THE FIRST DANCE

To help you out, we've put together a number of articles covering the most popular songs from the last few decades here on Weddingsday and they are well worth checking out - music videos and lyrics accompany each suggestion (where available) and we'll be adding to all the lists as we go along - so when you've finished here why not have a browse. Alternatively, speak to friends and relatives, browse through your local record store, or turn on the TV or radio - the perfect song is out there, you just need to track it down!

One final thing to remember is that the music you choose for your first dance will stay with you forever - trust us, you’ll be asked a dozen times what you danced to even before your 1st Wedding Anniversary - so take your time and try not to choose something that will make you cringe in years to come!

The Format

Whilst the thought of Elton turning up in person to perform 'Your Song' is a nice thought, we all know that in practice that ain't gonna happen (unless you've lent him a tupee recently and he owes you one!). So, with this in mind you really only have two options available; to have a pre-recorded version piped in over the sound system or to get any band or soloist who is performing on the night to perform a cover of the song in question.

The pre-recorded version is the most popular option and it's also perhaps the safest. Any routine you'll have practiced will have been to the pre-recorded number, so if you want to avoid a potential problem should the drummer decide to go on a solo then it's best to stick with that. However, if you've gone for a country number (Dolly Parton's 'I Will Always Love You' for example) and you've got a celidh band pencilled in to perform on the night, then it would be a shame not to use them - on the flipside an all male rock band performing a Mariah Carey classic doesn't often work! Whatever you opt for make sure you've got your bases covered - ensure the pre-recorded version can be played through the sound-system (format wise) or that the track is within the repetoire of the musicians - after all you don't want to sway away to the sounds of silence (we are referring to no music at all as opposed to the Simon & Garfunkel classic!).

Finally, we have heard of some couples roping in a friend or relative to sing the tune or even singing it to each other (Rene and Renata style!). Don't get us wrong, this is a valid option if the singer(s) in question are potential X-Factor finalists, but in our opinion it's better to save such acts for later in the night - or perhaps even a rainy day!