A wedding is a time for family and friends to come together and create moments that will be remembered forever. One of the most important opportunities for this is the First Dance for the Bride and Groom. Over the years, I’ve learned that there are some important things to consider when choosing a first dance.
Meaning
Be sure that your first dance has a special meaning to you and your fiancé. This can be a special lyric of the song that strikes your heart. Or, the song may reflect back to an important time in your life. The time when you and your loved one first met, the time and circumstance of the marriage proposal, a special date or occasion. Often times, couples will go off the beaten path and choose a song that is not popular or well known. That’s just fine because the first dance is about you and your fiancé, not for everyone else to recognize. It’s okay to choose a classic song or one that is relatively obscure. Just make sure the song is relevant to your experience and relationship. At the end of the day choose a song that connects the two of you and you’ll remember it for years to come.
Versions
Some popular songs have been performed and recorded by many different artists. Be sure that you clearly communicate which artist and recording you’d like to the band. For instance, “The Way You Look Tonight” was probably most famously performed by Frank Sinatra. However, that version is very different from Billie Holliday’s recording. Be specific, so that you hear the version of the song you expect at the reception.
Suggestions
Below is a list of popular first dance songs that I’ve performed over my career. This list is just a starting point – something to get you pointed in the right direction. Hopefully, this list will be helpful to you and your fiancé.
The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra or Michael Buble
(both have great versions)
1000 Years but Christina Perry
Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You by Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons
Crazy Love by Michael Buble/Van Morrison
It Had To Be You by Harry Connick, Jr.
Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
Make You Feel My Love written by Bob Dylan, performed by Adele
True Companion – Mark Cohn
You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
Deno Taglioli is a lifelong musician. Originally from Detroit, he moved to Dallas in 1983 and started the Emerald City Band. For the past 35 years, Deno has performed at over 1,000 wedding receptions. Infused with Motown soul, Emerald City Band has become the busiest and best function band in the Southwest with a full schedule of over 250 shows per year, entertaining audiences at weddings, parties, and corporate events in Dallas, The White House, and across the globe.
