125 Best First Dance Songs For Wedding Couples
2020
When there are so many varieties of wedding ceremonies and reception styles, how do you define what is traditional for you? Should you choose to have a first dance as a newlywed couple, there are quite a few options. The best advice is to do something meaningful for you as a couple.
The progression of the evening is up to you: the bride and groom. 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 125 first dance songs out of thousands to choose from.
When is the first dance at my wedding?
The wedding first dance is the first dance between newlyweds as a married couple. This can be the first dance at the wedding reception. The first dance can also start the formal dances following the meal. This 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 bridal party invites others to join.
It’s your wedding party. The timing of the bride and groom dance at the reception is based on your preferences. The first dance can be done immediately following the grand entrance. 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 suggestion on how to format your wedding reception.
What is the Best First Dance Wedding Song?
The best first dance song as a couple is a subjective choice. BUT, if I had to choose just one song, it would be At Last by Etta James. Many brides and grooms prepare for months for their first dance by attending dance lessons. You may want to learn a magnificent waltz, spicy tango, or a glamorous dance routine you saw on Dancing with the Stars.
It is a wonderful surprise for the guests if they are entertained by the couple’s dance number. If you plan on doing a special, professional dance for your first dance, contact a local dance studio and get lessons.
When Should You Choose Your First Dance Song?
Pick out your first dance song well in advance so you can practice to that specific tune. 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 to 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 this with your wedding planner.
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 both — as a couple. Wedding first dance songs are remembered by the wedding couple for the rest of your 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 a 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, it does set the mood for the entire reception. If you don’t have a song, we suggest selecting 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 at an ice cream parlor. Then, the song would be awesome as a first dance song.
It’s okay to be creative. 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 that).
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 a rock ballad. That way, bridal 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 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.
What Should You Choose for Your First Dance Song?
Being music enthusiasts, this was an easy choice for both my wife and I. We dedicated a song to each other during our courting stage.
Wedding couples should choose a song that means something to them. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be a slow song. This will be the first song as a married couple you will dance to — in public! All eyes are on you.
Top 125 First Dance Songs: The List
We cannot name all the great first dance songs. This is why we have listed the most popular wedding first dance songs around the United States.
First dance song list curated by Matthew Campbell
Last Updated: October 29, 2020
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Listen to our best first dance song playlist on Spotify.
Other great wedding first dance song lists
- 30 Classic First Dance Songs Perfect For Today
- 40 R&B First Dance Songs
- Best Country First Dance Songs
- 10 Wedding First Dance Songs Not Overplayed
- 21 Modern First Dance Songs
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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).