First Dance Wedding Songs Chosen By Real Couples
Know popular first dance songs to help you select a song for YOUR moment as a married couple.
Updated on September 20, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)
Spotify First Dance Playlist
New First Dance Songs
- “Last Love” by Jon Mullins (Pop – 2022)
- “Love You Anyway” by Luke Combs (Country – 2023)
- “This Is” by Ella Mai (R&B – 2023)
- “‘Never Til Now” by Ashley Cooke, Brett Young (Country – 2022)
- “Baby Will You Love Me” by MAJOR. (R&B – 2023)
- “Better Part of Me” by SYML, Sara Watkins (Indie – 2022)
- “First Date (Acoustic)” by Taylor Acorn (Rock – 2022)
- “Who I Am With You” by Tucker Beathard (Country – 2023)
- “Our Time” by Roo Panes (Folk – 2023)
- “Pointless” by Lewis Capaldi (Pop – 2022)
Trending First Dance Wedding Songs
- “Ain’t Met Us Yet” by Matt Cooper (Country – 2021)
- “Always Been You” by Kylie Morgan (Country – 2022)
- “Before You” by Benson Boone (Pop – 2022)
- “Biblical” by Calum Scott (Pop – 2021)
- “Conversations in the Dark” by John Legend (R&B – 2020)
- “DO 4 LOVE” by Snoh Aalegra (R&B – 2021)
- “Forever and Ever and Always” by Ryan Mack (Pop – 2022)
- “Glimpse Of Us” by Joji (Pop – 2022)
- “Golden Hour” by JVKE (Pop – 2022)
- “I Didn’t Know” by Sofia Carson (Vocal/Pop – 2022)
- “It’s Always Been You” by Phil Wickman (Christian – 2021)
- “On My Way (Marry Me)” by Jennifer Lopez (Pop – 2021)
- “Someone” by Aaron Lewis (Country – 2022)
- “still into you (first dance cover)” by Isabella Kensington (Pop – 2022)
- “Take My Hand” by Parmalee (Country – 2021)
- “Thank God” by Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown (Country – 2022)
- “Tough Ones” by Cooper Alan (Country – 2021)
- “Twin Flame” by Machine Gun Kelly (Alternative – 2022)
- “World Before You” by Lauren Duski (Country – 2022)
- “You” by Dan + Shay (Country – 2021)
The best advice is to select a first dance song that is something meaningful for you as a couple.
I cannot name all the great first dance songs. This is why I have listed the most popular and unique wedding first dance songs around the United States.
If you need more ideas, see a list of the best wedding music.
My Wedding Songs is a reader-supported website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission but also support the artists.
Pop Songs
Last Love – Jon Mullins
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Who cares about history / That’s all in the past / I knew the first time that I saw you / You’d be my last / Last love”
A song about meeting someone you love and how they will be your forever love and not love anyone else.
Heaven – Calum Scott
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “They say it’s better, but how could that be? / If everyone had a love like us / They wouldn’t call that place above, Heaven”
A romantic song telling your lover that you are in Heaven being with them.
The Joker And The Queen – Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “With a single word / And a gentle touch / You turned a moment / Into forever”
A slow folk ballad (waltz dance). The lyrics use a card game analogy to explain love.
Amazing – Teddy Swims
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You make me wanna pick a handful of wildflowers / They remind me of you / Natural beauty don’t come from you spending hours / God just gave it to you”
Swim’s raspy voice describes the love of their lover and how they amaze him/her.
Lifetime – Justin Bieber
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Some people come in your life for a reason / Others they come in your life for a season / But baby, you are a lifetime”
The song tells a love story about how they wish to spend their whole life together.
FOREVER IS – Norman Kerner
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Forever is a dream a come true / I’m gonna spend the rest of my life with you”
A song that was written specifically for a first dance describing a newlywed’s first dance.
