7 Best Wedding Songs For First Dance: Top Romantic Choices
Choosing the right song for your first dance is a special part of planning your wedding. It sets the tone for your celebration and creates a memorable moment for both you and your guests. You’ll want a song that reflects your relationship and feels meaningful to both of you.
What are the best wedding songs for a first dance? This can be a tough decision with so many great options available. Whether you prefer a classic love ballad, a modern hit, or something unique to your style, there are plenty of songs to consider.
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is a top pick for many couples’ first dance.
Released in 2014, it’s known for its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody. The song beautifully captures the essence of lifelong love.
The lyrics speak about growing old with your partner and loving them through every stage of life. This makes it a touching choice for a wedding.
Its slow tempo allows for easy dancing, whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out. Plus, the song’s gentle rhythm helps create a romantic atmosphere.
“Thinking Out Loud” has been played at countless weddings, solidifying its reputation as a timeless love song. When you choose this track, you’re joining many others in celebrating your love in a memorable way.
For more details, you can check out Wedding Pioneer’s Ed Sheeran wedding songs, which also mentions this popular track.
The song’s universal theme of enduring love ensures it resonates with guests of all ages. Your first dance to “Thinking Out Loud” will likely be a moment you treasure forever.
2) “At Last” – Etta James
“At Last” by Etta James is one of the most iconic first dance songs for weddings. Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics make it perfect for that special moment. Etta’s powerful voice and soulful delivery bring a touch of elegance to your wedding day.
The song was released in 1960 and quickly became a classic. The lyrics talk about finding true love and happiness, which resonates with many couples. It’s no wonder that “At Last” remains a popular choice for first dances.
Many couples love this song because it creates a romantic and memorable atmosphere. Its slow tempo makes it easy to dance to, even if you’re not an experienced dancer. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale.
Countless weddings have featured this beautiful song. It’s even listed as one of the best wedding songs by HuffPost and Weddings & Brides. Etta James’ rendition is beloved for a reason—it truly captures the essence of love and joy.
3) “All of Me” – John Legend
“All of Me” by John Legend is a popular choice for a first dance song at weddings. It is known for its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody. This makes it perfect for a romantic moment shared between you and your spouse.
The song beautifully expresses unconditional love and acceptance. John Legend wrote it for his wife, Chrissy Teigen. It talks about loving someone not in spite of but because of their imperfections.
Many couples feel that the lyrics resonate with them personally. The line “Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections” often holds special meaning. This adds an intimate touch to your first dance.
The gentle piano background complements the emotional depth of the lyrics. This makes it easy for even beginner dancers to sway along. You can find various choreography tutorials to help make your first dance memorable.
4) “You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
“You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne is a popular choice for the first dance at weddings. This song, released in 2008, is known for its soulful and folk vibes that create a warm, romantic atmosphere.
The lyrics express deep love and gratitude, making it a heartfelt choice for newlyweds. With lines like “You are the best thing ever happened to me,” the song perfectly captures the joy and happiness of your special day.
Many couples find the melody easy to dance to, adding to its appeal. The smooth rhythm and emotional tone make it ideal for any wedding setting, whether it’s indoors or outdoors.
For those interested in learning choreography, there are numerous tutorial videos available online. This can add a special touch to your first dance.
The song continues to be a favorite among couples who appreciate its simple, yet powerful message of love. Consider adding “You Are the Best Thing” to your wedding playlist for a memorable first dance.
5) “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley is a classic choice for a first dance. This song captures the timeless feeling of falling deeply in love.
Released in 1961 on the album Blue Hawaii, the song quickly became one of Elvis’s most beloved hits. Its warm melody and heartfelt lyrics are sure to create a magical moment on the dance floor.
Many couples choose this song because of its beautiful message. As you sway to the music, the words “take my hand, take my whole life too” will feel especially meaningful.
It’s also versatile. You can have it played by a live band, a DJ, or even an instrumental version. No matter how you choose to present it, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” will set the perfect tone for your wedding.
