First Dance
The couple is announced for the first time, along with the bridal party before they take the floor and all eyes are once again on them. This song is a highly personalized choice. It should be something you and your spouse are very comfortable and familiar with. That being said, here are some of our favorite suggestions to make.
Our Top Pick:
"At Last" by Etta James
Instantly recognizable and extraordinarily graceful, this song is quite simply ideal for locking eyes with your new spouse as friends and family watch. The melodious voice of Etta James backed by a full string section and set to a slow shuffle is the epitome of romantic slow dance. It's a very popular choice, but only because it's a classic that's tough to beat.
Other Popular Choices:
"Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" by Frankie Valli
"Cheek to Cheek" by Ella Fitzgerald
"Love Story" by Taylor Swift
"The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
Our Top Pick if You Want Something Different
"Across the Universe" by The Beatles
Many people know the song, but not many know it as a first-dance song. But for a slow dance song that speaks to a level of serenity and contentment that only love can bring, this is ideal.
Mother/Son
We've written about Mother/Son dances before on this sight. In recent years they've become increasingly prevalent, and rightly so. Every son should get the chance to express his gratitude to mom on his wedding day.
Our Top Pick
"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
The song is a testament to happiness and optimism as told through the deep, smokey stylings of Louis Armstrong and strings. It's the perfect sendoff song for a son and the perfect thank you song for his mother.
Other Popular Choices
"Wind Beneath my Wings" Bette Midler
"A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men
"Bye Bye Blackbird" by Joe Cocker
Our Top Pick if You Want Something Different
"Forever Young" by Audra Mae
Honestly, this is probably the perfect Mother-Son dance song. Audra Mae's sweet, maternal take on this Bob Dylan classic, backed by docile acoustics beautifully sums up everything a mother has to say to her son on this day. The only reason this isn't a more popular choice is because it's relatively new. NOTE: Audra Mae has two covers of forever young. One is a cappella and one is backed by guitars. We recommend that latter.
Father/Daughter
The Father-Daughter Dance is one of the most anticipated moments of the ceremony and always a family favorite. This is another song that is usually pretty personalized, but we'd be amiss not to provide some ideas.
Our Top Pick:
"Hero" by Mariah Carey
For any daughter who wants to express to her father just how much of a hero he's been, this ballad performed with Mariah Carey's fantastic vocals, just might be the best way to do it.
"Always on my Mind" by Willie Nelson
"Bridge over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel
"Daughters" by John Mayer
Our Top Pick if You Want Something Different
"Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon
This song is a testament of a father's dutiful love and care for his daughter. It's not too fast, or too slow, not to mention Simon Garfunkel is a musician who's able to stand between the generational gap of just about any father and daughter.
Cake Cutting
This is another crowd favorite. The music here should be romantic but more importantly it should be laid back and festive. At this point in the ceremony everybody just wants to have fun and let loose.
Our Top Pick:
"Love You Madly" by Cake
People will rock and tap their toes to the rocking bass line, high harmony, and festive sounding horns. This is great mix between party music and romantic music, and, we feel obligated to point out that the band is called "Cake." How could this be a more appropriate cake-cutting song?
Other Popular Choices:
"1,2,3,4" by the Plain White T's
"You're my Best Friend" by Queen
"Candy Girl" by the Jackson 5
"Beautiful Surprise" by India Arie
Our Top Pick if You Want Something Different
"The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson
Romance and tenderness meet whimsy and practicality in this catchy love song by Ingrid Michaelson.
Last Dance
As the reception grows later, the general rule is that the songs should grow faster. Older guests have often left by this point and everyone is a little tired so the high-energy of fast dances is usually the best choice to keep everyone entertained and engaged.
Our Top Pick:
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross and the Supremes
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is very energetic and very danceable. It's got the rhythm, the soul, and the joy to carry you and all your guests through this last leg of the reception with relative ease.
Other Popular Choices:
"A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley
"A Moment Like This" by Kelly Clarkson
"Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
"Build Me Up Buttercup" by The Foundations
"Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra
Our Top Pick if You Want to Do Something Different:
"Dream a Little Dream of Me" by The Mamas and the Papas
Of course, some couples like to bring things down one last time and end on a sentimental note, and for couples who are trying for that, we recommend Dream a Little Dream of Me. It's sweet, poetic lyrics and rich harmonies will capture that hearts of everyone one last time.
