10 Romantic First Dance Songs That Will Set the Mood for Your Wedding

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Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, and choosing the perfect first dance song is an essential part of making it memorable. Whether you’re looking for something classic, modern, or a little bit of both, there’s a perfect romantic first dance song out there for every couple. From slow and sweet to upbeat and fun, the right song can set the tone for the rest of your wedding reception and create a magical moment that you and your partner will cherish forever. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 10 romantic first dance songs that will help you set the mood and make your wedding day even more unforgettable. So, grab your honey, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to create a moment that you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

Bride in blush dress dancing with groom at sunset on the beach in Hawaii

The Importance of Choosing the Right First Dance Song

Your first dance as a married couple is a special moment that you’ll remember for the rest of your lives. It’s a chance to showcase your love and commitment to each other in front of all your family and friends. Choosing the right first dance song is essential to creating a memorable moment that truly represents your love story.

Your first dance song should be a reflection of your relationship and your personalities as a couple. It should be a song that you both love and that speaks to you on a personal level. It’s important to take the time to choose the right song and make sure it feels authentic and meaningful to you both.

Classic Romantic First Dance Songs

If you’re looking for a timeless and classic first dance song, there are plenty of options to choose from. These songs have stood the test of time and are still popular choices for first dances today.

One classic romantic first dance song is “At Last” by Etta James. This soulful ballad has been a popular wedding song for decades and is a great choice for couples who love old-school romance.

Another classic first dance song is “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. This iconic song is known for its powerful vocals and emotional lyrics, making it a perfect choice for a romantic first dance (you know song from the hit movie “Ghost”).

For a more upbeat classic first dance song, consider “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra. This catchy tune is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to get everyone in the mood for dancing.

Modern Romantic First Dance Songs

If you’re looking for a more modern first dance song, there are plenty of options to choose from as well. These songs are more recent hits that have become popular choices for first dances in recent years.

One popular modern first dance song is “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. This romantic ballad has become a wedding staple in recent years and is a perfect choice for couples who love contemporary music.

Another modern first dance song is “All of Me” by John Legend. This soulful ballad has been a popular choice for first dances since its release and is a great choice for couples who love R&B music.

For a sentimental romantic song go for “Marry Me” by Train it’ll for sure bring some tears to your eyes and your guests too.

For a romantic modern (yet 70’s vibe) first dance song, consider “Your Song” by Elton John. This tune is perfect for couples who want to add some romance to their evening.

Your first dance as a married couple is a special moment that you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

Jeannemarie

Alternative Romantic First Dance Songs

If you’re looking for something a little bit different for your first dance song, there are plenty of alternative options to choose from. These songs are a bit more offbeat but still offer plenty of romance and emotion.

One alternative first dance song is “Crush” by Dave Matthews Band. For those lovers of DMB it’s a great way to start off your celebration!

Another alternative first dance song is “Never Let Me Go,” by Florence + The Machine. This romantic tune is perfect for couples who want to a romantic and elegant start to their wedding

For a more unconventional first dance song, consider “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. This soulful and upbeat tune is a great choice for couples who want to dance the night away and have a good time.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a First Dance Song

When choosing your first dance song, there are a few factors to consider to make sure you make the right choice. First and foremost, you want to choose a song that you both love and that feels meaningful to you as a couple.

You’ll also want to consider the tempo of the song and whether it’s something you can comfortably dance to. If you’re not confident in your dancing abilities, you may want to choose a slower song that’s easier to dance to.

Another factor to consider is the length of the song. You don’t want to choose something too long or too short, so make sure you listen to the song all the way through before making your final decision.

Tips for Practicing Your First Dance

Once you’ve chosen your first dance song, it’s important to practice so that you feel confident and comfortable on the day of your wedding. Here are a few tips to help you perfect your first dance:

– Start practicing early so you have plenty of time to get comfortable with the song and your dance moves.

– Consider taking dance lessons to learn some basic steps and improve your dance skills.

– Practice in the shoes you plan to wear on the day of your wedding to get used to dancing in them.

– Practice with your partner so you can get used to dancing together and syncing up your movements.

How to Involve Your Wedding Guests in Your First Dance

Your first dance is a special moment between you and your partner, but you can also involve your wedding guests to make it even more memorable. Here are a few ideas for getting your guests involved in your first dance:

– Have your guests form a circle around you and your partner and join hands as you dance.

– Invite your wedding party to join you halfway through the song for a choreographed dance routine.

– Have your guests join you on the dance floor at the end of the song to kick off the reception.

The Role of Your DJ or Band in Your First Dance

Your DJ or band will play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere for your first dance. They’ll be responsible for playing the right song at the right time and making sure the volume and tempo are appropriate.

Make sure you communicate your first dance song choice and any special requests or instructions to your DJ or band well in advance of the wedding day. This will ensure that everything runs smoothly and your first dance is a success.

Creating a Memorable First Dance Experience

Your first dance is a special moment that you’ll remember for the rest of your lives. To make it even more memorable, consider adding some special touches like:

– Incorporating a special dance move or dip.

– Adding some choreography to your dance.

– Using special lighting or effects to create a romantic atmosphere.

– Adding a special touch like confetti or sparklers to the end of your dance.

With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a first dance experience that you and your partner will cherish forever.

Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect First Dance Song for Your Wedding

Your first dance is an important moment that sets the tone for the rest of your wedding reception. Choosing the perfect first dance song is essential to creating a memorable and romantic moment that truly represents your love story.

Whether you choose a classic, modern, or alternative first dance song, make sure it feels authentic and meaningful to you as a couple. Consider factors like tempo, length, and danceability when making your decision, and don’t forget to practice so you feel confident and comfortable on the day of your wedding.

With the right song, some planning, and a little bit of creativity, you can create a first dance experience that you and your partner will remember for the rest of your lives.

Here is my Top 10 First Dance Songs for your Wedding

“At Last” by Etta James

“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers.

“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran

“All of Me” by John Legend

“Marry Me” by Train

“Your Song” by Elton John

“Crush” by Dave Matthews Band

“Never Let Me Go,” by Florence + The Machine

“You Are the Best Thing,” by Ray LaMontagne

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A friendly, fun & highly-experienced artist who will always put you first 
My signature romantic style is expressed through timeless dreamy digital and film photographs that capture the natural glow and radiance of your love. 
In my fifteen years photographing weddings around the world, I've honed the ability to make couples of all kinds feel comfortable, confident and - most importantly - to have fun in front of the camera! 
If you’re seeking​ a service-oriented artist with an easygoing nature to give you the gorgeous photos you've always dreamed of, then I hope you'll click the button below to learn more about my bespoke approach.

Meet Jeannemarie

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