Curate Your Perfect Wedding Dance and Songs Playlist

Planning your wedding reception music is crucial for setting the right mood and ensuring your guests have a fantastic time. Many say your wedding reception will be over in a flash, and that’s often because a well-planned musical journey makes the time fly by. To achieve that perfect flow, you’ll want to curate approximately four to five hours of music for your celebration. This translates to about 80 to 100 songs if you’ve hired a DJ or 50 to 60 songs if you’re opting for a live band. Creating the ideal Wedding Dance And Songs playlist is a collaborative process, allowing you to weave in your personal tastes and create a soundtrack that truly represents your unique love story.

“The wedding playlist is fundamentally the soundtrack to the couple’s love story,” explains Keanna O’Quinn of Sonic Sommelier. “Couples should really think about adding songs that deeply resonate with who they are together.” She suggests including songs that remind you of why you fell in love and incorporating music tied to cherished memories with loved ones. The music should be a reflection of the best moments in your lives, creating a celebratory atmosphere that’s personal and engaging.

Whether you decide to work with a band, a few musicians, or a DJ, clear communication is key. After a few detailed discussions, everyone involved should have a solid understanding of the timeline for the day. This includes pinpointing special song requests for key moments like your first dance or identifying must-play anthems to ignite the dance floor. While your input is vital, remember to trust the expertise of your chosen music professionals. They are skilled at reading the room and creating a seamless musical experience that keeps the energy high and the dance floor packed.

Andrea Smith, founder of The Band Method, emphasizes the importance of understanding the couple’s personality and energy when selecting music for key moments. For the overall setlist, she appreciates a degree of creative freedom. Couples typically start by providing a list of their favorite songs, often drawing inspiration from curated lists, and a “do not play” list to ensure their preferences are respected. After these initial guidelines, the musical direction is often entrusted to the band or DJ to craft a set that flows naturally and responds to the atmosphere of the reception.

Before finalizing your musical arrangements, explore this extensive wedding reception playlist. It features timeless classics, modern dance hits, and fresh tracks to inspire you. Remember, this celebration is all about you as a couple. If you and your partner love your wedding reception songs, your enjoyment is contagious, and your guests are guaranteed to have an unforgettable time.

Image Alt Text: Joyful wedding dance moment with the happy couple sharing laughter and dance moves on the dance floor.

Iconic Wedding Dance Floor Fillers

To get your guests moving and grooving, consider including these dance floor anthems in your wedding dance and songs playlist:

• “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me),” Whitney Houston: This song is a universal wedding playlist staple for a reason. Lea Palmieri, a radio and podcast host, notes its popularity, stating, “We’ve all sung our hearts out to that one on the dance floor.” Dart Collective adds, “It never fails—it’s a feel-good song that is literally about dancing with the people you love.”

• “September,” Earth, Wind & Fire: Dart Collective describes this ‘70s disco hit as a “bulletproof classic” guaranteed to fill the dance floor. Its upbeat tempo and joyful lyrics make it irresistible.

  Lyrics of Love: “Say, do you remember? / Dancin’ in September / Never was a cloudy day”

• “Respect,” Aretha Franklin: This Motown classic transcends generations. “Respect” commands attention and gets everyone moving, embodying empowerment and celebration.

  Lyrics of Love: “Ooo, your kisses (oo) / Sweeter than honey (oo)”

• “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey: Considered by many as the ultimate last song of the night, its opening chords signal one last burst of energy on the dance floor. It’s a wedding must-have for a powerful finale.

  Lyrics of Love: “Just a small town girl / Livin’ in a lonely world / She took the midnight train going anywhere / Just a city boy / Born and raised in South Detroit / He took the midnight train going anywhere”

• “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” Stevie Wonder: Stevie Wonder songs are always a brilliant choice. This classic is recognizable from the first notes, has broad appeal, and is a fantastic way to kick off the dancing.

  Lyrics of Love: “Here I am baby / Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours / (You got my future in your hands)”

• “Brown Eyed Girl,” Van Morrison: A classic hit across generations, this 1967 release resonates with grandparents, parents, and younger guests alike, ensuring everyone feels included on the dance floor.

  Lyrics of Love: “Standing in the sunlight laughing / Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wallSlipping and sliding / All along the waterfall with you / My brown-eyed girl / You, my brown-eyed girl”

• “Higher Ground,” Stevie Wonder: O’Quinn highlights its cross-generational appeal, stating, “It’s a classic that mature guests can vibe to, but it is so musically funky that younger guests can’t help but jam out too.”

  Lyrics of Love: “Lovers keep on lovin’ / Believers keep on believin’, um yeah”

• “Sir Duke,” Stevie Wonder: Another Stevie Wonder gem, “Sir Duke” is perfect for celebratory moments or simply as an invitation to hit the dance floor with its energetic horn section.

  Lyrics of Love: “Music is a world within itself / With a language we all understand”

• “Dancing Queen,” Abba: This Euro-disco pop hit is universally loved and guaranteed to get guests of all ages onto the dance floor, embracing the pure joy of dancing.

