Not every couple wants to dance to the usual wedding staples by Ed Sheeran and John Legend. If you’re looking for a beautiful and unique song for your first dance, here are a few suggestions that could be perfect for such a special moment.

State of Grace, Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift may be today’s biggest popstar, but this song from her 2012 album Red wasn’t released as a single and has never received the airtime it deserves. From with its swelling guitar riffs, this song is an emotional account of what it feels like to find love in the mundane and unexpected.

Seven Seas, Golden Youth

Golden Youth is a relatively new band that formed in California in 2012. This song appears in their first studio album, Quiet Frame; Light Mind. A quiet song with a steady, infectious beat, “Seven Seas” tells a story of love that crosses distances.

Between Two Lungs, Florence + The Machine

From Florence + The Machine’s first album Lungs, this song is a soft, whispery tune that beautifully describes the anatomy of a kiss. Though it’s upbeat and not exactly the most appropriate choice for a slow dance, Between Two Lungs is perfect for couples who want to feel like they’re dancing alone in a room full of people.

Ho Hey, The Lumineers

“Ho Hey” is the most recognizable song from indie folk group The Lumineers. Released in 2012, this song is a fun anthem for finding the perfect love after a few setbacks.

La Vie En Rose, Louis Armstrong

Originally released in 1947 by Edith Piaf, “La Vie En Rose” is a popular song that you won’t typically hear in most millennial’s wedding. The title refers to the idiom “life through rose-tinted glasses”. This English version by Louis Armstrong is soulful and sincere, perfect for a couple planning to have a vintage-themed wedding party.

Heroes, David Bowie

Musical legend David Bowie’s “Heroes” can also be the perfect soundtrack for a quirky couple’s first dance. This upbeat, art rock song talks about a love that’s so invincible and powerful that it can overcome all odds. Who can argue with that?

When it comes to choosing a song for your first dance, you’re free to be as cheesy and as sentimental as you like. Take these suggestions to find a song that fits both your personalities and your story as a couple. If there’s this one 80’s ballad that reminds you of the first time you rode the bus together, then you shouldn’t be afraid to dance it out together in front of all your guests. In the end, all that really matters is that you both enjoy yourselves and are able to share your love with all your family and friends.

The post 7 Off The Radar Love Songs For Your First Dance appeared first on The Top Knotters.

If a wedding is a climax to the perfect love story, it follows that such a momentous occasion merits an unforgettable setting.

In a country like the Philippines where exotic destinations abound, it can be tempting to say “I do” against the warm orange glow of a sunset by the beach.

What can be more romantic than having nature’s own work of art as a backdrop to a commitment you’ll make only once in your lifetime?

If this sounds like your dream wedding, ask yourself: is a destination wedding the right choice for me and my partner? Before the two of you can ride off into the sunset, take note of these tips and be mindful of the pros and cons of destination weddings.

Pro: It’s easy to keep the ceremony simple…

As you can imagine, planning for destination weddings can involve some complications. This isn’t always a bad thing.  Because of certain limitations, a destination wedding is perfect for couples who want to keep their ceremony simple. To avoid unnecessary logistical problems, keep your focus on the most important details and forgo anything else that might seem more extravagant.

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Con: …but this doesn’t necessarily translate to fewer complications and planning expenses

Still, even with a more streamlined wedding, the whole process of planning long-distance requires plenty of time. It can also set you back financially. Be prepared to spend on your guests’ food and accommodations. Make sure you set the date early. Do plenty of research about your chosen destination and learn more about the local wedding suppliers there. It would help if you can work with a planner that has plenty of experience arranging destination weddings.

Pro: It’s perfect for an intimate gathering…

A destination wedding is perfect for couples who want to have a more intimate celebration. Because of the aforementioned restrictions, it’s best to keep your wedding party limited to each of your families and close friends. As long as you’re not particularly enamored by the idea of having 200 guests in your wedding, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t say “I do” in Boracay.

Con: …but a limited guest list can lead to hurt feelings

Of course, limiting your guest list to only a specific number of people can be easier said than done. An intimate gathering can often lead to a lot of hurt feelings, with some friends and distant relatives feeling left out of your special day. This is a social minefield, not every couple wants to deal with.

Pro: You can combine your wedding and honeymoon by choosing your dream locale

Instead of planning a separate trip for your honeymoon, you can simply hold your wedding in that exotic locale you and your partner have always wanted to visit. You can simply extend your stay after the wedding party is over.

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Con: …but some of your guests might have a hard time taking time off to travel for your wedding

Just take note that by choosing to hold your wedding in a far-off destination, some of your guests might not be able to attend. Some of your friends might have a hard time getting off work. Some might not be able to afford the journey. Your grandparents and other older guests might find it difficult to travel far away from home. Avoid these problems by finalizing your guest list before deciding on a destination. Talk to the essential guests and let them know of your plans, so you can adjust accordingly.

A destination wedding promises a serene and picturesque ceremony that can be hard to achieve in the busy rush of an urban area. However, they can also be difficult organize. As long as you’re ready to undertake the unique challenges that come with planning a destination wedding, you’ll see that the benefits will easily outweigh its disadvantages.

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