Table of Contents
Planning your wedding involves countless decisions, and choosing the perfect first dance song is one of the most meaningful. This special moment sets the tone for your celebration and creates a lasting memory for you and your guests. To help you find the ideal tune, we’ve put together a list of 60 beloved first dance songs that have stood the test of time and continue to capture hearts.
From classic crooners to modern pop hits, this collection offers something for every couple. Let’s take a closer look at some of these romantic melodies and why they might be the right fit for your big day.
Ed Sheeran – “Perfect”
Etta James – “At Last”
John Legend – “All of Me”
Elvis Presley – “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
Christina Perri – “A Thousand Years”
Adele – “Make You Feel My Love”
Dan + Shay – “Speechless”
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Jason Mraz – “I’m Yours”
Ellie Goulding – “Love Me Like You Do”
James Arthur – “Say You Won’t Let Go”
Norah Jones – “Come Away With Me”
Michael Bublé – “Everything”
Jack Johnson – “Better Together”
Ben E. King – “Stand by Me”
Al Green – “Let’s Stay Together”
Bruno Mars – “Just the Way You Are”
Alicia Keys – “If I Ain’t Got You”
Lonestar – “Amazed”
Shania Twain – “From This Moment On”
Savage Garden – “Truly Madly Deeply”
Van Morrison – “Someone Like You”
Train – “Marry Me”
Tim McGraw – “My Best Friend”
Keith Urban – “Making Memories of Us”
Hunter Hayes – “Wanted”
Rascal Flatts – “Bless the Broken Road”
Frank Sinatra – “The Way You Look Tonight”
Louis Armstrong – “What a Wonderful World”
Harry Connick Jr. – “It Had to Be You”
Sara Bareilles – “I Choose You”
Ingrid Michaelson – “The Way I Am”
Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – “Endless Love”
Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
The Temptations – “My Girl”
Eric Clapton – “Wonderful Tonight”
Bill Withers – “Just the Two of Us”
Lana Del Rey – “Young and Beautiful”
Aerosmith – “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”
Coldplay – “Yellow”
Nat King Cole – “Unforgettable”
Sade – “By Your Side”
The Beatles – “Something”
Florence + The Machine – “Stand By Me”
Iron & Wine – “Flightless Bird, American Mouth”
Otis Redding – “That’s How Strong My Love Is”
Billy Joel – “Just the Way You Are”
Fleetwood Mac – “Songbird”
Peter Gabriel – “In Your Eyes”
Chantal Kreviazuk – “Feels Like Home”
Dixie Chicks – “Easy Silence”
Celine Dion – “Because You Loved Me”
Leona Lewis – “Bleeding Love”
Dolly Parton – “I Will Always Love You”
Norah Jones – “Don’t Know Why”
Bryan Adams – “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You”
Rod Stewart – “Have I Told You Lately”
Nat King Cole – “L-O-V-E”
Roberta Flack – “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You”
Choosing Your Perfect First Dance Song
Picking the right first dance song is a deeply personal decision that depends on your tastes as a couple, your love story, and the atmosphere you want to create at your wedding. Here are some tips to help you make this important choice:
Consider Your Love Story
Think about songs that have been meaningful in your relationship. Was there a song playing when you first met or had your first kiss? Do you have a song you always sing together in the car? These personal connections can make your first dance even more special.
Think About Lyrics
Pay attention to the words of the song. Do they reflect how you feel about each other? Are they appropriate for a wedding setting? Some songs might sound romantic but have lyrics that don’t quite fit the occasion.
Dance Ability
Consider how easy the song is to dance to. If you’re not confident dancers, a slower song with a steady beat might be easier to move to. If you’re planning a choreographed routine, you might want something more upbeat or dramatic.
Length of the Song
Most first dances last about 2-3 minutes. If your chosen song is longer, you might want to fade it out early or have your DJ prepare a shortened version.
Match Your Wedding Style
Your first dance song can complement the overall style of your wedding. A classic jazz standard might suit a formal ballroom wedding, while an acoustic indie track could be perfect for a rustic outdoor celebration.
Get Input (But Make the Final Decision Together)
While it’s fine to ask for opinions from family and friends, remember that this is your moment. Choose a song that feels right for you as a couple, even if it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Making Your First Dance Memorable
Your first dance is more than just the song you choose. Here are some ways to make this moment truly special:
Take Dance Lessons
Even a few lessons can boost your confidence and help you feel more comfortable on the dance floor. You don’t need to prepare an elaborate routine – even learning how to move together smoothly can make a big difference.
Practice in Your Wedding Shoes
If you’re wearing new shoes for the wedding, practice dancing in them. This is especially important for brides wearing heels they’re not used to.
Consider Your Dress
Brides should think about how their dress will move during the dance. If you have a very full skirt or a long train, you might want to bustle it for easier movement.
Plan the Beginning and End
Decide how you’ll start the dance (Walking onto the dance floor together? Starting in hold?) and how you’ll end it (A dip? A kiss? A simple pose?). Having these moments planned can help you feel more prepared.
Don’t Forget to Breathe and Smile
It’s normal to feel nervous, but try to relax and enjoy the moment. Your guests are there to celebrate you, not judge your dance moves.
Consider a Surprise Element
Some couples choose to start with a slow song and then transition into an upbeat number, sometimes inviting their guests to join them on the dance floor. This can be a fun way to kick off the dancing portion of your reception.
Alternatives to Traditional First Dances
While the songs on our list are popular choices, remember that your first dance should reflect you as a couple. Here are some alternative ideas:
Mashups and Medleys
Can’t decide on just one song? Consider creating a mashup or medley of several meaningful tracks.
Live Performance
If your budget allows, you could hire a live band or singer to perform your chosen song. Or, if you or your partner are musically inclined, you could even perform for each other!
Parent Dances
Some couples choose to incorporate dances with their parents into their first dance, creating a beautiful family moment.
Group Dance
If you’re uncomfortable being the center of attention, consider inviting your wedding party or all your guests to join you on the dance floor from the start.
Final Thoughts
Your first dance as a married couple is a beautiful, intimate moment amid the whirlwind of your wedding day. Whether you choose a timeless classic like “At Last” by Etta James, a contemporary hit like “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, or something completely unique to you, the most important thing is that it feels right for you and your partner.
Remember, there’s no “perfect” first dance – only the one that’s perfect for you. So take your time, listen to lots of options, and choose a song that makes you both smile and want to dance. After all, this is just the beginning of the many dances you’ll share throughout your married life.
