The Perfect First Dance: Tips for an Unforgettable Moment
- Sophie Selfie
- Mar 7
- 4 min read
Your wedding day is filled with magical moments—walking down the aisle, saying "I do," and, of course, that all-important first dance. It’s the moment where time slows down, guests swoon, and you and your partner share a few blissful minutes wrapped up in each other’s arms. But with so many songs to choose from, how do you pick the one?
Fear not! Whether you're after something timeless, fun, or totally unique, we’ve got top tips and inspiration to help you find the perfect track for your big day.
1. Classic Love Songs: Timeless and Romantic
If you’re looking for a first dance song that will never go out of style, classic love songs are a great choice. These tracks have been the soundtrack to weddings for decades, and for good reason—they're romantic, heartfelt, and instantly recognisable.
Top Classic First Dance Songs:
At Last – Etta James
Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Your Song – Elton John
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Top Tip:
Classic songs work beautifully for a traditional, elegant wedding. They also pair well with ballroom-style first dances, so if you're planning to wow your guests with a waltz, this could be the way to go!
2. Modern Love Songs: Contemporary and Heartfelt
Want something a little more current? Modern love songs bring fresh emotion and meaningful lyrics that feel personal and unique to your relationship.
Top Modern First Dance Songs:
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
All of Me – John Legend
You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Speechless – Dan + Shay
Top Tip:
If you love a modern song but don’t want it to sound like everyone else’s first dance, look for an acoustic or live version—it can make it feel more intimate and personal.
3. Upbeat and Fun: Dance Like No One’s Watching!
Not everyone wants a slow, swaying moment for their first dance. If you and your partner love to have fun, why not choose a song with a bit more energy? Upbeat songs can set the tone for an unforgettable night and get your guests excited to hit the dance floor too!
Top Fun and Upbeat First Dance Songs:
You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Acoustic Version) – Whitney Houston
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Love on Top – Beyoncé
Top Tip:
If you're nervous about dancing, an upbeat song can be a great way to shake off the pressure. Just have fun with it—whether that means twirling around the dance floor or even breaking into a full-on choreographed routine!
4. Indie and Alternative: Unique and Personal
For couples who want to steer away from the mainstream, indie and alternative songs offer a more unique and personal vibe. These songs often have poetic lyrics and a dreamy quality, perfect for an intimate first dance.
Top Indie and Alternative First Dance Songs:
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Sea of Love – Cat Power
You and Me – Lifehouse
First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Top Tip:
If you’re planning a rustic or boho wedding, an indie track can fit the aesthetic beautifully. Consider a song that holds special meaning for you and your partner—maybe something from the first gig you saw together!
5. Movie Soundtracks: Love Songs from the Big Screen
If you’re a movie-loving couple, why not pick a song straight from your favorite film? Whether it’s a Disney classic or a sweeping romantic ballad, film soundtracks can add an extra layer of sentimentality to your first dance.
Top Movie Soundtrack First Dance Songs:
I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith (Armageddon)
City of Stars – Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone (La La Land)
Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John (The Lion King)
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes (Dirty Dancing)
A Whole New World – Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle (Aladdin)
Top Tip:
A movie song can be a fun way to add a bit of personality to your wedding. If you’re feeling brave, you could even recreate a famous dance scene (Dirty Dancing lift, anyone?).
6. Something Totally Unexpected
Who says you have to follow tradition? If a classic love song isn’t your vibe, why not choose something completely unexpected? Rock, country, even a song from your favorite TV show—it’s all about making your wedding day feel uniquely you.
Top Unexpected First Dance Songs:
Everlong (Acoustic Version) – Foo Fighters
Lover – Taylor Swift (Alternative Version)
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Grow Old With You – Adam Sandler (The Wedding Singer)
Simply the Best (Acoustic) – Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek)
Top Tip:
If you pick an unexpected song, consider an acoustic or slowed-down version to make it feel extra romantic.
Bonus: First Dance Tips to Make It Extra Special
No matter which song you choose, here are some quick tips to ensure your first dance is truly magical:
✔️ Practice in your wedding shoes – Avoid any surprise mishaps on the dancefloor!✔️ Keep it short and sweet – Two to three minutes is the perfect length before guests start to lose focus.✔️ Consider a fade-out – If your song is long, ask the DJ or band to fade it out at a natural ending point.✔️ Get comfortable with movement – Even if you’re not doing a full routine, knowing a few basic steps will boost your confidence.✔️ Have fun! – The first dance is about you two—enjoy the moment and don’t stress about perfection.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your first dance song is a big decision, but it should also be fun! Think about a song that reflects your relationship, makes you both feel comfortable, and sets the mood you want for the rest of the night. Whether you go for a timeless ballad, an upbeat bop, or a quirky indie tune, your first dance will be a moment to remember forever.
Got a favorite first dance song? Let us know in the comments!
Miss Sophie Selfie xx
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