With an almost infinite selection of deep, meaningful songs out there, finding that perfect “first dance” song for your wedding is no easy feat! Do you want something slow and mushy, or something upbeat and fun? Should the lyrics speak to everyone in the room, or resonate personally between you and your spouse? What emotion do you fill the room with during this special moment that you’ll undoubtedly remember forever?
We thought we’d turn to the experts and ask a handful of Toronto wedding bands and DJ’s what their favourite/most requested first dance wedding songs are to help with the selection process. There’s even a few predictions on what might be popular for the coming wedding season if you’re feeling adventurous. Get ready to feel all warm and fuzzy!
“Tenerife Sea” – Ed Sheeran
“Ed Sheeran is the big name of the moment, yet it’s a song from his “X” album that many of my couples have been using for their first dance the last couple of years. Tempo-wise, it’s perfect, and lyrically, it’s phenomenal. You’ll be hooked after the first few lines. Don’t take it from me, take a listen.”
– Michael, Michael Coombs Entertainment
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
“This song remains one of our most popular first dance choices year after year. There is something about the naked honesty and romanticism of this Elvis Presley classic that just works. Whenever we perform this one there seems to be a universal magic that fills the air, capturing the hearts of everyone both young and old. It is no wonder it is still so popular more than five decades later!”
– Brent, Brent Miller LIVE
“The Luckiest” – Ben Folds
“I love the choices our couples come up with that are unique and truly hidden gems but if I have to choose just one it will have to be The Luckiest by Ben Folds released back in 2001. My wife Suzanne and I have always considered The Luckiest to be ‘our song’. Ben Folds does lots of great songs that are often a bit progressive or off tempo for a wedding but “The Luckiest” is this quirky song that really spoke to us and the path to get to where we are and how fate plays a role. Here’s to quirky love songs!”
– Rod, Maximum Music
Our friends at Impact DJ second this…
“It’s a simple-yet-beautiful piano ballad with a straightforward message. No hidden meaning or cryptic lyrics to decipher. Just a guy saying how lucky he is to be with the woman of his dreams (with a bit of humour as one would expect from Ben Folds!).”
– Jeff, Impact DJ
“All My Life” – K-Ci & JoJo
“What makes this song so special is the understanding that he found a bond, a friendship, a union like a family. He has been searching for that special person to make his life complete and he finally found it. He realizes this is so precious and hard to find, and expresses in the song how grateful he is because of it. In life, we all want to find that special person. When you do it’s a feeling like no other.”
– Marlon, DJiZM Entertainment Group
“You Send Me” – Sam Cooke
“It’s not exactly new or “hot” right now, but it has something that many songs are lacking these days which is pure, honest romance. The lyrics, ‘At first I thought it was infatuation but it’s lasted so long. Now I find myself wanting to marry you and take you home,’ couldn’t be more perfect for a first dance song and the sound and pacing in the recording is sentimental gold. It’s a love letter that is easily recognizable by all age groups and sets a great tone for a romantic affair.”
– Mike, Evolved Entertainment
“Marry Me” – Amanda Marshall
“This one is really obscure, but I sang it when my aunt was married. I have always loved the lyrics and how they paint a picture of experiencing life with your partner.”
– Lynzie, Electric Blonde
“At Last” – Etta James
“This has by far been our most popular first dance song. The lyrics are truly beautiful and couples really connect with it. The reason we love it is because it can be played in so many different ways. It’s fantastic as a duo with just vocals and guitar and is even more powerful with our 7 piece band. The possibilities are endless with this classic love song.”
– Tim, The Sound Parade
“You Are The Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
“This song’s grown in popularity over the past few years. It’s upbeat and joyful, with horns and backing vocals that are a throwback to soul songs of the 60’s. His voice has a Van Morrison-like quality to it, with lyrics that are simple and romantic. One of my favourites!”
– Rich, DJ Rich Sweet
Our friends at Stereoflavour agree…
“Our favourite first dance song to perform that has been widely requested is definitely You Are The Best Thing by Ray Lamontagne. We love this song because it has a timeless, vintage feel to it. Even though it came out in 2008, it sounds like it could have been made in 1968! We also love to play it because our lead singer Tom sounds like he was born to sing this song, and it lets us feature our awesome horn section!”
– Stacey, StereoFlavour Entertainment
“You’re My Best Friend” – Queen
“Look no further than the title to find the underlying message of this beautiful song. My wife is quite simply, my best friend, and this was our first dance song. This one is a little lighter to dance to and it has a bit more bounce than most first dance selections, which makes it easy to have fun with.”
– Vincent, Symmetry Studios
“Glory of Love” – Otis Redding
“Otis is just one of the artists that always cuts through. The amount of soul in the vocal is so moving, and the arrangement of this song is fantastic. There’s a juxtaposition of the 6/8 and 4/4 time signatures which gives the tune an upbeat feel. A lot of couples we have worked with are somewhat uncomfortable with long first dances where everyone is watching them. Glory of Love is concise, and has a lot of little moving parts to keep things interesting. ”
– Dave, Parkside Drive
“Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
“What can I say, it’s a classic, maybe even cliche but at the end of the day a first dance should have meaning or evoke a certain feeling. This song just says all the right things for me. It has a warm sound and magical sound the way it was recorded. Perfect lyrics for the occasion, delivered with so much soul.”
– Arthur, God Made Me Funky
PREDICTIONS FOR 2017
“Say You Won’t Let Go” – James Arthur
“My prediction for a big first dance song this year is “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur. First of all, his voice is giving me life. Second of all, the lyrics speak about a relationship from beginning to death and they are heart wrenchingly beautiful.”
– Lynzie, Electric Blonde
“This has been the most requested first dance song for us this year. A very nice intimate song about a couples past and future together. So far it looks like this is the song for 2017.”
– Tim, The Sound Parade
“Lyrically, the song is very honest. The lyrics depict stories which many couples can relate to. Musically, it has a warmth to it, created by the sonic elements. It starts off with a simple melody being sung over simple chords, then grows in intensity and expression as the song goes on. An overall beautiful piece of music.”
– Vincent, Symmetry Studios
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
Yeah, no surprise here — he writes great first dance songs!
– Rich, DJ Rich Sweet
“You’re Going to Live Forever in Me” – John Mayer
We also had a fun time predicting what this season’s most popular first dance would be! After our band went to go see John Mayer at the ACC last week we decided that it would be “You’re Going to Live Forever in Me” from his latest album. The lyrics and theme of the song are wistful and romantic but not too cheesy! It’s also presented in a beautifully sparse way that really highlights the intimacy of the moment. If a couple isn’t sure of what song to go with we are totally going to recommend this one!
– Stacey, Stereoflavour
