10 Popular First Dance Wedding Songs
When you think about your wedding reception, plenty of details likely rush to mind. Your seating chart, your table arrangement, the speeches – everything requires your thought and attention. By the time you get to the dancing, most of the evening’s structure will be behind you. Ideally, you have a trusted DJ to organize your evening, so you can sit back and enjoy the moment. Before you get there, however, you have one last dance-floor detail to cover: your first song. Not to worry, we’re here to help you get started with a list of popular first dance wedding songs.
Before we jump in, let’s take a quick look at what makes an ideal first dance song. It will be a special moment between you and your new spouse — it is both romantic and highly personal. You’ll likely want the song to convey a feeling or a message, creating a moment that is both meaningful and memorable.
Let’s jump into the ideas. To help you choose the right music for you and your new spouse, here are 10 popular first dance wedding songs:
1. Perfect – Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé
While the original version of this Ed Sheeran song was released as a solo on his 2017 studio album, this duet version with Beyoncé is popular for a reason. The simple melody, coupled with the soulful voices of Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé make this song popular among first dance wedding songs.
What works for brides and grooms? Let’s face it, these two performers are fan favorites. Even better, the lyrics are about finding the love of your life and celebrating the night. For many couples, the combination is irresistible.
2. A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
This love song has become a classic on wedding dance floors across the country. First released as part of the soundtrack for the 2012 film The Twilight Saga: Breaking Down – Part 2, the song captured the hearts and minds of people around the world. With its promise of lasting love, it makes an ideal first dance song.
What works for brides and grooms? The lyrics of Christina Perri’s love song have made this a classic among first dance wedding songs. Soulful and longing, this song is filled with commitment, comfort and a sense of everlasting belonging.
3. Better Together – Jack Johnson
From Jack Johnson’s 2005 album, In Between Dreams, Better Together is a beloved song on wedding dance floors. Simple, but profound, this song showcases Johnson’s unique guitar style and lyrics that fit perfectly for a wedding day.
What works for brides and grooms? This light, playful song is popular among first dance wedding songs, in part due to the soulful refrain, “It’s always better when we’re together” — the perfect sentiment for a wedding night. Many brides and grooms fall for the quicker tempo and simple joy of this song.
4. Black and White – Niall Horan
From his 2020 album Heartbreak Weather, Black and White is a romantic, upbeat way to kick off a night of dancing. Many of your guests will know Niall Horan, either from his time with One Direction, or from his solo career.
What works for brides and grooms? This upbeat song has a mixed tempo, with beautiful lyrics that span from first dates to old age. While many first dance wedding songs are ballads or slower songs, this one adds energy and a distinct start to the dancing portion of your reception.
5. All of Me – John Legend
The highlight of his 2013 album, Love in the Future, this John Legend song has become a classic love song and a staple on wedding dance floors.
What works for brides and grooms? Soulful and longing, the lyrics of this song profess a deep, all-encompassing love. John Legend’s voice is both powerful and enduring, allowing newly married couples and their guests to fall completely into the moment.
6. Everything – Michael Bublé
From his 2007 album, Call Me Irresponsible, Michael Bublé’s upbeat, romantic song is a favorite on wedding dance floors. You and your guests can relax into the moment, listening to the familiar, easy voice of this Canadian singer and songwriter.
What works for brides and grooms? Michael Bublé is a crowd-pleaser. Considered both a pop and jazz musician, his big band sound is ideal for a wedding. No wonder his music is among the most popular first dance wedding songs.
7. Come Away with Me – Norah Jones
This romantic ballad is from Norah Jones’ 2002 debut studio album, Come Away With Me. It also appeared on the soundtrack for the movie Maid in Manhattan. Soulful and slow, this song is a favorite among brides and grooms across the country.
What works for brides and grooms? For those hoping to start the dancing off with a classic, slow song, making it easy to sway back and forth to the romantic lyrics, Norah Jones is sure to be a hit.
8. I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
This slow, guitar-centered song is from Jason Mraz’s 2012 album Love is a Four Letter Word. Jason Mraz is widely considered to play soft rock or melodic pop music, with a nod towards the folk genre. With the wide stylistic appeal of this song, it’s easy to see why it’s among the most popular first dance wedding songs.
What works for brides and grooms? This melodic song hits the sweet spot, between folk and pop music. The lyrics make it an obvious choice for many brides and grooms; they focus on long-lasting love and not giving up on a relationship, even when things get rough.
9. History in the Making – Darius Rucker
If country music is your thing, be sure to consider this enduring love song from Darius Rucker. From his 2008 album Learn to Live, this song is about the first moments of a new relationship and how it could be the start of a forever love.
What works for brides and grooms? Of course, if you and your new spouse are fans of country music, this Darius Rucker song might be an easy choice. Even if you normally gravitate toward other music genres, the lyrics of this song might be just right for your wedding night.
10. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
From his 2008 album, Gossip in the Grain, this upbeat song combines big band sound with yearning, soulful vocals and simple lyrics.
What works for brides and grooms? The message of this song is clear and pure: “You are the best thing that ever happened to me.” The simple refrain makes it one of the most popular first dance wedding songs for good reason – couples love the intensity of LaMontagne’s voice and the simplicity of his message.
While you may feel in a hurry to narrow your options for first dance wedding songs, it’s important to take your time. You want your first dance as a married couple to be memorable and joyful. To enjoy the moment as much as possible, choose a song that makes it easy to dance and be sure to practice ahead of time.
At Pro DJ Services, we look forward to creating an unforgettable wedding night for you and your guests. You can relax and enjoy the evening, knowing that we will provide the structure and the fun. We bring just the right energy to your event, with years of experience and unmatched professionalism.
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