The shocking truth about your search for wedding waltz songs
I have taught Brides and Grooms to dance for their weddings for 30 yrs. Over the years I have always been puzzled when a couple calls me for a lesson for a wedding waltz, and their song is definitely not a waltz. I just figured that they did not have the same degree in music that I had and moved on. It was not until I asked one of my clients to look up songs for their waltz that I became very suspicious. They came in with numerous songs in 4/4 time, not in a waltz ¾ time. I then conducted an online search myself, and I was shocked by what I found.
I did my search for wedding waltz music (or songs) and realized that many of the experts posting lists did not know the difference between a slow waltz, a Viennese Waltz or a ballad. They were posting an odd assortment of slow songs in various meters. I came to the realization that many a couple is being led astray by poor information.
Here are my tips for finding a good wedding waltz song.
- All Waltzes are in ¾ time (three beats per measure with a [Boom-Chuck-Chuck] beat not 4/4 time [Boom-Chuck- Boom-Chuck].
- Next, determine what speed of waltz you want:
- If you want a Viennese Waltz (very fast waltz at 160-180 beats per minute) ( think Snow white, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella , Beauty and the Beast)
Can I have this dance
- slow Waltz (a walking tempo at 84 to 90 beats per minute). Like Richard Geer Shall we dance
Here is my list of tested and approved Wedding Waltz Songs.
Slow Waltz:
Here we go – Solid w/Seamus Blake
If I knew then – Lady Antebellum
Come Away with me – Nora Jones
True Love- the styles
If you don’t know me by now-Simply Red
You Light up my life – Debbie Boon
Play Me-Neil Diamond
Enchantment – Chris Spheeris
Three times a Lady-Commodores
Fascination-Nat King Cole
Take it to the limit- Eagles
Could I have this dance (for the rest of my life) – Ann Murrary
Open Arms – Journey, and by Mariah Carey
When I need you –
Enrichez-Vouz – Amarillis
Husbands and Wives- Neil Diamond
Don’t you know – Della Reese
Melody of love- Frank Sinatra
On the Way to the Sky – Neil Diamond
Under the bridges of Paris- Mask
The Godfather Waltz- The Sicilian
Rainbow Connection- Kermit or the Toners
Dark Waltz- Haley Westenra
Nevell’s Waltz- Harry potter
International & American Viennese Waltz Songs (Fast Waltz):
Gravity – John Mayer
Edward Scissorhand – Danny Elfman
You and me(wedding version) – Lifehouse
Never Tear us apart b- INXS
When I need you – Celine Dion
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Annie’s Song – John Denver
That’s Amore-Dean Martin
Have you ever Really Loved A Woman-Bryan Adams
Once upon a dream- Lana Del Rey
Once upon a Dream – Bill Shirley/ Mary Costa
It’s in the rain- Enya
A beautiful Mess – Jason Marz
Kiss from a rose- Seal
You and Me-Lifehouse
Years from now- DR. Hook
Les Valses de Vienne- Luigi Stephensen
time in a bottle-Jim Croce
Breakaway- Kelly Clarkson
Le Festin – Camille
Can I have this dance- High school musical
For more dance tips, join my email
or for personal wedding dance instruction, coaching or adult dance classes and lessons south of Denver, north of Highlands Ranch, east of Greenwood Village, west of Ken Caryl,
in Littleton contact:
Holly Collins
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips,
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of the Knot best wedding dance,
Winner of top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com
Thank you!
I was wondering if I was getting early-onset senility. I was trying to come up with some ideas last evening with my bride-to-be, who ‘ain’t got rhythm,’ as they say. So many “DJs” websites list songs that are NOT waltzes in their e.g.: “Wedding Waltz Songs” lists. Obviously there’s no requirement for a DJ to have any kind of musical training, or to check the accuracy of what they post on the Interweb.
Donald