Choose the Best Wedding Dance Songs for Your:

First Dance
Father-Daughter Dance
Mother-Son Dance

One of the details you will need to attend to are the special dances you do at your wedding reception. These include the First Dance, the Father-Daughter Dance and the Mother-Son Dance. These are dances you will remember and cherish the rest of your life. So, choosing the music and how you want to dance to it is critical to the overall ambiance of the day. This is where Wedding Dance Songs can help you out!

Hi! We’re Susan Todd and Deb Arends, the owners of Wedding Dance Songs. We’re going to help you choose the perfect music for your wedding day. We’re also going to help you determine if you want to learn a special dance to go along with the music. If you decide to go this route, we’ll tell you what dances go with what songs. For example, did you know “The Way You Look Tonight” sung by Frank Sinatra is a Foxtrot? However, “The Way You Look Tonight” sung by Michael Buble is a Rumba?

Wedding Dance Songs is designed to help engaged couples:

• Find appropriate wedding music for their reception
• Give tips to choosing the best music for the First Dance as husband and wife
• Help Fathers, Daughters, Mothers and Sons find music for those two special dance
• Discover what dances are best for each song
• Steer couples away from music that seems appropriate on the surface, but really isn’t
• Offer advice on how to handle unique situations, like Mother-Daughter dances

We want you to have a beautiful wedding day and remember it for the rest of your life. We want you to hear your music in the coming years and reminisce about your most special day. We want your guests to have a blast at your wedding reception.

If you want all of this too, browse the Wedding Dance Songs website and sign up for our free newsletter today!

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

The question comes up, what do you do if there are step-parents involved? What do you do if there is no father in the picture (for whatever reason)? The answer is actually very simple… you do what is right for you. No one should tell you that you can’t dance with your stepfather or stepmother. And an ever increasing trend is to have a Mother Daughter dance (along with mothers walking their daughters down the aisle). So, if there are special people in your lives that you want to honor with a special dance, then do it!

The only word of advice I would give is if you have two parents you want to dance with, dance with your biological parent first and then with your step parent. But, that choice is ultimately up to you too. Always remember that this is YOUR wedding.

So, on to the next question… how do you choose songs for these dances? The same lists as the father daughter songs and mother son songs can be used. It’s all about love and your relationship with the person. Choose one that is right for you.

Technorati Tags: Songs for Weddings

Unless the couple is highly extroverted, relish the thought of being the center of attention, or really, really good at dancing, the newly married couple is likely to be nervous about the first dance. While you want to dance with your partner, dancing in front of a group of people isn’t easy. All eyes are on you. Will you make a mistake that people will notice? Will something go wrong?

Here’s the scoop though, the beauty of the first dance for your guests is not necessarily your dance. Of course, the guests will gather around in eager anticipation. But, if you were to look around, you would see the couples holding hands, drinking in the music, and reminiscing about their first dance at their wedding. They will think about the love they have for their partner and the love that the newly married couple has. They will think about how your life will be going forward and wishing you the happiness that they have had in their own marriage. It’s a beautiful reminiscent moment for all present.

Will they be watching your every step? No. Will they notice if something “goes wrong”? Probably not.

Should you be nervous? You shouldn’t. You should pick a first dance song that is special to you and your partner. You should dance the dance that you want to dance and remember. While the dance is happening, you should only have eyes for your partner and relish in this most special moment for the two of you. And, when you go to your next friend’s wedding, you’ll be in the audience, reminiscing about your own special first dance while wishing them the best in life.

Technorati Tags: First Dance, Wedding First Dance Songs

If you decide you want to end the night on a high and have an upbeat last dance song, here are a number of suggestions from different genres to consider:

Standards

• “Buona Sera” (Louis Prima)
• “Bye Bye Baby” (Marilyn Monroe)
• “Come Fly With Me” (Frank Sinatra)
• “Fly Me To The Moon” (Frank Sinatra)
• “For Once In My Life” (Frank Sinatra)
• “Goodnight My Love” (Jesse Belvin)
• “Let’s Get Lost” (Frank Sinatra)
• “Sentimental Reasons” (Charlie Spivak)
• “The Best Is Yet To Come” (Tony Bennett)
• “The Lullaby of Broadway” (Frank Sinatra)
• “The Tender Trap” (Frank Sinatra)
• “There Is No Greater Love” (Ben Webster)

