Swing, step, twirl, and sway: Best first tunes to groove to as husband and wife

It can set the mood, bring back old memories and create some new ones, make people laugh or cry or at least have something in common. Any event planner will tell you that the style, timing, and volume of music can make or break your wedding reception. Be U Weddings talked to three well-respected Chicago music makers to bring you tips for choosing your playlist and some unique picks for perhaps the most important song of your newly-wedded life together: The First Dance.

Photo courtesy Cage & Aquarium

Wedding and event deejays Cage & Aquarium advise couples not to worry about which songs are too popular, overplayed, or cheesy—or what guests might think. “As long as the song means a lot to the couple, it will show and come across sweeter than the most elaborate choreographed dance out there,” says Shelley Anderson. “If it’s a very slow and mellow song, keep it short,” she advises. “Songs with distinct sections are a nice to get a little bride (or groom!) twirl at the switch-up, applause, and then back to the regular sway.”

Cage & Aquarium’s top picks for the first dance:

• Indie: Kick Drum Heart, Avett Brothers
• Classics: Sunday Kind of Love, Etta James; In My Life, The Beatles
• Rock: Fade Into You, Mazzy Star
• Rare soul: Nobody But You,” Little Bob

And take note of their must-have playlist songs to get guests shakin’ their thing on the floor right there with you:

• PYT, Michael Jackson
• Ain’t Too Proud to Beg, the Temptations
• Like a Prayer, Madonna
• Bell Biv Devoe, Poison
• One More Time, Daft Punk

Want to check out Cage & Aquarium to see if they’d be a good fit for your wedding party? See them in action at Jerry’s in Wicker Park (1938 W Division) on Friday, March 23rd.

Don Cagen Orchestra

Don Cagen of the Don Cagen Orchestra encourages couples to create a customized favorites list from the extensive list he provides, and also to flag any “don’t you dare play” songs. His musicians don’t actually make a set playlist, but choose the ideal next song in real-time based on their expertise (the Don Cagen Orchestra has played more than 3,500 weddings!) as well as the mood of the party. “My inspiration is artists on the national stage,” Don says. “We’ve performed alongside Beyonce and Stevie Wonder; we bring that level of entertainment quality to our weddings.”

Their most popular picks of 2012, so far, are a mix of new and classics:

• Marry You, Bruno Mars
• Better Together, Jack Johnson
• Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, Frankie Valli
• Everything, Michael Buble
• Faithfully, Journey
• The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra
• At Last, Etta James

The Gold Coast All Stars

Danny Chaimson, president of the high-energy performance group The Gold Coast All Stars, says the first dance is really about what kind of sentiment you want to elicit in that moment. “The song should be a reflection of you as a couple,” he explains. “Do you want it to be romantic and serious, or romantic and cute? Do you want it to be fun or funny? Once you figure that out, then you can start looking at songs that lend themselves to those emotions.”

He’s given us a few of his favorites, depending on your “couple style”:

• For the sentimental couple looking for something a little different: Home, Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros
• For the modern couple, who wants everyone to see just how in love they are: This Year’s Love, David Gray
• For the traditional, classic couple: Into the Mystic, Van Morrison
• For the comedic couple, who wants to lighten the mood: I’ll Make Love to You, Boyz II Men