125 Best First Dance Songs By Genre + Lyric Quotes

Updated on October 14, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique first dance songs for your first dance as a married couple.

Should you choose to have the first dance as a newlywed couple, there are quite a few options.

The best advice is to select a first dance song that is something meaningful for you as a couple.

Let’s start with the most popular right now.

Our Top 10 First Dance Songs

1. “The Joker And The Queen” by Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift
2. “Growing Old With You (First Dance Version)” by Restless Road
3. “Love of My Life” by Sentury
4. “‘Never Til Now” by Ashley Cooke, Brett Young
5. “Luckiest Man” by Chris Brown
6. “Joy of My Life” by Chris Stapleton
7. “First Date (Acoustic)” by Taylor Acorn
8. “Made to Love You” by Drew Angus
9. “Amazing” by Teddy Swims
10. “Dance Of A Lifetime” by Drake Milligan

What is the number 1 first dance wedding song?

The most popular first dance song of all time is “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. There are many popular covers of the song to also include in the song’s popularity including Kina Grannis, Hailey Reinhardt, and Music Travel Love.

Listen to First Dance Songs Playlist

First Dance Couple Songs: The List of Love Songs

We cannot name all the great first dance songs. This is why we have listed the most popular and unique wedding first dance songs around the United States.

Pop First Dance Songs

 

Kiss Me – Dermot Kennedy

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “There’s always this version of you and I / So just kiss me the way that you would / If we died tonight”
Why Play: A fun mid-tempo song that highlights being in love.

Heaven – Calum Scott

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “They say it’s better, but how could that be? / If everyone had a love like us / They wouldn’t call that place above, Heaven”
Why Play: A romantic song telling your lover that you are in Heaven being with them.

The Joker And The Queen – Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “With a single word / And a gentle touch / You turned a moment / Into forever”
Why Play: A slow folk ballad (waltz dance). The lyrics use a card game analogy to explain love.

Amazing – Teddy Swims

Released in 2022, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You make me wanna pick a handful of wildflowers / They remind me of you / Natural beauty don’t come from you spending hours / God just gave it to you”
Why Play: Swim’s raspy voice describes the love of their lover and how they amaze him/her.

Lifetime – Justin Bieber

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Some people come in your life for a reason / Others they come in your life for a season / But baby, you are a lifetime”
Why Play: The song tells a love story about how they wish to spend their whole life together.

FOREVER IS – Norman Kerner

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Forever is a dream a come true / I’m gonna spend the rest of my life with you”
Why Play: A song that was written specifically for a first dance describing a newlywed’s first dance.

Butterflies – MAX, Ali Gatie

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You won’t stop runnin’ through my mind / For the rest of both our lives / You give me butterflies”
Why Play: The song highlights how your lover will always give you love butterflies every time you look at them.

Imagine (Acoustic) – Ben Platt

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I can’t imagine my life without you / I can’t imagine one night without you / If something happened, don’t know what I’d do”
Why Play: You can choose the original mid-tempo version or this slower version talking about how you can not live without your life partner.

Our Song (Acoustic) – Ron Pope

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “So won’t you take my hand / Take my heart / Promise to never stop dancing once we start / ‘Cause this is our song”
Why Play: The first dance is one of the spotlight moments of the reception. This could be “your song” as the song describes.

Love Songs Ain’t for Us – Amy Shark, Keith Urban

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Perfect nights, it’s open doors / It’s feeling safe, it’s being sure / It’s a deep cut, crazy rush / To feel like us”
Why Play: Not your typical love song lyrics (on purpose by Shark) but speaks of enjoying your kind of love.

this is how you fall in love – Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler

Released in 2021, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Wherever we go, what glitters is gold / You’ll be my best friend until we grow old”
Why Play: A duet ballad about falling in love and looking forward to spending your life together.

Luckiest Man – Clark Beckham

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “But baby I’m feeling / That if the end is tonight / Then the moment I die / I’d be the luckiest man to have been alive”
Why Play: A song from a groom’s perspective about falling in love.

Black And White (Stripped) – Niall Horan

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Swear in front of all our friends / There’ll never be another / I promise that I’ll love you for the rest of my life”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song converted to a ballad with lyrics about spending the rest of your life together.

Forever Aint Enough – Ronan Keating

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I see a future in your eyes / The second I saw it, I knew / Forever ain’t enough with you”
Why Play: A romantic love song explaining how forever is not long enough together.