Butterflies – MAX, Ali Gatie
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You won’t stop runnin’ through my mind / For the rest of both our lives / You give me butterflies”
The song highlights how your lover will always give you love butterflies every time you look at them.
Imagine (Acoustic) – Ben Platt
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I can’t imagine my life without you / I can’t imagine one night without you / If something happened, don’t know what I’d do”
You can choose the original mid-tempo version or this slower version talking about how you can not live without your life partner.
Our Song (Acoustic) – Ron Pope
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “So won’t you take my hand / Take my heart / Promise to never stop dancing once we start / ‘Cause this is our song”
The first dance is one of the spotlight moments of the reception. This could be “your song” as the song describes.
Love Songs Ain’t for Us – Amy Shark, Keith Urban
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Perfect nights, it’s open doors / It’s feeling safe, it’s being sure / It’s a deep cut, crazy rush / To feel like us”
Not your typical love song lyrics (on purpose by Shark) but speaks of enjoying your kind of love.
Luckiest Man – Clark Beckham
Released in 2020
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “But baby I’m feeling / That if the end is tonight / Then the moment I die / I’d be the luckiest man to have been alive”
A song from a groom’s perspective about falling in love.
If You Love Her – Forest Blakk feat. Meghan Trainor
Released in 2020
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Stand side by side / And you’ll make it / She’s the best thing that you’ll ever have / She’ll love you If you love her like that”
(Also available as a solo with only Blakk). The song tells a story about how special a bride is to you.
I Am Yours – Andy Grammer
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You take my breath away every night / Still can’t believe it when you say you’re mine and / I am yours”
A song that fits the moment of newlyweds is now joined as one always.
Falling like the Stars – James Arthur
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “And I need you to know that we’re / Fallin’ so fast, we’re fallin’ like the stars / fallin’ in love”
Falling in love is a beautiful thing and this song will have Falling in love over and over again.
Lover (First Dance Remix) – Taylor Swift
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Forever and ever / Take me out, and take me home / You’re my, my, my, my lover”
Claim who your love is forever and ever!
You Are The Reason – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’d climb every mountain / And swim every ocean / Just to be with you”
You can select the solo or duet version. The song describes how their lover is the reason they live each day.
Moon River – Frank Ocean
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “My dream maker / Heartbreaker / Wherever you’re going I’m going the same”
A folky pop ballad describing a yearning for an adventurous life and starting something anew.
Love Someone – Lukas Graham
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I thought it’d be hard to find / The one ’til I found you / And I find it bittersweet / ‘Cause you gave me something to lose”
Loving someone through thick and thin is a journey and better when you have someone to share life with.
Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
Released in 2016
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I know I needed you / But I never showed / But I wanna stay with you until we’re grey and old”
Life is a rollercoaster. The song talks about spending life with someone who will stay on the ride with you forever.
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Released in 2013
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “How long will I love you? / As long as stars are above you / And longer if I may”
A song describing loving someone longer than forever.
Already selected your first dance song? Next, select a father-daughter dance song for the bride and her dad.
Country Tracks
That’s Why – Troy Cartwright
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause you’re in my arms / And I still lose myself every time I look in your eyes / That’s why”
A song describing why you love someone and they are your special someone.
Always Been You – Kylie Morgan
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “But I took your hand when you first held mine / ‘Cause it’s always been you / And I’ve always been your wife”
A song written specifically for a wedding day from the bride’s perspective.
That’s What Love Is – Alexandra Kay
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Felt like the rain would never quit / But you took my hand / And we slow-danced through all of it / And that’s what love is”
A love song about what love means in a relationship.
Dance Of A Lifetime – Drake Milligan
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “We’ll two-step together / And I’ll hold you closer / Each day I go through / This dance of a lifetime with you”
A two-step country song for a dance that starts your lifetime together.
You (Acoustic) – Dan + Shay
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I got you / For the rest of my life / And if all else goes wrong, baby / I’ll be alright, ’cause I got you”
A guitar acoustic version talking about you will be OK because you have each other.
