Choosing the perfect first dance song is no simple matter. You want it to be romantic. You want your guests to love it. And you want it to embody your relationship leading up to this point.
If you’re reading this, obviously you haven’t found The One yet and you need a little help. Read on for the first dance song ideas that are sure to inspire.
Why do couples do a first dance?
The common reason is that, just like the formal balls of days gone by, the guests of honor would open the dance. In this case, at a wedding, it’s the married couple.
What does the first dance symbolize?
The first dance was considered the official opening of dancing by the newly married couple who were the guests of honor. It shows the love and unity between the new couple.
Best First Dance Songs
First dance songs are an essential part of any wedding reception, and choosing the right song can set the tone for the entire evening. Here are ten popular first dance songs that can help make your wedding memorable.
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- “All of Me” by John Legend
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- “Marry Me” by Train
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Unique First Dance Wedding Songs
The first dance at your wedding is going to be the most significant dance and one you want to remember for a long time. You will want to enjoy this time with your partner and savor it, but you will want your guests to enjoy it too. So, choosing your first dance song is no simple matter at all.
- “Wonderwall” by Ryan Adams
- “God Only Knows” by She & Him
- “Higher Love” by James Vincent McMorrow
- “That’s What’s Up” by Lennon & Maisy
- “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- “When You’re Smiling” by Louis Armstrong
- “The Very Thought Of You” by Nat King Cole
- “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Frank Sinatra
- “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
If you are both huge fans of the Wednesday series, you can create a dance that was inspired by it, with the song by The Cramps – Goo Goo Muck. Check out the video, work on it together with your partner, or, if you’re not too experienced in dancing, hire a choreographer for a few lessons. This will be iconic!
Some couples want the classics of popular music that we all know and recognize, but others would prefer unique first dance songs. Whatever it is you’re looking for, unusual first dance wedding songs or songs that speak to your relationship, you can find inspiration here.
- Try to decide on the genre you want, country, pop, rock, classical, or R&B. The type of dance you have in mind can help you decide this too.
- Once you’ve determined the style of song and dance, you can then consider the lyrics of the songs in this genre and find which best fits your situation. We offer you our list of unique wedding songs to help make this easier.
Check out this playlist for your first dance!
Great Oldies Songs For First Dance
Your 1st dance wedding song inspiration starts by breaking down your options into genres, and that’s exactly how you should make your choice. Go through each section and discover the style that you connect with most. Once you’ve determined a style, consider all of the love song’s lyrics and rhythm formats until you’ve narrowed it down.
Some examples of these songs are as follows:
- “Always and Forever” by Heatwave
- “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters
- “To the Aisle” by The Five Satins
- “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “A Lover’s Concerto” by The Toys
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
- “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge
- “Cherish” by The Association
- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
You’re not dancing alone. To make the most of the moment sit down as a couple and have a discussion about what you’re hoping for, what you definitely don’t want, and what you’re willing to compromise on.
Songs from the above list may hold a special place in your heart, but perhaps they’re just not quite right for your first dance as husband and wife. If that’s the case, keep them in mind for the father-daughter or mother-son dance. Chances are the first time you heard any of these songs was in the back seat of the family car while your parents sang along. That’s certainly a memory worth reliving.
Instant Poll
If you had to pick one of these songs for your first dance, which would it be?
Popular First Dance Song Ideas
Your next options come from sampling a popular first dance song or two. Most often you’ll find pop songs on Top 40s lists, but there are plenty of other pop song sources these days, and hidden gems are often where the best wedding first dance songs come from.
A few examples of this specific genre of songs are:
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
- “Delicate” by Taylor Swift
- “Deeper” by Tamia
- “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott, Leona Lewis
- “This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “Amazed” by Lonestar
- “All of Me” by John Legend
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- “Everything I Do I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams
- “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
- “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
- “Your Song” by Elton John
It’s more difficult to choose from a list of modern top wedding first dance songs due to the massive variety of sources and subcultures of music these days. There are YouTube stars, Top 40s, Indie, Spotify stars , and so much more. Each one of these musical categories can be accurately referred to as “pop songs” but if they exist outside of your musical bubble you (or your audience) will find it difficult to connect. Choose new wedding songs that are tremendously personal, but try to make sure that it’s familiar enough for your guests to recognize.