If You Love Her – Forest Blakk

Released in 2020, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Stand side by side / And you’ll make it / She’s the best thing that you’ll ever have / She’ll love you If you love her like that”
Why Play: (Also available as a duet with Meghan Trainor). The song tells a story about how special a bride is to you.

I Am Yours – Andy Grammer

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “You take my breath away every night / Still can’t believe it when you say you’re mine and / I am yours”
Why Play: A song that fits the moment of newlyweds are now joined as one always.

Best Part Of Me – Ed Sheeran feat. YEBBA

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Yeah, he loves me, he loves me / And I bet he never lets me go / And shows me how to love myself”
Why Play: A song demonstrating two people loving each other.

Could I Love You Any More – Reneé Dominique feat. Jason Mraz

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “But what we have I know is different / ‘Cause when I’m with you the world stops turning / Could I love you any more?”
Why Play: Feeling like you love your partner so much that you could not love them anymore? That’s what this song is saying.

Falling like the Stars – James Arthur

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “And I need you to know that we’re / Fallin’ so fast, we’re fallin’ like the stars / fallin’ in love”
Why Play: Falling in love is a beautiful thing and this song will have Falling in love over and over again.

Lover (First Dance Remix) – Taylor Swift

Released in 2019, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Forever and ever / Take me out, and take me home / You’re my, my, my, my lover”
Why Play: Claim who your love is forever and ever!

You Are The Reason – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’d climb every mountain / And swim every ocean / Just to be with you”
Why Play: You can select the solo or duet version. The song describes how their lover is the reason they live each day.

Moon River – Frank Ocean

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “My dream maker / Heartbreaker / Wherever you’re going I’m going the same”
Why Play: A folky pop ballad describing a yearning for an adventurous life and starting something anew.

Love Someone – Lukas Graham

Released in 2018, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I thought it’d be hard to find / The one ’til I found you / And I find it bittersweet / ‘Cause you gave me something to lose”
Why Play: Loving someone through thick and thin is a journey and better when you have someone to share life with.

Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur

Released in 2016, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I know I needed you / But I never showed / But I wanna stay with you until we’re grey and old”
Why Play: Life is a rollercoaster. The song talks about spending life with someone that will stay on the ride with you forever.

Can’t Help Falling in Love With You – Haley Reinhart

Released in 2015, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Take my hand / Take my whole life too / Oh, for I can’t help / Fallin’ in love with you”
Why Play: A very romantic cover of the classic love song by Elvis.

How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

Released in 2013, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “How long will I love you? / As long as stars are above you / And longer if I may”
Why Play: A song describing loving someone longer than forever.

A Thousand Years – Christina Perri

Released in 2011, Genre: Pop
Meaningful Lyrics: “I have loved you for a thousand years / I’ll love you for a thousand more”
Why Play: Twilight Saga fans want this very popular wedding love song.

Already selected your first dance song? Next, select a father-daughter dance song for the bride and her dad.

Country First Dance Songs

 

Dance Of A Lifetime – Drake Milligan

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “We’ll two-step together / And I’ll hold you closer / Each day I go through / This dance of a lifetime with you”
Why Play: A two-step country song for a dance that starts your lifetime together.

Never Leave – Bailey Zimmerman

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “And I can’t promise nothin’ but the rest of me / I’ll fight for you, I’ll fight for us, I’ll fight to never leave”
Why Play: A song about fighting for what you have together and that you will never leave.

You (Acoustic) – Dan + Shay

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I got you / For the rest of my life / And if all else goes wrong, baby / I’ll be alright, ’cause I got you”
Why Play: A guitar acoustic version talking about you will be OK because you have each other.

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Kacey Musgraves

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “For I can’t help / Falling in love with you / For I can’t help / Falling in love with you”
Why Play: A very emotionally loving cover of the famous Elvis song from the film ELVIS.

Growing Old With You (First Dance Version) – Restless Road

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Raise some kids with our last name / Well, come on baby what you say we do? / I feel like growing old with you”
Why Play: A story about spending the rest of your lives together.

Take My Life – Austin Burke

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Take my breath and my last name / Take a chance on forever, babe / And I’ll give you all I got ’til the day I die”
Why Play: A love song about getting married and taking a chance on forever together.

Never Til Now – Ashley Cooke, Brett Young

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I never thought about turning ’round / Never saw myself with a white picket fence dug into the ground / Never ’til now”
Why Play: A duet love song about thinking you were going to be alone until you met the love of your life.

