Hey y'all! On this edition of Wednesday Wedding Inspiration I want to talk about first dance songs. Most couples out there have a song that they call their own, but what if that song isn't the best choice as a first dance song? This was the issue my husband and I ran into while deciding on our song to dance to (Daylight by Matt and Kim isn't exactly first dance friendly). Or maybe you love "your song" but want to switch it up for the wedding because you've heard it a few times at other people's weddings and you're tired of sharing? Or maybe your cousin Rachel will be there and she said you and your fiance's song is HER AND HER FIANCES song and you're just tired of arguing with her about it and need to choose something else? I know how that can be! There are TONS of lists online that have examples but I'm going to share some of the more non-traditional or different ones with you so you can avoid any issues with your weirdly competitive cousin Rachel going forward ;)
Y'all, I cant even deal with how romantic this song is. Ingrid Micahelson does an amazing job of covering Elvis' original version of, "Cant Help Falling in Love". Surprisingly, this one has flown under the radar and out of the 56 weddings I've shot in 7 months, I haven't heard it once. If you want to make everyone at your wedding cry while watching you two perform your first dance, this is the song for you. I love this one so much.
This one was a top contender when I was trying to choose a song for me and Alex's first dance. The soul and the horns in the background really make this one special, and how sweet is the message?
This sweet and cute little song is adorable, and perfect for a fun couple who isn't into all that mushy stuff. I'm a big fan of Jack White, and this song is one of my faves. Bonus, its only a little over 2 minutes long so if you're the type that feels awkward dancing in front of 120+ wedding guests, this one will get you out of the spotlight quick.
I heard this song approximately 12 years ago on the radio at the corner of Greenhouse and Saums road in Katy, Texas (can you tell it resonated with me?!) and I thought immediately that this was going to be the song I did my first dance to with my future husband. However, when the time came it just didn't feel like, "The One" so I'm going to share it with y'all, in hopes that someone finds this and has the same "ah ha!" moment I had back then. I love this song so, so much.
Sigh, this song. Charlyn aka Cat Power does a phenomenal job covering the original 1959 version of this song by Phil Phillips. Her voice just evokes so much emotion, and this song is great for the couple who just wants to sway together slowly while the world around them falls away for a brief moment.
Are you and your husband expert dancers? Taking lessons before the wedding? Then this is your song. Imagine doing a slower version of the foxtrot all over the floor to this adorable bluesy tune. So sweet.
Last but not least, this sweet song by the Flamingos was me and my husband's first dance song. I know, I know, I said you wont have to share with anyone else - but I couldn't resist including this lovely tune and I don't mind sharing if you hear this song and go, "THIS IS IT!" ;) The lyrics, "Maybe millions of people go by//But they all disappear from view//And I only have eyes for you" can make anyone feel like a million bucks, and the beat is perfect for swaying slowly in each others arms.
If you have any suggestions for a non-traditional first dance song, (or just want to share your first dance song!) let me know in the comments!