Set the scene – your wedding soundtrack

 

Nothing says celebration more than throwing your absolute best shapes on the dance floor, surrounded by your friends and family. But before you get to thinking about the party stage of the night, you may want to consider creating those super sweet moments that also make timeless memories.

Like every element of your dream day, we recommend including only the dance traditions you love or mixing them up to be the best fit for you. Your family may be best represented with a mum and daughter dance, or perhaps you take to the floor with your grandparents or favourite aunt or uncle on your arm? Some couples will choose to kick things off with a group of their closest friends, their chosen family, accompanying them whilst they take their first dance or skip straight to hitting the floor with their wedding party. The options are limited only by what feels right for you.

Regardless of how you choose to include the people special to you, your choice of song will play a huge part in framing the moment.

From captivating classics to fresh tunes, we’ve consulted our team of wedding legends to give us the low down on the show-stopping songs that they are loving right now and the key things to consider to bring that dance floor to life.

 

 

Show us your moves.

Deciding to take dance lessons to help you prepare for your big moment is definitely a personal choice. For some couples, having a professional coach them through some simple steps helps them feel prepared and eases the pressure. Others relish the opportunity to pull off their very own centre stage moment with a fully choreographed number. And for some, just getting up together and letting the good vibes flow without overthinking it is the best way to go. Consider your style and what leaves you feeling most comfortable and excited. 

 

Disco divas.

Found your dream dress, a figure-hugging sheath that makes you feel like the absolute Queen you are? A killer suit that oozes old school class with a touch of ultra-cool style? If you’re planning on minimising dance floor drama, it’s worth thinking about how well you can move in your glam get up. You might need to make a simple adjustment – ensure your train has a bustle, switch out your shoes for trainers, or even consider a full party change up for the second half of the celebration. A little thought before the day can make things so much smoother when you step up to make your moves.

 

Dancing under the stars.

You’ve decided a float around the dance floor with your brand new husband or wife is your version of wedding day bliss. Next up, ensure you’ve set the scene to do so. If your hosting your celebrations in a marquee or outside, is there a solid surface for you to dance on? Do you need to hire a dance floor? Or perhaps you throw in a few garlands of festoon lights to make sure everyone can see you in all your dance-off glory. If you’re inside, have a chat with your venue manager about where the best lighting and workable space may be.

 

The time of our lives.

The ceremony has left everyone feeling all the love, speeches have been a blast, and the wine is flowing. At what point do you step up to kick off the dance floor antics? We recommend chatting to your venue manager or planner about what will fit best to ensure each element of the night flows smoothly. Some couples will choose to space out their dances around speeches and meal service; others will group them together at the end of the night. Think about what will make you and your partner feel most relaxed, check that it will work with your vendors, then lock it in!

Our friends Ministry of DJs recommend considering taking the pressure off a long dance by combining two tear-jerker moments into one, as an example, having the groom escort his mother to the dance floor midway through the bride and her father taking their spin.

 

The soundtrack.

Obviously, the songs you choose for your dance moments are important. We recommend thinking about the special person or people you are dancing with and finding something that reflects your relationship with them. Be it a club banger with your wedding party or a sentimental softie for a dance with your Dad; anything goes as long as it has meaning for you.

Here are some of our favourites for the sweeter moments:

That’s my daughter in the water! by Loudon Wainwright III

God only knows by The Beach Boys

Just the way you are by Billy Joel

Isn’t she lovely by Stevie Wonder

The way you look tonight by Frank Sinatra

My girl by The Temptations

Days like this by Van Morrison

How sweet it is by James Taylor

You raise me up by Josh Groban

I loved her first by Heartland

What a wonderful world by Louis Armstrong

Unforgettable by Nat King Cole

 

To create a scenario still filled with feels but with a little more energy (perfect for a friend group or family number), we love these tunes.

 

You are the sunshine of my life by Stevie Wonder

You’ve got a friend by James Taylor

I’ll be there by The Jackson 5

Ain’t no mountain high enough by Marvin Gaye, Tami Terrell

You’re my best friend by Queen

Count on me by Bruno Mars

We are family by Sister Sledge

Stand by me by Ben E King

Your song by Elton John

All you need is love by The Beatles

Home by Phillip Phillips

 

We all love a good Spotify playlist, but an epic celebration calls for the human touch. If you’re unsure what is right for you (and your budget), we have some incredible entertainment options curated for you, here. Get scrolling and enjoy planning the soundtrack to your dream day!