Finding Your Perfect First Dance Song
Your first dance as a newlywed couple is an incredibly special moment, and there are so many ways you can make it uniquely yours! Make it an intimate moment just between the two of you, have everyone join you on the dance floor, or surprise your guests with some fine dance moves in a perfectly choreographed number. No matter what you decide to do, the most important element is the perfect song!
But where to start? With millions of songs out there, it can be hard to choose, so we are here to help! Let’s break it down into 3 categories: Just For You, Get The Party Started, and Bust Out The Moves. In each of those categories, I’ve suggested three songs to inspire you, check them out!
Just For You: For the couples who want a special moment just for them
Right off the bat, I just have to say, an intimate moment, just you and your partner, for your first dance, will give you the best photo opportunities. Hang some fairy lights in the background and dim the lights, and you’ll be in your own Disney movie moment! So what songs are best for setting the mood?
1) I Will Spend My Whole Like Loving You - Kina Grannis
Not only are the lyrics to this song beautiful, but the duet version with Imaginary Future will have the whole room teary-eyed! Lyrics like “I can picture you, walking with your father at your side” and “I’ve been counting my stars, Cause I will spend my whole life loving you” are sure to bring back all the butterflies you had on your first date together!
2) Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
Another beautiful, romantic song to perfectly fit all those lovey-dovey feelings! Lyrics like “Come away with me and we’ll kiss, on a mountaintop” and “In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high” offers the perfect text painting and romantic imagery for your special moment.
3) At Last - Etta James
It goes without saying Etta James had some of the most beautiful jazz vocals, and her songs were just as lovely. The opening lyrics alone, “At last, my love has come along” perfectly reflect the love that your whole big day is about, and the soulful jazz sound of the song is perfect for a romantic slow dance.
Get The Party Started: For the couples who want to share the moment and get everyone up and groovin’!
A great option for the shy couple who may not want all the attention on them, but rather have everyone enjoy the day and make it about friends and family too. Here are 3 songs that are near impossible to not tap your toes to, and will have your dance floor full in no time!
1) Good Night - John Legend
Not only does the song have perfect wedding lyrics like “But everything’s gonna be alright, I think I just met my wife” and “I can't think when you’re looking like that”, but the fun dance beat of this song will light up your dance floor. The smooth beat ensures that even your oldest wedding guests will be able to keep up and enjoy the moment with you.
2) I Saw Her Standing There - The Beatles
Speaking of your oldest wedding guests, it’s always nice to have some songs that are a hit with every generation, and the Beatles seem to always fit the bill! You can’t go wrong with lyrics like “and the way she looked, was way beyond compare” and “well my heart when boom, when I crossed that room.” It’s a classic.
3) This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
The lyrics are definitely on the nose with this song, with lines like “loving you, is some kind of wonderful” and “you’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime”. Also, who doesn’t love a good horn section? The instrumentation and upbeat tone of this song will get toes tapping and hips shaking for sure!
Bust Out The Moves: For the couples that want to surprise their guests with a seamless, choreographed number!
We have all seen the videos online of couples nailing a dance routine and surprising all their friends and family, and it always looks like a great time! If you and your partner want a moment your guests will never forget, here are some song ideas for you. Bonus points if you pretend to have your music skip and change before revealing the real song!
1) Rockin’ Robin - Bobby Byrd
For the couple that loves a swing dance moment, this song is for you! With a fun, quick beat and classic 50’s sound, this song is perfect for busting out some good old swing dance moves, an easy style of dance to put together yourselves before the big day. You’re sure to have a lot of laughs along the way too!
2) Stayin’ Alive - The Bee Gees
If swing dance isn’t for you, maybe disco is more your style! Everyone can do classic moves like The Sprinkler and The Shopping Cart, and this song is perfect for that. With a smooth beat and lyrics everyone can sing along to, you cannot go wrong with this 70’s disco hit!
3) A personalized mashup!
One of the best options for a choreographed wedding dance however, is definitely a personalized mashup of a few songs that you either love to dance to, or have meaning to your relationship! With basic editing software, usually available for free online these days, you can put together any bunch of songs your heart desires, and add one more personal touch to your special day!
Hopefully, one of these songs stood out to you or reminded you of a similar song that is perfect for you and your partner. But most importantly, remember that this is YOUR day, and if the tradition of a first dance isn’t for you, no worries. Don’t do one. Your day will be special and memorable regardless.
Happy dancing!