40 Best First Dance Songs for Your 2023 Wedding

If you’re not one of those couples who already have a special song’ that they have always dreamed of doing their first dance to, then don’t fret. There are plenty of ways to find your very own special song. In the run-up to the big day spend time listening to music together and jot down any that you both particularly love.

Listening to music doesn’t just have to be on the radio or Spotify. Think about gigs you’ve been to together and your favourite films too, as many movies have wonderfully romantic soundtracks that might speak to you as a couple. It’s also a good idea to both create separate lists of songs that you can imagine dancing to and then seeing whether you have any of the same or similar songs.

Read: 135 Songs to Walk Down The Aisle To

Remember to always listen carefully to, or even better look up the lyrics of, any songs you like the sound of, as the words need to speak to you as a couple and work for your relationship and feelings. Plus, some love songs can actually have lyrics that aren’t all that romantic. We’re talking about The Police’s Every Breath That You Take and Baby It’s Cold Outside among others!

The other factor you need to take into account when choosing a first dance song is what sort of dance you want to do. Have you got two left feet and want a simple and easy sway around the dance floor? Then you need to find something with a tempo that allows you to do just that. Perhaps you want to wow your guests with a choreographed number? Unless you’re going for a waltz then something a bit more upbeat that works with a cha cha cha or a foxtrot might be more suitable.

And remember, first dance songs don’t have to be romantic love songs, although most couples do choose to go down this route. If you’re both known for your love of heavy metal music then feel free to kick your wedding evening off with some couples’ headbanging! As long as the song means something special to you as a couple and you both love it, then it qualifies as a perfect first dance song.

Once you’ve chosen your favourite first dance song, make sure to practise dancing together at least a few times before the wedding so that you both feel comfortable with the tempo and flow of the song. You don’t want your first dance to be an awkward experience after all. You also need to think about how you want the music to be played on your big day. If you’re having a band do you want them to play the piece or would you prefer to have the original recording with your favourite singer?

Either way, you need to let whoever is in charge of the music on the day know what your choice is. And, if you have chosen to have your band play your first dance song, ask to hear them do so in advance just in case they do the tempo differently from how you’ve practised.

We’ve rounded up 40 of the most popular and best first dance songs, from modern love songs by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding to romantic old school classics by Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, for a wedding moment you’ll never ever forget. Any of these pieces of music will work beautifully as wedding songs throughout the day too.