If you want a song that speaks to the depth of your commitment and love, consider “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. You’ll cherish the memory of dancing to this song for years to come.
6) “La Vie En Rose” – Louis Armstrong
When you’re planning your first dance, you want a song that’s timeless and romantic. “La Vie En Rose” by Louis Armstrong is a perfect choice. This song creates a magical atmosphere with its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics.
Louis Armstrong’s rendition of “La Vie En Rose” features his smooth trumpet playing and deep, soulful voice. This makes the song stand out. It’s a classic that has been loved for generations.
The lyrics of “La Vie En Rose” speak of seeing life through rose-colored glasses when you’re in love. It’s about the joy and warmth of being with someone special. This makes it ideal for a wedding dance, highlighting your love story.
Choosing “La Vie En Rose” for your first dance will add a touch of elegance and nostalgia to your wedding. It’s not just a song; it’s an experience that you and your guests will remember for years.
7) “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri has become a beloved choice for wedding first dances. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it perfect for a romantic moment.
Released in 2011, this song gained popularity through the “Twilight” movie series. It speaks of enduring love, which resonates with many couples.
You can easily follow step-by-step waltz tutorials online, making it accessible even for beginners. Many love its timeless quality and find it fitting for expressing deep, lasting emotions.
If you want to add elegance to your wedding, consider choreographing your first dance to this beautiful song. It captures the magic of a lifetime commitment.
Choosing the Perfect First Dance Song
Selecting the ideal first dance song for your wedding involves considering your personal story and matching the song to your dance style. These factors will ensure that the moment feels genuine and unforgettable.
Considering Your Personal Story
Your first dance song should resonate with your relationship’s journey. Think about the key moments you’ve shared. Did you have a favorite song when you first met? A tune that played during a memorable vacation?
A song with meaningful lyrics can evoke strong emotions. Choose one that reflects your feelings or milestones. Tracks like “At Last” by Etta James are timeless and speak to finding true love. Be sure to discuss these ideas with your partner to find a song that tells your unique story.
When choosing, it’s also wise to look at songs that have stood the test of time. Many couples opt for classics, but modern hits can work too if they hold special meaning. You might find inspiration in lists of top wedding songs to see what resonates with you.
Matching the Song to Your Dance Style
Make sure the song you select fits your dance abilities and style. If you’re planning a simple, romantic waltz, a ballad might be best. Conversely, if you want an upbeat dance, consider lively songs with a faster tempo.
Consider the song’s beat and rhythm. Slow songs like Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” are easier for slow dancing. For a more energetic dance, a song with a strong, clear beat works well.
Practice dancing to a few different songs to see what feels comfortable. This trial will help you understand what type of song best complements your style. You can also check out resources like the best first dance songs for ideas tailored to the type of dance you envision.
The History of First Dance Songs
The first dance at weddings has a deep-rooted history. Over time, the music choices have evolved significantly, reflecting changes in culture and personal preferences.
The Tradition of First Dances
The first dance tradition dates back to the aristocratic balls of Europe. At these events, the guest of highest honor would start the evening with a dance. This custom transitioned to weddings, where the bride and groom open the dance floor.
In medieval times, the first dance symbolized social status and family prestige. In the Victorian era, it shifted to signify the couple’s first steps together as partners.
Today, it’s a cherished moment where couples share a special dance, often choosing songs that have personal meaning to them. This moment also serves to entertain and engage guests, making it a highlight of the reception.
Evolution of Song Choices
In the past, classical music and waltzes were the norm for first dances. Songs like “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II were popular choices. As time passed, jazz and swing brought new rhythms to the dance floor in the early 20th century.
The advent of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and R&B genres introduced more varied song choices. Classic tracks like Etta James’ “At Last” became iconic first dance songs.
In recent years, contemporary artists like Ed Sheeran have dominated wedding playlists. His song “Perfect” held the top spot for many years. Now, films like “Elvis” have brought older hits back, blending nostalgia with modern love stories.
