Your first dance as a married couple is a moment you’ll never forget – it’s an intimate, romantic moment that’s just for the two of you, so it’s important to get the soundtrack right. Picking your first dance song is easy if ‘your song’ is a swoon-worthy romantic ballad. But if the song that means most to you as a couple is, we don’t know, an EDM classic or some thrash metal, you might want some help finding the right song to play as you take to the floor for the first time. To assist, we’ve put together some of the most popular first dance songs of all time that are guaranteed to make the moment perfect.
There have been tons of surveys, quizzes and articles listing the top first wedding dance songs. A survey by The Black Tux of over 900 married couples aimed to find the most popular first dance songs –if you’ve ever swooned over the pottery scene in Ghost, then you might not be surprised to find out ‘that ‘Unchained Melody’ by the Righteous Brothers was their number one pick (all together now… ‘Oh, my love, my darling…’).
But in order for us to come up with a shortlist, we’ve taken a very scientific approach… by which we mean sampled tons of different lists to find ten of the most popular first dance songs. The most important thing is that the song you pick means something to you as a couple – if one of these songs speaks to your feelings about your spouse, then you’re onto a winner.
- Perfect Duet, Ed Sheeran and Beyonce
The combination of two chart-topping superstars was always going to be a hit, but this version of Ed Sheeran’s 2017 romantic ballad ‘Perfect’ added Beyonce to make a romantic track that’s perfect for a first dance. In fact, the cynic in us might suggest that this was practically genetically engineered to be the ultimate in first dance wedding songs.
- I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, Aerosmith
A classic all-out romantic power ballad, this song was written for the film Armageddon (starring Aerosmith frontman Steve Tyler’s daughter Liv Tyler). This stirring song is a classic first dance song that’s outlived the film’s legacy to become a classic.
- A Thousand Years, Christina Perri
This beautiful song was also created for a film – the love-it-or-hate-it Twilight series. Even if you’re not a fan of sparkly vampires, it’s easy to see why this is a popular choice for first dance wedding songs – just close your eyes and let the deeply romantic lyrics sweep you away.
- All of Me, John Legend
John Legend crafted a timeless first dance song with the lush ‘All of Me’, dedicated to his wife Chrissy Teigen. This song often tops the list of most popular first dance songs, and it’s not hard to see why.
- At Last, Etta James
Written in 1941, this song was made into a classic by R&B, soul, and gospel icon Etta James, and has endured for more than 60 years. It has a real precedent as one of the most popular first dance songs: Beyonce famously covered this song for Barack and Michelle Obama’s first dance as President and First Lady at his 2009 inauguration.
- Amazed, Lonestar
American country music group Lonestar might not be a household name here in the UK, but you’ve definitely heard this love song before. It’s one of the most popular first dance songs around, with the stirring refrain of ‘maybe I’m amazed by you’.
- Make You Feel My Love, Adele
You might not know that this first dance classic is actually a Bob Dylan song from 1997. It’s been covered by everyone from Bryan Ferry to Kelly Clarkson, but Adele’s beautiful piano-based version is the definitive version.
- Your Song, Elton John
Often counted as one of the best songs ever written, this glowing ballad is an Elton classic. Self-deprecating and sweet, it’s been a popular first dance wedding song since it was released in 1970, and was given even more romantic clout after being used in 2001 musical Moulin Rouge.
- Marry You, Bruno Mars
For couples looking for a more energetic first dance song, the doo-wop tinged sound of ‘Marry You’ might be just the ticket. Singing the praises of spontaneous romantic gestures, it’s a heartfelt and catchy song to pick if you and your partner aren’t all about ballads.
- Can’t Help Falling in Love, Elvis Presley
You gotta love the King – and this 1961 classic was one of his finest. Often regarded as one of the best romantic songs ever written, this timeless song is a charming pick for your first dance as a married couple.
For more wedding inspiration, check out our range of thoughtful wedding cards, or head to the thortful blog for more guides and lifestyle tips, including our handy essential guide to wedding planning, and your complete guide to choosing the perfect wedding flowers.