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kacey Musgraves
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “For I can’t help / Falling in love with you / For I can’t help / Falling in love with you”
A very emotionally loving cover of the famous Elvis song from the film ELVIS.
Growing Old With You (First Dance Version) – Restless Road
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Raise some kids with our last name / Well, come on baby what you say we do? / I feel like growing old with you”
A story about spending the rest of your lives together.
Never Til Now – Ashley Cooke, Brett Young
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I never thought about turning ’round / Never saw myself with a white picket fence dug into the ground / Never ’til now”
A duet love song (also available as a solo with only Cooke) about thinking you were going to be alone until you met the love of your life.
I Choose You – Amanda Jordan
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “From now on this moment is more than enough / Until my days are through / I choose you”
A song featured on the TV show The Bachelor about choosing who you want to spend the rest of your life with.
Forever After All – Luke Combs
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Other things that I could look at my whole life / A love like that makes a man have second thoughts / Maybe some things last forever after all”
A song telling a story about how your love for each other will last forever.
My Person (Wedding Version) – Spencer Crandall
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “My reason for speedin’ home from work / My saving grace, my everything / I’ve never been more sure that you’re my person”
A slowed-down ballad from the original finding the person you want to spend forever with.
Always Gonna Love You (First Dance Version) – Alana Springsteen
Released in 2020
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I will always be in love with who you are / Right here, right now, with me tonight”
A love song speaking about being in love with the person you just married.
Joy of My Life – Chris Stapleton
Released in 2020
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “She takes me by the hand / I am the luckiest man alive / Did I tell you, baby / You are the joy of my life”
A song from a man’s point of view describing how happy he is with his partner in his life.
Nobody But You – Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Wanna wake up with you next to me / I don’t wanna go down any other road now / I don’t wanna love nobody but you”
A song about only wanting to spend the rest of your life with your new spouse.
Prayed For You – Matt Stell
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s hard to imagine, bigger than I could fathom / I didn’t know you from Adam, but I prayed for you”
A great lyrical song about finding the one you love through everyone in the world.
Speechless – Dan + Shay
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I thank God you can read my mind / ‘Cause when you look at me with those eyes / I’m speechless”
A song about seeing your lover and loving her every time you look at her.
Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I was hiding in doubt ’til you brought me out of my chrysalis / And I came out new / All because of you”
A song about finding the love of your life and how you felt.
Beautiful Crazy – Luke Combs
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Yeah, she’s crazy / But her crazy’s beautiful to me”
A song about how you will love and accept your wife the way she is no matter what.
Heaven – Kane Brown
Released in 2017
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause, I don’t know how, I don’t know how heaven, heaven / Could be better than this”
A love ballad describing how your love for each other is better than life in heaven.
The Rest of Our Life – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Released in 2017
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “If my waistline grows, I’ll be fine / Even if time takes its toll / We’ll stay young for the rest of our lives”
A love story about how you will stick with each other forever no matter who you become.
In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young
Released in 2017
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I don’t tell you all the time / You had my heart a long, long time ago / In case you didn’t know”
A love song reminding your partner how much you love them.
Promise to Love Her – Blane Howard
Released in 2017
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I promise to love her / With all that I have / I’ll put nothing above her / And I won’t turn my back”
What better way to spend your dance dancing than by promising to love her forever?
From the Ground Up – Dan + Shay
Released in 2016
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “For worse or for better / And I will be all you need / Beside you I’ll stand through the good and the bad / We’ll give all that we have / And we’ll build this love from the ground up”
A song about a relationship that is built on love and trust and how they will make it through anything together.
Grow Old – Florida Georgia Line
Released in 2016
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Laugh about all the times we counted pennies / Buy some land with a good view to start a family / Baby grow old with me”
If you are starting a new life together, this song talks about building a life together.
