In the days of kings and queens, the first dance officially opened the floor for attendees at a grand ball. Today, it’s still customary for the bride and groom to be the first to dance at their wedding. Couples talk about being most nervous about this part of the night, but when it comes to the crunch, everyone else disappears. It’s just you and your beloved, lost in the world of your precious wedding song.
Often guests are so focused on the bridal party walking down the aisle that they hardly notice what’s playing; whereas, the first dance is all about the music. The lyrics should say something about you as a couple, after all it’s a song you’ll forever associate with your love. You’ll be filled with warmth when you unexpectedly hear its melody in the car or at the supermarket. You’ll be reminiscing and dancing together around your home for years to come.
Spotify has released its top 50 first dance tracks, ranking the most popular songs downloaded for the momentous occasion. It's made us think about our all-time favourites and so we've decided to create a playlist of our own! The Modern Wedding top 50 includes songs for slow dancing the night away, beautiful soundtracks borrowed from loved ones, the wedding hits with all the feels and music for couples who want something out of the ordinary or even a little more upbeat and fun.
Be inspired by our ultra-romantic top 50 first dance songs – an eclectic playlist of everything from soft, sweet serenades, to songs that are bound to entice your guests to join you in busting a move!
Ed Sheeran - Tenerife Sea
Michael Bublé - Everything
Eddie Vedder - Longing to Belong
Beyoncé - 1 + 1
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
Jack Johnson - Better together
Etta James - At Last
Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat - Lucky
The Paper Kites - Bloom
The Lumineers – Ho Hey
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Cheek to Cheek
Cat Power - Sea of Love
Al Green - Let’s Stay Together
Angus and Julia Stone - Mango Tree
Matt Corby - Resolution
Avalanche City - Love, Love, Love
John Legend - All of Me
Jack Johnson - Angel
Louis Armstrong - La Vie En Rose
Paramore - The Only Exception
Christina Perry - A Thousand Years
Kodaline - The One
Ray Charles - Hallelujah, I Love Her So
Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are
Toothpaste Kisses - The Maccabees
Beyoncé - Love on Top
Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats
Ben Howard - Only Love
Michael Bublé - Crazy Love
Florence and the Machine - You’ve Got The Love
Queen - You're My Best Friend
Lifehouse – You and Me
Bruno Mars - Treasure
Foster the People - I Would Do Anything
Billy Joel - Just the Way You Are
Frank Sinatra - Someone to Watch Over Me
Sony and Cher - I Got You Babe
Ella Fitzgerald - Dream a Little Dream of Me
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes - Home
Ben Folds - The Luckiest
James Vincent McMorrow - Higher Love
Paolo Nutini - Better Man
Mumford & Sons - I Will Wait
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
Vance Joy - Riptide
Coldplay - Yellow
Rod Stewart - Have I Told You Lately
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
Elvis Presley - Can’t Help Falling in Love
For more wedding music ideas, you can have a look at some of our favourite playlists including old school hits and indie wedding songs. You’ll also love our sweet musical inspiration for the father daughter dance.
Happy listening!
MW x
Featured image by Kelsea Holder Photo