wedding

First Dance Songs: Wedding Song Ideas

Finding the perfect song for the first dance at your wedding

What will be your "perfect" song for the first dance at your wedding?

If you need a little help picking out your first dance song, here is one exercise I recommend to my clients.

Think about the special moments in your relationship. Was there a song playing in the background? Was there a song playing on the radio? What was the first song on the mix CD he made you -- or Spotify playlist he sent you?

Is there a particular memory that helps recollect a song?

After thinking through all that, if you still need help, then keep reading.
Below is a list of many of the first dance songs I have played over the years at various weddings. Keep in mind, this is an important part of the wedding reception. It’s the one time, everyone you have invited to your wedding is in the room. Its right at the beginning, just after the grand entrance and before dinner. So everyone is there and it’s a magic moment

Here's a collection of some of the songs I've played for the first dance:

  • Andrea Bocelli - Besame Mucho
  • Angels and Airwaves - Breathe
  • Beach Boys - Forever
  • Beatles - In My Life
  • Ben Harper/Michael Buble - Forever/Hold On
  • Beyonce - At Last
  • Bon Jovi - Thank You for Loving Me
  • Brian McKnight - The Only One for Me
  • Carlos Gardel - Por una Cabeza (True Lies Tango)
  • George Strait - Cross My Heart
  • Goo Goo Dolls - Come To Me
  • Jack Johnson - Better Together
  • Jimmy Eat World - For Me This is Heaven
  • John Legend & Meghan Trainor - Like I'm Gonna Lose You
  • Josh Turner - Why Don’t We Just Dance
  • Katie Melua - Just Like Heaven
  • Keith Urban - Only You Can Love Me This Way
  • Michael Buble - Everything
  • Paper Tongues - Love Like You
  • Quiet Storm - Smokey Robinson
  • Sade - By Your Side
  • Shania Twain - From This Moment
  • Tim McMorris - Overwhelmed
  • Train - Marry Me     
  • Van Morrison - Have I Told You Lately
  • Van Morrison - Someone Like You

Each year Mobile Beat Magazine releases a comprehensive list of popular songs that are being played at weddings throughout the United States. Here is a copy of that guide for you to download for free.

And here are some links to some wedding websites with their own First Dance suggestions:

Other Posts You May Be Interested In

Justin Kanoya is a wedding DJ based in San Diego. He has served as a DJ and host of more than 300 weddings over the past decade and is a recommended vendor at some of San Diego's finest wedding venues, including the Hotel del Coronado and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. 
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Father/Daughter Dance Songs: Wedding Song Ideas

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What song will be played for this special moment with your dad?

Picking the right song for the father/daughter dance is key to creating a memorable moment

“Have you asked you dad what song he would like to dance to with you?”

When a bride tells me she doesn’t know what her Father/Daughter Dance song is going to be, the above question is one I always ask.

If your reply to that question is, “no,” then I need you to stop reading, pick up your phone and text, call, Facebook message or Snapchat your dad and ask him -- well never mind about Snapchat, you Dad probably isn’t on it.

Either way, he will love the fact you are connecting with him and you never know, he may have had song in mind ever since you two danced for the first time in your childhood home living room.

If both of you are still perplexed, take a look at these songs I have played at past weddings.

  • Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses
  • Brandon Heath - Love Never Fails
  • Celine Dion/Josh Groban - The Prayer
  • Darius Rucker - It Won't Be Like This For Long
  • Edwin Mcain - Walk With You
  • Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
  • George Strait - Love Without End
  • Kenny Chesney - There Goes My Life
  • LeAnne Womack - I Hope You Dance
  • Lionel Ritchie - Three Times a Lady
  • Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
  • Michael Buble - The Way You Look Tonight
  • Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole - Unforgettable
  • Temptations - My Girl
  • Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
  • Van McCoy - The Hustle
  • Heartland - I Loved Her First

Each year Mobile Beat Magazine releases a comprehensive list of popular songs that are being played at weddings throughout the United States. Here is a copy of that guide for you to download for free.

Also, here are some websites that offer even more suggestions:

Other Posts You May Be Interested In

Justin Kanoya is a wedding DJ based in San Diego. He has served as a DJ and host of more than 300 weddings over the past decade and is a recommended vendor at some of San Diego's finest wedding venues, including the Hotel del Coronado and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. 
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Elizabeth and Jonathan’s Dance Party - Quail Haven Farm Wedding

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Elizabeth walks down the aisle during her wedding ceremony at Quail Haven Farm.

