Choosing a first dance song is such a different experience for every couple. For some, it is an easy breezy "that's our song" and hey presto, they're done.

For others, it's a minefield: you met on the dancefloor of Coppers and "boom, shake, shake, shake the room" isn't going to cut it, you and your man don't have the same tastes in music - he loves Jay-Z while you're more a Moody Blues sort of girl, and you can't bear the idea of everyone you know watching you and your two left feet.

Well fear not, the first dance, as everything at your wedding, is about you and your man being yourselves and having the time of your life, so dispell all those fears, we're hear with some helpful pointers to navigate the first dance song minefield and make sure you have a first dance that is just fabulous...

Choosing the First Dance Song - Where to Start?

There are a few traditional schools of thought about how to pick the first dance song...

Some first dance songs will have a special meaning for the couple - perhaps a song that was played a lot when you first met or the tune that was playing as your eyes met across a crowded room!

Some couples choose a song that reminds them of an event - a great concert, festival, your first holiday together or special occasion.

Other ideas include choosing a song to fit with the theme of the wedding - if you're having a retro wedding then something with a retro vibe, for a vintage wedding, a crooner classic will suit, or maybe a song you both heard at Electric Picnic for a Summer outdoor wedding vibe.

If you're a classic romanticist then a first dance song that has romance or love at its core; a good soppy song to make everyone say awwwwh, as you trip the light fantastic.

Or finally,why not simply choose a song from your favourite band or artist? IF you can agree on at least one band or artist you both like!

Practicality - Can Your Band play Your First Dance Song?

Bear in mind the kind of band you're having when choosing a song. Will your band be able to play the song you choose? Basically there's no point asking a jazz band to play a rock song, or ask your 90s band to play Fly Me to the Moon. Lots of bands have the more popular first dance songs in their repertoire, but sometimes your band won't have your chosen first dance song in their repertoire, or simply won't be able to play the first dance song. You need to think about how important it is for you that the band play your song and ask them if they can/will learn a song especially for you before making the final decision.

Don't discount the song just because they can't play it, if the song is important to you then consider using an iPod or CD.  It's really about how the balance of how important the song is vs having a live band serenade you. Another alternative is if you have a friend or family member who is a great singer or musician, maybe it's an option to ask them to perform? Most musical people would be honoured to be asked, and it makes the first dance all the more personal...

Finally, Some First Song Reminders

You don't have to LOVE your first dance song - it doesn't have to be "the one" it's perfectly ok to just serve a purpose.

It doesn't have to be "your song" - so what if you don't have a "song", who made up that rule anyways?

It doesn't have to be a slow waltzy-schmaltzy number - if you're more into headbanging than shuffling, then do it, it's your wedding!

There's going to be a first dance of the evening, you can't fight that, but if you're not that in to the whole thing, or don't want everyone staring at you, it's perfectly fine to choose a song that will get the dance floor pumping quickly. People will inevitably push you into the first dance on your own, but you can minimise the time alone on the dancefloor with a party-starting number and by actively encouraging people to get up and join you...

Our Picks for First Dance Songs

So now your brain is buzzing with lots of ideas, you're a bit stuck as to where to start? Don't worry, we've done some of the hard work for you and selected our 99 favourite first dance songs - everything from fun and funky dance numbers, to old classics... so lash on the old youtube

Image credits: Erica Irvine | This Modern Love | Lisa O Dwyer | Rubistyle