Help! I need a first-dance Wedding song.

[Gregatiki]

As a longtime lurker, I know all of you are people of class and taste, so I was wondering if y'all have some good ideas for a wedding song.

Me and my tikigoddess have already seen our original choice ("What a Wonderful World") used in three recent weddings with close friends and family members. Not that we want to one-up anybody, but we are getting kind of sick of hearing it a weddings.

Truth be told, we don't have anything close to an "Our Song" to choose from. We just never got around to it.

OK, here's the parameters:

1. We've got a live band (go us!) that has both a male and female vocalist, so I guess it can't be anything too complex or otherwise irreproducible.
2. Pop, classic and 'classical' are cool, and so are folk and (to a much lesser degree) country. Our taste ranges from Ella to Buddy Holly to Peter Gabriel to Curtis Mayfield to Ani DiFranco to Ben Folds Five to Frank Sinatra to the Muppets
3. Quirky is cool (We also like They Might Be Giants, Barenaked Ladies, and Moxy Fruvous)
4. No Aerosmith

I look forward to hearing what you think!

[Odieman]

Well I won't recommend the first song played at my sister's wedding. It was "The Breakup Song" By Greg Kihn. They realized aftewards that it was probably not the best choice of material, but since it was their last gig before breaking up they thought it would be appropriate for that.

I would go for something like "Don't Give up " By Peter Gabriel. Is that quirky enough for yah?
Keith

[plnnr]

The Way You Look Tonight, by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields. Perfect for the occasion. And congratulations.

[KneadToKnow]

Diane Schuur's version of "What a Difference a Day Makes" (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000001RC/ref=sim_music/102-9530834-0284121).

Congrats!

[Gregatiki]

Originally posted by Odieman
Well I won't recommend the first song played at my sister's wedding. It was "The Breakup Song" By Greg Kihn. They realized aftewards that it was probably not the best choice of material, but since it was their last gig before breaking up they thought it would be appropriate for that. [/QUOTE

Ummm...you mean the band's last gig, right? :)

[QUOTE]I would go for something like "Don't Give up " By Peter Gabriel. Is that quirky enough for yah?
Keith

That is one of Aly's faves...good thought!

[C3]

My husband and I used "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green. His voice just gives me chills.

[Odieman]

:o Uhhh....yeah, I guess that's what happens when you edit the post and forget to re-read it before you hit submit.
Keith

[Silver Fire]

The last wedding reception I went to, which was about a week and a half ago, played "Is This Love?" by Whitesnake. (White Snake? WhiteSnake? Ah, who cares?)

[BoBettie]

...and to love you.
"Air That I Breathe"
by The Hollies

A simple, beautiful song that I'm sure no one has ever used for a first dance, but everyone knows. Give it a listen again (or for the first time) and see if you agree.

Zette

Here's a link to the lyrics:
http://www.cae.wisc.edu/~gansler/hollies/holla2.htm
and a small piece:

If I could make a wish,
I think I'd pass.
Can't think of anything I need -
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound,
nothing to eat, no books to read.
Making love with you
has left me peaceful, warm, and tired.
What more could I ask?
There's nothing left to be desired.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak.
So sleep, silent angel, go to sleep.

Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe
and to love you.

[Moirai]

Hubby & I used Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" for our first dance. Very nice, a little unusual, especially with the tribal drumming at the end left in...:)

[Gregatiki]

Originally posted by Odieman
:o Uhhh....yeah, I guess that's what happens when you edit the post and forget to re-read it before you hit submit.
Keith

Actually it made me do a double-take funny looking enough for the guy in the next cubicle to drop his coffee on his lap. Success!

[missbunny]

If I were to get married, which I'm never going to do, I would either have Our Love is Here to Stay or The Way You Look Tonight.

Natalie Cole does a nice version of OLIHTS on Unforgettable. The only version of TWYLT that you need to concern yourself with is Frank's. Both lovely songs.

[ENugent]

My husband and I used "A Wink and a Smile," by Harry Connick, Jr. (It's on the Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack).

[ENugent]

Also, here's a list (http://www.weddingtips.com/wt-first-dance-songs.html) of a gazillion popular first dance songs, if that helps (although I see mine didn't make the cut).

[Sledman]

TRUE COMPANION -- Marc Cohn

[xanadu]

You Look Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

[Profane]

"It had to be you" or "We are in love" by Harry Connick Jr.

{I know It Had To Be You is also by Frank Sinatra, I prefer Harry.

[Arnold Winkelried]

What kind of instruments will the band be playing? Is it a typical rock ensemble (bass - guitar - drums) or does it have some brass? That might influence the choice of the song.

What kind of dance do you want it to be? A slow dance, swing, waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha, salsa, hustle?