Best Country First Dance Songs
Your criteria for choosing the perfect first dance song doesn’t end there. You also have to consider your wedding theme. Country songs would seem out of place at a traditional wedding, but a country wedding song first dance would feel right at home in a barn or rustic wedding.
Some examples of great country wedding songs are:
- “Johnny Cash Heart” by Caleb Lee Hutchinson
- “Speechless” by Dan + Shay
- “I Swear” by John Michael Montgomery
- “Lost in This Moment” by Big & Rich
- “Johnny And June” by Heidi Newfield
- “Amazed” by Lonestar
- “When I Said I Do” by Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black
- “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw
- “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts
- “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait
- “Come A Little Closer” by Dierks Bentley
- “Love Your Love the Most” by Eric Church
A few years back, country music was strictly for audiences of a particular taste. But, as proven by Lil Nas (mashups and crossovers are great best country first dance songs) country is now a style that spans genres. Since the country music style is defined by a passion for love and for living, it’s a very practical genre to choose from.
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Top First Dance Songs
If you’re really stuck, why not choose from a list of time-tested and proven songs? Top first dance songs from generous gone by have stood the test of time and have the unique ability to resonate with the entire audience.
Below we will list 10 songs past and present and their artists that are excellent wedding dance choices.
- “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
- “Only One” by James Taylor
- “My Girl” by The Temptations
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
- “I’ll Be There” by Jackson 5
- “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban
- “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
- “Whatever It Is” by Zac Brown Band
- “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Sure they’ve been done before, but people love these good first dance songs! Even though you’re compromising on originality, you’ll more than makeup for it in depth of emotion and meaning, just like a wedding ring. Sure you can wear the most modern custom engagement ring on your finger. But, if you had the chance to accept a simple gold ring with a solitaire diamond that’s been passed along the family tree since the time of Cleopatra, you’d probably jump at the chance.
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Modern First Dance Songs
It can be a little risky to choose modern first dance songs since tastes and trends come and go so quickly. But, choose the right one and you’ll have the entire guest list tapping their toes. Or, if you choose a song themed around Love as the list belong, you’ll have them holding back tears.
- “Xo” by Beyoncé
- “She keeps me warm” by Mary Lambert
- “My House” by Kacey Musgraves
- “I found you” by Alabama Shakes
- “Marry me” by Train
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam
- “I Have Always Loved You” by Enrique Iglesias
- “Marry you” by Bruno Mars
- “All of me” by John Legend
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
- “Delicate” by Taylor Swift
Beyond musical styling, you also have to consider your physical dance abilities. Pop songs tend to be a little more upbeat. In order to thoroughly indulge in a song from this category, which is often accompanied by choreographed moves, you’ll have to be comfortable with your dance floor skills. Make sure to choose a song that you can keep up with.
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BONUS: Wedding Playlist For The First Dance
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What You Need To Know Before You Pick Your First Dance Songs
First of all, while picking your first dance songs, you need to know the musical taste of your partner. In order to find a suitable selection sometimes compromises must be made to suit the tastes of both individuals. In general, the wedding music needs to have a deep meaning to both parties. While it doesn’t always have to be a sappy, intimate song, an introduction may be necessary to explain why you have picked a particular song for this occasion.
Classical American songs have also become a popular choice for this first dance and are being used more and more widely. However, the most popular of all options would have to be the slow dance songs. The reason for this is based on tradition.
Traditionally, the couple shares a sweet, intimate moment, proudly displaying their love and affection for all to see. Another option for picking this song could be pulling a page out of your parents’ wedding dance. To do this you could also use their first dance wedding song as your own in a tribute to their love and guidance in being an example of love and commitment.
All in all, the options for picking the first dance song are vast and are ultimately the choice of the happy couple to pick their very own love song.
As long as you talk it out as a couple and manage to balance your personal preferences and the enjoyment of your guests, you can’t really go wrong. The first dance is a magical moment between the new bride and groom that will be talked about for months and remembered for a lifetime. Make sure to have some fun with it.
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