Your first dance as a married couple is one of the most memorable moments of your wedding day. But often, one or two songs become the highlight of the season, and every couple getting married seems to be using those popular songs. John Legend’s “All of Me” or Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” are just two in recent years that have been very common for brides and grooms to choose.
For the couple looking for a song that is both unique and meaningful, here are ten songs, in no particular order, that we think can fill both requirements. Read below for a detailed description or follow our playlist on Spotify:
1. Louis Armstrong – A Kiss to Build a Dream On
This Louis Armstrong classic from the American song book is really sweet. When so much music today is built on an electronic foundation, with auto-tuned voices and computerized drum kits, dancing to a song that was recorded with a live band adds immeasurable warmth to the room. You also can’t beat the lyrics “Give me a kiss to build a dream on.”
2. Hozier – Like Real People Do
Most people will recognize Hozier for his song “Take Me to Church.” But fewer will recognize the Irish songwriter’s gentler “Like Real People Do.” The mellow fingerpicked guitar rings of traditional folk inspiration, and at three minutes, you won’t be drawn into an extra-long first dance if you’re not a fan of too much attention.
3. Sara Bareilles – I Choose You
Sara Bareilles’ “I Choose You” is an excellent song that gets overlooked. The original version of the song was used as part of one couple’s engagement, but isn’t really fit for a first dance. This acoustic version, however, makes for an excellent first dance. And if Hozier’s voice paired with a guitar doesn’t do it for you, Bareilles’ definitely should.
4. The Shires – I Just Wanna Love You
A meaningful first dance song doesn’t need complex lyrics. This British country duo (..what?) topples us with their harmonized vocals, and the words are simple and sweet: “I used to think that love was complicated. / But since I met you, it’s all so easy. / I just wanna love you.”
5. Ingrid Michaelson – Can’t Help Falling In Love
Another classic. Though countless couples have used this song for their first dance, we’ve eschewed from the typical versions by Elvis Presley and Nat King Cole. Ingrid Michaelson’s voice pulls on our heartstrings and gives us goose bumps.
6. Elle Henderson – Yours
Sticking with strong female voices backgrounded by piano, Elle Henderson’s “Yours” is a gorgeous contemporary song that few couples have used. We especially love the crescendo toward the end, making for a momentous first dance.
7. Jamie Cullum – What a Difference a Day Made
Okay, so maybe we love the piano. Maybe we love jazz standards. But what’s wrong with that? Contemporary cuts of classic songs are perfect for first dances! Jamie Cullum’s “What a Difference a Day Made” is equally splendid. The album Twentysomething was specifically recorded in analog, and that warmth resonates throughout.
8. Josh Groban – When You Say You Love Me
“You Raise Me Up” is most people’s first thought when they think of Josh Groban. But we’re in love with “When You Say You Love Me.” It’s an elegant track that feels perfect for large parties in a ballroom—Groban’s voice will just fill the whole room.
9. Jim Brickman ft. Michael W. Smith – Love of My Life
Couples who want to include their faith into their first dance can connect with “Love of My Life.” By Jim Brickman and featuring Michael W. Smith, the song combines the strength of faith with finding your soulmate. A better choice maybe than the more often used “Bless the Broken Road.”
10 Collin Raye – One Boy, One Girl
When you know you’re showing up in boots, Collin Raye’s “One Boy, One Girl” is perfect for the country couple. It’s a twangy track, but focuses completely on love, leaving the whiskey and pickup trucks for when the dance floor gets crazy. Perfect for when the moment truly revolves around “two hearts beating wildly.”
Do you love these first dance songs? Are there other’s you want to suggest? Send us a note on Twitter @Goldennoteent or leave us a comment on our Facebook page. We’d love to know which songs you love the most!