Jonathan and Elizabeth's San Diego area wedding at Quail Haven Farm (October 17, 2015) was a wonderful event with plenty of unique DIY touches. From the centerpieces, to the signage and even the wine -- which was hand crafted by both the father of the bride and his brother. 

But what was most remarkable was the surprise gift given to the couple, a hand made quilt that was contributed to by several different family members. It was a presentation that I have never seen in all my years of hosting weddings.

Friends and family presented Jonathan and Elizabeth with a handmade quilt as a wedding gift.

My favorite sign of the night was this one. Elizabeth and John are both officers in the San Diego Police Department. I joked that this was the earliest the cops had shown up at party, but luckily we didn't get shut down. 

And this cake ... it might just be the best wedding cake I've ever seen.

This wedding took place at Quail Haven Farm, technically listed in North San Diego County in Vista, but almost seems like Fallbrook. It's a great, secluded venue. It's perfect for couples looking for a rustic, outdoor wedding.

It was a great night, with a lot of 90s, a favorite of the couple. Here's a quick video and the setlist below:

This is a brief  video of Elizabeth and Jonathan's dance party, shot at their wedding reception at Quail Haven Farm. 

Wedding Party Entrance

  • Maroon 5 - Sugar (Select Mix Remix)

First Dance

  • Goo Goo Dolls - Come To Me (Clean)

Father/Daughter Dance

  • Darius Rucker - Won’t Be Like This For Long

Open Dancing (First Set)

  • Al Green - Let's Stay Together
  • Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
  • Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
  • Mark Ronson f./Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
  • Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
  • Flo Rida, Robin Thicke, Verdine White - I Don't Like It I Love It (Select Mix Remix)
  • Earth Wind & Fire - Sing A Song (Hot Classics Remix)
  • KC & The Sunshine Band - Boogie Shoes (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Markie Mark & The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations (Select Mix Remix)
  • Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart (Select Mix Remix)
  • Tone Loc - Wild Thing
  • OMC - How Bizarre (Select Mix Remix)
  • Marvin Gaye - How Sweet It Is
  • Emotions - Best Of My Love
  • Frank Sinatra - Summer Wind
  • Louie Armstrong - Cheek to Cheek
  • Toploader - Dancing In The Moonlight
  • Hootie & the Blowfish - Only Wanna Be with You
  • Backstreet Boys - I Want it That Way
  • Beyonce - Love on top
  • Silento - Watch Me

Cake Cutting

  • Colbie Caillat - I Do

Open Dancing (Second Set)

  • Matoma ft Notorious B.I.G. & Ja Rule & Ralph Tresvant - Old Thing Back (Clean)
  • Elvis Crespo - Suavemente
  • Celia Cruz - La Vida Es Un Carnaval
  • Cupid - Cupid Shuffle
  • Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
  • Walk The Moon - Shut Up And Dance
  • Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean? (Promo Only Intro Edit)
  • Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Live)
  • Inner Circle - Bad Boys
  • Charlie Puth f./Meghan Trainor - Marvin Gaye
  • Eagle Eye Cherry - Save Tonight

Vendor Love
Venue: Quail Haven Farm
Photographer: Cate Batchelor Photography

Other weddings hosted by DJ Kanoya Productions

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Melissa and Gus’ Slow Motion Wedding Video - Hotel Del Coronado

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For their San Diego wedding reception (here is their setlist) at the Hotel Del Coronado, the slow motion video booth was rolled out for Melissa and Gus. Lots of dancing, glittery dresses and glitter all around. 

And here's the full video from the booth! 

A slow motion video booth is a great way to remember the people that attended your event as well as all of the fun they had while they were there. For more information, submit your event details on the "request for quote" page. 

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Melissa & Gus’ Dance Party - Hotel Del Coronado Wedding

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I kicked off these wedding festivities by grabbing Melissa and Gus and saying, "this was a day I have been waiting on for nearly 10 years." Wait ... me? 

My former intern, Melissa, and her groom Gus, just as their wedding festivities kicked off. 

My former intern, Melissa, and her groom Gus, just as their wedding festivities kicked off. 

You see, Melissa and I used to work together. In fact she was my intern at the Port of San Diego. We shared many hours sitting together, working on projects and laughing. Occasionally, on Monday mornings, I would share my adventures of a wedding I DJ'd over the past weekend. It was then, she said, "when I get married - probably in like 20 years - you're DJing my wedding." 

Well, it only took eight years to find her life partner and it was as much fun as I imagined. 

