Choosing a song for your first dance seems like it should be one of the easiest wedding-planning decisions to make. But once you realise how many great options are out there, the pressure can start to mount. After all, the song you pick will be the one that you define as “yours” for the rest of your lives together.
Scottish wedding and party band The Dirty Martinis love playing first dances for newly married couples.
Here are some handy tips:
- Find a common musical interest
- Look for lyrics that speak to your relationship together
- Pick a beat you can dance to
- Don’t be afraid to be unconventional
The Dirty Martinis understand and appreciate your first dance is a key part to a successful wedding. Whenever we can, we will learn new songs for a first dance, although we require at least 3 months notice to allow us time to learn your song and organise rehearsals.
We always try to get as close to the original for our performance and this can take time.
Head over to our YOUTUBE playlist with over 100 reviews and videos of first dance’s, this may provide you with some inspiration.
Unfortunately – even with some notice – not all first dances are suited to being performed by the band, but don’t discount a song just because we don’t play it…if the song is important to you then consider using an iPod. It’s a balance between how important the song is to you, versus having a live band serenade you. Another alternative is to ask a family or friend who’s a great singer or musician to perform for you – most musical people would be honoured to be asked, and it makes the first dance all the more personal!
If you’re still stuck with your first dance, you can’t go wrong with one of these romantic, foolproof songs. From tried and tested oldies like Van Morrison’s “Have I told you lately” to modern hits like Ed Sheeran’s “Thinkin’ out loud”, here’s a sample of songs The Dirty Martinis can and have performed for first dances.
Everything, Michael Bublé
Lyrics you’ll love:
“And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times/It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing/You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything”
Let’s Stay Together, Al Green
Lyrics you’ll love:
“Let’s stay together/Love you whether, whether/Times are good or bad, happy or sad/”
With Or Without You, U2
Lyrics you’ll love:
“With or without you / with or without you / I can’t live with or without you”
Have I Told You Lately, Van Morrison
Lyrics you’ll love:
“Have I told you lately that I love you / Have I told you there’s no one above you /Fill my heart with gladness / Take away my sadness / Ease my troubles, that’s what you do”
To Love Somebody – Michael Bolton
Lyrics you’ll love :
“Baby, You don’t know what it’s like / Baby, you don’t know what it’s like / To love somebody, to love somebody / The way I love you”
Hopefully this information has helped you in some way, you can even have a look at our set list for some ideas and we’re always available to chat or offer any help we can.
The Dirty Martinis