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  • Writer's pictureDrew Jensen

How to Pick the Best First Dance Song for Your Wedding

Updated: Feb 22, 2022

While slow dance songs are standard practice in most weddings, what is most important is that the song speaks to you and your relationship. Find a set of lyrics that tells your unique love story – whether it started as a friendship or even a long-distance relationship. Those small things make a difference when thinking about what song you’re going to pick.


Ditch Convention – do you and your partner share a love of Broadway musicals? Do you both swoon over old-school tunes from the likes of Etta James? Fortunately, most bands and DJs know how to either speed up or slow down tempos (or find alternate versions) to fit your vision for a first dance song. Don't be afraid to be unconventional!


Go for Nostalgia – if you’re stumped on what song to take your first spin to as a couple, try this fun exercise. Google the most popular love songs of the year you or your partner were born and narrow it down from that list!


Time it wisely – make sure your song isn't too long or too short. Some couples opt to have their guests standing around the dance floor rather than sitting, which can be difficult for some older friends and family. Around three minutes is the sweet spot for the perfect first dance song (and remember, longer pieces can be shortened!) Parent dances should be shorter than your first dance!


Have the perfect first dance song, but it's too long? This is where we come in! No awkward DJ fadeouts here! We'll arrange the tune by cutting a verse or solo and seamlessly go back to the chorus/hook of the song with a big ending. Unless your guests know it word for word, they will NEVER KNOW that anything was changed from the original recording!


First Dance Song Ideas you might not have thought of:

Consider Me (Allen Stone)

Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You (Frankie Valli)

Days Like This (Van Morrison)

First Try (Johnnyswim)

Make You Feel My Love (Adele)

Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing (Aerosmith)

Green Eyes (Coldplay)

Chances Are (Johnny Mathis)

This Must Be The Place (Iron & Wine cover)

All of Me (John Legend)


Ending First Dances with another slow song where guests join you on the dance floor is the PERFECT way to pack the dance floor from the start. Consider "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood. In the middle of the song, the tempo picks up and our vocalists energetically invite all guests to the dance floor. This is a seamless transition into the band's Dance Set!


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