Yours – Russell Dickerson
Released in 2016
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You make me better than I was before / Thank God I’m yours”
A song giving thanks to God that you found “the one” and that they are yours.
Grooms – Don’t forget about your mom! Pick a Mother-Son dance song for a Mom and groom dance.
Indie Tunes
Sweet Symphony – Joy Oladokun, Chris Stapleton
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Loving you’s a sweet, sweet symphony / That all of Heaven and Earth join to sing”
A loving song talking about being in love.
One Day Less – Anson Seabra
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re Heaven-sent / And I hope you know / That when you go back to the sky / I’ll welcome you home”
Imagine loving someone so much that you want to die at least one day before them just so that you could greet them into heaven.
I GUESS I’M IN LOVE – Clinton Kane
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re everything that I want, but I didn’t think I’d find / Someone who is worth the wait of all the years of my heartbreak / But I know now I found the one I love”
A love song describing a journey to finding the one you love.
Made to Love You – Drew Angus
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Hearts were made to beat / hands were made to hold / now with you in front of me”
If you are looking for a similar artist to Ed Sheeran that is not played at every wedding, this is your song!
You – Louyah
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “No, it’s not your fault / I’ve been searchin’ for you / I’ve been waitin’ for you”
A song about what you feel about being in love with someone.
Amen – John Adams
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh darling I’ve stopped praying for someone / Since you came along, so / Amen”
A song about giving praise for finding the one you love always.
Evermore – Hollow Coves
Released in 2020
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “That day I came to find / That you are all / I was hoping for / It’s you I’ll call / My evermore”
A very romantic slow song telling the one you love you will love them forever.
I Get to Love You – Ruelle
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s a promise I’m making to you / Whatever may come your heart I will choose / Forever I’m yours, forever I do”
A song about how happy you are that you get to spend the rest of your life with the one you love.
I’m With You – Vance Joy
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “How does it start? / And when does it end? / Only been here for a moment, but I know I want you / Darling, I do / I’m with you”
A song about meeting the love of your life and wanting to spend the rest of your life with each other.
I Choose You – Ryann Darling
Released in 2017
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “No turning back / And every day, every moment / Every breath you take / I choose you”
This song was written specifically for your wedding day describing how you choose the rest of your lives together.
The One – Kodaline
Released in 2015
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You make my whole world feel so right when it’s wrong / That’s how I know you are the one”
Confessing to your partner that they are the one and only.
Never Stop (Wedding Version) – SafetySuit
Released in 2012
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “And with this love song to you / It’s not a momentary phase / You are my life, I don’t deserve you”
What if you loved someone so much they thought they didn’t deserve you and they will never stop loving you?
This list is for the first dance. Pick songs for the wedding couple (bride and groom) to dance at the end of the night too. Maybe for a private last dance?
Folk Hits
If I Didn’t Love You – Ben Abraham
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Would I be drifting / With nowhere to land? / I don’t know what I’d do / If I didn’t love you”
A love song that explains that I would be lost without you.
You’re the One (Acoustic) – Luca Fogale
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “So bend the rules / Or break them all / You and I / The same old cloth”
A romantic love song of love’s dedication to another.
Forever From Now – Sheffield
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I will love you forever from now / And I will hold you like no one’s around / Forever from now”
A love dedication that I will love you forever, forever from now. Beautiful!
I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis
Released in 2017
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh believe me / I’ve been counting my stars / Cause I will spend my whole life / Loving you”
A married couple in real life professing their forever love to each other.
Touching Heaven – Johnnyswim
Released in 2016
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You’ve been my glimpse of Kingdom right from the start / And you got me touching heaven”
A song describing how happy they are to be with each other.
You Are The Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne
Released in 2008
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You please me, you don’t even have to try / Oh, because / You are the best thing”
A very popular mid-tempo love song that shares how wonder the other makes them feel.
Have fun at your reception. See a list of party songs to sing your heart out!
