not as romantic as the first dance song.

Other special people (step parents for example) dances

You may have other very special people in your life that you want to honor with a special dance. The same songs that are appropriate for the Father Daughter Dance and Mother Son Dance are likely to be appropriate for these dances as well.

Anniversary Dance

The Anniversary Dance is not as traditional as the three dances above. However, if there are many generations of people at your wedding, you may consider having this dance. It starts with all married couples on the floor. Subsequently, couples must leave the floor as they are called with the couple married the longest being the last on the floor. Generally, the DJ or band leader will announce that all couples married less than a day must leave the floor first. Then, less than 1 year, less than 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 30 years, etc. must leave the floor. Knowing your guests, you can come up with good cut off points for leaving the floor. Finally, you want to make sure all guests have left the floor except for the longest married couple. It is a nice touch to play the song they danced to for their first dance as the last song in the series. Since many songs are usually played in succession for this dance, you may want to cue up songs that different people from your wedding danced to as a special touch.

Cake Cutting Song

The dancing stops for the cake cutting. Some couples choose to have music played during the cake cutting and some do not. Some songs to consider are: Cut The Cake, Cuts Like A Knife, Sweets For My Sweet, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), Eat It, Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, The First Cut Is The Deepest

Garter Toss Song

The garter toss happens when the groom takes the garter off of the bride and then tosses it to a group of unmarried men. Tradition says that the man who catches the garter is the next to get married. Usually a rather raunchy song is played while the garter is being taken off. Popular songs for the garter toss include: Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?, Sexbomb, The Stripper, Killer Queen, Fever, Foxey Lady, Wild Thing, You Can Leave Your Hat On, You Sexy Thing, Hot Stuff.

Bouquet Toss Song

The bouquet toss is when the bride tosses her bouquet to a group of unmarried women. Tradition says that the woman who catches the garter is the next to get married. Some good bouquet toss songs include: Girls Just Want To Have Fun, This One’s For The Girls, It’s Raining Men, Man! I Feel Like A Woman!, Just A Girl.

Often the person who catches the garter and the person who catches the bouquet have a song that they dance to together.

Final Song of the Evening

The final song of the evening wraps up the celebration. Couples usually go one of two ways with this song. One choice is to play a nice slow song for everyone, including the bride the groom, can dance to. It reaffirms the love that is in the room. Another choice is to play an upbeat celebration song so everyone leaves on a high note. The choice is up to you!

Technorati Tags: Father Daughter Songs, Mother Son Wedding Songs, Wedding First Dance Songs

On your wedding day, you want to pick the perfect wedding dance songs. There are many Wedding First Dance Songs, Father Daughter Songs, Mother Son Wedding Songs, and general songs for weddings. Choosing the perfect songs can be difficult because you want each one to be memorable and meaningful. We’ve put together the top wedding songs to help you in your quest to find the perfect music for the perfect day!

Top Wedding Songs

The Way You Look Tonight	Frank Sinatra	Listen
From This Moment On	Shania Twain	Listen
True Companion	Marc Cohn	Listen
Now And Forever	Richard Marx	Listen
Butterfly Kisses (The Country Remix)	Bob Carlisle	Listen
Grow Old With Me	Mary Chapin Carpenter	Listen
This I Promise You	N Sync	Listen
The Look Of Love	Diana Krall	Listen
I Swear	All-4-One	Listen
The Prayer	Celine Dion; Andrea Bocelli	Listen
Unchained Melody	The Righteous Brothers	Listen
Valentine	Martina McBride; Jim Brickman	Listen
Unforgettable [Duet with Nat King Cole]	Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole	Listen
A Groovy Kind Of Love	Phil Collins	Listen
More	Harry Connick, Jr.	Listen
Always And Forever	Heatwave	Listen
Truly Madly Deeply	Savage Garden	Listen
You’re Still The One	Shania Twain	Listen
All My Life	Linda Ronstadt featuring Aaron Neville	Listen
Longer	Dan Fogelberg	Listen
Here And Now	Luther Vandross	Listen
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life	Stevie Wonder	Listen
Have I Told You Lately	Rod Stewart	Listen
Tonight, I Celebrate My Love	Peabo Bryson with Roberta Flack	Listen
Wedding Song [There Is Love]	Noel Paul Stookey	Listen
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You	Bryan Adams	Listen
Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me	Gladys Knight & The Pips	Listen
I Knew I Loved You	Savage Garden	Listen
Making Memories Of Us	Keith Urban	Listen
Love Of My Life	Jim Brickman	Listen
Colour My World	Chicago	Listen
Give Me Forever (I Do)	John Tesh	Listen
Dreaming Of You	Selena	Listen
Forever And For Always	Shania Twain	Listen
For Once In My Life	Harry Connick, Jr.	Listen
A Song For Mama	Boys II Men	Listen
My Little Girl (from My Friend Flicka)	Tim McGraw	Listen
For You I Will	Monica	Listen
Love Never Fails	Jim Brickman	Listen
You Are So Beautiful	Joe Cocker	Listen
When I Fall In Love	Céline Dion; Clive Griffin	Listen
On The Wings Of Love	Jeffrey Osborne	Listen
Beautiful In My Eyes	Joshua Kadison	Listen
All My Life	K-Ci & JoJo	Listen
Amazed	Lonestar	Listen

Technorati Tags: Father Daughter Songs, Mother Son Wedding Songs, Songs for Weddings, Top Wedding Songs, Wedding First Dance Songs