5 First Dance Ideas for Your Beach Wedding
Your dream oceanside wedding went off without a hitch. The weather was beautiful, the clothes and flowers were exquisite, and everything was perfect.
Now, it's on to the reception. Whether you're keeping your reception outside on the beach or heading inside, you want to make sure you have a prepared song list. This begins with the first dance, and in this article, we look at our favorite seven first dance ideas for your beach wedding.
First, though, let's look at the schedule of dances so you are well-prepared to create your playlist.
The Sequence of Dances at Your Wedding
For many, the dancing is the highlight of the reception, so you want to make sure you have it planned well. There is a bit of wedding "etiquette" when it comes to the sequence of dances.
- The bride and groom dance the first dance.
- Then, the father of the bride steps in to dance with the bride, and the groom's mother dances with the groom.
- Next, the groom's father dances with the bride, and the groom dances with his mother-in-law.
- Next up is the best man dancing with the bride and the maid of honor with the groom.
- The rest of the wedding party can join in how you see fit, followed by the guests.
Remember that this is just a guide – you can do it however you'd like!
The 7 Best First Dance Ideas for Your Wedding
Now, let's get into some great first dance ideas that speak to your love and your scenery.
1. An old favorite, "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys, certainly sets the tone for your dancing. If you want to begin with something light, fun, and unexpected, this is your song.
2. "Kiss the Girl" from Disney's The Little Mermaid is another fun, light-hearted song that speaks to true love.
3. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," by Stevie Wonder, also fits the mood and tone of a beach wedding and is a nice choice for your first dance.
4. "Somewhere Beyond the Sea," by Frank Sinatra, is a real classic. It fits your beach wedding, and it's a true song about love.
5. Bring on the romance with "Better Together" by Jack Johnson.
6. Another one we love is "Sail Away" by David Gray. It's beachy and a lovely love song.
7. Bob Marley and the Wailers bring on the "love" in "Is This Love," making it another great first dance idea.
Final Thoughts on Your Beach Wedding
We leave you with two more tips. First, choose a song that means something to you and your spouse. This might be your "first-date" song or simply one that reminds you of your relationship.
Second, choreograph a first dance for just the bride and groom. This can reflect the theme and ambiance of your wedding while setting the stage for the rest of your reception.
Whichever song you choose, make sure you have some video of your first dance. Consider adding a mic for your videographer to record this private moment between the two of you. You’ll love watching your first dance in your beach wedding video.