A happy couple in their first dance at their wedding reception, beautifully captured by Allison Bolin Photography, suggesting song inspiration from ten-dance.com.
Choosing your first dance at a wedding song is one of the most memorable decisions you’ll make while planning your big day. As a wedding content creator at ten-dance.com, I’ve seen countless couples glide across the dance floor, their emotions amplified by the perfect melody. Your first dance isn’t just a tradition; it’s the song that will forever transport you back to that magical moment, becoming “your song” for years to come. It’s a soundtrack to your love story’s next chapter, so why not make it truly exceptional?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of love songs out there, you’re not alone. Many couples struggle to find that perfect tune that encapsulates their relationship and sets the right mood. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of over 100 first dance at a wedding song ideas to spark inspiration and help you discover the ideal soundtrack for your first twirl as newlyweds. Whether you envision a contemporary pop ballad, a timeless classic, or a unique tune that reflects your personalities, this guide is designed to help you find a song that resonates with your hearts and moves your guests.
Why Your First Dance Song Matters
The first dance is more than just a beautiful photo opportunity; it’s a symbolic start to your married life together. It’s a moment to connect deeply with your partner amidst the whirlwind of your wedding day, expressing your love through movement and music. The first dance at a wedding song you choose sets the tone for this intimate experience and creates a lasting impression on you and your guests. It’s a chance to showcase your personalities as a couple, whether you opt for a fun, upbeat number or a slow, romantic ballad. Ultimately, your first dance song becomes an integral part of your wedding story, a melody that will evoke cherished memories for years to come.
How to Choose the Perfect First Dance Song
Finding the perfect first dance at a wedding song can feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process enjoyable. Here are a few tips to guide you:
- Reflect on Your Relationship: Think about songs that hold special meaning for you as a couple. Is there a song that played during your first date, proposal, or a significant moment in your relationship? Personal songs add an extra layer of sentimentality to your first dance.
- Consider Your Style: Do you envision a classic and elegant first dance, or something more modern and fun? Your musical taste as a couple should guide your choice. Consider genres you both love, whether it’s pop, country, R&B, indie, or classic rock.
- Think About the Vibe: Do you want to make your guests tear up with a deeply emotional ballad, or get them tapping their feet with a joyful, upbeat tune? The overall atmosphere you want to create for your first dance will influence your song selection.
- Read the Lyrics: Pay close attention to the lyrics of potential songs. Ensure the message aligns with your feelings for each other and the commitment you’re making.
- Practice Dancing to It: Once you have a few songs in mind, try dancing to them together. See how the rhythm and tempo feel and if the song inspires the emotions you want to convey.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Be Unique: While popular choices are popular for a reason, don’t shy away from choosing a song that’s less conventional if it truly represents you as a couple. Unique First Dance At A Wedding Songs can be incredibly memorable and personal.
To help you navigate the vast world of love songs, I’ve categorized some fantastic first dance at a wedding song ideas, drawing from popular choices and some hidden gems I’ve encountered as a wedding content creator.
First Dance Song Ideas
My Favorite Top 15 Popular First Dance Songs
These popular choices are beloved for a reason – they are romantic, timeless, and guaranteed to create a magical moment on the dance floor.
- You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
- Forever Like That – Ben Rector (Ben Rector offers a plethora of amazing options! You can’t go wrong with any of his songs.)
- Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (A Tumblr-era indie love anthem that remains eternally charming. Covers of this song are equally delightful!)
- Photograph – Ed Sheeran (Many Ed Sheeran songs are perfectly suited for first dances!)
- Take The World – Johnnyswim
- Lover – Taylor Swift (A modern classic for couples in love!)
- Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
- Flightless Bird, American Mouth – Iron and Wine (The wedding version from “Breaking Dawn” is incredibly sweet and gentle. The soundtrack curators knew their audience!)
- Marry Me – Train
- Stuck With U – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber
- All Of Me – John Legend
- Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
- Forever After All – Luke Combs
- It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw & Faith Hill (An absolute classic! If you don’t love this song, you might be mistaken!)
