25 Non-Cheesy First-Dance Wedding Songs to Dance the Night Away
You’ve been thinking about every detail of your wedding since the day he slipped that ring on your finger… but you still might not have chosen the right music for your first dance yet!
Although it's quite a traditional feature, every wedding reception typically comes with:
- the bride and groom’s first dance
- the father-daughter dance
- and the mother-son dance
These few minutes on the dance floor are looked upon by all of your guests, and are moments in time that have a significant meaning to the dancers and to your overall wedding reception. However, it’s a tough one to check off your to-do list because
a) there are just so many songs out there to choose from! And;
b) there are just so many cheesy songs out there to sift through!
So true.
To help you find the memorable songs of your dreams, we've created a list below with 25 non-cheesy wedding dance songs to honour each other, as well as your parents, on your special day.
The Bride & Groom - Dance 1
May I have this dance? We know you're really excited for this first dance. You've been twirling around the house since he proposed, haven't you? Come on, admit it. Before you hit the dance floor for the first time as a Mrs. (swoon), it's important to consult with your significant other on your first-dance choice and come to find the song that speaks to both of you as a couple.
Most couples choose classics for their first dance, but some opt for something more modern. Just remember that you only get to have this dance once, so make sure it’s a song you’ll be glad you chose in 50 years from now!
Back in the Day: Classic Choices
1. At Last - Etta James
2. Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
3. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
4. The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra
5. You Are The Best Thing - Ray La Montagne
Keeping it Current: Modern Day Selection
6. I And Love And You - The Avett Brothers
7. Thumper - The Wedding Band (Mumford & Sons)
8. This Years Love - David Gray
9. Make You Feel My Love - Adele
10. Better Together - Jack Johnson
11. Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
12. If I Ain’t Got You - Alicia Keys
13. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
14. You Got What I Need - Joshua Radin
The Bride & the Father of the Bride - Dance 2
Daddy’s little girl. A dad is a girl’s first true love, so trying to decide what song to recognise him with at your wedding can take some serious thought. What songs did he sing to you as a kid? Is he listening to any current artists? Whatever song you choose for this emotional dance, don’t forget to tuck a handkerchief into your corset to dry those tears.
Heartfelt and Sentimental
15. Daughters - John Mayer
16. What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
17. Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
18. When You Need Me - Bruce Springsteen
19. I Loved Her First - Heartland
20. Isn’t She Lovely - Stevie Wonder
The Groom & his Mother - Dance 3
Mum’s the word - Groom and Mother Dance
Whatever you do, get the in-law situation started off right. Whether your groom is deeply involved in your wedding planning, or pretty hands-off, you should encourage him to have a hand in choosing the song he and his mother will dance to at the reception. Like the father-daughter dance, this tends to be a tear-filled experience for not only the groom and the mother, but for the guests as well.
Gentle and Meaningful
21. A Beautiful Day - Joshua Radin
22. How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
23. In My Life - The Beatles
24. Stand By Me - Ben E. King
25. Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
Here are a few more tips to keep you on your toes… and off of his!
Two left feet. Unless you and your groom are extremely comfortable on the dance floor, do yourself a favour and take some dance lessons before your wedding. You’d be surprised how awkward a first dance can look if one or both of the dancers are inexperienced. Who wants to look or feel awkward on their wedding day? No one. For a list of places to take lessons in the U.K., visit Dancesport.
Jimmy Choo, who? Plenty of women are able to pull off four-inch stilettos in their day-to-day lives, but not many are able to dance in them all night under a 14-kilogram wedding gown. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, even if you change into them just before or halfway through the reception.
Take a step on the dance floor. No matter what the situation, deciding how to include your step-parents in your wedding can be the cause of a lot of stress. That said, remember that this is your wedding day, and you have to trust your instincts! If you’re close with your stepfather, you are welcome to dance with him in addition to your birth dad. The same can be said for your groom and his mum and stepmother. Do what feels right.
What were your first-dance songs? Share them with us! Let us know in the Comments section below or post them on our facebook page!
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