So, the party's starting. What's the first song?

You've made it through the ceremony, dinner and mingling, and the heartfelt speeches. The lights dim and your guests are ready to celebrate with you. The only thing left to do is get this party started.

But how?

The first song you play to open the dance floor is more than just a song. It’s a signal. It’s the official moment the formalities end and the party truly begins. It sets the energy for the rest of the night. No pressure, right?

Choosing this track is a big decision, but we're here to make it an easy one.

Building the energy, not just starting it

As we've talked about before, curating the music for your wedding is all about creating a vibe. The tunes your guests hear your DJ play during canapés and dinner are essential for setting a mood. That relaxed, sophisticated, or fun atmosphere has been bubbling away in the background all day, building anticipation.

The first dance floor song is the moment that anticipation pays off. It's the launchpad. Get it right, and you create an energy that will carry through for the rest of the night.

The anatomy of a great dance floor starter

So what makes a first song perfect? We think it comes down to three golden rules. It needs to be an upbeat track that is instantly recognisable, but most importantly, it still has to feel like you.

The goal is to choose a song that makes everyone - from your uni mates to your nan - feel welcome on the dance floor. An obscure b-side that only you two know might be a special moment, but it can make your guests feel hesitant. You want a unifier. A song that makes people turn to each other and say, "Oh, I love this one!".

But that doesn't mean you have to pick a generic wedding song you don't even like. The magic is in finding a tune in that sweet spot: a universally loved banger that also fits within your personal music taste. Maybe it’s a classic from your parents' favourite funk band, or that massive indie anthem from the year you met.

A great DJ will work with you to find that perfect track that ticks all the boxes.

A little inspiration to get you started

To help you get a feel for what works, we've put together a playlist of some of our go-to dance floor starters. These are the tried-and-true tunes that we know will get people moving.

Have a listen below or on Spotify, get inspired, and see what feels right for you.

Time to party!

Ultimately, the first song of the party is your invitation to your guests. It says, "The formalities are done, it's time to celebrate with us". Choose a song that reflects the joy of that moment, and you can't go wrong.

PS - if you still can’t decide, you can leave it up to your DJ. All our DJs are skilled at knowing the crowd pleasers to get people going! Contact us if you haven’t booked your DJ through THE SOUNDTRACK YET.

Photo credit: Dave Le Page Photography.