The moment you and your groom take to the dance floor will be unforgettable! So we’ve composed a list of the best first dance songs for your wedding to help you find the perfect complement to this special occasion.
First, it’s important to figure out what type of mood you want to go for. Do you want to make sure there’s not a dry eye in the house with a slow ballad or heartfelt country song? Do you want your guests to get in the dancing mood with a smooth jazz tune? Perhaps you want to play it safe with a crowd-pleasing contemporary hit? Or you might even want to go out-of-the-box with an unexpected surprise! There’s absolutely no rule on what your first dance song should be. The main thing is that the song best represents the love between you and your partner!
Keep reading here to find some useful tips and our selection of the best first dance songs for your special day. From golden oldies to soulful classics, there will definitely be a song here for you!
How to pick your first dance song
It can be tricky to select just one song for that special moment when the attention is just on you and your partner. After all, everyone will be waiting to hear which beautiful song you’ve chosen to start the reception celebrations. So if you don’t have a special song, don’t worry you’ll be able to find the perfect song for you in no time!
1. Focus on The Lyrics
Our first and most important tip is to read the lyrics carefully. Remember, many beautiful ballads can actually be about heartbreak, which isn’t what you want to think about for your first dance! Think about whether the song reflects your relationship, and if you can relate to the lyrics as a couple.
2. Tempo and Timing
Consider the tempo of the song before you make your final decision. Upbeat songs can work better if you want to include choreography. Just make sure that you pick a beat that you feel comfortable dancing to. It helps to hire an instructor who can help you with this aspect of your wedding reception. You also want to match the energy of the room as a super slow ballad might make people around you impatient. Similarly, you want to get the timing right. It’s best not to go with a very long song. Try to use a shortened version if there’s a long song that you love.
3. Ask for Suggestions
If you’re really stuck on which option to go with, then don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help. Invite your bridal party over to talk about songs you love and relate to. They might remember a song that you had forgotten! Maybe one from your favorite movie! You can even create a vote on your wedding website with a few selections, but hide the result for your special day. If in doubt, Spotify will be your best friend when it comes to wedding playlists.
4. Be Unconventional
If you’re not a fan of the classics, then look for options that suit you better. Was there a song playing in the background on your first date? Or during your proposal? Is there a rock hit you love from your first concert together? You don’t have to go with traditional options, you just have to be true to yourself as a couple.
5. Take The Pressure Off
You don’t need to find the most perfect song of all time! You’ll reach a point where you just need to go with your gut, and remember it’s just one dance. The magical moment will ultimately be created by you and your partner, your guests and the love in the room, not just the song.
The Best Timeless First Dance Songs
1. “The Best Is Yet to Come” – Frank Sinatra
Key lyrics: “Come the day you’re mine/I’m gonna teach you to fly/We’ve only tasted the wine/We’re gonna drain the cup dry”
2. “Your Song” – Elton John
Key lyrics: “I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words/How wonderful life is while you’re in the world”
3. “At Last” – Etta James
Key lyrics: “At last my love has come along/My lonely days are over and life is like a song, oh yeah”
4. “Stand By Me” – Ben E King
Key lyrics: “As long as I know I got you right here/Right here by my side/Come on, come on, stand, stand right here”
5. “Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton
Key lyrics: “Do you feel all right?/And I say, “Yes, I feel wonderful tonight”
6. “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
Key lyrics: “The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night/And I think to myself what a wonderful world”
7. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Tony Bennett
Key lyrics: “There is nothing for me/But to love you/Just the way you look tonight”
8. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Key lyrics: “You’re just too good to be true/Can’t take my eyes off of you/You’d be like Heaven to touch/I wanna hold you so much”
9. ” L.O.V.E” – Nat King Cole
Key lyrics: “L is for the way you look at me/O is for the only one I see/V is very, very extraordinary/E is even more than anyone that you adore can”
10. “The Best Is Yet to Come” – Frank Sinatra
Key lyrics: “Come the day you’re mine/I’m gonna teach you to fly/We’ve only tasted the wine/We’re gonna drain the cup dry”
The Best Modern First Dance Songs
11. “All of Me” – John Legend
Key lyrics: “Give your all to me/I’ll give my all to you/You’re my end and my beginning”
12. “Sweetest Devotion” – Adele
Key lyrics: “You will only be eternally/The one that I belong to/The sweetest devotion”
13. “Lucky” – Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz
Key lyrics: “Lucky I’m in love with my best friend/Lucky to have been where I have been/Lucky to be coming home again”
14. “Perfect Duet” – Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
Key lyrics: “Darling, just hold my hand/Be my girl, I’ll be your man/I see my future in your eyes”
15. “Better Together” – Jack Johnson
Key lyrics: “And there is no combination of words I could say/But I will still tell you one thing/We’re better together”