Classic Pop/Rock

• “After Midnight” (Eric Clapton)
• “Blinded By Love” (The Rolling Stones)
• “Build Me Up Buttercup” (The Foundations)
• “Don’t Stop” (Fleetwood Mac)
• “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” (James Taylor)
• “Kiss” (Prince)
• “Kokomo” (The Beach Boys)
• “Late in the Evening” (Paul Simon)
• “Let’s Go Crazy” (Prince)
• “One Love” (Bob Marley)
• “Pride And Joy” (Stevie Ray Vaughan)
• “Surfin’ USA” (The Beach Boys)
• “Sweet Caroline” (Neil Diamond)
• “What I Like About You” (The Romantics)

Classic R&B/Soul

• “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (Diana Ross and The Supremes)
• “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” (McFadden & Whitehead)
• “All Night Long” (Lionel Richie)
• “Come And Get Your Love” (Redbone)
• “I Second That Emotion” (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles)
• “Twist And Shout” (The Isley Brothers)
• “You Gotta Be” (Des’ree)
• “You Sexy Thing” (Hot Chocolate)

Pop/Rock/Contemporary

• “Believe” (Cher)
• ““I’ll Be There For You” (The Rembrandts)
• “Thank You” (Alanis Morissette)
• “Waiting For Tonight” (Jennifer Lopez)

Shows/Movies

• “We Go Together” (John Travolta/Olivia Newton John, from the Grease Soundtrack)

Technorati Tags: Last Dance Songs, Songs for Weddings

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

You may be thinking that you could never do this, you don’t know how to dance formally.  It’s just not taught now-a-days.  However, you and your partner can learn to dance.  It takes practice, but it can be done, even by people who are not naturally gifted with a sense of rhythm.  There are several ways you can learn to dance.

The easiest and most expensive way is to take private dance lessons.  You can either take these at a dance studio or some instructors will come to your house.  The advantage of having a private instructor is that they can teach you a particular dance that fits your style.  They can assess each partners strengths and really work with you to get it right.  They can also put together a choreographed dance for you, so you can be as dramatic as you want.  They can also teach you the basics of the dance and you can dance freeform.  There are many possibilities.

Another way to learn to dance is to look for group classes.  Dance studios often offer these and community centers also often offer these.  The advantage is that you learn several different dances, and you can determine which one you like.  You will not get the individual attention that a private lesson gives and you will be required to switch partners while learning to dance.  The advantage to switching partners is that you don’t rely on someone’s “quirks” as cues.  For example, if someone always squeezes your hand before they turn their partner, the partner can come to rely on that cue.  Group classes are a lot of fun and they are cheaper than private lessons.

If you don’t like the idea of going somewhere to take dance lessons, you can always buy a DVD to teach you the basics of how to dance.  This is the most economical route and you can learn in the privacy of your own home.

It’s a lot of fun to learn to dance with your fiancee. Just make sure to keep it fun while you are learning and don’t get frustrated with each other. Take a break if that starts to happen.

Technorati Tags: Wedding First Dance 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

Three songs that are seemingly appropriate, but when digging a little deeper may not, are “Perfect Day”, “Every Breath You Take” and “On Bended Knee”.

Perfect Day by Lou Reeds

Pefect Day has a great tune and tempo and seemingly appropriate lyrics at first glance. However, when you dig into the premiss of this song, many people think that it is about Lou Reed’s drug addiction. The final line of the song also just kind of ruins the whole thing: “you’re going to reap just what you sow”.

Every Breath You Take by the Police

Every Breath You Take by the Police also seems like a great song for a wedding.  However, if you search around, you will find that most people think this song is about Sting’s breakup with his first wife.  Breaking up is not the sentiment you’ll want on your wedding day.

On Bended Knee by Boys II Men

While this song may seem like a good one at first, it’s actually about a guy begging his girlfriend to come back to him.  Again, this is not a message that should be played at a wedding.

If you know of more seemingly good wedding songs that just aren’t for some reason, leave a comment and we’ll add to the list!

Technorati Tags: Songs for Weddings