A bride and groom’s first dance together is the unofficial start to a wedding reception. It’s a great chance for them to be in the spotlight in a much less formal way than in the wedding ceremony itself.
But how do you choose what song to dance to? Well, it’s all a matter of taste – in two ways. First, there’s the taste of the happy couple, but then there’s also keeping it in good taste. Even if the kiddies aren’t invited to the late-night reception, make sure you still pick a song that you wouldn’t mind Grandma hearing either. Not only will you be in the spotlight, but your song will be as well.
Here are 20 suggestions of romantic songs for your first dance that cover a wide range of genres:
- “At Last” by Etta James. This standard is commonly chosen as a romantic first dance. In it, James sings about how her lonely days are over now that her love has come along.
- “The Way You Look Tonight,” by various artists. This song has been recorded by some of the great crooners, from Frank Sinatra to Andy Williams. A great song about remembering this night in the future.
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. A bit of blue-eyed soul, this song implores a long-awaited love finally arriving.
- “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge. This incredibly heart-felt song tells how a man feels when he’s truly in love with one woman.
- “This Magic Moment” by The Drifters. This is a great classic soul song that sings about a single moment in time when two lovers met.
- “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton. A man contemplates how wonderful his wife was throughout an eventful evening.
- “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton (or Whitney Houston). Either genre you choose for this song, it makes a great statement for a first dance.
- “Woman” by John Lennon. Probably one of the most underrated love songs of all time. It’s a beautiful statement of love.
- “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters. Again, the song acts as a springboard for the rest of a couple’s life.
- “Lost in This Moment” by Big and Rich. Country’s awesome circus act can put on a straight face, and it does with this beautiful song which highlights a wedding day.
- “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis Presley. One of Elvis’ best ballads, it’s a great slow dance song.
- “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker. Normally a screamer, Cocker brings it down for this beautiful ballad.
- “Only You” by The Platters. This is another soul song that sings of a love that makes the world a better place.
- “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” – by Roberta Flack. This song remembers a series of firsts.
- “Eternal Flame” by The Bangles. A great little song about everlasting love.
- “The Rose” by Bette Midler. A song that compares love to a rose.
- “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” by Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack. Just like the wedding, this song celebrates love.
- “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups. If you’re dancing to this song, you’ve probably already gone to the chapel, but it fits the occasion.
- “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. This song gives a great light tempo to slow dance.
- “Something” by The Beatles. One of George Harrison’s best works, it’s a great song for that first slow dance.