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Wedding Music, Party Bands and First Dances

So, you're looking for first dance song ideas? When it comes to selecting the best tune for your first dance, consider songs that you connect with as individuals as well as a couple. From popular to less traditional, check out our wedding song ideas.

 

 

First Dance Songs for Wedding

Choosing a first dance song is one of the most significant decisions for a couple, and it's no surprise that it can spark a bit of debate. After all, this moment is all about creating a memorable experience, and the song plays a key role in setting the tone for your celebration. Unless you and your partner have an undisputed special song that perfectly captures your relationship, it can be tough to choose the right one.

If you're looking for some inspiration, consider songs that match the mood you want to create for your first dance. You might prefer a timeless romantic classic or something more modern and unique. Many couples opt for acoustic musicians to play their first dance live, adding a personal and intimate touch to the moment. Whether you want something soft and tender or a bit more upbeat to energize your guests, the right song can set the stage for a perfect night.

After the first dance, you’ll want to keep the energy flowing, so think about how your song fits into the broader entertainment of the evening. You could choose something that naturally leads into the party vibe or perhaps surprise your guests with a slower, more emotional start before the tempo picks up. No matter your choice, your first dance song should feel personal to you both, making it a moment you'll cherish forever.

 

Most Popular First Dance Songs UK

Some popular first dance songs have romantic lyrics and are guaranteed to draw all eyes to the dance floor. The top first dance songs include:

  • Adele – Make You Feel My Love
  • Christina Perri – A Thousand Years
  • Ed Sheeran – Perfect
  • Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud
  • Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do
  • Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
  • John Legend – All of Me
  • Jason Mraz – I'm Yours
  • Lonestar – Amazed
  • Take That – Rule The World

Perfect First Dance Wedding Songs

The right song will be one with personal meaning for the two of you, and it will speak to the heart of your relationship.

  • Alicia Keys – If I Ain't Got You
  • Barry White – You're The First, The Last, My Everything
  • Blue – Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours
  • Dean Martin – That's Amore
  • Elvis – Wonder of You
  • Frank Sinatra – I've Got You Under My Skin
  • Michael Buble – Crazy Little Thing Called Love
  • Nat King Cole – Let There Be Love
  • Robbie Williams – She's the One
  • Stevie Wonder - You Are the Sunshine of My Life

Modern First Dance Songs

There's nothing wrong with classic love songs, but if it doesn't represent you as a couple, then there's nothing wrong with picking something more current.

  • Beyonce – Love on Top
  • Damien Rice – Cannonball
  • Florence and The Machine – You've Got The Love
  • Jack Johnson – Better Together
  • James Morrison – You Give Me Something
  • Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper – Shallow
  • Rita Ora – Your Song
  • Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
  • Taylor Swift – Love Story
  • Train – Drops of Jupiter

Alternative First Dance Songs

Not all romantic wedding songs are ballads. Your first dance song doesn't need to be a smoochy love song if you don't want it to be. We love upbeat first dance songs, and we've seen fun, upbeat TV theme tunes to the downright silly and utterly unique.

  • David Bowie – Let's Dance
  • Dire Straits – Romeo and Juliet
  • Donna Summer – This Time I Know It's For Real
  • Hall and Oates – You Make My Dreams
  • Jet – Are You Gonna Be My Girl
  • Muse - Madness
  • Prince – Kiss
  • Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love
  • The Cure – Friday, I'm In Love
  • The Human League – Together in Electric Dreams

Classic Wedding First Dance Song

Choosing classic first dance songs can unite you with all your guests. Maybe the music means something to them too? Whether you're looking for a country first dance or a soulful hit, you can't go wrong with romantic first dance songs.

  • Dave Matthews Band – Crash Into Me
  • Elton John – Your Song
  • Elvis Costello - She
  • Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
  • Etta James – At Last
  • Lou Reed – Perfect Day
  • Rod Stewart – The Way You Look Tonight
  • The Beach Boys – God Only Knows
  • The Beatles – All You Need Is Love
  • Van Morrison – Have I Told You Lately

Wedding Songs from Movie Soundtracks

Music and movies are memorable, meaning they work well as wedding songs. If you and your partner are film buffs, you might want to choose a theme from your favourite film or the first movie you watched together?