16. “Everything” – Michael Bublé
Key lyrics: “It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing/You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything”
17. “You Are The Reason” – Calum Scott
Key lyrics: “And I’d climb every mountain/And swim every ocean/Just to be with you”
18. “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
Key lyrics: “Time has brought your heart to me/I have loved you for a thousand years”
19. “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” – Aerosmith
Key lyrics: “I don’t want to fall asleep/Cause I’d miss you baby/And I don’t want to miss a thing”
20. “Just The Way You Are” – Bruno Mars
Key lyrics: “When I see your face/There’s not a thing that I would change/’Cause you’re amazing/Just the way you are”
The Best Country/Folk First Dance Songs
21. “Home” – Phillip Phillips
Key lyrics: “Just know you’re not alone/’Cause I’m gonna make this place your home”
22. “Speechless” / Dan + Shay
Key lyrics: “Girl, it ain’t a secret/’Cause watchin’ you is all that I can do/Ooh ooh, I’m speechless”
23. “In Case You Didn’t Know” – Brett Young
Key lyrics: “In case you didn’t know/Baby, I’m crazy ’bout you/And I would be lyin’ if I said/That I could live this life without you”
24. “Good As Your” – Kane Brown
Key lyrics: “I just wanna wake up every day here in this bed/Never leave ‘I love you’ left unsaid”
25. “From This Moment On” – Shania Twain
Key lyrics: “From this moment/As long as I live/I will love you/I promise you this”
26. “Running Around In My Dreams” – Tyrone Wells
Key lyrics: “Hey, I finally found you/I’ve been dreaming about you, yeah/You are the girl that’s been running around in my”
27. “Fresh Eyes” – Andy Grammer
Key lyrics: “So suddenly, I’m in love with a stranger/I can’t believe that she’s mine”
28. “Bless The Broken Road” – Rascal Flatts
Key lyrics: “This much I know is true/That God blessed the broken road/That led me straight to you”
29. “Forever After All” – Luke Combs
Key lyrics: “They say nothing lasts forever/But they ain’t seen us together”
30. “Amazed” – Lonestar
Key lyrics: “Every little thing that you do/Baby, I’m amazed by you”
The Best R&B/Soul First Dance Songs
31. “Endless Love” – Lionel Richie
Key lyrics: “You mean the world to me (oh)/I know, I know/I’ve found, I’ve found in you/My endless love”
32. “You Send Me” – Sam Cooke
Key lyrics: “I know you send me/Whoa-oh, you, you, you, you send me/Honest you do (Do, do, do, do)”
33. “If I Ain’t Got You” – Alicia Keys
Key lyrics: “But everything means nothing/If I ain’t got you, yeah”
34. “Love On Top” – Beyonce
Key lyrics: “Baby, it’s you/You’re the one I love/You’re the one I need/You’re the only one I see”
35. “Love Like This” – Faith Evans
Key lyrics: “I never knew there was a/Love like this before (A love like this before, no)”
36. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love” – Natalie Cole
Key lyrics: “I’m so glad, you found me in time/And I’m so glad that you’ve rectified my mind/This will be, an everlasting love for me”
37. “My Girls” – Otis Redding
Key lyrics: “I guess you’d say/What can make me feel this way?/My girl (my girl, my girl)”
38. “Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
Key lyrics: “Oh baby/Let’s, let’s stay together (‘gether)/Lovin’ you whether, whether/Times are good or bad, happy or sad”
39. “XO” – Beyonce
Key lyrics: “Your face is all that I see/I’ll give you everything/Baby love me lights out”
40. “Marry Me” – Jason Derulo
Key lyrics: “Nothing else would ever be better, better/The day when I/I’ll say, will you marry me?”
The Best Indie/Alternative First Dance Songs
41. “You and I” – Ingrid Michaelson
Key lyrics: “Let’s get rich and build our house on a mountain/Making everybody look like ants/From way up there, you and I, you and I”
42. “Grow Old With Me” – Tom Odell
Key lyrics: “Grow old with me/Let us share what we see/And oh the best it could be/Just you and I”
43. “Just You And I” – Tom Walker
Key lyrics: “Cause my darling, you and I/Could take over the world/One step at a time”
44. “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
Key lyrics: “I belong with you, you belong with me/You’re my sweetheart”
45. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” – Kina Grannis
Key lyrics: “Take my hand/Take my whole life too/For I can’t help falling in love with you”
46. “You and Me” – Lifehouse
Key lyrics: “And it’s you and me/And all of the people/And I don’t know why/I can’t keep my eyes off of you”
47. “You Are The Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
Key lyrics: “Hearts are strong, and our hearts are kind/Well, let me tell you just exactly what’s on my mind/You are the best thing”
48. “All About Us” – He Is We
Key lyrics: “‘Cause lovers dance when they’re feeling in love/Spotlight’s shining/It’s all about us”
49. “More Than Anyone” – Gavin DeGraw
Key lyrics: “I’m gonna love you more than anyone/I’m gonna hold you closer than before”
50. “Lucky” – Colbie Caillat & Jason Mraz
Key lyrics: “Lucky I’m in love with my best friend/Lucky to have been where I have been/Lucky to be coming home again”
Once you’ve selected which of these best first dance songs you’re going to choose, it’s time to get practicing your moves! If you need more music inspiration, such as the best Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To, then head over to WedBoard where you’ll also find everything you need to start planning your destination wedding including the most beautiful venues and talented vendors in places like Italy and beyond!
In the meanwhile, if you still need help on the inspiration front, you can check out a range of articles from decoration ideas and wedding food, to wedding style, wedding flowers and much more! Make sure that your wedding planning is stress-free with our endless number of tips.
Featured image: By Julieta
