Hitting the Dance Floor: Choosing a Song for Your First Dance

Photo Credit: Katie Stoops (Open Air Photography)

Photo Credit: Katie Stoops (Open Air Photography)

First dances are one of the most memorable parts of the wedding celebration.  However, picking out a song for the first dance can be difficult for couples.  Do you choose something classic, a slow dance, something upbeat, a serious ballad, a goofy song that reminds you of your first date?  It really doesn’t matter, as long as you choose a song that is meaningful to you and makes you happy; the first dance will go swimmingly.  If you’re having trouble coming up with a song, here are some suggestions to get the ball rolling.

Classic First Dance Songs:

Timeless. Popular. These oft-chosen first dance songs tend to feature smooth, slow dance worthy heartfelt lyrics generations have associated with marriage and love.

  1. At Last – Etta James
  2. I Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
  3. Our Love is Here to Stay – Billie Holiday
  4. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers

Songs from Movies:

Have a favorite movie couple that you idolize? Perhaps their theme song will inspire the same kind of passion and romance for you and your beloved.

  1. A Time for Us from Romeo and Juliet – Johnny Mathis
  2. Come What May from Moulin Rouge – Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman
  3. It Had to Be You from When Harry Met Sally – Harry Connick, Jr
  4. Everything I Do (I Do It for You) from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves – Bryan Adams

Unusual Choices:

Often couples want something a little faster paced or more “contemporary” to mark the start of their life together. Here are a few less traditional, but fun choices.

  1. Buddy Holly – Weezer (great for a 50s/60s theme wedding)
  2. Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer (a sweet, unassuming ballad)
  3. Something About Us – Daft Punk (bringing a techno dance edge to the dance floor)
Ciara Crossan

Ciara is the Founder and CEO of WeddingDates and has a particular love for quirky & unusual weddings! Considered a wedding venue expert, lucky for her she has visited hundreds of stunning wedding venues all over Ireland and the UK.

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