My wife and I, for our first dance, choose "I Love You", performed by Frank Sinatra. We started with fox-trot and then segued into swing for the second half of the song. The rhythm of the song lended itself to both styles of dance.

[Lsura]

It's your love

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Very beautiful song. Not twangy country either.

[Merlot]

Style Council's "You're the Best Thing"

I could be discontent
Just the rainbow's end
I might wait much more
But lose all that is mine
I could be a liar
But I know I'm not
I'm content just with the riches that you bring
I might shoot to win
And commit the sin
I wanted more than I've already got
I could run away
But I'd rather stay
With the warmth of your smile
Lighting up my day
And all that makes me say
You're the best thing that ever happened
To me in all the world
You're the best thing that ever happened
So don't go away
I might be a king
Still my people sing
But I don't go for that
Power crazy way
All that I could rule
I'll check for fools
That I need is left to lift my way
This is what I say
You're the best thing that ever happened
To me in all the world
You're the best thing that ever happened
So don't go away
It's all I need
You're the best for me
You come and rock my dreams
You take a chance from me
It's all I need
You're the best for me
You come and rock my dreams
You take a chance from me
You're the best thing that ever happened
To me in all the world
You're the best thing that ever happened
So don't go away
You're the best thing that ever happened
To me in all the world
You're the best thing that ever happened
So don't go away

[DarbyV]

"At Last" by Etta James. Look it up it's wonderful.

[lawoot]

Meatloaf: 'Two Out of Three Ain't Bad'

:D

Sorry... couldn't resist. But I WILL second 'Air That I Breathe.' Great song.

[Gregatiki]

Thank you all, these are great suggestions -- I'll compile them all into one list once the messages die down. In the meantime, keep them coming. (Hey missbunny, never say never...I've had to eat my words...and they never tasted soooo good. Oooh, sorry...weddings bring out the sap in me)

Originally posted by Arnold Winkelried
What kind of instruments will the band be playing? Is it a typical rock ensemble (bass - guitar - drums) or does it have some brass? That might influence the choice of the song.
It's weird, they are a modular group. We opted for a wee bit of brass and a female vocalist (didn't want to splurge for the sax player though).


What kind of dance do you want it to be? A slow dance, swing, waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha, salsa, hustle?

I'm thinking either a slow dance, waltz, or a foxtrot. We took dancing lessons in the spring, and haven't practiced as much as we would have liked -- besides it will be difficult for her to move much in a dress and heels.

My wife and I, for our first dance, choose "I Love You", performed by Frank Sinatra. We started with fox-trot and then segued into swing for the second half of the song. The rhythm of the song lended itself to both styles of dance.

You're a braver man than me, pal! I figure we'll take the subtle route. Our dance should be understated, it'll provide a nice contrast to the drunken revelry that my friends and family are known for.

[tracer]

Isn't there a country-and-western song titled "D-I-V-O-R-C-E"? That sounds perfect for a wedding. ;)

[Scotticher]

My vote is for the Steven Curtis Chapman song "I Will Be There". The lyrics are beautiful and state the commitment you are making, the music is beautiful and I love the story behind the song. SCC wrote it when his long married parents decided to divorce. He wrote it to tell his wife that he is and will always be committed to her.

Please find it and listen to it, I think you will see why it makes me (a single woman) cry.

Scotti

(I admit to being a sappy person, and a pollyanna. Is this wrong?)

[Shirley Ujest]

First, congrats and try to not lose your mind with the silly little details that wedding planning tends to bring out in people. Because, after all, that's what they are, little details.

Secondly, and most important: Pick a song that can be danced too, fercryingoutloud

Thirdly,pay attention, this is key Know HOW TO DANCE!

Welcome to Shirley's Dante's Inferno Of Weddings

We have all attended dozens of weddings of style and whatnot, and the whole package goes in the crapper when the newly married bride and groom go out on to the dance floor for their first song and A) it is something way to fucking slow to dance too B) the couple cannot dance to save their lives.

I, for one ( and three for a dollar), just hate to see a couple just stand their like two fourteen year olds swaying back and forth like their braces are locked together. They spend a truck load of money to impress everyone with the flowers, booze, dresses and favors and then just look like shit on the dance floor and put everyone into a coma with the gd wedding song. Am I wrong about this people?

(taking a deep breath) ::::repeat mantra:::It's not Gregatiki's fault, don't take it out on him. Just get your message out there, Shirl...::::


AHHHHHHHHH


As for wedding songs: Try to pick something that you are likely to hear again in the future. You know, something that will be made into a Musak song so it will help you and the little woman wriggle eyebrows at each other and get all hot and horny when you are stuck in an elevator and Your Song wafts through the elevator shaft.

The only song that I can think of is " All of Me" By Frank Sinatra.

