There are many wedding traditions that time has forgotten, but the couple’s first dance isn’t one of them. The first dance has long been used to mark the opening of the dancefloor at wedding receptions, with couples waltzing their way into married life for as long as we can remember.
Here photographer Charlotte Elizabeth explains more about the origins of the first dance:
“In the days of formal balls, the guests of honour would open the event by performing the first dance. Depending on the event this either meant that they took to the dancefloor much as we do now, or they were first to go down the set in a barn dance. The guests of honour would be the people of the highest status (royalty or high nobility). At a wedding, the Bride and Groom become the guests of honour and therefore open the evening reception.”
Whether planning a weekday wedding or saying “I do” at the weekend, the pressure to choose the perfect first dance song is something experienced by many couples long before those first dance jitters become apparent!
Looking for inspiration for your first dance song? Check out these popular picks for couples marrying this year…
All of Me by John Legend
Modern-day crooner John Legend has written and sung many romantic songs, the most popular pick for the brides and grooms of 2023 however is All of Me. The video features lots of lovely footage of John and his now wife Chrissy Teigen. The song itself was dedicated to Chrissy just ahead of their own September 2013 nuptials.
Everlong by Foo Fighters
The acoustic version of Everlong by Foo Fighters is an unexpected anthem for couples tying the knot during 2023, but if you read the lyrics you’ll understand why.
This stunning song is only complemented by the gravelly tones of lead singer Dave Grohl, who offers a softer, smoother rendition of his infamous heavy rock voice to add romance to the beautiful ballad.
Perfect by Ed Sheeran
If you think your partner is pretty perfect, there’s no better way to say just that than with a slow dance to this Ed Sheeran tune. Perfect is a number-one song taken from Ed’s third studio album, Divide (÷), which sold over 36 million copies worldwide and was the fastest-selling album by any male artist – ever!
The Luckiest by Ben Folds
Off-beat love song, The Luckiest by Ben Folds, isn’t exactly mainstream but its lyrics throw up the questions that many ask themselves as they approach their wedding day – what were the chances of you finding each other and falling in love for instance? Ben’s queries provide a beautiful premise for your first dance song and deliver lyrics with poignant meaning for every just married couple.
Your Song by Ellie Goulding
Initially made famous by British musician and songwriter Elton John back in the 1970s, Your Song was covered by Ellie Goulding in 2010 and featured on her hit album, Lights. It became an instant favourite with couples searching for the perfect first dance song, with Ellie’s beautiful voice giving a softer, more delicate edge to the classic tune.
