Soundtrack to Love: 12 of the Best First Wedding Dance Songs of all Time

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As stressful as they may seem, a lot of joy comes from planning weddings. One of the most essential choices the happy couple must make would be the music for the ceremony and reception. Which song the two choose as their first dance will vary depending on the individuals and what kind of vibe they want for this moment. Some couples choose a traditional, romantic ballad, while others go for a fun, uptempo tune they can dance to. With endless possibilities, some of the best first dance songs range from classic pop standards to powerhouse movie songs.

1. “Bless the Broken Road”- Rascal Flatts

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If a couple has gone through many trials and tribulations on their path toward one another, this powerful Rascal Flatts hit feels ideal. Some find themselves on a road fraught with obstacles but end up being grateful for them because it led them to love.

The chorus to “Bless the Broken Road” says it all: “Every long lost dream/Led me to where you are/Others who broke my heart/They were like Northern stars/Pointing me on my way into your loving arms.” The gorgeous, distinctive vocals from lead vocalist Gary LeVox and the touching lyrics will move the couple and reception guests.

2. “Unchained Melody”- The Righteous Brothers

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The Righteous Brothers classic that many people associate with the film Ghost would be for the couple who want an unabashed romantic song with a great deal of soul. The lyrics express feelings about a deep, longing love worth waiting for. The rich, velvety vocals reach deep down inside anyone who hears them. “Unchained Melody” will always be a classy and classic choice.

3. “A Little Less Conversation”- Elvis Presley

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If a couple wants something more fun and unexpected, “A Little Less Conversation” from The King himself, Elvis, would delight and surprise everyone. The saucy lyrics and up-tempo beat provide the pair a terrific opportunity to go for it on the dance floor and not hold back. It would be fun-filled and unforgettable, whether freestyle or rehearsed choreography, like Robert and Amy’s wedding on Everybody Loves Raymond.

4. “L.O.V.E.”- Nat King Cole or Natalie Cole

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Couples looking for a song that satisfies the desire for a classic song but with a lighter feel can choose the charmer “L.O.V.E.” The sweet song uses the acronym to associate every letter of the word love with something the singer adores about their partner. Nat King Cole and his daughter Natalie also have a version of the tune. Whichever the two choose will likely depend on their ages.

5. “Take the World”- JOHNNYSWIM

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“Take the World” by JOHNNYSWIM would be perfect for partners who love romantic songs but want to dance to something obscure and less conventional. Not everyone will be familiar with the musical duo or their song. But the dreamy music features lyrics so apropos for a couple deeply in love, ready to conquer the world together, such as, “They can write stories/They can sing songs/But they don’t make fairy tales sweeter than ours.”

6. “All of Me”- John Legend

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Two people who experience love in its truest form will never feel something shallow but affection that’s deep and profound. This beautiful John Legend song describes a love like that. He sings, “All of me loves all of you/All your curves and all your edges/All your perfect imperfections.”

Perfect people do not exist, but two people can be perfect for each other. If the couple wants that to be what their first dance says to each other and the world, “All of Me” would be a glorious option.

7. “Everything”- Michael Bublé

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Couples who adore or embody a blend of classic and contemporary need look no further than the vocal stylings of Michael Bublé. The Canadian crooner has many songs that would make excellent first dance songs. But “Everything” has a kind of magic to it. The light and breezy sound and lyrics would create an upbeat atmosphere while still feeling deep enough for such an auspicious occasion. If the two feel like they are “every line, every word, everything” to one another, Bublé should be your guy.

8. “Fly Me to the Moon”- Frank Sinatra

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A similar choice to Bublé and “Everything,” but classic in every way, would be Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” Though many go with “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Fly Me to the Moon” feels much happier and light-hearted but still poignant. This song allows the pair to sway and cut a rug sweetly because of the upbeat but not too fast melody.

9. “A Whole New World”- Peobo Bryson and Regina Belle

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Disney fans often choose one of the company’s famous love songs, “Beauty and the Beast” or “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” for their first dance song. But “A Whole New World” is the most obvious choice for couples who want something lilting and powerful. The guests will surely smile with this song. And the happy couple will feel swept away by the enchanting nature of the music as if they are truly on a magic carpet ride.

10. “I Won’t Give Up”- Jason Mraz

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One of the most profound songs any couple could choose would be Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up.” Whether the road to love has been smooth or rough, any pair can relate to the powerful affirmations and declarations in the song.

Mraz sings, “I won’t give up on us/Even if the skies get rough/I’m giving you all my love,” which expresses, in music, the promises people make on their wedding day to love and stick by each other for better or for worse. This song will also be a lovely choice for spiritual or religious couples with lyrics like “God knows we’re worth it.”

11. “Rewrite the Stars”- Zac Efron and Zendaya

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Movie musical fans and lovers of powerful duets have many exceptional choices before them, like “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge. But a song with gorgeous, meaningful lyrics and a melody ideal for spontaneous or planned choreography would be “Rewrite the Stars” from The Greatest Showman.

The song about two people with the odds stacked against them says, “Nothing can keep us apart/’Cause you are the one I was meant to find/It’s up to you, and it’s up to me/No one can say what we get to be.” Partners who make their own destiny and want to declare it to the world will inspire others with this song.

12. “From This Moment On”- Shania Twain

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Sometimes, we hear a song and instantly think, “This would be perfect for a wedding.” Whether a couple chooses Shania Twain’s solo or the duet version she sings with Bryan White, “From This Moment On” would create an enthralling first dance moment. The lyrics sound like wedding vows and express beautiful and profound sentiments such as “My dreams came true because of you.” This song may not be the most original choice, but it would be beautiful.

Source: Reddit.

Top Wedding First Dance Songs for 2024

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Looking for the perfect wedding first dance song for your big day? Don’t miss this epic list of modern hits, plus some old faithful classic song choices for your first dance.

The Best Mother-Son Wedding Dance Songs Of All Time

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Looking for the perfect song for the groom’s dance with his mother? Check out these mother son wedding songs to find the best one for your big day!

The Most Romantic Gift: A Custom Wedding Song!

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Songlorious employs hundreds of independent professional artists that will create personalized, custom songs that are studio-quality– the perfect gift for your bride or groom! Surprise them with the gift of a personalized wedding song that you’ll be able to treasure forever!

Creative Wedding Recessional Songs for Your Ceremony Exit

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The moment when you walk back up the aisle as a newly married couple deserves the perfect soundtrack. Check out this list of top wedding recessional songs!

The Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs of All Time

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If you’re looking for the perfect father-daughter dance song for your special day, look no further than this list of the top 30 tunes to consider.

Choosing the Perfect Music for Key Wedding Moments

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Picking the perfect song for every major moment of your wedding day will make your day more meaningful. Check out these top tips for choosing wedding music for your celebration, sponsored by My Wedding Songs.