Managing Editor Maddie and I have a running debate about the song “At Last,” sung by Etta James. I think it’s a great first dance song and a classic for a reason. Maddie never wants to hear it again. This might have something to do with the fact that she’s been to about a hundred weddings as a wedding photographer in the last few years, or it might have something to do with the fact that the girl has purple hair. She likes to be different.
For most of us, figuring out a first dance song is negotiating between wanting to be a little bit original, and wanting a song that’s meaningful. The truth is, you’ll think of your wedding whenever you hear this song, for the rest of your life. So play what you want, even if it’s Etta James (hell, ESPECIALLY if it’s Ms. Etta).
But we all know APWers have great taste, classic and original. It’s been a long time since we polled APW readers on what their first dance song was (or is going to be), and it seems like high time. So here we go!
What first dance song did you use? What are your favorites—classic, or super unique? Share your best stuff, and we’ll put together a playlist for inspiration.