I Choose You – Amanda Jordan

Released in 2022, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “From now on this moment is more than enough / Until my days are through / I choose you”
Why Play: A song featured on the TV show The Bachelor about choosing who you want to spend the rest of your life with.

What If I Do – Hunter Hayes

Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “What if all I wanna be is the one you’re running to / I love you in so many ways I’m told I’m not supposed to / But what if I do”
Why Play: A faster slow song that offers the question – what would you do if I love you?

Forever After All – Luke Combs

Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Other things that I could look at my whole life / A love like that makes a man have second thoughts / Maybe some things last forever after all”
Why Play: A song telling a story about how your love for each other will last forever.

Another (Wedding Version) – Adam Doleac

Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Yeah, from the second that we fell into each other / Knew I was never gonna ever wanna / Never ever gonna want another”
Why Play: A song about finding the love of your life and how you’re never gonna want another.

My Person (Wedding Version) – Spencer Crandall

Released in 2021, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “My reason for speedin’ home from work / My saving grace, my everything / I’ve never been more sure that you’re my person”
Why Play: A slowed-down ballad from the original finding the person you want to spend forever with.

Always Gonna Love You (First Dance Version) – Alana Springsteen

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I will always be in love with who you are / Right here, right now, with me tonight”
Why Play: A love song speaking about being in love with the person you just married always.

Who I Am – Wade Bowen

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I love that I’m your man / Now that you’re in my life, baby, I know / Exactly who I am”
Why Play: Texas Country music lovers have been dancing to this love song as their first dance because their lover makes them better!

So in Love With You – Jonny Houlihan

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Make me a happy man / By wear my ring on your hand”
Why Play: Celebrate your first dance with a song about being in love and wanting to be together forever.

Joy of My Life – Chris Stapleton

Released in 2020, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “She takes me by the hand / I am the luckiest man alive / Did I tell you, baby / You are the joy of my life”
Why Play: A song from a man’s point of view describing how happy he is with his partner in his life.

Nobody But You – Blake Shelton Duet with Gwen Stefani

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Wanna wake up with you next to me / I don’t wanna go down any other road now / I don’t wanna love nobody but you”
Why Play: A song about only wanting to spend the rest of your life with your new spouse.

One Man Band – Old Dominion

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Baby, take my hand / I don’t wanna be a one man band”
Why Play: If the wedding couple is music fans, you will like the song’s analogy of spending your life together and not being a solo artist.

10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “If it’s ten thousand hours or the rest of my life / I’m gonna love you”
Why Play: A country-pop crossover hit about wanting to spend the rest of your lives together.

Prayed For You – Matt Stell

Released in 2019, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s hard to imagine, bigger than I could fathom / I didn’t know you from Adam, but I prayed for you”
Why Play: A great lyrical song about finding the one you love through everyone in the world.

When I Found You – Jasmine Rae

Released in 2018, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “We’ll dance for the first time / As husband and wife / And my heart will keep dancing / For the rest of my life”
Why Play: A song describing your first dance on your wedding day as husband and wife.

Speechless – Dan + Shay

Released in 2018, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I thank God you can read my mind / ‘Cause when you look at me with those eyes / I’m speechless”
Why Play: A song about seeing your lover and loving her every time you look at her.

Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves

Released in 2018, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I was hiding in doubt ’til you brought me out of my chrysalis / And I came out new / All because of you”
Why Play: A song about finding the love of your life and how you felt.

Beautiful Crazy – Luke Combs

Released in 2018, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Yeah, she’s crazy / But her crazy’s beautiful to me”
Why Play: A song about how you will love and accept your wife the way she is no matter what.

Heaven – Kane Brown

Released in 2017, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause, I don’t know how, I don’t know how heaven, heaven / Could be better than this”
Why Play: A love ballad describing how your love for each other is better than life in heaven.

In Case You Didn’t Know – Brett Young

Released in 2017, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I don’t tell you all the time / You had my heart a long, long time ago / In case you didn’t know”
Why Play: A love song reminding your partner how much you love them.

Promise to Love Her – Blane Howard

Released in 2017, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “I promise to love her / With all that I have / I’ll put nothing above her / And I won’t turn my back”
Why Play: What better way to spend your dance dancing than by promising to love her forever?

