How to Choose Your First Dance Wedding Song

Choosing the perfect first dance wedding song can be a daunting task, but fear not; we're here to guide you through the process. From sentimental favourites to upbeat tunes, we've got you covered on selecting the ideal music for your first dance as newlyweds.

You might already have a special song that is yours as a couple and if so—amazing! Feel free to skip to the next article. But if you don’t, choosing your first dance song can be a bit of a minefield. Of course, you want it to be special and probably not too cheesy; it also needs to be easy to dance to but not too slow… or too fast!

During a wedding day, there are a few songs that mark different elements of the special occasion, from walking down the aisle to signing the register and optional background music for your drinks reception. The first dance means different things to different people. By the time it comes around in the evening, you might be ready to liven things up and loosen up proceedings! Or maybe you want a beautiful, romantic tune to soundtrack your first dance as newlyweds? If you’re still not sure which route to go down, keep reading for some helpful hints on choosing your first dance wedding song.

What makes the perfect first dance song?

The short answer to this question is that there is no such thing as a perfect first dance song! The wonderful (if slightly daunting) thing about choosing your first dance song is that there are no hard and fast rules. You don't have to sway along to a slow song if that's not your vibe - it's all about you and the music that you love as a couple. Whether you want to slow dance to a John Legend number or perform a dance routine to the Spice Girls - your guests are going to love it no matter what, so you do you!

The best first dance songs are the ones that hold a special meaning for the bride and groom. For you, perhaps that could be the song that was playing when you first met or when you first kissed or got engaged. For some couples, the perfect song might be one that reminds them of a special event, a first holiday, a gig or another memorable occasion.

You could simply choose your favourite song from a band or solo artist you both love. Or if you’ve committed to a particular theme for your wedding, why not opt for a first dance song that fits in perfectly with the overall vibe of the day? Or maybe you just want the most romantic, love-filled, sentimental song to display how you truly feel about each other? None of these options are right or wrong; they are simply ideas to consider when you can’t decide what to choose.

Popular first dance songs

We surveyed some of our Say I do platform users who are in the process of planning their wedding and asked, ‘What song will be playing during your first dance at your wedding?’. Interestingly, the results were varied and wide-ranging. From 'All My Life' by K-Ci & JoJo to ‘I'm Yours’ by Jason Mraz, to ‘What a Wonderful World' by Louis Armstrong, to ‘Lifetime’ by Justin Bieber, and everything else in between! If one thing is clear, though, it’s that Ed Sheeran reigns supreme when it comes to the most popular first dance song option.

If you're still feeling stuck, then why not turn to YouTube for some help? You'll find some great examples of choreographed first dances from real weddings - from happy couples dancing to everything from Chris Stapleton to Celine Dion, Lionel Richie to Bruno Mars. Taking a peek at what other couples have done before you is a great way to find some serious inspiration to help you make your decision - you may find yourself looking for a dance teacher next though!

On a practical note, it’s worth considering the kind of wedding band you’re having when choosing a first dance song before you commit. Have a chat with them about their repertoire and enquire as to whether they’re able to play or even learn your chosen song before the big day. If not, you don’t have to discount it just yet. You could always send them the track via Spotify for them to play through their PA before kicking off the live set once the dance floor is full, and the vibes are running high!

Nervous about your first dance?

Maybe you're a bit of an introvert, or maybe you're notorious for your two left feet - whatever the reason, for some people, having all their friends and family watching them slow dance is their idea of hell! Dance lessons can be really helpful in this situation, and if you still don't feel comfortable dancing in front of all your guests, don't forget that you can invite them all onto the dance floor around 30 seconds into your first dance. If you plan to do this, it's a good idea to choose a bit of a crowd-pleaser for your first dance song - you'll want to go for something that everybody will be happy to dance to.

We know it's easier said than done, but don't get too distracted by what others will think. As with everything relating to your big day, your first dance is all about you two as a couple, and at its core, it is an opportunity for you to show your love for each other and share a special moment. You can look at all the lists of popular wedding music you like, but ultimately, the most important thing is that you choose a song that you will cherish and remember affectionately. You won't have any regrets if you choose a first dance song that makes you feel something (whether it's shedding a tear or getting the warm and fuzzies) whenever you hear it played on the radio for years to come!