First Dance Songs: Wedding Song Ideas

Finding the perfect song for the first dance at your wedding

What will be your "perfect" song for the first dance at your wedding?

If you need a little help picking out your first dance song, here is one exercise I recommend to my clients.

Think about the special moments in your relationship. Was there a song playing in the background? Was there a song playing on the radio? What was the first song on the mix CD he made you -- or Spotify playlist he sent you?

Is there a particular memory that helps recollect a song?

After thinking through all that, if you still need help, then keep reading.
Below is a list of many of the first dance songs I have played over the years at various weddings. Keep in mind, this is an important part of the wedding reception. It’s the one time, everyone you have invited to your wedding is in the room. Its right at the beginning, just after the grand entrance and before dinner. So everyone is there and it’s a magic moment

Here's a collection of some of the songs I've played for the first dance:

  • Andrea Bocelli - Besame Mucho
  • Angels and Airwaves - Breathe
  • Beach Boys - Forever
  • Beatles - In My Life
  • Ben Harper/Michael Buble - Forever/Hold On
  • Beyonce - At Last
  • Bon Jovi - Thank You for Loving Me
  • Brian McKnight - The Only One for Me
  • Carlos Gardel - Por una Cabeza (True Lies Tango)
  • George Strait - Cross My Heart
  • Goo Goo Dolls - Come To Me
  • Jack Johnson - Better Together
  • Jimmy Eat World - For Me This is Heaven
  • John Legend & Meghan Trainor - Like I'm Gonna Lose You
  • Josh Turner - Why Don’t We Just Dance
  • Katie Melua - Just Like Heaven
  • Keith Urban - Only You Can Love Me This Way
  • Michael Buble - Everything
  • Paper Tongues - Love Like You
  • Quiet Storm - Smokey Robinson
  • Sade - By Your Side
  • Shania Twain - From This Moment
  • Tim McMorris - Overwhelmed
  • Train - Marry Me     
  • Van Morrison - Have I Told You Lately
  • Van Morrison - Someone Like You

Each year Mobile Beat Magazine releases a comprehensive list of popular songs that are being played at weddings throughout the United States. Here is a copy of that guide for you to download for free.

And here are some links to some wedding websites with their own First Dance suggestions:

Other Posts You May Be Interested In

Justin Kanoya is a wedding DJ based in San Diego. He has served as a DJ and host of more than 300 weddings over the past decade and is a recommended vendor at some of San Diego's finest wedding venues, including the Hotel del Coronado and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. 
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Father/Daughter Dance Songs: Wedding Song Ideas

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What song will be played for this special moment with your dad?

Picking the right song for the father/daughter dance is key to creating a memorable moment

“Have you asked you dad what song he would like to dance to with you?”

When a bride tells me she doesn’t know what her Father/Daughter Dance song is going to be, the above question is one I always ask.

If your reply to that question is, “no,” then I need you to stop reading, pick up your phone and text, call, Facebook message or Snapchat your dad and ask him -- well never mind about Snapchat, you Dad probably isn’t on it.

Either way, he will love the fact you are connecting with him and you never know, he may have had song in mind ever since you two danced for the first time in your childhood home living room.

If both of you are still perplexed, take a look at these songs I have played at past weddings.

  • Bob Carlisle - Butterfly Kisses
  • Brandon Heath - Love Never Fails
  • Celine Dion/Josh Groban - The Prayer
  • Darius Rucker - It Won't Be Like This For Long
  • Edwin Mcain - Walk With You
  • Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
  • George Strait - Love Without End
  • Kenny Chesney - There Goes My Life
  • LeAnne Womack - I Hope You Dance
  • Lionel Ritchie - Three Times a Lady
  • Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World
  • Michael Buble - The Way You Look Tonight
  • Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole - Unforgettable
  • Temptations - My Girl
  • Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
  • Van McCoy - The Hustle
  • Heartland - I Loved Her First

Each year Mobile Beat Magazine releases a comprehensive list of popular songs that are being played at weddings throughout the United States. Here is a copy of that guide for you to download for free.

Also, here are some websites that offer even more suggestions:

Other Posts You May Be Interested In

Justin Kanoya is a wedding DJ based in San Diego. He has served as a DJ and host of more than 300 weddings over the past decade and is a recommended vendor at some of San Diego's finest wedding venues, including the Hotel del Coronado and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. 
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Yoga 4 Homeless Fundraiser Kick Off Event - Bird's Surf Shed - San Diego

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Yoga 4 Homeless kicked off their fundraising campaign at Bird's Surf Shed in San Diego. Justin Kanoya, San Diego DJ, provided music for the yoga and dance sessions. 