Millionaire – Chris Stapleton

Released in 2017, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Down deep as a diamond mine / She’s my treasure so very rare / She’s made me a millionaire”
Why Play: A song describing how your lover makes you feel and how lucky you are to have her.

Yours – Russell Dickerson

Released in 2016, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “You make me better than I was before / Thank God I’m yours”
Why Play: A song giving thanks to God that you found “the one” and that they are yours.

Die A Happy Man – Thomas Rhett

Released in 2015, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand / Baby, I could die a happy man”
Why Play: A song from the man’s perspective saying he will be a happy man as long as you are with him.

Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts

Released in 2004, Genre: Country
Meaningful Lyrics: “This much I know is true / That God blessed the broken road / That led me straight to you”
Why Play: A song giving thanks to God for the journey that brought your lover to you.

Grooms – Don’t forget about your mom! Pick a Mother-Son dance song for a Mom and groom dance.

Indie First Dance Songs

 

Sweet Symphony – Joy Oladokun, Chris Stapleton

Released in 2022, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Loving you’s a sweet, sweet symphony / That all of Heaven and Earth join to sing”
Why Play: A loving song talking about being in love.

One Day Less – Anson Seabra

Released in 2022, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re Heaven-sent / And I hope you know / That when you go back to the sky / I’ll welcome you home”
Why Play: Imagine loving someone so much that you want to die at least one day before them just so that you could greet them into heaven.

I GUESS I’M IN LOVE – Clinton Kane

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’re everything that I want, but I didn’t think I’d find / Someone who is worth the wait of all the years of my heartbreak / But I know now I found the one I love”
Why Play: A love song describing a journey to finding the one you love.

Made to Love You – Drew Angus

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Hearts were made to beat / hands were made to hold / now with you in front of me”
Why Play: If you are looking for a similar artist to Ed Sheeran that is not played at every wedding, this is your song!

Crowded Room – Conor Maynard

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “I don’t deserve this night with you / But I’d love to / Spend my life with you”
Why Play: You dance your first dance surrounded by your family and friends with your life partner to this song describing the moment.

For the Rest of My Life – Phil Socci

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Through the ups and downs / And for the rest of my life / I choose you”
Why Play: No matter your path to each other, you will continue your lives together.

Amen – John Adams

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh darling I’ve stopped praying for someone / Since you came along, so / Amen”
Why Play: A song about giving praise for finding the one you love always.

Beginning Middle End – Leah Nobel

Released in 2021, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Will you be my beginning, my middle, my end? / Will you be mine?”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song you can dance to celebrating your love for each other during every part of your life.

Slow Dancing – Aly & AJ

Released in 2020, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “Hell’s bending keeping me captive / Heaven’s here it’s right where you’re standing / Slow dancing”
Why Play: A great selection for inclusive couples for the spotlight first dance.

Evermore – Hollow Coves

Released in 2020, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “That day I came to find / That you are all / I was hoping for / It’s you I’ll call / My evermore”
Why Play: A very romantic slow song telling the one you love you will love them forever.

Just You and I (Acoustic) – Tom Walker

Released in 2019, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause you’re the only one / Who brings light just like the sun / One step at a time / Just you and I”
Why Play: A song dedicated to the process of going through life as one.

The One – Kodaline

Released in 2015, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “You make my whole world feel so right when it’s wrong / That’s how I know you are the one”
Why Play: Confessing to your partner that they are the one and only.

Never Stop (Wedding Version) – SafetySuit

Released in 2012, Genre: Indie
Meaningful Lyrics: “And with this love song to you / It’s not a momentary phase / You are my life, I don’t deserve you”
Why Play: What if you loved someone so much they thought they didn’t deserve you and they will never stop loving you?

This list is for the first dance. Pick a song for the last dance too. Maybe for a private last dance?

Folk First Dance Songs

 

If I Didn’t Love You – Ben Abraham

Released in 2022, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Would I be drifting / With nowhere to land? / I don’t know what I’d do / If I didn’t love you”
Why Play: A love song that explains that I would be lost without you.

Home – Josh Beeman

Released in 2021, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “No matter if I feel afraid, I know that you will keep me safe / You’re the one that is in control / You would leave the ninety-nine to find me the one every time / Now I can finally come home”
Why Play: A love song that describes how I feel safe with you every day.

You’re the One (Acoustic) – Luca Fogale

Released in 2021, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “So bend the rules / Or break them all / You and I / The same old cloth”
Why Play: A song professing that you are the one I love and are meant to be.

