Start with the song and exact version you like. Then decide whether you want it live or recorded, how long you want to dance, and how it should end. Here’s how we work through those details with couples.
Choose a song you both love
Start with songs you already care about: something from a road trip, an artist you listen to together, or words that say what you want to say. Listen to the whole song, including the lyrics, before deciding.
If you need a starting point, explore our first dance playlist or song list. Save a few possibilities, then try dancing to them together at home. Notice which tempo is comfortable and which part of the song you most want to hear.
Choose the version, then live or recorded music
Send the band the song, artist and exact version you have in mind. A studio recording, acoustic cover and live arrangement can have different introductions, tempos and endings. A link to the recording helps us understand the choice.
Live music and recorded playback are both options. For a choreographed dance, we usually recommend DJing the exact recording you practiced to. That keeps the arrangement, tempo and timing the same as your practice sessions. Share the exact version with the band, along with any planned starting point and ending. If you prefer live music, let the band know about your choreography before settling on the arrangement.
Keep it short if you’re nervous
Our advice for couples who feel nervous about everyone watching is simple: keep it short. We usually recommend roughly 90 seconds to two minutes for a first dance. That gives you time to enjoy the moment without needing to dance through every verse.
This is a recommendation, not a requirement. You can choose a shorter dance or the full song. Listen for a natural ending, such as the end of a chorus, and talk it through with the band. Choose the length you are comfortable with.
Go from introductions into the first dance
We usually recommend going from introductions straight into your first dance, before dinner. Everyone is already watching, and you’re in place to start.
Your reception may have other priorities, such as portraits or meal service. Work through those with your planner and the band; the first dance can happen later if that suits the evening. Allow time for the introduction and walking onto the floor, and make sure the photographer is ready before the music starts.
Agree on the ending and any invitation to join
Tell the band how you want the dance to finish: a full song, a shortened live ending or a recorded fade. Confirm the ending along with the length so the plan is clear.
If you want guests to join you partway through, choose that in advance and put the invitation in your timeline. The band should know when to invite them and how the music continues. Our MC and announcement checklist can help you connect that cue with the introduction.
Keep the details on your planning page
After booking, use your existing Soulution planning page to bring the music and timeline together. These short notes give the band what it needs for the first dance:
Song: Title, artist and a link to the exact version.
Music: Live or recorded, plus any choreography to discuss.
Length and ending: The full song or a shorter dance, with the preferred finish.
Timing: Where the dance belongs in your reception.
Introduction: How you would like to be announced, and any chosen invitation for guests to join.
Work through the planning page around a month before the wedding. On the final call about two weeks before, review the first dance with the band alongside the rest of your evening. Share any changes afterward so everyone has the same plan.
Request live first-dance music at least 30 days ahead
If you want the band to play your first-dance song live, get the request in at least 30 days before the wedding. Include the exact version you have in mind so the band can review the arrangement and prepare.
The band generally limits newly learned live songs to three per event, including special dances. Newly learned first-dance and parent-dance songs count within the same total.
If your song is missing from the website, ask. The band may already know it. Share your ideas while you are deciding, then confirm the version and arrangement together.
Common questions
Do we have to dance to the whole song?
No. A shorter dance is welcome. The band usually recommends roughly 90 seconds to two minutes, but the length is your choice. Agree on the ending in advance.
Can we use a recording for our first dance?
Yes. For a choreographed dance, we usually recommend DJing the exact recording you practiced to so the song matches your practice sessions. Share that version with the band and confirm the start and ending.
Let’s talk about your first dance
If you’ve booked Soulution, add your song ideas and links to your planning page. For a new inquiry, send us your date and venue, and include the song if you have one. You don’t need to have every detail decided.