R&B Songs
Luckiest Man – Chris Brown
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Consider me the luckiest man in the world / ‘Cause you’re my girl”
A song that describes a man that thinks he is the luckiest man in the world and is ready to pop the question.
Love of My Life – Sentury
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “And everything’s all by the way / When I grow older / I will be there at your side to remind you how I still love you”
A song describing how they want you part of their life and will love you forever.
Incomplete – Jay Sean
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Never know when it could be different / If there was no you, I’d be, I’d be incomplete”
Imagine loving someone so much that you are incomplete without them.
Anything For You (The Duet) – Ledisi & PJ Morton
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You are my life (my life), one means us two / (I’ll do) anything, anything for you”
A soulful duet love song on how you would do anything for your lover.
17 – Pink Sweat$
Released in 2021
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I wanna love you as strong / When we’re ninety-two, the same as seventeen”
A love song telling about loving someone from high school until old.
Collide – Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “And I love you religiously / With everything inside of me / As long as I’m / As long as I’m alive”
A romantic love song from the movie Queen & Slim. It talks about being alive with your lover.
Sent From Heaven – Rahsaan Patterson
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “A beautiful expression / An expression of love so glorious / Yeah, yeah, you are / Sent from heaven”
A sexy and romantic love song about finding the love of your life.
Find Someone Like You – Snoh Aalegra
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “And even when it’s bad, I love you / I’ve been waitin’ my whole life, to find someone like you”
A love song talking about finding the one person who makes you whole and wants to spend the rest of your life with.
Today I Do – Tamia
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “So here I stand, baby this isn’t pretend / Oh, today I do / Today I’m saying I do to you”
A perfect wedding day song as it describes that today you will dedicate your life to your life partner every day.
Beyond – Leon Bridges
Released in 2018
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Will she have my kids? Will she be my wife? / She might just be my everything and beyond”
A soulful romantic love song about realizing you found your wife. There is also a version with Luke Combs too.
Best Part – H.E.R. feat. Daniel Caesar
Released in 2017
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Where you go I follow / No matter how far / If life is a movie / Oh you’re the best part”
A duet love song saying that your lover is the best part of your relationship.
Why I Love You – MAJOR.
Released in 2016
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Every moment that you smile chases all of the pain away / Forever and a while in my heart is where you’ll stay”
A love song describing why you love someone.
Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend
Released in 2015
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I won’t take you for granted / ‘Cause we’ll never know when, when we’ll run out of time / So I’m gonna love you like I’m gonna lose you”
A love story that tells you to enjoy every moment with your lover like it was your last.
All Of Me – John Legend
Released in 2013
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause all of me / Loves all of you”
One of the greatest modern love songs describing your dedication to your lover.
Everything – Mary J. Blige
Released in 1997
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Love so good (love so good, so good, so good, so good) only you can bring / You are my (you are my) everything”
The Queen of Hip Hop shines on this love dedication.
You can play slow dance songs so that relatives and couples can have a special dance
Rock Tracks
First Date (Acoustic) – Taylor Acorn
Released in 2022
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Let’s go, don’t wait, this nights almost over / Honest, let’s make this night last forever / Forever and ever, let’s make this last forever”
A beautiful cover of the Blink-182 song for pop-punk fans.
All Because of You – O.A.R.
Released in 2019
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ll be here forever / We’re so good when we’re together / Let me hold you ’til we’re older”
A song dedicated to the one you love and whom you want to spend the rest of your life with him/her.
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
Released in 2017
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Darling, just hold my hand / Be my girl, I’ll be your man / I see my future in your eyes”
This is THE most popular modern first dance song – yup, it’s the perfect love song.
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
Released in 2014
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Place your head on my beating heart / I’m thinking out loud / That maybe we found love right where we are”
LOL – the second most popular modern first dance song. So many love emotions.
Marry Me – Train
Released in 2010
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Marry me / Today and every day / Marry me”
What better way to spend your first dance as a married couple than stating “marry me”?