:::putting on smartass hat:::how about " I don't want her, you can have her, she's too fat for me!"

[Biggirl]

Two songs not to pick that I heard within the last year at weddings. Every Breath You Take and Reasons (Earth, Wind and Fire). Doesn't anybody listen to the lyrics? Jeez!

Hubby and I chose the old standby [i]Always and Forever

[Dylan]

Time in a bottle...by Jim Croce.

sample:

If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I'd like to do
Is to save every day
Till Eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you

If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I'd save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you

But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I've looked around enough to know
That you're the one I want to go
Through time with

If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory of
How they were answered by you

[Juniper200]

I'd suggest "With You" from the musical Pippin, or the slow, acoustic version of "Walls" that Tom Petty did on his last tour. (It's out there in MP3 somewhere.)

I'm toying with both of these for my own wedding.

[TwistofFate]

Somebody said Style Council, well I think that Paul Wellers "you do something to me" from the "Stanly Road" LP is perfect. I can send you an MP3 of the song if you want.

[hflathead]

and picked "Unchained Melody" Everly Brothers, popularized again in "Ghost" with Patrick Swazey and Demi Moore. Really easy to slow dance to, and nice lyrics. Topped it off with "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin". You have to really listen to those lyrics to get it, but it was quite appropriate for us.
Congratulations!
later, Tom.

[Yankee Blue]

I'm guessing that you want your basic high school dance fare as has been suggested above, but if you can dance and want something different [read:interesting] try swing, big band, or folk. Haste to the Wedding is an outstanding Irish traditional but if you can't quick-step or jig, give it a miss. Or you might try something like String of Pearls , All of Me , or Come Rain of Come Shine , etc.
Try http://garyw0001.simplenet.com/bigband.html for samples.

[Missy2U]

If (and this is a BIG if) my SO get married, it's going to be Jeff Healy's "Angel Eyes".

Ah, what am I talkin about? Knowing him, it will probably be "We are the Champions" by Queen or something...

Oh - Congrats on the nuptials, man!

[ENugent]

If you actually know waltz and foxtrot, you definitely should use something that you can dance those to, instead of doing a grope-and-sway.

Try this list (ftp://ftp.std.com/nonprofits/dance/music/wedding-songs.txt) for the favorite wedding songs of people on rec.arts.dance (who are almost exclusively ballroom and swing dancers).

[JSexton]

I'm getting married in about a month, and we'll be dancing to Sarah Mac's Ice Cream. It was that or Melissa Etheridge's I'm The Only One.

[Arnold Winkelried]

Originally posted by Gregatiki
I'm thinking either a slow dance, waltz, or a foxtrot. We took dancing lessons in the spring, and haven't practiced as much as we would have liked -- besides it will be difficult for her to move much in a dress and heels.

OK, I'll second what Shirley Ujest said. Try and make it a special dance!

Here is what the wife and I did.
We have been taking dancing lessons at a local dance studio for many months now. So for our wedding dance we decided to do a whole routine choreographed by one of the instructors from the studio. Now I'm not a good dancer and we worked for months on the thing, but everyone at the wedding oohed and aahed.
Now, I'm not saying that you should rehearse a whole routine. It's time-consuming. But you could ask a local dance studio how much it would cost to teach you just a simple dance with a nice impressive ending (like a fancy dip) and one or two highlights in the middle.
Or else practice your basic waltz or foxtrot step until you know it well, and do one of those. A waltz looks elegant especially if you practice the "rise and fall". A simple foxtrot step in my mind is a little more boring unless you throw in some extra moves like a grapevine, a cross-body lead, some turns etc...
There are several Frank Sinatra songs that have a waltz tempo. Otherwise most Frank Sinatra songs have a foxtrot beat.
Perhaps the list linked to be ENugent will help. Otherwise, you could call a dance studio (or walk in) and ask them for song suggestions. They would very probably have good suggestions even if you don't sign up for lessons.

[Ellen Cherry]

We had "Natural Woman" played as our first dance song. It made me feel so earthy, or something! I love to dance and twirl and dip, which I did while DH stood there and rolled his eyes. It was fun!

[Arnold Winkelried]

P.S. I forgot something important. My wife had brought a simpler white dress and another pair of shoes to dance in, and changed into that while people were eating dessert. It made dancing a lot easier.

[Gregatiki]

Originally posted by Arnold Winkelried
P.S. I forgot something important. My wife had brought a simpler white dress and another pair of shoes to dance in, and changed into that while people were eating dessert. It made dancing a lot easier.

Hmmm...I was thinking that a gown would get in the way of anything too elaborate, good thinking!

I think we will do something simple yet elegant. Elaborate dance moves are a little tricky for us (I'm a foot taller than she is -- if I dip her too low I could lose her!), but I know we can competently do something basic with a few flourishes.