- Love Your Love The Most – Eric Church (While I’m not a huge country fan, this song is undeniably sweet and touching!)
Emotional first dance moment with a bride shedding tears of joy, a perfect wedding scene for song selection advice on ten-dance.com.
My Favorite Top 10 Classic First Dance Songs
For couples seeking timeless romance and sophistication, these classic first dance at a wedding songs offer elegance and enduring appeal.
Romantic, classy vibes that you’ll never get tired of.
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole (An absolute classic! It instantly evokes images of “The Parent Trap,” one of my all-time favorite movies!)
- At Last – Etta James
- Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
- Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra
- La Vie En Rose – Emily Watts (While this version isn’t a “classic,” it’s a personal favorite!)
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
- (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons – Nat King Cole or Ella Fitzgerald (Both renditions are incredibly dreamy!)
- Dancing In the Moonlight – King Harvest
- It Had To Be You – Harry Connick Jr., or Frank Sinatra
Joyful first dance with a laughing couple, illustrating the happiness that the right wedding song can bring, ideas at ten-dance.com.
My Favorite Top 10 Cover Songs Perfect for First Dances
Cover songs can offer a fresh and unique twist on familiar tunes, making them wonderful choices for your first dance at a wedding song.
- This Must Be The Place – Iron and Wine (One of the best covers ever made. Simply wonderful.)
- Friday I’m In Love – Janet Devlin
- I Believe in a Thing Called Love – Branches
- Better Together – Us The Duo (While the original is fantastic, this cover is equally amazing!)
- Earth Angel – Death Cab For Cutie (A beloved classic covered by one of my favorite bands – a perfect combination!)
- Can’t Help Falling In Love – Haley Reinhart
- Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
- Simply The Best – The Hound + The Fox (Evokes “Schitt’s Creek” vibes!)
- Home – Edith Whiskers (Popularized by TikTok, this beloved cover is truly enchanting!)
- I Like Me Better – Jonah Baker
Elegant first dance of newlyweds, a classic wedding moment where choosing the right song, guided by ten-dance.com, enhances the memory.
My Top 20 Unique First Dance Songs
For couples wanting to stray from the typical choices, these unique first dance at a wedding songs are less commonly heard at weddings and offer a distinctive touch.
Songs that I hardly (if ever!) hear at weddings, and I think would be super cute and unique to use!
- You and I – Ingrid Michaelson (My personal first dance song! It’s been “our song” since 2012. Sweet, short, and sung by an angel.)
- I Was Born To Love You – Ray LaMontagne
- Green Eyes – Coldplay (A friend’s first dance song that brought me to tears during their dance!)
- I Got You – Jack Johnson (Jack Johnson’s voice is incredibly soothing, and he has many great songs for first dances!)
- Q&A – Kishi Bashi (Perfect for acoustic indie lovers seeking a truly unique first dance at a wedding song.)
- The Luckiest – Ben Folds (Guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes every time!)
- Heaven’s Knife – Josh Garrels
- Honeymoon – Johnny Stimson
- First Try – Johnnyswim
- Wedding Song – The Well Pennies
- I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future, Kinna Grannis
- Grow As We Go – Ben Platt
- This Too Shall Last – Anderson East
- XO – John Mayer
- You’re Still The One – Shania Twain (A timeless classic that deserves more recognition as a first dance at a wedding song!)
- First Day Of My Life – Bright Eyes (Play this at your wedding, and expect emotional guests!)
- Oh, It Is Love – Hellogoodbye (A nostalgic and excellent love song!)
- Once In A Lifetime – Landon Austin
- The World Could End With You – Llunr
- Honeybee – The Head and the Heart
Find Your Perfect First Dance Song
I hope this curated list of first dance at a wedding songs has provided you with inspiration and guidance in your search for the perfect melody. Remember, the most important thing is to choose a song that resonates with you as a couple and makes you feel connected and joyful on your special day. Explore the full playlist HERE!
If you need more wedding inspiration and photography to capture your precious moments, feel free to reach out! Contact me here for inquiries. Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable!
