How to Pick Your First Dance Song (Without the Stress)
You know what's funny? I've talked to probably a hundred couples about their first dance songs, and almost everyone says the same thing: "We stressed about this way too much."
Here's the truth - there's no perfect song. But there is a perfect song for you two. And figuring that out is actually easier than you think.
Start With What You Already Love
Forget the "Top 100 Wedding Songs" lists for a minute. What songs do you already listen to together? Maybe it's that one you always sing badly in the car. Maybe it's the song that was playing when you first kissed. Maybe it's just something you both genuinely like.
That matters more than picking something because it's "supposed to be" a wedding song.
My friend Tom and his wife chose "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. Not exactly a slow dance. But it was their song from when they met at a concert. They did a fun, goofy dance to it and everyone loved it because it felt real.
Think About the Lyrics (But Not Too Much)
Yeah, you want lyrics that mean something to you. But don't overthink it. "Every Breath You Take" technically sounds creepy if you read the words too closely, but thousands of couples have danced to it just fine.
What matters is what the song means to you two. If a line in the chorus reminds you of your relationship, that's enough.
Want to make those lyrics even more special? Turn them into a custom song lyric poster you can hang in your home. It's like keeping that moment with you forever.
The Practical Stuff (That Actually Matters)
Length: Most first dances are 2-3 minutes. If your song is 6 minutes long, either cut it or get really good at slow dancing. Your call.
Tempo: You don't need a super slow song. Medium-tempo songs actually make it easier to dance if you're not professionals (which, let's be real, most of us aren't).
Recognizable: When your grandma and your college roommate both know the song, that's usually a good sign. People like feeling connected to the moment.
Some Songs That Actually Work Well
I'm not going to give you a huge list because you'll just feel overwhelmed. But here are a few that I've seen work really well:
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" - Elvis (the classic for a reason)
- "Thinking Out Loud" - Ed Sheeran (modern but not trendy)
- "At Last" - Etta James (makes everyone emotional)
- "Better Together" - Jack Johnson (chill and sweet)
- "Lover" - Taylor Swift (if you're Swifties, you're Swifties)
The key? Each of these couples picked them because they meant something, not because they were on a list.
Make It Personal After the Wedding
Here's something cool - after your wedding, you can create a wedding photo lyrics poster combining your favorite photo from the dance with the actual lyrics. It's like a memory you can touch.
Or if you want something simpler, just make a lyrics poster with the song that got you through wedding planning. Because let's be honest, you'll have one of those too.
What If You Can't Decide?
If you and your partner keep going back and forth between two songs, here's what works: flip a coin. Seriously.
The moment the coin is in the air, you'll know which one you're hoping it lands on. That's your song.
Or do what my cousin did - use one for the first dance and the other for your anniversary gift next year. Problem solved.
The Real Secret
Want to know what makes a first dance song perfect? It's not the song itself. It's that you picked it together and you'll remember that moment every time you hear it for the rest of your lives.
Everything else is just details.
So stop stressing. Pick a song you both like. Practice a little so you don't step on each other's feet (or don't, if that's more your style). And enjoy those three minutes, because they go by fast.
Looking for more wedding music ideas? Check out our guide on creating anniversary song posters or browse our printable music poster templates for gift ideas.