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60 Perfect First Dance Songs for Your Wedding Love Story

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For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, MUSIC and Cinema Lovers

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Your Ultimate Guide to PLANNING YOUR SPECIAL DAY

BY ERIC RENE PENOY

The Complete Guide to Planning an Adventurous Dream Wedding

Your first dance as a married couple is one of the most intimate and unforgettable moments of your wedding day. It’s the moment when time slows down, the world fades away, and it’s just the two of you—locked in an embrace, dancing to a song that speaks to your love story.

But with so many amazing songs out there, choosing the perfect first dance song can feel overwhelming. Do you go with a timeless classic, a modern love ballad, or an upbeat and unexpected choice? Should it be romantic and slow, or something fun and lively that gets the crowd excited?

We’ve put together the ultimate list of 60 first dance songs—from soulful classics to contemporary hits, from country love songs to indie gems. Whether you’re having a grand ballroom wedding, a beach elopement, or a cozy backyard celebration, there’s a song here that’s perfect for your special moment.

Get ready to find the perfect soundtrack for your first dance as newlyweds!

Let‘s have a Simple but Deep Connection

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First Dance Song Checklist

1. Choosing the Right Song

✔️ Pick a song that reflects your love story & wedding vibe
✔️ Check lyrics for meaning & emotional connection
✔️ Decide between romantic, fun, or unique

2. Danceability & Comfort

✔️ Test the song by dancing together
✔️ Choose a comfortable length (2-4 min)
✔️ Consider dance lessons if needed

3. Practical Considerations

✔️ Confirm with DJ/band & check the sound quality
✔️ Explore different versions (acoustic, edited)
✔️ Ensure your attire allows easy movement

4. Preparing for the Dance

✔️ Practice in your wedding shoes
✔️ Plan your entrance, exit & any special moves
✔️ Consider lighting & ambiance

5. Capturing the Moment

✔️ Inform photographer/videographer
✔️ Plan a smooth transition to the next reception event

6. Final Wedding Day Checks

✔️ Double-check the song version with DJ/band
✔️ Relax & enjoy the moment—it’s about love, not perfection!

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YOUR FIRST DANCE

The Ultimate First Dance Selection: 60 Perfect Songs

Timeless Classics (Romantic & Elegant)

  1. “At Last” – Etta James

  2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley

  3. “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers

  4. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra

  5. “L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole

  6. “Wonderful Tonight” – Eric Clapton

  7. “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King

  8. “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

  9. “Something” – The Beatles

  10. “I Only Have Eyes for You” – The Flamingos

Modern Love Songs (Soft & Emotional)

  1. “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran

  2. “You Are the Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne

  3. “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri

  4. “Say You Won’t Let Go” – James Arthur

  5. “All of Me” – John Legend

  6. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” – Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend

  7. “Better Together” – Jack Johnson

  8. “Yours” – Russell Dickerson

  9. “Beyond” – Leon Bridges

  10. “Forever Like That” – Ben Rector

Indie & Alternative Picks (Unique & Heartfelt)

  1. “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

  2. “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes

  3. “You and Me” – Lifehouse

  4. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – Frankie Valli (Acoustic Covers Available)

  5. “Ho Hey” – The Lumineers

  6. “Better Man” – Leon Bridges

  7. “Turning Page” – Sleeping at Last

  8. “La Vie En Rose” – Emily Watts (Acoustic Cover of Edith Piaf’s Classic)

  9. “I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You” – Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis

  10. “Simply the Best” – Noah Reid (Cover from Schitt’s Creek)

Country Romance (Heartfelt & Soulful)

  1. “Speechless” – Dan + Shay

  2. “Amazed” – Lonestar

  3. “Die a Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett

  4. “Bless the Broken Road” – Rascal Flatts

  5. “My Person” – Spencer Crandall

  6. “Made for You” – Jake Owen

  7. “Forever After All” – Luke Combs

  8. “Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton

  9. “From the Ground Up” – Dan + Shay

  10. “Then” – Brad Paisley

Upbeat & Fun First Dance Songs

  1. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen

  2. “You Make My Dreams” – Daryl Hall & John Oates

  3. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra

  4. “Dancing in the Moonlight” – Toploader

  5. “Everything” – Michael Bublé

  6. “Sugar” – Maroon 5

  7. “Marry You” – Bruno Mars

  8. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston (Acoustic Cover for a Softer Feel)

  9. “Best Day of My Life” – American Authors

  10. “Lover” – Taylor Swift (Acoustic First Dance Version)

Emotional & Soulful Choices

  1. “Falling Like the Stars” – James Arthur

  2. “How Long Will I Love You” – Ellie Goulding

  3. “By Your Side” – Sade

  4. “XO” – Beyoncé (John Mayer Acoustic Cover)

  5. “Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones

  6. “Grow Old with Me” – Tom Odell

  7. “Moon River” – Audrey Hepburn / Frank Ocean Cover

  8. “Kiss Me” – Ed Sheeran (Acoustic Cover of Sixpence None the Richer’s Classic)

  9. “She’s in Love with the Boy” – Trisha Yearwood

  10. “I Get to Love You” – Ruelle

Choosing the Perfect First Dance Song for You

  • Consider your love story – Is there a song that played on your first date or during a special moment?

  • Match the mood – Do you want a slow, romantic dance or an upbeat and fun moment?

  • Lyrics matter – Pick a song with meaningful lyrics that resonate with your relationship.

  • Danceability – Think about whether you want to sway gently, twirl, or even choreograph a routine.

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CONCLUSION

Your first dance as a married couple is more than just a moment—it’s a memory you’ll cherish forever. The song you choose will forever be tied to this special chapter in your love story, bringing back feelings of joy, romance, and excitement every time you hear it. Whether you sway to a timeless classic, a modern ballad, or a unique indie favorite, the most important thing is that it reflects your journey together.

As you plan this intimate moment, think about what resonates with your love story. Do you want something soulful and emotional, upbeat and fun, or deeply personal? Don’t be afraid to break tradition and choose a song that truly feels like “you” as a couple.

And remember, it’s not about perfect choreography or impressing your guests—it’s about feeling present and connected with your partner. Whether you choose a fully choreographed routine or a simple, romantic slow dance, this moment is about celebrating your love in its most authentic form.

So take your time, listen to different options, and trust your heart. No matter which song you pick, your first dance will be a beautiful, unforgettable part of your wedding day—one that you’ll relive over and over again in your hearts, in photographs, and in every replay of that special melody.

Now tell us—which song speaks to your love story?