Sweet Serenades: 60 Unforgettable Tunes for Your Wedding’s First Dance

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By Jean ChenSep 20, 2022

unforgettable tunes for your wedding’s first dance

One of the most anticipated parts of a wedding is the bride and groom’s first dance. It is an age-old tradition that is beloved up to this day. From classic weddings down to modern celebrations, the first dance of the couple is something that is never skipped and always looked forward to being witnessed by everyone.

The history of the first dance...

Dance at wedding

The first dance can be traced back to the 17th Century and was adapted from the custom that the guest of honour (usually royalty or a person with high social status) should open the event and lead the other guests to the dancefloor for a night of dancing and festivity. Waltz or ballroom was usually performed as they were the most popular and widely-known dances back then.

Another source has also a different story about the first dance. In medieval times, grooms were known to “steal” their brides and show them off to their friends by dancing around in front of a fire. Whichever one is more accurate, both chronicles have helped shape the first dance and have led the path to how it is done today.

The first dance has encountered a lot of changes and since evolved over the years. The modern first dance is now seen as a symbol of unity and love between newlyweds. A song of the couple’s choosing is played as they wow guests with impromptu or choreographed steps. We also see additional parts like the father and daughter dance (the father gives away his daughter), the mother and son dance, as well as a performance where the whole entourage takes the stage.

How do you pick the song for your first dance?

dance in the wedding

Picking a song for your first dance is not an easy feat as there are hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt tunes to choose from. But no worries, there are ways how you can trim down your selection. The first step is easy and you don’t have to look far: if you have a shared favourite song that conveys your love for one another, then you can use it. If you don’t have a couple’s theme song, you can go with classic wedding songs – something tried and tested. After all, they aren't used and loved by other couples for no apparent reason.

You can also go down memory lane and choose a song used by your parents at their wedding, making it sort of a tradition, and adding sentimental value to the dance. You can also pick something unexpected like a funky and fun wedding song that will add a fun flair to the dance. Lastly, you can arrange for a musician to make an original piece for you, something that is uniquely yours that you will cherish for life as a couple. Just remember, regardless of which route you’ll take, pick a song with a good beat -- something you and your partner will enjoy dancing along to.

Should you go for a live band or a recorded track for your first dance?

a live band in the wedding

Opinions vary when it comes to how they want their first dance song to be played at their wedding. Doing it live or preferring something recorded both have their pros and cons. Using a recorded version of your wedding music ensures that you’ll be dancing to the song as how you practised it. The arrangement and tempo are the same and what you and your partner are used to. On the other hand, a string quartet, a full band, or an acoustic singer add a romantic air to the whole performance. And as we all know; nothing feels like the sound of live music.

Whichever you’ll pick, just prepare for unexpected troubles that you may encounter including but not limited to technical problems or difficult band members. Whichever way, you should come in prepared. If you’ll go for a recorded track, make sure to have it downloaded to a drive to not rely on the Internet connection. Give a copy to your planner and have a backup copy just in case. If you’re choosing a band, ask them to have a live run-through with the song so you can agree on an arrangement that fits your preference.

What's the ideal timing for a newlywed’s first dance?

dance in the wedding

First dance wedding songs should be heartfelt and romantic but should also be short and sweet. The ideal time for the dance must be around 2-3 minutes. Any more than that may feel like a lifetime, especially when all eyes are on you and your partner. If you have a choreographed routine, you may extend this for a couple of more minutes.

One way to transition from the dance to the next part of the program is to ask your DJ to fade the song when it reached a certain part or you can ask your guests to join you on the dance floor to signal that you’ve reached the end of the performance.

Now that we’re done with the run-through of all the quick facts that you need to learn about the first dance, we’ll move on to the list of the best first dance songs you can use for your big day. We know it’s quite overwhelming that’s why we’ve narrowed down the list for you. Whether you’re looking for a classic or in search of funkier and fun, we got them all in this detailed wedding song list. Scroll down below to choose your song!

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Timeless tunes

These classic wedding songs have been used not just for their novelty but for the romantic message they carry -- applicable to just about any love story. If you and your partner are looking for a song that has stood the test of time (just how you want your marriage to be)on your wedding day, then any of these ballads is for you:

1. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
2. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys
3. Here, There, and Everywhere – The Beatles
4. At Last – Etta James
5. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
6. Just The Way You Are – Billy Joel
7. How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees
8. They Long to Be Close to You – The Carpenters
9. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
10. Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie

timeless tunes

Romantic refrains

Swoon-worthy and oh so sweet, this wedding love song playlist will surely make everyone’s heart melt during your first dance.

11. She - Elvis Costello
12. When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole
13. Feels Like Home – Chantal Kreviazuk
14. She’s The One – Robbie Williams
15. Groovy Kind of Love – Phil Collins
16. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
17. From This Moment On – Shania Twain
18. I Could Not Ask for More – Edwin McCain
19. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli and The 4 Seasons
20. All of Me – John Legend

romantic refrains

Funky passion

You'll never bore your guests with these upbeat wedding songs – prepare your dancing shoes!

21. Fly Me To The Moon - Frank Sinatra
22. You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
23. Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
24. You & Me Song – The Wannadies
25. Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
26. I Melt With You – Modern English
27. I Was Made For You - She & Him
28. She’s A Rainbow – The Rolling Stones
29. Electric Love – BORNS
30. I'm Yours – Jason Mraz

funky passion

Pop favourites

Show your fun side and dance your happiness away with these popular wedding songs which everyone (young and old) will surely sing along to.

31. Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
32. Marry You – Bruno Mars
33. Love On Top – Beyonce
34. Shut Up and Dance – Walk The Moon
35. Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake
36. Young & Beautiful – Lana del Rey
37. True Love – Coldplay
38. Full-blown Love – BROODS
39. XO – John Mayer
40. Better Together – Jack Johnson

dance in the wedding

Country charm

You can never go wrong with romantic country wedding songs with their catchy melodies and relatable lyrics and lessons.

41. Amazed – Lonestar
42. Marry Me – Thomas Rhett
43. God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton
44. Making Memories of Us – Keith Urban
45. Found It In You – Tiera Kennedy
46. Speechless – Dan + Shay
47. Made For You – Jake Owen
48. Then – Brad Paisley
49. You Make It Easy – Jason Aldean

country charm

Anthems of affection

Dance close and cheek to cheek and hear each other’s heartbeats as you start your journey towards the best days of your lives to the tune of these slow wedding songs.