Your first dance can be anything from a song that is special to you as a couple, a nostalgic tune from your childhood or maybe a memorable song from your first date. Personally, my wife and I celebrated our first dance as a married couple to ‘Still Young’ by The Cat Empire as it was our favourite tune from the first gig we went to together.
The important thing to remember when picking your first dance is that it is all about you and your new partner but it’s best to avoid particularly long tunes (I once had to play a 7 minute slow dance and it wasn’t the best choice for keeping the crowd engaged).
It’s often great to have a relatively slow dance for the first 30 seconds or so before flying into a more upbeat section to bring all of your guests onto the dance floor. There are countless great songs to choose from but below are some of my favourites that can work well with saxophone. Most bands and saxophonists will be willing to learn a first dance so don’t be afraid to ask - with some it might incur an extra fee but it does add that extra dimension of personality to your wedding day!
An excellent piece of advice that I was given before my own wedding was to make choosing the music (and everything else to do with the wedding) an enjoyable experience, so crack open a bottle of something saucy and go through your favourite tunes together, shortlist them and hopefully a fun and personal choice will emerge!
HIGHER LOVE - KYGO REMIX
The original version of this is excellent but I put this in nearly every set I play as it is SO versatile - everyone knows it and it’s got a wonderfully catchy chorus.
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED - STEVIE WONDER
The classic wedding tune! I think this is probably my most played song in a line up between Superstition, Uptown Funk and Mr Bright side and I still love playing it. Another crowd pleaser, suitable for young or more mature audiences and it sounds great with a saxophone lead or sax solo around the original!
AT LAST - ETTA JAMES
James sights this tune as marking a big change in her career, saying that ‘she was no longer a teenager’. Similarly, plenty of couples use this tune to mark the end of their single lives and the beginning of their married ones. It’s beautiful and evocative whilst being popular enough that everyone can sing along!
ALL OF ME - JOHN LEGEND - TIESTO BIRTHDAY REMIX
The original song is a beautiful tribute to John Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigan, and is relatable for couples the world over. My wife has often told me that she wished that I could sing like John. Legend, rather than play the saxophone (lovingly, I might add)! However this version is a little bit more upbeat if you’re feeling a little nervous about performing your first dance - as your saxophonist can help get everyone together on the dance floor!
CAME HERE FOR LOVE - SIGALA
This is a bit unusual but I’ve played it at a couple of weddings over the last few years. The couple started off with the slower, more acoustic version, and got their DJ to transition the song into the original party version as the guests came onto the dance floor with me (and my saxophone!)
I COULD GET USED TO THIS - BECKY HILL
This song is another tune that is a bit of a party song, but also works really well as a first dance with sax! I also just love Becky Hill’s vocals on songs - such a belter of a voice!
HONOURABLE MENTIONS!!!
PERFECT - ED SHEERAN
MARRY YOU - BRUNO MARS
Both of these are possibly a little on the nose but I’ve played both at countless weddings over the years so if they speak to you then they’re great choices!
Nick Pike Saxophone
A talented and versatile saxophonist, Nick plays iconic pop, funk and soul songs reworked with his unique touch. Nick Pike Saxophone is available throughout London, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent and Berkshire. Book now >
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