Choosing an opening dance or a song request: what should you look out for?
The first dance, or a song you want to walk in to as a newlywed couple, is one of the most personal moments of your wedding—the first moment you stand on the dance floor together as a married couple. No wonder choosing the right song often takes months of thought. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.
Summary
Choose a song with personal meaning and decide whether you want a quiet ballad, an uptempo number, or a mix. Do you want Uptown Coverband to provide live accompaniment? If so, please let us know as early as possible so the band can rehearse it properly.
In-depth guide
Where do you start?
Think of a song with personal meaning: the song from your first date, lyrics that perfectly express what you feel for each other, or simply a song that makes you both happy. There is no 'right' choice – it is about a song that suits you.
Ballad, uptempo, or a mix?
If you opt for a choreographed opening dance, many couples choose a quiet ballad to open and transition to an uptempo version halfway through – this way, you start intimately and end with the entire room on the dance floor. Others consciously choose a single style. Above all, what matters is: choose something that makes you happy, not what you think is 'expected'.
Live accompaniment, MP3, or a DJ after all?
Are you torn between a band, an MP3, or perhaps a DJ for your first dance? Uptown Coverband would naturally be happy to accompany your first dance, but please keep in mind that a live performance never sounds exactly the same as the recording you practiced to – think about tempo, accents, and transitions. For an accurate, rehearsed performance, an MP3 with the practiced version, or a DJ, is often the safer choice. Just make sure to provide the correct version of the song. Read more about this in our article on combining a cover band with a DJ.
Submit your request number on time
Would you like Uptown Coverband to learn a request song especially for you? Then please let us know the song as early as possible so that we can take the time for it and make it a truly personal moment. We have learned completely new songs many times before – even songs we wrote ourselves. For example, Leon wrote about his wedding: “They learned a song that I had written myself. Learned it within a week, and played it live for all our guests. I stood there listening with goosebumps.” And Charlotte: “They even learned 2 request songs for us.”
In short
Opening dance song or request – it’s all about a song that suits you. Would you like Uptown Coverband to provide live accompaniment or rehearse it? Let us know in advance, and we will do our best to learn it especially for your party.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to provide my number?
As early as possible, so that the band has enough time to rehearse the song.
Can the band play every song live?
Usually yes, but for very specific or electronic tracks, an MP3 or DJ is sometimes a better alternative.
Can I choose between live accompaniment and a recording?
Yes, Uptown Coverband is happy to provide live accompaniment for the first dance, but an MP3 or DJ version is also possible.
This article was compiled by the band leader and keyboardist of Uptown Coverband, who provides the musical setup for weddings.
Read also
Need help choosing your first dance?
We would be happy to help you plan the perfect musical accompaniment for your wedding.