50 First Dance Songs for Every Kind of Couple

How to Choose Your First Dance Song

Start with what the song means to you, then think about how you want the moment to feel. A slow ballad suits a quiet, emotional first dance, while an upbeat track works if you would rather laugh your way through it and invite everyone onto the floor sooner.

• Listen to the lyrics: some well-known love songs are about heartbreak, so read the words before you commit.

• Check the tempo: if you have not had lessons, a gentle sway suits a slow song better than a fast one.

• Think about length: your DJ or band can fade the song early if you would rather not dance for four minutes.

Timeless First Dance Songs for Classic Romantics

These have been played at weddings for decades, and every generation in the room will know them.

1. At Last, Etta James

2. Can't Help Falling in Love, Elvis Presley

3. Let's Stay Together, Al Green

4. The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra

5. Stand by Me, Ben E. King

6. Unchained Melody, The Righteous Brothers

7. Your Song, Elton John

8. Wonderful Tonight, Eric Clapton

9. L-O-V-E, Nat King Cole

10. Make You Feel My Love, Adele

Modern Love Songs for a Contemporary First Dance

Ballads from the last decade, from Ed Sheeran and John Legend to Billie Eilish.

1. Perfect, Ed Sheeran

2. All of Me, John Legend

3. Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran

4. Lover, Taylor Swift

5. Say You Won't Let Go, James Arthur

6. Until I Found You, Stephen Sanchez

7. Die with a Smile, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars

8. A Thousand Years, Christina Perri

9. Birds of a Feather, Billie Eilish

10. You Are the Reason, Calum Scott

Country First Dance Songs With Real Heart

Big, sincere love songs for couples who grew up on country, or who want a story in the lyrics.

1. Joy of My Life, Chris Stapleton

2. Forever After All, Luke Combs

3. Speechless, Dan + Shay

4. Die a Happy Man, Thomas Rhett

5. Amazed, Lonestar

6. God Gave Me You, Blake Shelton

7. From the Ground Up, Dan + Shay

8. Bless the Broken Road, Rascal Flatts

Indie and Acoustic Songs for Laid-Back Couples

Softer, less obvious picks for couples who want something that feels personal rather than chart-topping.

1. Better Together, Jack Johnson

2. You Are the Best Thing, Ray LaMontagne

3. Beyond, Leon Bridges

4. Ho Hey, The Lumineers

5. Grow Old with Me, Tom Odell

6. Only Love, Ben Howard

7. The One, Kodaline

8. Home, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Upbeat First Dance Songs for Couples Who Want Fun

If a slow dance in front of everyone is not your style, these let you smile, spin and pull your guests in early.

1. This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), Natalie Cole

2. Just the Two of Us, Grover Washington Jr. ft. Bill Withers

3. Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Frankie Valli

4. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours), Stevie Wonder

5. I'm Yours, Jason Mraz

6. Is This Love, Bob Marley and the Wailers

7. Marry You, Bruno Mars

8. Everything, Michael Bublé

9. You Make My Dreams (Come True), Hall and Oates

Australian First Dance Songs for a Home Crowd

Australian artists with songs that suit a first dance, from rock ballads to quieter love songs.

1. Never Tear Us Apart, INXS

2. Into My Arms, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

3. I Honestly Love You, Olivia Newton-John

4. Throw Your Arms Around Me, Hunters and Collectors

5. Mess Is Mine, Vance Joy

Plan the Music for the Rest of Your Night

Once you have your song, tell your DJ or band exactly when to start it and whether to fade it early. Shortlist a DJ from our listings in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, or have Wedded Concierge pick one who suits your night.

For the rest of the reception, see our wedding dance floor songs and wedding entrance songs, and our guide to finding your first dance song.