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Released in 2005
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s not always easy and / Sometimes life can be deceiving / I’ll tell you one thing / it’s always better when we’re together”
A free spirit mid-tempo song to show that you are a couple in love.
Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
Released in 1994
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “You put your hands into your head / And then its smiles cover your heart / Fade into you”
A bluesy rock song you could sway away while dancing on the clouds and fading away together.
Misc Tunes
Love Music – Lil Yachty
Released in 2021, Genre: Hip Hop
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “Good things about you and your ways / All I ever do is think of you (yeah) / Think of you and me holding hands”
A mid-tempo song that you could call your own and how you want to spend your life with your lover.
When I Say I Do – Matthew West
Released in 2010, Genre: Christian
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “And I pray every day will be the proof / That I mean what I say when I say I Do / Yea, I mean what I say when I say”
A song talking about the promise you made in front of family, friends, and God that you will love until death do us part.
Everything – Michael Buble
Released in 2007, Genre: Jazz
Most Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing / You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything”
A mid-tempo pop jazz song talking about how happy you are being with the one you love.
FAQs
What is the number 1 first dance wedding song?
The most popular first dance song of all time is “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. There are many popular covers of the song to also include in the song’s popularity including Kina Grannis, Hailey Reinhardt, and Music Travel Love.
Who has the first dance?
The first dance is the first dance as a married couple by the wedding couple. This could be between the bride and groom, the groom and groom, or the bride and bride.
The first dance depends on who is getting married!
What is the most played first dance song?
The most popular song played as a first dance song depends on the age of the couple. If the wedding couple is aged between 25-34, then the most popular song played currently in modern music is “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.
When should you choose your first dance song?
Pick out your first dance song well in advance so you can practice that specific tune and your dance moves.
The most important thing is to choose something memorable from the catalog of wedding songs. First dance songs are a symbol of your love and commitment, so take your time in choosing.
Also, if you use the recorded version of the song, then practice that version. If the band or musician will play it live, try to get a recording of their version ahead of time.
This is important for practice. Again, talk about coordinating the first dance with your wedding planner.
When is the first dance at my wedding?
The wedding’s first dance is the first dance between newlyweds as a married couple. This should be the first dance at the wedding reception immediately following the grand entrance introduction.
The first dance can also start the formal dances following the meal.
The first dance is commonly followed by the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance.
The end of the ceremonial dances is marked by the entire wedding party dancing. The wedding party invites others to join. (See a playlist for the wedding party to dance to)
It’s your wedding party. The timing of the bride and groom’s dance at the reception is based on your preferences.
The first dance can be done immediately following the reception entrance songs. You can be surrounded by your wedding party if you wish.
If being watched makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay, too. Talk to your wedding planner, coordinate with the DJ, and earn more by reading our suggestions on how to format your wedding reception.
The progression of the evening is up to you, the wedding couple. The most important thing is to have the couple agree on a song that is special to them.
To inspire you, we’ve curated the best 100 first dance songs out of thousands to choose from.
How do you make your first dance special?
Making your first dance special is as simple as choosing a song that has meaning to you, the wedding couple.
Wedding first dance songs are remembered by the wedding couple for the rest of their lives. So, it’s important to pick a song that is significant to you.
Some couples choose a funny song or an instrumental song. Those can be just as memorable as a touching ballad.
When the couple chooses the first song for a reason, it’s more special. Don’t be tricked into choosing a song because it was popular or traditional.
Also, remember that though people are watching you, this dance is for you. Make eye contact. Chat with each other. Caress your partner. Enjoy the moment — it’s for you.
Does a first dance have to be slow?
No. The first dance at your wedding reception does not have to be slow.
However, choosing slow dance songs sets the mood for the entire reception. If you don’t have a song, select a song where the lyrics mean something to you.
