Your first dance is a magical moment, the first as a married couple. Finding the perfect song can feel overwhelming, but this guide is here to help. I have listed 100 examples of first dance songs, to mark this special moment as newlyweds.
100 First Dance Song Ideas
Classic Love Ballads
There's something about classic love ballads that never fade. Think "At Last" by Etta James, a song as eternal as love itself, or "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, which has been making hearts flutter for decades. Timeless and evergreen, these classics have serenaded countless couples:
"At Last" by Etta James
"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
"Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
"The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
"Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton
"Endless Love" by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
"When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge
"Your Song" by Elton John
"Always and Forever" by Heatwave
"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
Modern Romance Hits
For contemporary lovebirds, modern romance hits strike the perfect chord. Imagine the lights dimming as you both step onto the dance floor to John Legend's "All of Me" or Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud". These songs capture the essence of today's love stories – deep, authentic, and oh-so-relatable.
"All of Me" by John Legend
"Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
"Marry Me" by Train
"Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
"Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding
"Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur
"I Choose You" by Sara Bareilles
"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
"Lover" by Taylor Swift
Country Love Songs
If your heart beats to a country rhythm, why not choose a song from this soulful genre? Thomas Rhett's "Die A Happy Man" could reflect your deepest vows, while Blake Shelton's "God Gave Me You" resonates with the feeling of destined love. Heartwarming and rich with storytelling, these songs add a touch of rustic charm to your special moment.
"Die A Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett
"God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton
"From the Ground Up" by Dan + Shay
"Then" by Brad Paisley
"Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts
"Amazed" by Lonestar
"Wanted" by Hunter Hayes
"Making Memories of Us" by Keith Urban
"My Best Friend" by Tim McGraw
"You Make It Easy" by Jason Aldean
Upbeat and Fun
Who says first dances must be slow and traditional? The only requirement for your first dance is that it's meaningful to you. Whether fast-paced or slow, the choice is yours. For couples leaning towards a more vibrant beat, why not begin your journey together with an energizing number? Consider the joyful rhythms of Bruno Mars' "Marry You" or the spirited melodies of Ray LaMontagne's "You Are the Best Thing". These lively songs are perfect for couples who love to have fun and want their first dance to be a joyful celebration.
"Marry You" by Bruno Mars
"You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne
"Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
"I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown
"Love On Top" by Beyoncé
"Happy" by Pharrell Williams
"For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder
"You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates
"Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows
"Sugar" by Maroon 5
Rock Ballads for the Edgy Couple
For those who share a love for the edgier side of music, iconic rock ballads can make your first dance unforgettable. Picture yourself rocking to Aerosmith's "I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing" or swaying to Queen's "You're My Best Friend". Epic and full of passion, these songs bring a dash of boldness to your romantic moment.
"I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing" by Aerosmith
"You're My Best Friend" by Queen
"Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica
"Everlong" (Acoustic Version) by Foo Fighters
"Angels" by Robbie Williams
"I'll Stand by You" by The Pretenders
"Thank You" by Led Zeppelin
"November Rain" by Guns N' Roses
"With or Without You" by U2
"Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
Soulful and Smooth
Soul music, with its heartfelt rhythms and smooth vibes, makes for an enchanting first dance. Al Green's "Let’s Stay Together" or Ben E. King's "Stand By Me" can perfectly encapsulate the depth and soul of your relationship.
"Let’s Stay Together" by Al Green
"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King
"My Girl" by The Temptations
"Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
"I Say a Little Prayer" by Aretha Franklin
"If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys
"L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole
"Ordinary People" by John Legend
"Best Part" by Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R.
"Love on the Brain" by Rihanna
Indie Love Anthems
For indie lovers, songs like "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers or "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes offer a whimsical and unique twist to your first dance. Whimsical and heartfelt, these indie anthems are for those who love offbeat rhythms and poetic lyrics.
"Ho Hey" by The Lumineers
"First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes
"Skinny Love" by Bon Iver
"Home" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
"I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie
"Sea of Love" by Cat Power
"Zebra" by Beach House
"Heartbeats" by José González
"Flightless Bird, American Mouth" by Iron & Wine
"Such Great Heights" by The Postal Service
R&B Favorites
If you're looking for something smooth and sensual, R&B is the way to go. The sultry tones of Miguel's "Adorn" or the classic charm of Sade's "By Your Side" can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere for your first dance.
"Adorn" by Miguel
"By Your Side" by Sade
"No One" by Alicia Keys
"Differences" by Ginuwine
"All My Life" by K-Ci & JoJo
"So Amazing" by Luther Vandross
"Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge
"Into You" by Fabolous ft. Tamia
"At Your Best (You Are Love)" by Aaliyah
"Sure Thing" by Miguel
Jazz and Blues Classics
Elevate your first dance with the elegance of jazz and blues classics. Imagine dancing to Louis Armstrong's "La Vie En Rose" or Norah Jones' "Come Away With Me". Elegant and sophisticated, these jazz and blues classics set a mood of timeless romance:
"La Vie En Rose" by Louis Armstrong
"Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones
"The Look of Love" by Diana Krall
"Feeling Good" by Nina Simone
"Turn Me On" by Norah Jones
"Moondance" by Van Morrison
"At Last" by Etta James (also fitting for classic ballads)
"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
"Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
"L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole (also fitting for soulful and smooth)
International Picks
Embrace the beauty of diversity with international and multicultural song choices. Enrique Iglesias' "Bailando" can add a Latin flair or the French version of "La Vie En Rose" by Édith Piaf can bring a touch of Parisian romance to your dance. Diverse and rich, these international songs bring a unique flavour to your first dance:
"Bailando" by Enrique Iglesias
"La Vie En Rose" (French version) by Édith Piaf
"Vivo Per Lei" by Andrea Bocelli & Giorgia
"Tenerife Sea" by Ed Sheeran
"Hoppípolla" by Sigur Rós
"Quelqu'un M'a Dit" by Carla Bruni
"Je l'aime à mourir" by Francis Cabrel
"Besame Mucho" by Consuelo Velázquez
"Sway" by Dean Martin
"Con Te Partirò" by Andrea Bocelli
Surprise and Mashup Choices
For those looking to add an element of surprise, consider a mashup or medley. Mix up genres, tempos, and styles to reflect the many facets of your relationship and to keep your guests guessing what's next!
A medley of your favourite songs seamlessly transitioned for a dynamic dance.
A surprise dance routine, starting slow and then breaking into an upbeat number.
A blend of genres – perhaps starting with a classic and morphing into a modern hit.
A mashup of your 'song' with a family favourite, honouring both your love and heritage.
A medley that tells your love story, with each song representing a chapter.
And here are some additional gems that didn’t make the top list but are just as enchanting:
"Crazy Love" by Van Morrison
"Beyond" by Leon Bridges
"XO" by John Mayer (Beyoncé cover)
"The One" by Kodaline
"Love Is a Wild Thing" by Kacey Musgraves
"Finally //Beautiful Stranger" by Halsey
"Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves
"Falling Like the Stars" by James Arthur
"Better Together" by Jack Johnson
"Speechless" by Dan + Shay
Your first dance is a snapshot in time, a moment that sets the tone for your life together. Whether you sway to a timeless ballad or groove to an upbeat tune, choose a song that mirrors the heart and soul of your relationship. Remember, this is your story – let the music speak your love.
What's your dream first dance song? Share it in the comments, and if you know someone tying the knot, pass this list their way – it might just have the song they're looking for!
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the perfect first dance song?
How long should a first dance song be?
Should you choreograph your first dance?
Is it ok to not have a first dance?
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