How To Choose Your First Dance Song

Congrats, you just got married! Your wedding reception is the first time that you get to celebrate your freshly-formed union with your new husband or wife. Your first dance is a very special moment, and possibly one of the only moments you get to spend alone with your new spouse on your wedding day. Some people have had "a song" for much of their relationship...but what happens if you don't? 

If you don't have a special song with your special someone, making the decision for what to dance to for your first dance at your wedding reception might be overwhelming and frustrating. Here are 5 tips for how to choose your first dance song: 

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1. Look through your personal music library.

Odds are, you have a fairly sizable music library, whether it be digital or on CD's. I am willing to bet that if you take a look through it that you will find a song that has always reminded you of your fiancé, or that has lyrics that strike you as particularly beautiful. Often, your own collection of music will be the place that you find the songs that are the most significant to you and your significant other. This is definitely the first place you should look. *A word of caution: listen to all of the lyrics before you choose for anything that might not be "wedding appropriate".*

2. Think about your shared musical interests. 

Do you and your fiancé have a love of Top 40's music? Perhaps you are both huge fans of a particular artist or band. Or, maybe your fiancé introduced you to a style of music or a particular group that you had never heard of, but now love. These are all great places to start from. When you think about the genres and particular artists that mean something to the both of you a spark can be lit that will lead you to the perfect song choice. 

3. Decide what style of music & dancing fits you best. 

Are you two the romantic lovebirds that would love to do a simple waltz around the dance floor? Are you more of the wallflowers that would be content just swaying in each others arms? Or, are you the life of the party who would enjoy choreographing an elaborate routine? Perhaps something funny and slightly self-deprecating would be more up your alley? When you can pinpoint what type of dance you are comfortable doing in front of an audience it will certainly help to narrow down your song choices significantly. 

4. Look on Pinterest for suggestions. 

Pinterest is a great place to go for ideas. There is an entire section of the website devoted to weddings. You can search specifically for wedding music, or for first dance songs in particular. Here is a link to my Pinterest board for wedding music. This should be a great jumping off point for you if you are still feeling lost. And be sure to check back frequently. I am always updating :) 

5. Talk with a wedding singer or band. 

Last, but certainly not least, ask a professional. We LOVE talking to brides and grooms! I personally love giving song recommendations. It is such a great feeling knowing that you have introduced someone to music that could really mean something to them. So, give us a call, or sit down and have some coffee with us. We will play you songs, get to know you, and help you to pinpoint what song will capture the essence of your relationship. We have SO many ideas...use us!! 

 

I hope that these tips are helpful to you in your search for the perfect first dance song! Always feel free to leave a comment below, or head on over to my contact page to set up an appointment so we can get started on this exciting journey together! 

 

With love,

Whitney

'Friends' 20 Year Anniversary: Wedding Moments!

In honor of 'Friends' 20 year anniversary, I would like to detail the 'Friends' wedding moments that happened over their 10 year run! 'Friends' was, and still is, one of my absolute favorite tv shows EVER, so I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane! 

*Disclaimer - I do not own the rights to any of these videos. All videos come from YouTube. Thanks :) *

Friends Title - en.wikipedia.org

Friends Title - en.wikipedia.org

1. Rachel's "Almost Wedding" - Pilot, Season 1, Episode 1

Of course, we have to begin this list with the wedding that never was, Rachel's marriage to Barry, the orthodontist. Rachel's epic entrance into Central Perk in her wedding dress, soaked to the skin helped to set the tone for the 10 wonderful seasons to come. 

2. Carol and Susan's Wedding - Season 2, Episode 11

Carol and Susan's wedding was a big turning point for Ross. He was finally able to accept Carol's lifestyle and her decision to leave him for Susan. He even walked Carol down the aisle when her parents refused to come to the wedding. With a little bit of kookiness from Phoebe being possessed by a massage client who died on her table, Carol and Susan's wedding was fairly pivotal. 

3. Barry and Mindy's Wedding - Season 2, Episode 24

Another turning point wedding, Barry and Mindy's wedding was a big deal for Rachel. Even after an embarrassing incident with her dress being tucked into her underwear, Rachel was still able to get closure after her failed attempt at marriage to Barry in the first season. Guess who gets the last laugh? 

4. Ross and Emily's Wedding - Season 4, Episode 23 & 24

This episode contains possibly one of the worst wedding moments you could imagine. After Rachel decides to fly to London at the last minute to win Ross back, she decides not to say anything after seeing him so happy with Emily. However, Ross ruins everything when he says Rachel, rather than Emily, during his vows. Cringe!!! 

5. Ross and Rachel's Vegas Wedding - Season 5, Episode 24

While in Vegas to visit Joey on the set of his failed movie, Monica and Chandler decide to take the plunge and get married! However, when they get to the chapel, they find that a very, very drunk Ross and Rachel have done just that! Thus begins Ross' shortest lived marriage yet! 

6. Monica and Chandler's Wedding - Season 7, Episode 23 & 24

This is probably the most anticipated, and most well loved, wedding in the entire series. Monica and Chandler are the quintessential 'friends first' relationship that every girl secretly longs for. So, for me, Monica and Chandler's wedding, as wrought with drama as it was, is my absolute favorite. I cry every time they say their vows! 

7. Phoebe and Mike's Wedding - Season 10, Episode 12

The final wedding of the series! Of course, it has just enough of Phoebe's craziness to make it work, but it was probably one of the most beautiful weddings that the 'Friends' had. And I don't care what Monica says, I like Marjorie's steel drums! haha 

So, there you have it! A complete listing of the wedding moments of 'Friends'! I hope that you enjoy watching and re-watching these as much as I have. I love looking back on this since 'Friends' really does show just what it is like to go through your 20s and 30s. Even if some of the fashion hasn't aged well, the portrayal of the way your friends become your family is absolutely timeless.

What is your favorite 'Friends' wedding moment? Do you have a favorite episode or scene in the series? Let me know in the comment section below! 

 

With love,

Whitney