Gus and Melissa's wedding at the Hotel Del Coronado (October 10, 2015), in the historic Crown Room was special with hundreds of friends and family joining in on the party. 

Here's the setlist for the night:

Bridal Party Entrance

  • Queen - Don't Stop Me Now

First Dance

  • Carlos Gardel - Por una Cabeza (True Lies Tango)

Dinner Music

  • Maoli - Love Song
  • Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - What a Wonderful World
  • Atlantic Starr - Two Occasions
  • Frank Sinatra - I Get A Kick Out Of You
  • Tupac - Tupac Tribute Medley
  • Sam Feldt f./Kimberly Anne - Show Me Love
  • Vanilla Ace - Follow Me We Can Go (Clean) (Extended)
  • Michael Jackson - Billie Jean (Kandy Space Remix) (Short Edit)
  • Alesso - Heroes (Basic Tape Remix) (Clean) (Extended)
  • Jay Z - Empire State Of Mind
  • Chris Brown - Yo (Excuse Me Miss) (Main Version)
  • Eve - Let Me Blow Ya Mind
  • Rihanna - I Hate That I Love You
  • Atlantic Starr - Two Occasions
  • R. City f./Adam Levine - Locked Away
  • Bastille - Pompeii
  • DJ Cassidy - Calling All Hearts (Radio Edit)
  • Ariana Grande f./Mac Miller - The Way
  • Ella Henderson - Ghost

Cake Cutting

  • Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me (2012 Re-Recorded Version)

Father/Daughter Dance

  • Van McCoy - The Hustle

Mother/Son Dance

  • Jennifer Lopez - Let's Get Loud

Open Dancing First Set

  • K.C. & the Sunshine Band - That's the Way
  • Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk (Select Mix Remix)
  • Pitbull, Chris Brown - Fun (Select Mix Remix)
  • Earth, Wind & Fire - September
  • Michael Jackson - P.Y.T.
  • Al Jarreau - We're In This Love Together

Selfies

  • The Chainsmokers - #Selfie (Clean Radio Edit)
  • Martin Garrix - Animals (Radio Edit)
  • Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne - Rather Be (Discotech Remix) (Extended)

Open Dancing Second Set

  • Cupid - Cupid Shuffle
  • Major Lazer & DJ Snake f./MO - Lean On
  • Britney Spears & Iggy Azalea - Pretty Girls (Promo Only Intro Edit)
  • Party Break - Montel Party Break
  • Usher - Yeah
  • The Weeknd - Can't Feel My Face (Select Mix Remix)
  • Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor - Marvin Gaye (Select Mix Remix)
  • The Spinners - I'll Be Around (70s Classics) (Clean) (Extended)
  • The Whispers - Rock Steady (Short Edit)
  • Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake - Love Never Felt So Good
  • Michael Jackson - Off The Wall (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Young MC - Bust A Move
  • Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive
  • Emotions - Best Of My Love
  • Santana - Cha Cha
  • Cha Cha (Big Band) - Track08
  • Bega, Lou - Mambo No.5
  • Isley Brothers - Between The Sheets
  • Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa (Intro Clean)
  • 2 Pac - Keep Ya Head Up (Select Mix Remix)
  • Marcia Griffiths - Electric Boogie
  • V.I.C. - Wobble
  • Dr. Dre ft Snoop Dogg - Nuthin But A G Thang (Intro Clean)
  • Don Omar & Lucenzo - Danza Kuduro (Ft. Lucenzo)
  • Sean Paul - Get Busy
  • Natalie La Rose, Jeremih - Somebody (Select Mix Remix)
  • Mariah Carey - Dreamlover
  • Notorious B.I.G. - Mo Money Mo Problems
  • Afrojack f./Mike Taylor - SummerThing! (Promo Only Clean Edit)
  • Ariana Grande, Zedd - Break Free (Select Mix Remix)
  • Walk The Moon - Shut Up And Dance (Promo Only Intro Edit)
  • Meghan Trainor - Dear Future Husband
  • Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On
  • Colbie Callait - Turn Your Lights Down Low

Last Dance

  • Maroon 5 - Sunday Morning

Vendor Team:
DJ: Justin Kanoya, DJ Kanoya Productions
Uplighting: DJ Kanoya Productions
Slow Motion Video: DJ Kanoya Productions
Venue: Hotel Del Coronado
Florals & Design: TessFresh Flowers
Wedding Coordinator: Swann Soirees
Photographer: Atrero Photography
Videography: Norma Medina

Other weddings hosted by DJ Kanoya at Hotel Del Coronado