The History of The First Dance
Once upon a time, in a land far far away; In approximately the 16th Century, it is believed that The First Dance tradition began. It started as a treat for the guests that graced the family with their presence. The dance was a display to the family and guests the harmony and compatibility of the newlyweds. Back then, typically the music during this dance was a traditional Waltz, however times were different then. Dancing was more of a refined skill. Something the Nobles were taught no doubt.
Why do we still have The First Dance?
Nowadays, The First Dance overall serves the same purpose as 500 years ago; For many it is the most anticipated moment of the evening… It is a magical moment for the newlyweds.
Of course, most First Dances are close dancing with twirls here and there instead of the traditional Ballroom dance, but no less intimate. We imagine the Capulets were straight faced and focused on showing the perfection of their matrimonial bond, whereas today, most couple dances are filled with smiles, laughter and even some light serenading.
Brian and Adley - New Orleans Doubletree Hotel
When Should The First Dance be?
Garrett and Lilly’s First Dance
If experience and reception flow has taught us anything, the First Dance should be after dinner becoming a segue to the dancing portion of the wedding reception. There are a couple of reasons that transitions are beneficial: Typically, the DJ (preferably) or band (no hard feelings) will be playing background music while the guests are arriving, greeting each other and often doing the latter while in line at the bar. If the entertainment then announces the entrance of the couple into the reception (to the first dance), then announces dinner… The energy of the room is moderate, then high, then moderate again. Thus, causing the reception to lose the build leaving the transition to the dancing portion as a blur.
Selecting a First Dance Song
If a couples First Dance at their wedding is a display of love and unity between them, then it only makes sense for the song to be the soundtrack to that display. Many couples have stories of how they chose their song and others go and search for the “perfect” song. The music doesn’t need to be a particular tempo or a specific genre, but it needs to be unique to the couple. Something that speaks directly to them and who they are. For example, my wife and I’s first dance song was Memories of Us by Keith Urban. While this song means a great deal to us, how it came to be “our” song wasn’t through searching, the song found us. Shortly after the track debuted on the radio it seemed to have been haunting us everywhere we went. Similar to how Facebook shows ads for things you spoke about but never actually searched for. At least once a day for months, every time we turned on the radio in the car that song came on or when we couldn’t remember where we parked the car at the movie theater… THAT song was playing over the parking lot speakers while we searched aimlessly. The song was truly Making Memories of US! So, for us, it wasn’t hard to choose our First Dance soundtrack, as our First Dance was just another MEMORY of the many that we had created and would continue to create. Just a little extra “words of wisdom” from me…When your First Dance song comes on, even years after your wedding, always ask your spouse to dance no matter where you are…well as long as it’s safe to do so!
“we heard, “Yours” by Russell Dickerson and fell in love with the poet meanings behind it.”
First Dance Inspiration
The First Dance song you choose will be a memory that you will have with you for life, so make it personal, make it YOU. If you have a first dance song story we’d love to hear it. If you need some inspiration, we’ve been compiling a list of songs our couples have actually chosen. Give them a listen and let the music guide you.