Hidden Gems: Unconventional First Dance Songs

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dj marc sense Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ. Marc Sense. His repertoire includes opening for major artists such as Snoop Dog, impressing big name corporations like Microsoft, and exciting party-goers at venues from coast to coast.  DJ Marc Sense's high energy sets are composed of a wide variety of genres, guaranteeing that the whole crowd connects with the music. "Music can bring people together, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, and I think that's what's really fun about weddings. I get to find that common thread among people.” bride and groom first dance
  Photo Credit: Viera Photographics

The first dance song should always be as unique and special as the couple themselves. It sets the tone for the evening and can bring back memories of a first kiss or a song that brought the two newlyweds together in the first place.

Like many other aspects of the wedding night, a first song is an opportunity to put a personal touch on the evening and showcases your musical tastes. And if you’re transitioning right into dancing, choosing a universally-appealing song will engage guests and get in the right frame of mind to dance all night.

Here are a few criteria to help you and your loved one pick a perfect song:

Tempo: Most people favor slow and easy, but who says you can’t start things off with something upbeat and energetic? I’ve had a couple start with the rapid fire “Assassin’s Tango” from James Bond, and it really highlighted what great dancers they were!

Mood: Depending on your personality, a sentimental song works well. Or, choose something celebratory and happy that uplifts everybody.

Favorites: Pick an artist that you both love. Then narrow it down to a specific song. You’ll both be happy, and it will show through your ear-to-ear smiles.

And thinking outside the box is encouraged!  Unconventional songs can work well, so try one of these hidden gems:

“Stay with You”— John Legend 
With booming vocals like John’s, sometimes all you need is a simple piano backdrop, which helps put the focus solely on the couple.

“Make You Feel My Love” — Adele
A lesser-known Adele track shows the depth of your music knowledge while appealing to a pop sensibility. If rock is a little more your thing, then the original Bob Dylan version might be a better choice.

“You & Me” — Dave Matthews Band
Its theme and easy pace makes it a perfect opener for fans of DMB.

“Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”— Starship
It’s unbeatable, it’s '80s, and it will have every guest belting out the chorus in unison.

“Tootsie Roll” — 69 Boyz
Nothing says more about a couple than their love for Miami Bass. Its fast pace will set the party mood immediately and open up the dance floor to plenty of booty shakin’.

“Can I Stay” — Ray Lamontagne
A very romantic song that has a traditional sound, with its guitar and strings, from a contemporary artist.

“Come Rain or Come Shine”— Ella Fitzgerald
This has a tempo with a nice swing to it that encourages the bride and groom to seduce each other.

► “Very Special” — Big Daddy Kane
Perfect for those that love hip-hop, this samples Debra Laws and adds catchy back and forth lyrics.

  “Faithfully” — Journey
Yes, this well-known rock group has a much bigger catalogue than the top iTunes selling song of all time, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” So why not throw a curve ball to the crowd with this lesser-known track?

“All My Life”— K-Ci & JoJo
Hands down their best song post-Jodeci, it has a very celebratory feel that permeates the room.