Yoga 4 Homeless in San Diego was formed to mission to bring yoga to homeless people worldwide. In partnering with yoga teachers, yoga studios, shelters and community centers to the hope is to provide  the homeless community access to yoga classes and equipment.  

This mission kicked off on December 20, 2015 with a fundraising event on Bird’s Surf Shed in San Diego. It was a mix of yoga, meditation and dancing, while beginning the Yoga 4 Homeless challenge. Fox 5 San Diego previewed the event on its morning news program. 

To learn more about how you can volunteer or take part in the challenge, visit the organization GoFundMe page.

Here’s the setlist from the night:

Arrivals

  • COMA - Lora (Robag's Fandara Qualv NB)
  • Daughter - Get Lucky (Daft Punk Cover) (Holtoug Deep House House Edit) (Extended)
  • Don Bravo - My Love
  • Janet Jackson - No Sleeep (Strobe Insomnia Bootleg)
  • Disclosure ft Lion Babe - Hourglass
  • Justin Jay - Rain Dance
  • Ed Sheeran - Photograph (Westphal & Whyman Remix)
  • Duke Dumont - Need U 100% (KREAM Remix) (Clean) (Short Edit)
  • Music P & Marque Aurel - The Feel Good Funk
  • Hudson Mohawke ft Irfane - Very First Breath (Wide Awake Remix)
  • Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft MO - Lean On (Fabian Arche bootleg)
  • Angelo Ferreri - Friendly Gang
  • S.W.V. - Right Here (Human Nature Duet) [Select Mix Remix]
  • Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
  • De La Soul - Ring Ring Ring
  • Ben Harper - Steal My Kisses (remix)
  • TLC - No Scrubs (gLAdiator & Brazzabelle Remix) (Extended)
  • Justin Timberlake ft Jay-Z vs Biggie & Next - Suit & Tie (Too Juicy Blend)
  • Ed Sheeran, Passenger - No Diggity/Thrift Shop (Kygo Remix)


Yoga flow with Jon Old Rowe

  • Alex Morais - Love & Music (Original Mix)
  • Sunlounger - Balearic Breakfast (Chill Version)
  • Ed Sheeran - I See Fire (Kygo Remix)
  • Alpha / Blx - Try to Relax (Original Mix)
  • Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams (Dj Mike D Remix)
  • P.M. Dawn - I'd Die Without You (Intro Clean)


Parnter Yoga with Chad Scott Nellis

  • Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
  • Jason Mraz - Anything You Want
  • Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered
  • Sunlounger - Another Day On The Terrace (Chill Mix)


Open Dancing

  • A-Ha - Take On Me (Kygo Remix)
  • Naughty By Nature - Jamboree (Intro Clean)
  • TLC - Baby, Baby, Baby
  • Justin Bieber - Love Yourself (Alan V Redrum)
  • V.I.C. - Wobble
  • Mark Morrison - Return Of The Mack (Select Mix Remix)
  • Mariah Carey - Dreamlover
  • Party Break - Montel Party Break
  • Usher - Yeah (Wedding Crasherz Break) (Extended)
  • Rob Base, DJ E-Z Rock - Joy & Pain (Select Mix Remix)
  • Bell Biv Devoe - Poison
  • Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Downtown (Promo Only Intro Edit)
  • Tupac - California Love (Original Version)
  • Dr. Dre - Next Episode
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Ivivva Justin Bieber Party - Westfield University Town Center; La Jolla

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The Bieber Party throwing crew at Ivivva, University Town Center, Westfield mall in La Jolla, California.

Justin Bieber dance party at Ivivva, University Town Center, Westfield mall in La Jolla, California.

Justin Bieber dance party at Ivivva, University Town Center, Westfield mall in La Jolla, California.

I’m no stranger to a themed dance party and I’ve seen many. There are 80s parties with tons of neon, hair spray, Debbie Gibson and Wham. Of course 70s parties with bell bottoms, disco music and afros. But this event was a first, a party completely centered around one pop music artist that shares the same first name as me … Justin.

And while most of us would assume the last name of said artist is Timberlake, but not in this case. That’s right, the other Justin …. Justin Bieber. Yes, the Biebs.