I Chose You – Caleb Edens

Released in 2019, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Romanticize life in 60 years / Singing we’ll grow young together, die in love together”
Why Play: The tells a story of love by saying I chose you and to spend the rest of my life with each other.

No Place Like You – Joy Williams

Released in 2019, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “There ain’t nothing I can do / ‘Cause there’s no place / No place like you”
Why Play: I love song dedication that I feel comfortable with you and you are where I belong.

Forever From Now – Sheffield

Released in 2019, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “I will love you forever from now / And I will hold you like no one’s around / Forever from now”
Why Play: A love dedication that I will love your forever, forever from now. Beautiful!

I Will Spend My Whole Life Loving You – Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis

Released in 2017, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “Oh believe me / I’ve been counting my stars / Cause I will spend my whole life / Loving you”
Why Play: A married couple in real life professing their forever love to each other.

Touching Heaven – Johnnyswim

Released in 2016, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “You’ve been my glimpse of Kingdom right from the start / And you got me touching heaven”
Why Play: A song describing how happy they are to be with each other.

You Are The Best Thing – Ray Lamontagne

Released in 2008, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “You please me, you don’t even have to try / Oh, because / You are the best thing”
Why Play: A very popular mid-tempo love song that shares how wonder the other makes them feel.

We Are Man And Wife – Michelle Featherstone

Released in 2007, Genre: Folk
Meaningful Lyrics: “There is no doubt that / You are the one for me / Cause you are the love of my life”
Why Play: You can choose to play this song as a recessional or save it for your first dance as the new husband and wife.

Have fun at your reception. See our list of the best party songs to sing your heart out!

R&B First Dance Songs

 

Luckiest Man – Chris Brown

Released in 2022, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Consider me the luckiest man in the world / ‘Cause you’re my girl”
Why Play: A song that describes a man that thinks he is the luckiest man in the world and is ready to pop the question.

So Into You (Darkchild Main Version) – Jac Ross

Released in 2022, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I really like, what you don’t to me babe / I can’t really explain / I’m so into you”
Why Play: A passionate love song professing his love for you.

Love of My Life – Sentury

Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “And everything’s all by the way / When I grow older / I will be there at your side to remind you how I still love you”
Why Play: A song describing how they want you part of their life and will love you forever.

Incomplete – Jay Sean

Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Never know when it could be different / If there was no you, I’d be, I’d be incomplete”
Why Play: Imagine loving someone so much that you are incomplete without them.

Without You – Otis Kane

Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I don’t want to spend a day / Without you”
Why Play: A soulful love song describing how they want you part of their life every day.

Live Out Your Love – Kem, Toni Braxton

Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’m in love again / I’ll do whatever you want me to do / I’m in love again / With you”
Why Play: The song talks about loving someone again and being in love again.

Anything For You (The Duet) – Ledisi & PJ Morton

Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “You are my life (my life), one means us two / (I’ll do) anything, anything for you”
Why Play: A soulful duet love song on how you would do anything for your lover.

17 – Pink Sweat$

Released in 2021, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I wanna love you as strong / When we’re ninety-two, the same as seventeen”
Why Play: A love song telling about loving someone from high school until old.

Collide – Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG

Released in 2019, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “And I love you religiously / With everything inside of me / As long as I’m / As long as I’m alive”
Why Play: A romantic love song from the movie Queen & Slim. It talks about being alive with your lover.

Perfect – Johnny Gill feat. Ralph Tresvant

Released in 2019, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Ooh, girl I’m telling you you’re perfect / Girl, you’re so damn perfect / You’re perfect for me”
Why Play: Two members of New Edition collaborate on a song that describes their lover as being perfect.

Sent From Heaven – Rahsaan Patterson

Released in 2019, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “A beautiful expression / An expression of love so glorious / Yeah, yeah, you are / Sent from heaven”
Why Play: A sexy and romantic love song about finding the love of your life.

Find Someone Like You – Snoh Aalegra

Released in 2019, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “And even when it’s bad, I love you / I’ve been waitin’ my whole life, to find someone like you”
Why Play: A love song talking about finding the one person who makes you whole and wants to spend the rest of your life with.

My Word – Derran Day

Released in 2018, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “We’ll never grow apart / I won’t let it happen / You have my word”
Why Play: This love song seems like a vow to promise to love the other person for eternity.

