Engaged couples planning their picture-perfect wedding often turn to us for advice on the big details, such as flowers and food, but the smaller details are often the ones that couples will remember the most. Whether the event is large or small, the most romantic weddings always have fantastic soundtracks, and the first dance song sets the mood for the rest of the reception. However, choosing a song for the first dance is a detail that often goes undecided until the last minute. We believe this is one detail we can take off your plate.
Here’s a unique mix of first dance songs that will kick off the soundtrack to your best day ever.
Avalanche – Handsome and Greytl
A love song between a real-life couple, this is a sweet tune with an earthy-folk feel that’s perfect for farm or ranch themed weddings. Here’s a glimpse of the lyrics as they describe how much the two cherish each other:
Oh the miles, the miles look how they go
All the while, the while we’ve made a home
And I don’t know if I could love you any more than what I’m feeling right now
Then tomorrow tends to show me there is more I can hold for you somehow
Where would I be without you
Where would I be without your love
There’s a feeling in my bones that says I’d keep a-going
Where would I be without you, you
ILYSB – LANY
This song has an atmospheric, dance house vibe combined with loving lyrics. It’s a fun love song that’s perfect for you and your beloved to cut a rug! Take a look at the words below:
Ain’t never felt this way
Can’t get enough so stay with me
It’s not like we got big plans
Let’s drive around town holding hands
And you need to know
You’re the only one, alright alright
And you need to know
That you keep me up all night, all night
And you need to know
That nobody could take your place, your place
And you need to know
That I’m hella obsessed with your face, your face
Hey Lady – Stephen Day
If you want to include a love song with a country and bluegrass style that makes you sway, then this song by Stephen Day is for you. The lyrics start out describing the singer’s adoration for the one he wants to make his forever-lady, then ends looking back on their eternal love. He got his lady in the end! Check out the closing verse.
One day we’ll look back in time
On the moments that flew by
And we’ll laugh until we cry
Cause we’ll know deep inside
Joy can be so bittersweet
Hand in hand you and me
We’re nothin’ more than a love
That lasted for eternity
Darlin’ – Branches
This is another folk-pop tune that makes you want to sway. It’s a confessional song about falling in love, complete with handclaps (and who doesn’t love a good hand clap?) throughout. Some of the lyrics to this fun ditty are below –
Fallin’, fallin’s not so hard
When the falling
Is in love with you!
Oh, I fell, oh I fell, but you caught me
Oh, I fell, oh I fell in love with you!
Firefly – Jimmy Needham
“Firefly” is a feel-good ballad describing how hard the singer fell for his love, and how happy he is to have her in his life. Here’s a taste of the chorus:
It happened on the day you put your hand in mine
You went up to my head just like a glass of wine
Girl, you spark my attention like a firefly
You make me happy to be alive
A Long and Happy Life – Delta Rae
This is a fun country song performed by a Southern girl about finding her country prince at long last. The band describes their sound as “gospel-tinged country-rock, sensual blue-eyed soul and harmony-laden Americana.” The lyrics of the chorus go like this:
I was born to love you
Out where the water is wide
Make me your country bride
You’ll be my prince of tides
You were born to heal me
Under a velvet sky
Cattails dancing in the light
We were born to live a long and happy life
A happy life
Think I’m in Love – Tim Halprin
When you listen to this beautiful melody, you can feel the emotion in Tim Halprin’s words. It’s beautifully sung and ideal for a slow dance that won’t leave a single dry eye in the audience. See a snippet of this sweet song below:
So everywhere I go I just wanna see you there (Ohh)
And I don’t have a map but I’m not scared (Ohh)
I think I’m in love
Oh my God, I think I’m in love
Oh, I think I’m love
With you
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Everyone loves the soothing sound of Jack Johnson’s voice. While not a song we’d recommend for a First Dance, this is an excellent song to throw into the mix during your reception that will put a smile on everyone’s face. The tender song wraps up with these lyrics:
I believe in memories
they look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now, and when I wake up,
you look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time,
There is no, no song I could sing
and there is no combination of words I could say
but I will still tell you one thing
We’re better together
Not Fire Not Ice – Ben Harper
This song is sung with plenty of emotion in Ben Harper’s voice, so that it feels like he’s looking into his love’s eyes as he sings, “For me, you are the one.” It’s a guitar-backed serenade that’s soft and sweet and perfect for your wedding day. Reading the lyrics below shows the passion behind the words:
But true love is priceless
For true love we pay the price
But there’s nothing
Can keep me from loving you
Not fire
No, not ice
Blue Moon – Julie London
This jazzy, sultry take on a classic song by Julie London has a feel that’s reminiscent of the days of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. It’s easy listening that’s ideal for mingling-hour during your reception. In case you forgot the lyrics to this classic tune, the chorus goes like this:
Blue moon
You knew just what I was there for
You heard me saying a prayer for
Somebody I really could care for.
And then there suddenly appeared before me
the only one my arms will ever hold
I heard somebody whisper, “Please adore me.”
And when I looked
The moon had turned to gold.
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
There are many versions of other artists singing this song, but the classic rendition by Ben E. King is our favorite! This sweet love song gets every couple to sway on the dance floor, and every person (young & old) sings those well-known lyrics:
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand
Stand by me
When you Fall in Love – Andrew Ripp
We like to save some of the best songs for last! This song was made for the first dance between a newlywed couple. The beautiful lyrics of this song give you chills the way Andrew Ripp sings them:
When you fall in love
You lose control
You can’t hang on and you can’t let go
When you find the one
You hold on tight
You weather every storm
Till the sun shines
Even when it hurts, there’s no regret
Every breath you give is one you get
When you fall in love
Plan Your Wedding Soundtrack at Windows on the Water
We hope this list will inspire you in your search for the perfect first dance song for your wedding. And if the whole “They’re playing our song” theme feels too old-fashioned for you, consider it your “something old” and count on the song to bring you good luck!
At Windows on the Water at Frogbridge, our team of wedding professionals will help you refine every detail of your wedding day – including your soundtrack list! If you’re ready to bring your dream wedding to reality, call us today at (609) 208-9472. We’d be delighted to help you create the stunning, remarkable wedding that you and your guests will never forget.