Why do you think that Sarah McLachlan’s song “Ice Cream” is on many first dance song lists? It’s because it has cool words like “your love is better than chocolate, better than anything else that I’ve tried.” Corny? Maybe. But who cares what everyone else thinks? Maybe you met me at an ice cream parlor. If that were the case, then, the song would be awesome as a first dance song.
It’s okay to be creative. Choose a song that has meaningful lyrics. You don’t have to be like everyone else and dance to the overplayed Celine Dion love songs (not that there’s anything wrong with a classic love song).
Not only does the song not have to be slow, but it doesn’t have to adhere to any musical genre.
Many wedding couples take dancing lessons to a jazz song, classical, or rock ballad. That way, wedding couples don’t look goofy dancing in a circle through the whole song (like we did).
Couples who take dance lessons have a deeper connection to the song. It will have significant meaning to them for the rest of their lives since they spent so long practicing it.
They will also have the memories of getting the lessons together — a great break from the stress of planning the wedding.
How do you pick your first dance song?
Wedding couples should choose a song that means something to them. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be a slow song or of a specific music style. This will be the first song a married couple will dance to.
Music Sources:
- DJs’ Playlists
- Couples’ Playlists
- DJ Event Planner
- DJ Intelligence
- Amazon Best Sellers
- Billboard
- Spotify
About
Meet Matthew (Matt) Campbell, the passionate wedding DJ and music expert behind My Wedding Songs. With years of experience in the industry and a keen ear for the latest trends, Matt knows just what it takes to create the perfect soundtrack for your special day. From classic love ballads to upbeat party anthems, his articles are jam-packed with insider tips and top recommendations that will have you and your guests on your feet all night long.
But Matt isn’t just a music aficionado – he’s also an active member of wedding planning and DJ communities, sharing his expertise and learning from other professionals along the way. Matt is the author of the Wedding Songs Planner and has articles published on Rolling Stone, DJ Life Magazine, and DJ Times. He is a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council and Vegas Wedding Chamber. You can listen to his tips as the host of the Wedding Songs Podcast.
One of the lists should include “Always” by Atlantic Starr:
“Come with me my sweet
Let’s go make a family
And they will bring us joy, for always…”
Thank you for the suggestion. It is the perfect classic R&B first dance song!
I was so excited to see Leon Bridges on this list! We plan on dancing to his song Coming Home for our first dance.
Congratulations Devon. Yes, Leon Bridges is one of our favorite artists for weddings.
where can I find Once In A Lifetime by Robert J Walsh?
Hi Michael. Thanks for your suggestion. Your suggestion is a very romantic love song. One that the generation of its time will cherish.
Two I would add to this list would include Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville’s duet ‘All My Life’ (it’s best known as the wedding song from ‘Baywatch’ but was a popular first dance song in the 90s) and Anne Murray’s classic ‘Could I have This Dance’ from the movie ‘Urban Cowboy’.
Thank you for the suggestions. Yes, the 2 songs you mentioned are great first dance songs. However, their popularity as first dance songs has diminished over time. We do have the songs mentioned on other playlists on the site.
Kygo Firestone
Thanks for the suggestion Christe. Here is a link to the song on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sc-ir2UwGU
This is an incredible list. Thank you so much. I will say though, my dream song since I was about 16 has been The Book of Love by Peter Gabriel.
Thank you, Victoria. I still see it on wedding lists. However, his most popular wedding song remains as “In Your Eyes” from the movie Say Anything.
While there’s thousands of good possibilities, another one that is worth mentioning is “You needed me” by Anne Murray.
Hi David. Thanks for your suggestion. Anne Murray is an all-time Country legend and this song would make for the perfect first dance song.
I’d add two songs
1. Jessie Ware-Say you love me
2. Kaliber-Call me out
I’m so in love with them! ??
Thanks Juliet. Jessie Ware – Say You Love Me is a great song with a ton of emotion and even includes Ed Sheeran. However, the story of the song don’t make it perfect for a first dance song (in our opinion).