We are nearing a choice, something that was mentioned here that already has a bit of history between us. Something that I had forgotten about serenading her with after a night of party hopping in college...we both lightly sprained our ankles that night. Ah memories...aaah alcohol...

I don't want to give it away right now, but we are going to talk it over once more later (she's had a rough week at work and decreed that she wasn't allowed to make any decisions -- no matter how small -- for 24 hours. On the plus side, that means I got to see Godzilla 2000 last night *ROAR*)

Thank you all again for your wonderful suggestions, I'll list them all for reviewing pleasure in a bit.

Cheers and happy Labor Day!

[bouv]

I would have to go with "From This Moment" by Shania Twain and Tim McGraw (I think Tim McGraw, maybe some other country singer.) Since you have a male and female vocalist, it would be perfecgt, and it too is not "twangy" country, it's a very sublte country. Or Lonestar's hit, I can't remeber the title, someone help me out here.

[Bassguy]

How about "Song for You" by Leon Russell?

Whatever you do, don't go with "Will You Still Love Me, Tomorrow" or "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues." I've played both at wedding receptions--no joke-- and it was incredible. Half the guests stand there beaming at the happy couple and half (that are actually listening to the music) look like they wish they could sink into the floor.

Good luck with the wedding.

[Drain Bead]

Or Lonestar's hit, I can't remeber the title, someone help me out here.

It's one of those songs with a real title and then one in parentheses after it.

I think it's "Amazed (Baby I'm Amazed By You)", but I very well could be wrong.

My suggestion for a good wedding song is "I Could Not Ask For More," by Edwin McCain.

[kellibelli]

Me & the ex husband used 'Patience' by GNR.

Nowadays, I would probably choose the Hampster dance.

[Gregatiki]

...in no particular order.

"Patience" (I remember getting detention for inciting a mass whistling of this song in high school)
"Hamster Dance" (Oddly Appropriate, but maybe not)
"Amazed (Baby I'm Amazed By You)"
"I Could Not Ask For More"
"Song for You"
"From This Moment" (Only if we get TUG McGraw to sing it)
"Natural Woman"
"Ice Cream" (Very much a contender)
"I'm the Only One"
"Angel Eyes".
"String of Pearls"
"All of Me"
"Come Rain of Come Shine"
"Unchained Melody"
"You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin"
"you do something to me"
"With You"
"Walls"
"Time In A Bottle"
"Always and Forever"
"All of Me"
"I Will Be There"
"D-I-V-O-R-C-E"
"I Love You"
"Two Out of Three Ain't Bad"
"Air That I Breathe"
"At Last"
"You're the Best Thing"
"It had to be you"
"We are in love"
"Wonderful Tonight" (Naaah, reminds me of my horrible prom)
"True Companion" (Definitely dig Cohn)
"A Wink and a Smile"
"Our Love is Here to Stay"
"The Way You Look Tonight"
"In Your Eyes"
"Air That I Breathe" (AGAIN!)
"Is This Love?" (No big hair, please)
"Let's Stay Together"
"What a Difference a Day Makes"
"Don't Give up"

And the winner is...

"All of Me" with "True Love Ways" (not mentioned) a close second. Shirley, you'll be happy to know that we have signed up for a refresher dance course.

Thanks to all, it was nice to share...now if only we could decide on wedding favors...

[uberDave]

Gregatiki,

NO, No, no, no, no, no, no.....

Its your day to party and have FUN. Do not be overly serious with this. Lighten up a little. This is what you need to play.

Nick Lowes' "I Knew the Bride When She used to Rock n' Roll"

You guys will laugh together about it when you get old.

No matter though. Wishing you a long and happy life together. Blessed be.

[sliv]

Fudge. I wished I'd read this earlier. A particular favorite wedding song that i got to play at a friend's wedding is "Is She Really Going Out With Him?" by Joe Jackson. It was singularly appropriate for the circumstances. (They met editing school news rags from opposite ends of the political spectrum)

[MovieMogul]

"The Way You Look Tonight" was our first dance song at our wedding (we had a speaker system and used the Frank Sinatra version). Absolutely wonderful, and easy enough that any cover band worth its salt should be able to play it.

And to Gregatiki: Good Luck & Congratulations

[London_Calling]

I'm totally with Shirley and Arnold. Got to be something you can work with and that is great quality. How 'bout the Spice Girls "Tell me what you want, what you really, realy want". ?

No ? - ok I'd go with something like Sinatra, Cole Porter or Ella. Bugger the band and let them amplified strings soar and the swing really swing. Classic and beautiful.

[Saturn]

"The Wedding" by David Bowie...very nice instrumental song, great saxophone.