Your first dance is a pretty big moment. We know lots of couples feel the pressure to make it special and enjoy it – not everyone loves dancing whilst their guests watch!
One of the easiest ways to overcome any fears is to choose the right song for you as a couple. You may easily choose a song, one that has special meaning to your relationship, but if you find yourself stuck consider this your guide.
Today we have asked our very talented bunch of wedding bands to share their most popular and unique first dance songs with us. There’s lots to get through and plenty to inspire you, so prepare to smile, grab a cuppa and relax into the beats…
(Top image: Wanderley Massafelli)
The Harleys
A Few Good Men
Our most popular requested 1st dance song is “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli. It’s the perfect song for newly weds that don’t want to be in the spotlight too long. The couple invite the bridal party and guest to join them on the dance floor when the chorus comes around. It has it all, romantic, upbeat and everyone sings the chorus, it is great fun.
The most unusual first dance would have to be “Maniac 2000” Mark Mc Cabe, selected by the couples 9 year old son.
Aisling and James 1st dance “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” Frankie Valli, in Marlfield House Hotel, Co. Wexford – Image: Adam & Grace Photo
The Luna Boys
The Luna Boys – Proud Mary, Live at Electric Picnic – Image: Ray Keogh Media
Proud Mary is definitely the most unusual first dance we have had to play. It’s usually a stomper near the end of a gig. But it works really well as a first dance too! We get everyone up on the dancefloor when the beat kicks in.
The Suitcase Trio
The most unusual first dance we were ever asked to perform was “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. Needless to say I recommended that they play it from an Mp3 for full effect! We recently played “Under The Bridge” by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers for a couple who were big fans, it was a great song choice.
Men In Black
The Men In Black band
We love when our couple choose ‘All of me ‘ By John Legend! We call the bridal party in to join our couple after verse/chorus then all Guests (who are already surrounding the dancefloor) & switch to the Testo version with live sax and lead guitar!!…It’s unreal!!! Our most popular first dance songs in 2023 were…
Skyfull of Stars – Coldplay (our number 1 recommendation! It’s magical and creates such a buzz as a precedent to filling the dancefloor for the entire evening!! ……….100% recommend!!)
Bonfire Hearts – James Blunt
Better together – Luke Combs
All of Me – John legend – switched to Tiesto Version
Better together – Jack Johnson
Kiss me – Dermot Kennedy
The Bansha Boys
A perennial favourite of our couples is “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, which we love performing!
Brendan McCahey Band
Our most popular first dance in 2023 was “The One” by Kodaline. Our most recent first dance, last weekend gone by was “Everlasting Love,” Love affair. For unusual requests we’ve had all sorts of odd choices including the Pokémon theme (couples child loved the song!), Mr Bean theme ( a very funny couple who loved to see the funny side of things) and “Call Me Al” (this couple wanted to get the conga vibe started!). For more left of centre choices we’ve had “Wake Up” by Arcade Fire, “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Glasgow love theme from Love Actually.
The Bentley Boys
Our top requests for First Dances:
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
- Days Like This – Van Morrison
- The One – Kodaline
- Everlasting Love (This Will Be) – Natalie Cole
- At Last – Etta James
Most Unusual Requests:
- All You Need is Love – The Beatles…….IN A 4/4 TIME SIGNATURE
- I Don’t Like Mondays – Boomtown Rats
- Crash Into Me – Dave Matthews Band
- Funny How Time Slips Away – Elvis
- Burning Love Medley – A “Broadway” Version
The Cazettes
Two of our most popular first dance songs are “Lets Stay Together” and “At Last.”
The Connor McKeon Band
“Everlasting Love” is the song that we would say is our favourite.
Playlist
It’s been a cool ride watching how first dance wedding trends have changed over the 20+ years we’ve been in the wedding entertainment game. Back in the day, couples generally chose between “Wonderful Tonight” and “Have I Told You Lately” for their first dance – pretty limited, right?
Nowadays, it’s a whole different scene, and we’re always surprised by what couples go for. But there are some recurring favorites. Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are The Best Thing” is now a go-to classic. The Cranberries’ “Dreams” and Van Morrison’s “Into The Mystic” also get a lot of play, showing some love for Irish artists.
For American couples tying the knot in Ireland, it’s usually all about mashups. Think starting off slow with a bit of “Thinking Out Loud,” then flipping the script with something like “Hey Ya!” by Outkast or David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” It’s a blend of two worlds that really amps up the celebration!
And on the rare occasion when couples throw us a curveball like “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” or “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore,” we’ve been known to drop a hint about the lyrics. Let’s just say, it usually leads to a good laugh! Most of the time, once the obvious has been pointed out, they take a second look at their song choice.
Gossip Band
We love learning first dances especially when are different to the norm, here’s Coldplays Yellow for the gorgeous Ciara and Graham in Bellinter House.
Find your perfect song or maybe you’ve rediscovered a favourite from the past?! Thanks to all our bands for sharing their awesome videos, song choices and tips.
