Is it okay to use an unconventional first dance song?
People worry that using a non-traditional song with lyrics about past relationships or unconventional themes will feel too weird or cheesy for guests. This makes choosing a track stressful because they want the right beat without worrying whether anyone is actually listening to the words.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1giving the DJ or MC a short intro line to provide context for the song
- 2ignoring traditional song meanings and prioritizing personal connection
- 3Picking a song based purely on the beat or the vibe regardless of what the lyrics mean
- 4Browsing endless playlists on Spotify for inspiration
- 5Choosing a song that is personally meaningful to the couple
- 6Considering instrumentals or songs in any language as long as they are not obscene
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Is this a weird choice for first song ?”source ↗
“I have a list of songs with great lyrics, but I don't want anything too sappy or cheesy. I speak fluent English, so I know what *not* to play, but he speaks very little English.”source ↗
“Help! What are some non cheesy first dance songs?? No country, no lame love songs, how did you pick a first dance song?”source ↗
“Like my ideal song for the beat would be Australia by G Flip but it’s about past relationships in the lyrics 😂 does anyone actually listen to the lyrics lmao.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 6How to make a wedding do not play list without killing the vibe
- 3Wedding parent dance songs that aren't super sappy
- 6How to have a wedding without a formal ceremony
- 5Eloping vs traditional wedding when you want family there
- 2How to keep guests cool at an outdoor August wedding ceremony
- 2Ceremony and reception at different venues