As a little girl, there were several parts of any wedding that I looked forward to with anticipation and curiosity. What would the groom’s face look like as the bride walked down the aisle? What would the bride’s dress look like? What kind of cake would there be (it’s always about the cake)? And what song would the couple select for their first dance? 

It’s this question about the first dance that still intrigues me today (though I certainly haven’t forgotten about the cake). When I watch Runaway Bride I’m still as in love with Julia Robert’s wedding dress[es] now as I was in 1999. Though fashions have changed, my fairy tale fantasies of wedding dresses haven’t. But when it comes to music, my tastes have definitely evolved. As a teenager, I used to listen to Delilah and almost every song seemed like a first dance song. But in 2022, I think I’d be hard-pressed to select “I Would Walk 500 Miles” by the Proclaimers for my first dance. So, I decided to head to my trusty friend Mr. Google (thanks to my mom for that endearing name for Google) to see what songs couples are selecting today. 

First Dance 

 

Whether you’re looking for a slow song, a song you can groove to, a country ballad, or a classic, I’ve got you covered. 

• “You’re the One” – The Black Keys 

• “When I See You Smile” – Bad English 
• “God Gave Me You” – Blake Shelton 
• “My Best Friend” – Tim McGraw

• “Wanted” – Hunter Hayes 
• “Just a Kiss” – Lady A 
• “The Day Before You” – Matthew West 
• “Stand By Me” – Ben E. King 
• “The Luckiest” – Ben Folds 
• “To Be Loved” – Michael Bublé 
• “Perfect Duet” – Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé 

• “All of Me” – John Legend 
• “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra 
• “Sons & Daughters” – Allman Brown & Liz Lawrence 
• “Speechless” – Dan + Shay 
• “Your Song” – Elton John 
• “Marry Me” – Train 
• “Falling Like the Stars” – James Arthur 

• “Only Wanna Be With You” – Hootie & the Blowfish 
• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston 

And I have to admit that at least one top song list included “500 Miles” – so perhaps Delilah circa 2003 hasn’t led me astray. 

Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dance 

 

 

What’s important here is that you pick a song that you love, but also appeals to your dance partner (i.e. parent). Some experts suggest sticking with the classics. 

• “Teach Your Children” – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young 
• “Father & Daughter” – Paul Simon 

• “Daughter” – Loudon Wainwright III 
• “Always Be Your Baby” – Natalie Grant 
• “Did You Know” – Bebe Winans 
• “I Turn to You” – Christina Aguilera 
• “Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder 

• “My Wish” – Rascal Flatts 
• “Forever Young” – Rod Stewart 
• “Save the Last Dance for Me” – Drifters 
• “My Girl” – The Temptations
• “Because You Loved Me” – Céline Dion

• “I Hope you Dance” – LeeAnn Womack 
• “Smile” – Barbara Streisand 
• “I Loved Her First” – Heartland 
• “Daddy’s Little Girl” – The Shires 

• “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” – Billy Ray Cyrus 
• “Don’t Blink” – Kenny Chesney 
• “Cinderella” – Steven Curtis Chapman 

Want to switch it up and not have such a traditional first dance? Be on the lookout for an upcoming blog on alternates to the traditional planned dances for a wedding reception. 

For a longer list of wedding songs, be sure to check out our “it’s our song”  – best wedding ceremony songs of all time blog. 

We’d love to be part of capturing your first dance. Connect with us here.