  • Berlin – Take My Breath Away (Top Gun)
  • Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes – (I've Had) The Time Of My Life (Dirty Dancing)
  • Des'ree – Kissing You (Romeo and Juliet)
  • Elton John – Can You Feel The Love Tonight (Lion King)
  • Joe Cocker – Up Where We Belong (An Officer and a Gentlemen)
  • Phil Collins – Take A Look at Me Now (Against All Odds)
  • Ronan Keating – When You Say Nothing at All (Notting Hill)
  • The Righteous Brothers – Unchained Melody (Ghost)
  • Wet Wet Wet – Love Is All Around (Four Weddings and a Funeral)
  • Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (The Bodyguard)

Unusual First Dance Songs

Finding the right music could be a challenge if you really want a song that hasn't been played at hundreds of weddings before. There's no shame in saying you want something a little bit more unusual.

  • 30 Seconds To Mars – 100 Suns
  • Arctic Monkeys – Baby I'm Yours
  • Jess Glynne – I'll Be There
  • Foreigner – Waiting For A Girl Like You
  • Lana Del Ray – Video Games
  • Madness – It Must Be Love
  • Panic! At The Disco – When the Day Met the Night
  • Slipknot – Vermilion Pt. 2
  • The Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup
  • The Lumineers – Ho Hey

Unexpected First Dance Songs

These unexpected first dance songs will keep your wedding unique, fresh, and sure to set the mood. Spin under the spotlight to one of these tunes.

  • Avril Lavigne – I’m With You
  • CeCe Peniston - Finally
  • Charli XCX – Boom Clap
  • Drake – Hold On, We're Going Home
  • Flashdance – Maniac
  • Paramore – The Only Exception
  • Pussy Cat Dolls – Stickwitu
  • Shaggy - Angel
  • The Beatles – All You Need Is Love
  • The Proclaimers – I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

Unique First Dance Songs

Just because a song isn't popular doesn't mean you shouldn't play it at your wedding. If you love the music, the lyrics, or it evokes special memories, why not have it as your wedding song?

  • Badly Drawn Boy – Silent Sigh
  • Eminem and Rihanna – Love the Way You Lie
  • Maccabees – Toothpaste Kisses
  • My Bloody Valentine – When You Sleep
  • Oasis – Wonderwall
  • Queens of the Stone Age – Make It Wit Chu
  • Sam Cook – You Send Me
  • Spice Girls – Say You'll Be There
  • The Stone Roses – I Wanna Be Adored
  • Wolf Alice – Don't Delete The Kisses

Funny Wedding Songs

Having fun, smiling and dancing is what the wedding reception is all about. If you prefer to make your guests laugh, you could pick a funny wedding song. Wedding dance songs for couples who prefer something a bit more tongue in cheek.

  • BaHa Men – Who Let the Dogs Out
  • Kanye West – Gold Digger
  • Lady Gaga – Bad Romance
  • NSync – Bye Bye Bye
  • Pat Benatar – Love Is a Battlefield
  • Queen – Another One Bites the Dust
  • Shania Twain – That Don't Impress Me Much
  • Tammy Wynette – D.I.V.O.R.C.E
  • The Pussy Cat Dolls – Don't Cha
  • U2 – I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Songs for Wedding

Your wedding dance song might be the first opportunity you get on the day to have a few moments together to stare longingly into each other's eyes… or bust out rehearsed moves. However, you play it, enjoy your first dance. Hopefully, the information above has given you wedding planning ideas, whether it's played by your DJ or wedding bands.



Plan Your Wedding Day

Our wedding packages offer luxury and flexibility to suit a range of budgets. We clarify what costs are included and are priced per person, and we have affordable wedding packages available, including welcome drinks, evening food, and hotel stays. If our packages don't seem quite right for you, we will happily create a bespoke package to make your wedding both individual and unforgettable. 

Weddings at Future Inn Bristol

From an intimate feel to a grander affair (up to 200 guests), the wedding suites are on the hotel's top floor with fantastic views over Bristol city centre. There is even a small terrace balcony to take in some air and enjoy the scenery. Please speak with our wedding planners, who can advise you on weddings in Bristol on 0117 304 1010 or meetings.bristol@futureinns.co.uk.

WEDDINGS IN BRISTOL

Weddings at Future Inn Cardiff

Our wedding venue in Cardiff Bay has various suites to choose from, all of which are on the ground floor. Choose from an all-day wedding celebration, wedding breakfasts, or evening-only events. Appointments must be booked with Martin in advance. They can be contacted on 02920 487111 or meetings.cardiff@futureinns.co.uk. Ask about their Welsh-themed wedding breakfast menu, too!

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Weddings at Future Inn Plymouth

You are welcome to speak with our highly experienced Wedding Coordinators, Ellie or Ben, on 01752 701000 or meetings.plymouth@futureinns.co.uk. Our wedding venue in Plymouth has been nominated for several wedding awards over the last few years, so you are in knowledgeable, safe hands. The wedding suites are all on the ground floor, and guests love the outdoor space for photographs in the summer months.

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