Over the next few weeks I’ve invited a variety of DJs from Scratch Weddings to supply a guest mix! Each mix will be based on a certain part of the wedding day, and will hopefully provide you with some musical inspiration for your day! Today, DJ Marc Sense shares some of his favorite tunes for a first dance!

(photo credit White Rabbit Studios)

The first dance song should always be as unique and special as the couple themselves. It sets the tone for the evening and can bring back memories of a first kiss or a song that brought the two newlyweds together in the first place. Like many other aspects of the wedding night, a first song is an opportunity to put a personal touch on the evening and showcases your musical tastes. And if you’re transitioning right into dancing, choosing a universally appealing song will engage guests and get in the right frame of mind to dance all night.

Here are a few criteria to help you and your loved one pick a perfect song. Tempo: most people favor slow and easy, but who says you can’t start things off with something upbeat and energetic? I’ve had a couple start with “Assassin’s Tango” from James Bond and it really highlighted what great dancers they were! Mood: depending on your personality, a sentimental song works well. Otherwise choose something celebratory and happy that uplifts everybody. Favorites: pick an artist that you both love. Then narrow it down to a specific song. You’ll both be happy and it will show through your ear to ear smiles. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Unconventional songs can work well so try one of these hidden gems!

• John Legend “Stay with You” – with booming vocals like John’s, sometimes all you need is a simple piano backdrop which helps put the focus solely on the couple.
• Adele “Make You Feel My Love” – a lesser-known Adele track shows the depth of your music knowledge while appealing to a pop sensibility. If rock is a little more your thing then the original Bob Dylan version might be a better choice.
• Dave Matthews Band “You & Me” – its theme and easy pace makes it a perfect opener for fans of DMB.
• Starship “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” – it’s unbeatable, it’s 80s, and will have every guest belting out the chorus in unison.
• 69 Boyz “Tootsie Roll” – nothing says more about a couple than their love for Miami Bass. Its fast pace will set the party mood immediately and open up the dance floor to plenty of booty shakin’.
• Ray Lamontagne “Can I Stay” – a very romantic song that has a traditional sound with its guitar and strings from a contemporary artist.
• Ella Fitzgerald “Come Rain or Shine” – this has a tempo with a nice swing to it that encourages the bride and groom to seduce each other.
• Big Daddy Kane “Very Special” – perfect for those that love hip-hop, this samples Debra Laws and adds catchy back and forth lyrics.
• Journey “Faithfully” – yes, this well-known rock group has a much bigger catalogue than the top iTunes selling song of all time, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” So why not throw a curve ball to the crowd with this lesser-known track.
• K-Ci & Jojo “All My Life” – hands down their best song post-Jodeci, it has a very celebratory feel that permeates the room.