Today I Do – Tamia

Released in 2018, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “So here I stand, baby this isn’t pretend / Oh, today I do / Today I’m saying I do to you”
Why Play: A perfect wedding day song as it describes that today you will dedicate your life to your life partner every day.

Beyond – Leon Bridges

Released in 2018, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Will she have my kids? Will she be my wife? / She might just be my everything and beyond”
Why Play: A soulful romantic love song about realizing you found your wife.

Best Part – H.E.R. feat. Daniel Caesar

Released in 2017, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Where you go I follow / No matter how far / If life is a movie / Oh you’re the best part”
Why Play: A duet love song saying that your lover is the best part of your relationship.

Why I Love You – MAJOR.

Released in 2016, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Every moment that you smile chases all of the pain away / Forever and a while in my heart is where you’ll stay”
Why Play: A love song describing why you love someone.

Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend

Released in 2015, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “I won’t take you for granted / ‘Cause we’ll never know when, when we’ll run out of time / So I’m gonna love you like I’m gonna lose you”
Why Play: A love story that tells you to enjoy every moment with your lover like it was your last.

All Of Me – John Legend

Released in 2013, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “‘Cause all of me / Loves all of you”
Why Play: One of the greatest modern love songs describing your dedication to your lover.

Spend My Life With You – Eric Benet & Tamia

Released in 2000, Genre: R&B
Meaningful Lyrics: “Can’t you just feel how much I love you / With one touch of my hand / Can I just spend my life with you”
Why Play: A romantic duet love song that tells your lover that you want to spend the rest of your life with them.

You can play slow dance songs so that relatives and couples can have a special dance

Rock First Dance Songs

 

First Date (Acoustic) – Taylor Acorn

Released in 2022, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Let’s go, don’t wait, this nights almost over / Honest, let’s make this night last forever / Forever and ever, let’s make this last forever”
Why Play: A beautiful cover of the Blink-182 song for pop-punk fans.

Drift Together – Jax Hollow

Released in 2021, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Welcome to my life / I’ve been waiting on you, waiting waiting for a long time”
Why Play: A love song that describes a love that you can grow through life together.

nobody else – LANY

Released in 2020, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “And if heaven doesn’t want us / Would you go with me to hell? / Hope you know I don’t want nobody else”
Why Play: If you want a first dance song that talks about you want the person by your side no matter what life brings.

All Because of You – O.A.R.

Released in 2019, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “I’ll be here forever / We’re so good when we’re together / Let me hold you ’til we’re older”
Why Play: A song dedicated to the one you love and whom you want to spend the rest of your life with him/her.

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

Released in 2017, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Darling, just hold my hand / Be my girl, I’ll be your man / I see my future in your eyes”
Why Play: This is THE most popular modern first dance song – yup, it’s the perfect love song.

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

Released in 2014, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Place your head on my beating heart / I’m thinking out loud / That maybe we found love right where we are”
Why Play: LOL – the second most popular modern first dance song. So many love emotions.

Marry Me – Train

Released in 2010, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “Marry me / Today and every day / Marry me”
Why Play: What better way to spend your first dance as a married couple than stating “marry me”?

Better Together – Jack Johnson

Released in 2005, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s not always easy and / Sometimes life can be deceiving / I’ll tell you one thing”
it’s always better when we’re together”
Why Play: A free spirit mid-tempo song to show that you are a couple in love.

Fade Into You – Mazzy Star

Released in 1994, Genre: Rock
Meaningful Lyrics: “You put your hands into your head / And then its smiles cover your heart / Fade into you”
Why Play: A bluesy rock song you could sway away while dancing on the clouds and fading away together.

Celebrate the longest married couple with a dance!

Christian First Dance Love Songs

 

When I Say I Do – Matthew West

Released in 2010, Genre: Christian
Meaningful Lyrics: “And I pray every day will be the proof / That I mean what I say when I say I Do / Yea, I mean what I say when I say”
Why Play: A song talking about the promise you made in front of family, friends, and God that you will love until death do us part.

I Will Be Here – Steven Chapman Curtis

Released in 1989, Genre: Christian
Meaningful Lyrics: “As sure as seasons are made for change / Our lifetimes are made for years / So I will be here”
Why Play: A song describing how you will be there for your lover no matter what.

Other First Dance Love Songs

 

Love Music – Lil Yachty

Released in 2021, Genre: Hip Hop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Good things about you and your ways / All I ever do is think of you (yeah) / Think of you and me holding hands”
Why Play: A mid-tempo song that you could call your own and how you want to spend your life with your lover.

