The first dance is a special moment shared by the bride and groom, particularly when they have chosen a song that reflects their relationship. The tradition has forever had guests admiring the new couple as they mouth their favourite lyrics to each other. Throw in fireworks timed to perfection, and a sweet lift from the groom to make it all the more memorable.
Table of Contents
From a rehearsed waltz and a classic tune to a modern melody with all the dance moves, there’s a first dance song for everyone. Read our list of 20 to pick the one that suits you (warning: some major cheesiness ahead).
1. Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud
Favourite Lyric: Take me into your loving arms, kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
This classic has been a constant since its 2014 debut and we don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.
2. Lifehouse – You and Me
Favourite Lyric: And I don’t know why, I can’t keep my eyes off you
A nostalgic throwback to every wedding in the early 2000s … the good times.
3. John Legend – All Of Me
Favourite Lyric: Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections
This song is everything you want to say to your new life-partner in 4 minutes and 29 seconds.
4. Tim McGraw – My Best Friend
Favourite Lyric: Life with you makes perfect sense, you’re my best friend
A country song is the song for your first dance.
5. Tom Odell – Grow Old With Me
Favourite Lyric: And our hands they might age and our bodies will change but we’ll still be the same
What better way to start your new life together than singing Grow Old With Me together?
6. Calum Scott – You Are The Reason
Favourite Lyric: I’d climb every mountain and swim every ocean just to be with you
This beautiful melody is perfect for the loved up couple.
7. Ed Sheeran – Perfect
Favourite Lyric: I don’t deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight
What did the bride do when they put this song on? Shee-ran into his arms (also we predicted this popularity).
8. James Arthur – Say You Won’t Let Go
Favourite Lyric: I met you in the dark, you lit me up
Ain’t no letting go after you dance to this song.
9. Adele – Remedy
Favourite Lyric: Your love, it is my truth, and I will always love you
Adele always hits us deep in all the feels and this number is no exception.
10. Coldplay – Fix You
Favourite Lyric: Lights will guide you home, And ignite your bones, And I will try to fix you
11. Beyonce – Love On Top
Favourite Lyric: Baby it’s you, you’re the one I love
C’mon, don’t pretend like you belt this out to each other like Bey.
12. Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling In Love With You
Favourite Lyric: Take my hand, take my whole life too, For I can’t help falling in love with you
13. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Lauren Hill
Favourite Lyric: You’re just too good to be true, I can’t take my eyes off you
Heath Ledger. Ten Things I Hate About You. Enough Said (Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons version is also recommended).
14. Stevie Wonder – You and I
Favourite Lyric: You and I, in my mind we can conquer the world
One of the most successful musicians sings your first dance song = one of the most successful marriages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy8Vf9d-GHM
15. Elton John – Your Song
Favourite Lyric: I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words, how wonderful life is while you’re in the world
Elton John is your song. That’s it. Classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTa8U0Wa0q8
16. Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You
Favourite Lyric: Everything means nothing, if I ain’t got you baby
This is the perfect song for the couple who want to karaoke-it-out on their Big Day. We’re talking finger-pointing, singing-your-heart-out type love.
17. Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do
Favourite Lyric: Let me take you past our satellites, you can see the world you brought to life
We can imagine the perfectly timed lift and fireworks happening as soon as the chorus drops.
18. Michael Bublé – Everything
Favourite Lyric: I can’t believe that I’m your man and I get to kiss you
This sweet tune is the perfect first dance song on any planet, any time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPUJIbXN0WY
19. Frank Sinatra – The Best Is Yet To Come
Favourite Lyric: Come the day you’re mine, I’m gonna teach you to fly
His timeless music is the perfect theme for the next chapter in your life. Indeed, the best is yet to come.
20. Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson – Beauty And The Beast
Favourite Lyric: Ever as before, and ever just as sure, as the sun will rise
Rejoice the brides who are Disney fans, this song is your perfect princess moment with Prince Charming.
Written by Shaymah Alkhair
Cover Photo by Tali Photography