A Justin Bieber Dance Party at Ivivva UTC took place this past December 19, 2015.

Ivivva is the young girls clothing brand for Lululemon Athletica and as such, a Bieber themed party seems to make sense since he’s popular with their target demographic. This in store event brought out a handful of girls who had a great time shopping for clothes, bedazzling their hair with strands of glitter, and yes, even taking pictures with a life size cutout of J-Bieb.

I can't say I've been a fan of the former Mr. Selena Gomez. But I must say, his new album is producing hit after hit and I’m liking what I am hearing. Sorry, but I really like them … or is it too late to say I’m sorry?


At any rate, here is the setlist from the night … which, by the way, did not include two straight hours Belieber music. That would have just been too much.

  • Echosmith - Bright

  • Ellie Goulding - On My Mind

  • Tori Kelly - Nobody Love (Select Mix Remix)

  • R. City, Adam Levine - Locked Away (Select Mix Remix)

  • Will.I.Am f./Justin Bieber - #THATPOWER (Single Edit)

  • Icona Pop - Emergency (Promo Only Intro Edit)

  • Zedd f./Selena Gomez - I Want You To Know (Promo Only Intro Edit)

  • Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean (Cole Plante Remix)

  • Timeflies f./Natalie La Rose - Worse Things Than Love

  • Taylor Swift f./Kendrick Lamar - Bad Blood

  • Silento - Watch Me

  • Justin Bieber feat Ludacris - Baby

  • Ariana Grande f./Mac Miller - The Way

  • The Chainsmokers f./ROZES - Roses

  • Justin Bieber - Love Yourself (Alan V Redrum)

  • Fifth Harmony, Kid Ink - Worth It (Select Mix Remix)

  • Fergie - L.A. Love (La La) [Select Mix Remix]

  • Britney Spears, Iggy Azalea - Pretty Girls (Select Mix Remix)

  • Sage The Gemini f. Justin Bieber & Iamsu - Gas Pedal (Radio Edit - Remix)

  • Adele - Hello (Dustin Que Remix)

  • Ella Henderson - Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix) (Radio Edit)

  • Justin Bieber - Never Say Never

  • Justin Bieber - Mistletoe

  • Ingrid Michaelson - Girls Chase Boys (Andrew Dawson Pop Remix)

  • Charli XCX - Boom Clap

  • Justin Bieber - Sorry (Kue Remix) (Clean) (Extended)

  • Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft MO - Lean On (Fabian Arche bootleg) (Clean) (Extended)

  • Demi Lovato - Cool For The Summer (Cahill Remix) (Dirty) (Short Edit)

  • Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams (R3hab Remix) (Clean) (Short Edit)

  • Justin Bieber - Love Yourself (CLX Remix) (Clean) (Extended)

  • Milky Chance - Stolen Dance (Uptempo Pop Mix)

  • Flo Rida f./Robin Thicke & Verdine White - I Don't Like It, I Love It (Promo Only Intro Edit)

  • Justin Bieber f./Ludacris - All Around The World

  • Avicii - Broken Arrows (M-22 Remix Edit)

  • Omi - Hula Hoop (Young Lion Remix) (Clean) (Extended)

  • Skrillex & Diplo f./Justin Bieber - Where Are U Now

  • Charlie Puth - One Call Away (Single Edit)

  • Pentatonix - Can't Sleep Love

  • Justin Bieber - Hotline Bling (Remix) (Clean)

  • Duke Dumont f./Jax Jones - I Got U (Radio Edit)

  • Justin Bieber (Ft. Nicki Minaj) - Beauty And The Beat

  • Maroon 5 - Maps

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Fitbit Local San Francisco Kick Off Event - Palace of Fine Arts Innovation Hangar

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Jeremy Falk and Caroline Jordan are the Fitbit Local ambassadors in San Francisco. 

A few weeks ago I joined the Fitbit crew in San Diego to kick off Fitbit Local in my area. And now the tables have turned as I had the chance to travel to their hometown and take part in kicking off the program in San Francisco on December 13, 2015.

Joining forces with Fitbit ambassadors, Caroline Jordan and Jeremy Falk, I played music for the 400-plus attendees at the Innovation Hangar located within the grounds of the famous Palace of Fine Arts.

The Fitbit Local program is a series of monthly meet ups to encourage Fitbit users to gather, mingle, exercise and sweat. It's currently underway in San Diego and now San Francisco. The program will continue to expand in 2016, hitting Los Angeles in February followed by 10 additional cities.