CINDERELLA, Pt. 2 – CHIKA

Released in 2021, Genre: Hip Hop
Meaningful Lyrics: “Cinderella, you sound like me / I remember you from my dreams / When I’m with you, you make time freeze”
Why Play: A love song for a wedding couple celebrating the beauty of the bride and how much you love her.

Everything – Michael Buble

Released in 2007, Genre: Jazz
Meaningful Lyrics: “It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing / You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything”
Why Play: A mid-tempo pop jazz song talking about how happy you are being with the one you love.

First Dance FAQs

Who has the first dance?

The first dance is the first dance as a married couple by the wedding couple. This could be between the bride and groom, the groom and groom, or the bride and bride.

The first dance depends on who is getting married!

What is the most played first dance song?

The most popular song played as a first dance song depends on the age of the couple. If the wedding couple is aged between 25-34, then the most popular song played currently in modern music is “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.

When Should You Choose Your First Dance Song?

Pick out your first dance song well in advance so you can practice that specific tune and your dance moves.

The most important thing is to choose something memorable from the catalog of wedding songs. First dance songs are a symbol of your love and commitment, so take your time in choosing.

Also, if you use the recorded version of the song, then practice that version. If the band or musician will play it live, try to get a recording of their version ahead of time.

This is important for practice. Again, talk about coordinating the first dance with your wedding planner.

When is the first dance at my wedding?

The wedding’s first dance is the first dance between newlyweds as a married couple. This should be the first dance at the wedding reception immediately following the grand entrance introduction.

The first dance can also start the formal dances following the meal.

The first dance is commonly followed by the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance.

The end of the ceremonial dances is marked by the entire wedding party dancing. The wedding party invites others to join.

It’s your wedding party. The timing of the bride and groom’s dance at the reception is based on your preferences.

The first dance can be done immediately following the grand entrance. You can be surrounded by your wedding party if you wish.

If being watched makes you uncomfortable, that’s okay, too. Talk to your wedding planner, coordinate with the DJ, and earn more by reading our suggestions on how to format your wedding reception.

The progression of the evening is up to you, the wedding couple. The most important thing is to have the couple agree on a song that is special to them.

To inspire you, we’ve curated the best 125 first dance songs out of thousands to choose from.

How Do You Make Your First Dance Special?

Making your first dance special is as simple as choosing a song that has meaning to you, the wedding couple.

Wedding first dance songs are remembered by the wedding couple for the rest of their lives. So, it’s important to pick a song that is significant to you.

Some couples choose a funny song or an instrumental song. Those can be just as memorable as a touching ballad.

When the couple chooses the first song for a reason, it’s more special. Don’t be tricked into choosing a song because it was popular or traditional.

Also, remember that though people are watching you, this dance is for you. Make eye contact. Chat with each other. Caress your partner. Enjoy the moment — it’s for you.

Does a First Dance Have to be Slow?

No. The first dance at your wedding reception does not have to be slow.

However, choosing slow dance songs sets the mood for the entire reception. If you don’t have a song, we suggest selecting a song where the lyrics mean something to you.

Why do you think that Sarah McLachlan’s song “Ice Cream” is on many first dance song lists? It’s because it has cool words like “your love is better than chocolate, better than anything else that I’ve tried.” Corny? Maybe. But who cares what everyone else thinks? Maybe you met me at an ice cream parlor. If that were the case, then, the song would be awesome as a first dance song.

It’s okay to be creative. Choose a song that has meaningful lyrics. You don’t have to be like everyone else and dance to the overplayed Celine Dion love songs (not that there’s anything wrong with a classic love song).

Not only does the song not have to be slow, but it doesn’t have to adhere to any musical genre.

Many wedding couples take dancing lessons to a jazz song, classical, or rock ballad. That way, wedding couples don’t look goofy dancing in a circle through the whole song (like we did).

Couples who take dance lessons have a deeper connection to the song. It will have significant meaning to them for the rest of their lives since they spent so long practicing it.

They will also have the memories of getting the lessons together — a great break from the stress of planning the wedding.

How do you pick your first dance song?

Wedding couples should choose a song that means something to them. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be a slow song or of a specific music style. This will be the first song a married couple will dance to.

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Wedding Songs For The Ultimate Party!

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About Matthew Campbell