Wedding guide · First dance songs
Wedding First Dance Songs, by Dance Style
Find the song. We’ll make it dance.
Our favourite first dance songs, sorted by feel, with the dance style each one suits best. Pick a song you love, and we will turn it into a first dance you are proud of.
- Slow, classic, sultry and upbeat picks
- Matched to the dance that fits each song
- Music editing included in every package
You’re not alone
Choosing a first dance song is harder than it looks
Pick the song you love. We will handle the rest.
The list
First dance songs we love
Sorted by feel. “Dances well as” is our coaches’ suggestion. We can adapt any of these to your comfort level.
Slow & romantic
Modern ballads that suit a gentle, close first dance.
| Song | Feel | Dances well as |
|---|---|---|
| PerfectEd Sheeran | Slow and swaying | Slow waltz or rumba |
| Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran | Slow ballad | Rumba |
| All of MeJohn Legend | Slow piano ballad | Rumba |
| A Thousand YearsChristina Perri | Slow and dreamy | Waltz |
| Kiss MeEd Sheeran | Soft and lilting | Waltz |
| Make You Feel My LoveAdele | Slow ballad | Rumba |
| Can’t Help Falling in LoveElvis Presley | Slow and gentle | Slow waltz or rumba |
Classic & elegant
Timeless songs for a polished, ballroom-style first dance.
| Song | Feel | Dances well as |
|---|---|---|
| The Way You Look TonightFrank Sinatra | Smooth and swinging | Foxtrot |
| Fly Me to the MoonFrank Sinatra | Light and swinging | Foxtrot or swing |
| At LastEtta James | Slow and soulful | Foxtrot or rumba |
| Moon RiverAndy Williams | Gentle and dreamy | Waltz |
| Could I Have This DanceAnne Murray | Sweet country waltz | Waltz |
| Unchained MelodyThe Righteous Brothers | Slow and building | Rumba |
Sultry & Latin
For couples who want a little heat.
| Song | Feel | Dances well as |
|---|---|---|
| ObsesiónAventura | Romantic bachata | Bachata |
| Propuesta IndecenteRomeo Santos | Sensual bachata | Bachata |
| Stand by MePrince Royce | Bachata version of a classic | Bachata |
| Por una CabezaCarlos Gardel | Dramatic and elegant | Argentine tango |
| Vivir Mi VidaMarc Anthony | Joyful and fast | Salsa |
Upbeat & fun
Perfect on their own, or as a surprise switch halfway through.
| Song | Feel | Dances well as |
|---|---|---|
| Crazy Little Thing Called LoveQueen | Rockabilly bounce | Jive or swing |
| Marry YouBruno Mars | Bright and bouncy | Cha cha or swing |
| Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m YoursStevie Wonder | Upbeat soul | Swing or hustle |
| You Make My DreamsDaryl Hall & John Oates | Feel-good groove | Hustle or swing |
| SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire | Disco energy | Hustle |
| SugarMaroon 5 | Light and groovy | Cha cha |
How to choose
Four tips for picking your first dance song
- Pick the song you love first. We can choreograph almost anything, so start with meaning, not tempo.
- Plan for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Most first dances are this long. We will trim your song so it ends on a high.
- Do the kitchen test. Put it on and sway together. If you naturally move to it, it will dance well.
- Want a surprise? Start slow, then switch to something upbeat. Guests love it, and we edit the music for you.
See all our wedding dance lessons and packages, or browse father-daughter dance songs.
How long should a first dance song be?
Most first dances are 90 seconds to 2 minutes. If your song is longer, we edit it for you. Music editing is included in every wedding package.
What if our song is hard to dance to?
We can make almost any song work by choosing the right style or section. Bring it to your free consultation and we will show you how.
Can we mix two songs together?
Yes. A slow-to-upbeat mash-up is one of the most popular choices. We edit the music so the switch lands cleanly.
What is the easiest dance style for a first dance?
For most couples a simple rumba or slow waltz to a ballad is the easiest start. We choose based on your song and how you move together.
Found your song?
Book a free wedding consultation and we will turn it into your first dance.
