Top 10 First Dance Songs

Planning a wedding can be an extremely stressful process that requires a lot of attention and dedication. You and your partner work tirelessly to create a beautiful & romantic day you will remember for the rest of your lives. It is also a chance to celebrate the love you share and build a bridge between two separate families bringing them together in harmony that is connected by love.

Due to the importance of a wedding and the busy schedule often associated the one thing you should not need to worry about is the first dance & finding a song that can express the feeling & emotion you are experiencing and have towards your significant other. Most couples find it easy to pinpoint the exact song they want making life a little easier, but this is not the case for everyone so do not worry if you are unsure, we’ve detailed some of the core elements you should consider when deciding on a wedding anthem and 10 of our favourite songs that we recommend!

Frame Your First Dance

The first dance between the newly weds is the most eagerly anticipated moment for many of your guests so when trying to decide on the song keep the following tips in mind!

1. Using A Special Meaning or Moment

These are quite possibly the most popular reasons why couples pick their chosen first dance song, but despite this can be sometimes overlooked. Over your time together there would have been many ups and downs, special moments and not so special moments which help tie you together and strengthen your relationship for the better so using these experiences, feelings & memories to decide on your first dance song will really help find something that transcends sound.

2. Lyrics That Tug the Heart Strings

Not everyone has a song from a significant moment so looking at songs from a lyrical perspective can be extremely helpful. The beautiful thing with music is the romantic poetry behind many songs and the way lyrics can express a thousand and one feelings in a few short verses. Find lyrics that express your joint feelings, romantic ambitions & celebrate the relationship will be a fantastic place to start!

3. Advice From Loved Ones

Sometimes it can be hard for just two people to find a song that expresses them correctly or you ultimately cannot agree due to contrasting tastes in music which is fine and extremely common so do not worry about that! Turning to the people who know you best such as parents, siblings and best friends can be extremely helpful as they have a unique perspective on you and your relationship.

4. You Do not Need to Love the Song

The more time & pressure you put on yourself the harder it will become to find the right song for your first dance. It is important to remember that just because it is your first dance and an important moment it does not mean you need to be madly in love with the song. The dance is more of an expression of your love for one another & bookmarking the occasion.

If you are still struggling to find the first dance song, then fear not! Below you will find ten of the best first dance songs that not only we love but other couples love! 

1. Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley

Known as his most popular love song the melody for “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is based on a French song called “Plaisir D’Amour” which was created in 1784. Elvis ended majority of his concerts with this musical masterpiece making it the perfect song to create a statement.

2. Just You and I – Tom Walker

Tom Walker wrote this love song for his girlfriend now fiancé, Annie. He said “Just You and I’ is about that amazing person in your life who you can tell anything to and is always there for you no matter what. Together you are better.”

3. All Of Me – John Legend

I do not think it is possible to have a list of first dance songs and not include the legendary John Legend and his massively popular ballad hit “All of Me”

With lyrics like:

“Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose, I'm winning”

It is the perfect song to really display the love and affection you have for one another.

4. Is This Love – Bob Marley

The opening lyrics to Bob Marley’s “Is this Love” really sets the precedent for a healthy and happy marriage. Accompanied with the summery and carefree vibe this song has enormous potential when it comes to first dance options.

5. Greatest Day – Take That

The title says it all… Your wedding tends to be one of your most memorable & happiest moment of your life, so this song really has another level of meaning. It’s also important to keep in mind this is Take That’s 11 ^th UK #1, so it is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

6. Perfect – Ed Sheeran

Ed’s Waltz-time love song expresses the excitement of a relationship, looks forward to a future full of happiness, children, family and growing old together. Dedicated to his partner Cherry Seaborn, an old school friend, this song is full of meaning & lifetime aspirations all relationships should have.

7. I Don’t Want to Miss a Think – Aerosmith

Inspired by an interview with James Brolin who said when his wife Barbra Streisand was away, he really missed her even when he was sleeping. Diane Warren wrote this song, which is about treasuring every moment spent with another person. Hitting this no.1 spot in the US this became one of the most popular songs in 1998.

8. What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

A song dedicated to finding and appreciating beauty from your surroundings. What A Wonderful World really brings a sense of optimism and comfort. It also has a short running time of just 2 minutes & 17 seconds meaning you can slow dance to this without it feeling awkward or like it is lasting an eternity.

9. Marry You – Bruno Mars

A fan favourite from Bruno’s 2010 Album Doo-Wops & Hooligans this song has a core focus on the crazy things love & drink makes you do. Despite being themed around love, it is not reported if this song is dedicated to anybody which is uncommon for a song of this genre. They simply wanted to capture the feel-good feeling when you have one to many drinks and love everyone. Regardless the lyrics are perfect for showcasing the love you hold for your partner.

10. Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars

Also coming from the Doo-Wops & Hooligans album Just the Way You Are was the lead single and became Bruno’s first chart entry under his own name. Bruno was quoted saying “I am a big fan of simple songs. When we wrote Just The way You Are, I was not thinking of anything deep or poetic. I was telling a story. Get ready to fall in love!”

Like John Legend’s All of Me the lyrics from Bruno’s song focuses on loving their partner for who they are, embracing the imperfections & admiring who they are.

Frame Your First Dance

Once the big day has been and pasted the memories will last you a lifetime, but it doesn’t hurt capturing your wedding or someone else’s wedding in the form of art. At the Song Lyric Prints you can add any song you like to 100’s of unique & beautiful designs on framed print, canvas & acrylic blocks. Plus, we have a range of designs that you can include your personal photos!