10 Heart Stopping First Dance Songs sure to WOW Guests on Your Wedding Day
Matt and Emily enjoy their first dance as newlyweds to “Speechless” by Dan and Shay. Photo Courtesy of Dennis Crider (Cleveland, Ohio).
The heart stopping effect of music sends a rush of emotions through your body forcing a gasp when you didn’t even realize you’d been holding your breath. It sparks a core memory you didn’t know you were forming. And brings tears to your eyes or a smile to your face.
When you and your fiance choose your first dance song, the most important tip to remember is it should reflect YOU as a couple. If a slow dance isn’t your thing, don’t do it!
Do you want a choreographed waltz? Go for it! Would you rather have the entire bridal party do a dance off? Have fun!
Gone are the days of guests expecting a traditional first dance, so do what makes you happy and comfortable.
There are so many beautiful song options for a first dance that it can actually be overwhelming for couples.
From classic to modern, slow or fast, I have a list that will hit the right notes for almost everyone out there. The debate over the perfect first dance song is not yours alone actually. The majority of couples face the same dilemma while planning their wedding.
So let me help by breaking down a couple categories of songs for your listening (and dancing) pleasure.
10 CLASSIC First Dance Songs that you’ll NEVER REGRET
If you and your fiance want to look back on your first dance in 25 years and relive a romantic moment set to a classic song that has stood (and will continue to stand) the test of time, then the following 10 songs are great options for your first dance.
These songs are in no particular order and each title is a clickable link for your listening pleasure!
Lleya and Jaques Evans’ first dance was one for the ages. Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable.
1. "Fly Me to the Moon" Frank Sinatra
Talk about a song that exudes class. It’s impossible not to picture a classic black tux, white shirt, and bow tie on the groom who chooses this song. And at 2 minutes 30 seconds, it’s perfect for the couple who doesn’t want the first dance spotlight on them for an extended period of time.
“You are all I long for, all I worship and adore. In other words, please be true. In other words, In other words, I love you.”
SIR Elton John’s, “Your Song” was released 51 YEARS AGO but still continues to wow as a first dance song. The lyrics tell a beautiful message to let your loved one know “how wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”
“Everything” provides a more upbeat melody than other classic first dance songs and dare I say, it’s a little less boring, but the power of his words are still magical. This song is perfect if you’re looking for a classic first dance song, but you’re a little spunky as a couple.
It’s interesting that so many of the artists in this list are men. Don’t hold it against me because if there’s one thing Adele can do, it’s cast a shadow over any other musical artist with her hauntingly gorgeous voice.
Her lyrics explain that it can take a while to be ready for love, but once the right person enters your life, your heart can open up to the idea again.
“I wasn't ready then, I'm ready now. I'm heading straight for you. You will only be eternally. The one that I belong to.”
5. "You Are the Best Thing" Ray LaMontagne
Ray LaMontagne’s voice is swoon worthy. He is smooth and sexy and so is this song. So if you and your fiance are also smooth and sexy…this one’s for you.
6. "A Thousand Years" Christina Perri (from Twilight: Breaking Dawn)
This song made hearts palpate during Edward and Bella’s Twilight wedding scene, and even if you’re not a Twilight fan, don’t let it deter you from listening to the beauty of Christina Perri’s voice. The power of her voice in “A Thousand Years” literally takes my breath away and chances are, your guests will feel it during your first dance too.
“The day we met, Frozen I held my breath. Right from the start I knew that I'd found a home for my heart.”
7. "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" Frankie Valli
Don’t let the age of this song fool you. No one can go wrong with Frankie Valli as a first dance song. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” brings a more upbeat vibe to the dance floor and your older guests will be sure to enjoy your classic taste in music.
However, if you prefer a more updated version, Lauryn Hill has remade it as well. But I have to be honest, I don’t think that version lives up to Frankie.
Maybe it’s because I grew up on these songs, but man do they get me everytime. Etta James’ soulful song, “At Last” is a gorgeous option for a first dance. Its lyrics are short and simple, but pack a punch much like her voice.
“At last, my love has come along. My lonely days are over. And life is like a song.”
9. "Wonderful Tonight" Eric Clapton
This sweet song describes a man’s love and admiration for the love of his life and the romantic way that he continuously tells her how wonderful she looks. While it doesn’t quite tell a two sided love story, the tenderness and kindness in the lyrics are undeniable.
10. “All of Me” by John Legend
Marriage is a commitment to balance each other out in challenging moments of the life to come, to be a source of support and a steady rock for the other.
The song lyrics hint at the promise by the partners of balancing each other out:
“Even when I lose, I’m winning; my head’s under water, but I’m breathing fine; I give you all of me, you give me all of you.”
If you choose this, John Legend’s incredible voice will sweep you and all of your guests away during your first dance.
Fast Five Country Favs
While I do love older songs, I have to admit that I am in love with country music too, so I had to include 5 Country Songs that take my breath away and might do the same for you.
The lyrics to this song are so perfect for a wedding day that I linked a music video that includes the lyric overlay. It actually leaves me “speechless”.
2. “My Person” by Spencer Crandall
Spencer Crandall’s heartwarming lyrics connect with any couple, and it would make a beautiful, modern song to share a dance to.
3. “H.O.L.Y.” by Florida Georgia Line
H.O.L.Y. tells the story of a lonely man who was losing hope but once he met his love, he was saved from his own negative thoughts about loving someone else.
4. “What I Never Knew I Always Wanted” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood describes (dare I say) atypical feelings about marriage and family throughout her life in “What I Never Knew I Always Wanted” until she met her now husband. Not only do you need to listen to this, you NEED to watch the music video. Total tear jerker.
5. “Butterflies” by Kacey Musgraves
No one wants to be held back in a relationship. The best couples support one another and build each other up. “Butterflies” highlights that supportive kind of love.
The first dance with your spouse should be a moment that you never forget with a song that will spark beautiful (or even funny) memories for years to come.
So whichever song you choose, and whatever type of dancing you envision for your big moment, make sure it’s all about YOU two.
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