The food and the entertainment are the two top items that you and your guests will remember about your wedding.  So, when it comes to your play list you’re going to want to pay particular attention to the soundtrack you choose for your MAIN event, starting with your first dance.

Ideally the couple’s first dance should set the tone and establish the mood of the event….and it should be reflective of your individual and combined styles. It should also tell your special love story….and be appropriate for the level of formality of your celebration.

Make It Personal: If you have a song you consider “your song” (as a couple) that’s probably your best choice. Otherwise give some serious thought to music that has meaning to both of you and to significant moments in your relationship. Think about the tunes you tune into when you are alone, driving or simply hanging out. How about the song that was playing the night of your first date or when you shared your first kiss? Other considerations are : Bands you saw together in concert or meaningful songs to either side of your family that you may want to pay tribute to.

A Tribute To Tradition: Consider songs your parents or grandparents played at their weddings. You can also look to the past as you dance to the future. Consider traditional songs that have traditional meaning and/or cultural significance.

Opt For Popularity: Think about today’s trendiest tunes and use that as a starting point when comprising your song list. Not much of a trenditionalist….look to popular wedding magazines, online music sites - first dance wedding songs - for suggestions, ask your friends and family for recommendations or simply turn on a top 40 station next time you’re driving.

Get Literal: READ the lyrics and make sure they express your sentiments and that the song is not just one you like because of the beat. Remember some songs sound great but if you really dug into the meat of the chorus, you may find that its meaning is quite inappropriate.

Make Sure Your Music Goes With The Flow: My husband and I had a beach bash so, we opted for calypso music during our cocktail hour, unlike my girlfriend, who had a traditional Irish celebration where guests were greeted by bagpipers at the front entrance. Make sure your music fits your mood and your theme.

Go To Your Guest List: Think about parents and other important members on your guest list. Make sure there’s a mix of music THEY will enjoy as well. You may even want to include some timeless and traditional favorites or cultural standards. After all you want EVERYONE regardless of age to get up and dance and remember your PARTY fondly.

The Long and Short Of It: Most pros suggest a song that is about 3 minutes long. However, many modern couples forego tradition of being the only two on the dance floor. In fact, conventional couples start out alone then ask friends and family to join them. Some even have a pre-rehearsed, choreographed dance (including members of the wedding party) for guests to enjoy. Still others incorporate a mother/son and/or father/daughter dance into their first dance, so make sure the music you pick offers you the time you need. You can even consider a mélange of songs combined, if you care or dare to be different.

Stylized Selections: Think about your first dance style. Will it be a free-style slow dance or will it be something choreographed. Will it be modern or a more traditional Waltz or Foxtrot? Once you decide on your dance style pick a variety of songs that will suit and give them a listen and cross off any that don’t move you or your dancing feet.

Professional Suggestions: If you and your betrothed are taking dance lessons, consider asking your instructor for suggestions...he or she may turn you onto something you’ve never heard of or considered and you and your guests may find yourselves very pleasantly surprised.

Live Entertainment: If you’re having a band at your reception, ask them about a first dance song they can play especially if you’re  hosting a vintage event and opting for nostalgic Big Band favorites. You may consider asking your band to put a Big Band twist on some of today’s tunes or some rock and roll classics.

Tailored Tunes: Give consideration to what you’ll be wearing. Why? Well because you want to be sure you’ll be able to move and groove and strut your stuff on the dance floor. Think twice about doing the twist if you’re wearing a skintight sheath dress that snug and hugs in all the right places. You may also want to avoid a Waltz if you’re wearing a mermaid dress that also may restrict movement. And, if you’re wearing a princess gown, you may find your dress too heavy for some of today’s dances or even the swing more difficult.