Caroline led the group through a 40-minute, boot-camp style workout, while Jeremy followed with a 40 minute yoga session, ending with a group meditation. Fitbit, along with other sponsors such as Suja Juice, Kind Bar and Fiji Water, put on a great event and will continue hosting meet-ups with Caroline and Jeremy throughout the beginning of 2016.

For a complete list of these free workouts, check out the Fitbit Local website.

For this event, I put together three sets of music. Take a look at the setlist as well as more pictures from the event below:

Arrivals

  • Anuhea - Mr. Mellow
  • Michael Jackson - Human Nature
  • Allen Stone - Your Eyes
  • Maroon 5 - Sugar (G Duppy Reggae Remix)
  • Lady GaGa - Alejandro
  • Anuhea - Here I Go Again
  • Ed Sheeran, Passenger - No Diggity/Thrift Shop (Kygo Remix)
  • Justin Timberlake - Summer Love (Marc Stout Remix)  (Short Edit)
  • De La Soul - Ring Ring Ring (Intro Clean)
  • Mariah Carey - Dreamlover
  • Kygo ft Ella Henderson - Here For You (DAO Remix)  (Extended)
  • Disclosure ft Lorde - Magnets (Intro Clean)
  • S.W.V. - Right Here (Human Nature Duet) (Select Mix Remix)
  • A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation
  • Justin Timberlake ft Jay-Z vs Biggie & Next - Suit & Tie (Too Juicy Blend)
  • Big Tymers - This Is How We Do
  • Zhane - Hey Mr. DJ (Select Mix Remix)
  • The Jacksons - Blame It On the Boogie
  • No Doubt - Hella Good
  • The Chainsmokers f./ROZES - Roses
  • Avicii - The Days
  • Ella Henderson - Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix) (Radio Edit)
  • Tommy Trash ft Anna Lunoe - Me & U  (Extended)
  • Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) (Mennska Remix) (Short Edit)
  • Afrojack f./Mike Taylor - SummerThing! (Promo Only Clean Edit)
  • Ariana Grande f./Zedd - Break Free


Bootcamp Workout with Caroline Jordan

  • Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc (Joe Maz & Adam Foster Remix)  (Extended)
  • Ciara ft Missy Elliott - 1,2 Step (Genisis Remix)  (Short Edit)
  • Walk The Moon - Shut Up & Dance (DJ Midnight & Mr. Soup Remix) (Short Edit)
  • Omi - Hula Hoop (Young Lion Remix)  (Extended)
  • Ariana Grande - One Last Time (Gazzo Remix)  (Short Edit)
  • Adele - Hello (Ryan Skyy Remix)  (Short Edit)
  • Justin Bieber - Sorry (Kue Remix)  (Extended)
  • Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft MO - Lean On (FUTURE LINES Bootleg)  (Short Edit)
  • Disclosure - Holding On (Armand Van Helden Remix)  (Extended)
  • Duke Dumont - Need U 100% (KREAM Remix)  (Short Edit)
  • SMTA & Aston Martinez - Never Too Much  (Extended)
  • Major Lazer ft Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley - Powerful (Strobe Remix)  (Extended)
  • Kygo - Firestone (PBH & Jack Shizzle Remix)  (Extended)
  • Ed Sheeran - Photograph (Westphal & Whyman Remix)  (Short Edit)
  • Alesso - Heroes (Basic Tape Remix)  (Extended)
  • A Tribe Called Quest ft J. Cole - Can I Kick It (J. Cole Remix) (Instrumental)
  • Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (Intro)


Yoga and Meditation Session with Jeremy Falk

  • Alex Morais - Love & Music (Original Mix)
  • Sunlounger - Balearic Breakfast (Chill Version)
  • Ed Sheeran - I See Fire (Kygo Remix)
  • Alpha / Blx - Try to Relax (Original Mix)
  • Taylor Swift - Wildest Dreams (Dj Mike D Remix)  (Short Edit)
  • P.M. Dawn - I'd Die Without You (Intro Clean)
  • Sunlounger - Lumumba (Chill Mix)
  • Le Flex - La Ritournelle (Original Mix)
  • A Tribe Called Quest - Bonita Applebum (Pharrell Williams Remix)
  • Sunlounger - Another Day On The Terrace (Chill Mix)

All photos are courtesy of Fitbit Inc.