13 Romantic Tracks to Listen to When Choosing Your First Dance Song
Nothing kicks off the reception like the customary first dance!
Whether you’ve opted for a 200 guest, glamorous ceremony, or a 50 person, backyard celebration, a first dance is the one thing every wedding affair will have in common. It can be difficult to settle on the perfect love song when there are so many to choose from. Do you want something up-tempo? A slow jam? An oldie but goodie? A recent love song? The possibilities are endless, but at the end of the day, pick a song you feel most accurately represents you and your partner’s love story and how you feel about each other. If you love it, your guests will be sure to feel it too. Take a listen to the 13 songs we’ve listed below for a little first dance song inspiration!
Photography by Emma King Photography
“Always and Forever” by Heatwave
A wedding classic, this song released in 1976 is perfect for an overtly romantic couple that can’t wait to spend forever together.
Lyrics: “And everyday love me your own special way / Melt all my heart away with a smile / Take time to tell me you really care / And we’ll share tomorrow together / I’ll always love you, forever, forever.”
“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Possibly one of the most covered songs, the original Sinatra version is an up-tempo declaration of love.
Lyrics: “You’re lovely, with your smile so warm / And your cheeks so soft / There is nothing for me but to love you / And the way you look tonight.”
“Two Occasions” by The Deele
Take it back with this ‘80s love song that shows how much you adore your new spouse.
Lyrics: “And no matter what the season nears / I still love you / With all my heart / And I want to be with you / Wherever you are.”
Photography by Alyssa Parker Photography
“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
The queen of ballads (see: “My Heart Will Go On”), this romantic tune is the perfect way to thank your partner for always sticking by you.
Lyrics: “You saw the best there was in me / Lifted me up when I couldn’t reach / You gave me faith ‘cause you believed / I’m everything I am / Because you loved me.”
“At Last” by Etta James
If you feel as if you’ve been waiting a lifetime to marry your partner, opt for this soulful ballad.
Lyrics: “At Last / My love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song / At last / The skies above are blue / My heart was wrapped up in clover / The night I looked at you.”
“Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis Presley
Courtesy of the king of rock and roll, this slow jam is a recognition of true, unconditional love.
Lyrics: “Like a river flows surely to the sea / Darling so it goes / Some things are meant to be / So take my hand, and take my whole life too / Cause I can’t help falling in love with you”
“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
If “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was your bachelorette anthem, then this ‘80s classic is perfect for your first dance to show you will be there for your partner, always.
Lyrics: “If you’re lost you can look and you will find me / Time after time / If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting / Time after time.”
“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
You’ve just spoken the vows “for better or for worse,” so why not solidify that further with a song that shows how dedicated you are to your new spouse.
Lyrics: “Oh baby / Let’s, Let’s stay together / Lovin’ you whether, whether / Times are good or bad, happy or sad.”
“Lovesong” by Adele
The queen of heartbreak anthems has a handful of love songs up her sleeve and this appropriately titled track is a slow tune perfect for holding your partner close on the dance floor.
Lyrics: “However far away / I will always love you / However long I stay / I will always love you / Whatever words I say / I will always love you.”
Photography by Fabiana Skubic Photography
Photography by Ria Mackenzie Photography
“Until The End of Time” by Justin Timberlake ft. Beyonce
The only thing that can make a song better is the addition of Beyonce for a romantic ballad that pulls at the heartstrings.
Lyrics: “Because if your love was all I had / In this life / Well, that would be enough / Until the end of time.”
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Surely the modern-day master of love songs, this romantic Ed Sheeran track is perfect for a couple who met in a strange way but found love anyway.
Lyrics: “And I’m thinking ‘bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways / Maybe just the touch of a hand / Oh me I fall in love with you every single day.”
“Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
James Arthur has a voice made for wedding songs, this pop hit passionately describes how you might feel about your partner and how you see your relationship evolving.
Lyrics: “I’m so in love with you / And I hope you know / Darling your love is more than worth its weight in gold / We’ve come so far my dear / Look how we’ve grown.”
“Speechless” by Dan + Shay
Country’s newest dynamic duo Dan + Shay delivered one of 2018’s best romantic ballads that is perfect for a couple who has been together for a long time.
Lyrics: “You already know that you’re my weakness / After all this time I’m just as nervous / Every time you walk into the room / I’m speechless.”
Share this with a bride who is in the middle of searching for a first dance song. Have your song picked out, but still looking for a romantic wedding gown? Browse our collection of wedding gowns that include romantic details like floral appliques and illusion lace.
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