  Lyrics of Love: “You can dance, you can jive / Having the time of your life/Ooh, see that girl, watch that scene / Digging the dancing queen”

• “Let’s Dance,” David Bowie: Bowie’s timeless coolness and this song’s irresistible invitation make it a cross-generational dance floor magnet.

  Lyrics of Love: “If you say run, I’ll run with you / And if you say hide, we’ll hide/Because my love for you would break my heart in two /I f you should fall, into my arms and tremble like a flower”

• “December, 1963 (Oh What a Night),” Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: This funky ‘70s hit offers a vintage vibe without feeling outdated. Smith notes, “With ‘Shout’ becoming less and less popular, this song gives that old-school vibe that couples are looking for.”

  Lyrics of Love: “Hypnotizing, mesmerizing me / She was everything I dreamed she’d be”

• “Sweet Caroline,” Neil Diamond: The sing-along chorus and crescendo of “Sweet Caroline” make it a wedding reception classic, uniting guests in a joyful musical moment.

  Lyrics of Love: “But now I look at the night / And it don’t seem so lonely / We fill it up with only two / And when I hurt / Hurtin’ runs off my shoulders / How can I hurt when holdin’ you?”

• “Dreams,” Fleetwood Mac: The iconic opening notes of “Dreams” guarantee spine tingles and a rush to the dance floor, making it a timeless choice for wedding celebrations.

  Lyrics of Love: “Like a heartbeat drives you mad / In the stillness of remembering what you had”

• “Jolene,” Dolly Parton: This classic Dolly Parton sing-along, with its high-tempo energy, is sure to bring out everyone’s inner songstress and create a lively dance floor atmosphere.

• “Espresso,” Sabrina Carpenter: A modern hit with staying power, “Espresso” is predicted to be a wedding season favorite for years to come, perfect for belting out with friends on the dance floor.

  Lyrics of Love: “That morning coffee, brewed it for ya (yes) / One touch and I brand-newed it for ya”

• “Tell Me Something Good,” Rufus, Chaka Khan: Chaka Khan’s incredible vocals and the song’s funky bassline will effortlessly draw music-loving guests to the dance floor.

  Lyrics of Love: “Tell me something good / Tell me that you love me, yeah”

• “Lover,” Taylor Swift: One of today’s most popular wedding songs, especially for first dances, “Lover” embodies romance and commitment.

  Lyrics of Love: “Can I go where you go?/Can we always be this close forever and ever?”

• “Move On Up,” Curtis Mayfield: This disco-soul anthem is a guaranteed dance floor starter, with its uplifting message and infectious rhythm.

  Lyrics of Love: “Take nothing less / Than the supreme best / Do not obey rumors people say / ‘Cause you can pass the test”

• “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher,” Jackie Wilson: Perfect for couple’s dances or getting the entire crowd involved, this song’s joyful energy is truly uplifting.

  Lyrics of Love: “Your love lifting me higher / Than I’ve ever been lifted before/So keep it up, quench my desire / And I’ll be at your side forevermore”

• “Feelin’ Alright,” Joe Cocker: A sing-along classic with a feel-good vibe, “Feelin’ Alright” is a great choice for guests of all ages and can even serve as a fantastic closing song.

• “Modern Love,” David Bowie: From its iconic guitar riffs to Bowie’s energetic vocals, “Modern Love” is an upbeat, brassy, piano-driven dance floor hit.

• “You Make My Dreams (Come True),” Hall & Oates: This upbeat ‘80s classic, often used for reception entrances, is a gold standard for wedding celebrations and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

  Lyrics of Love: “What I want / You’ve got and it might be hard to handle / But like a flame that burns the candle / The candle feeds the flame, yeah, yeah”

• “Kiss,” Prince: Prince’s funky and infectious “Kiss” is a fun party starter that gets everyone singing and dancing along to The Purple One.

  Lyrics of Love: “You don’t have to be rich to be my girl / You don’t have to be cool to rule my world / Ain’t no particular sign I’m more compatible with / I just want your extra time and your kiss”

• “You Can Call Me Al,” Paul Simon: With its big horn section and catchy bassline, Paul Simon’s iconic “You Can Call Me Al” is a quirky and fun addition to any wedding playlist.

  Lyrics of Love: “If you’ll be my bodyguard / I can be your long lost pal / I can call you Betty / And Betty, when you call me, you can call me Al”

• “Once in a Lifetime,” Talking Heads: This New Wave ‘80s hit is a unique and memorable choice, offering a slightly more alternative but still danceable vibe for your reception.

• “Come and Get Your Love,” Redbone: A groovy ‘70s classic with call-and-response lyrics and an infectious chorus, “Come and Get Your Love” is a fun, sing-along choice for your wedding dance playlist.

  Lyrics of Love: “Bear with it, baby, ’cause you’re fine/And you’re mine, and you look so divine”

• “Time After Time,” Cyndi Lauper: This ‘80s soft rock hit works beautifully for both intimate swaying and group sing-alongs, offering versatility for different dance floor moments.

  Lyrics of Love: “If you’re lost you can look and you will find me / Time after time / If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting / Time after time”

• “Rock Lobster,” The B-52’s: Embrace the quirky and fun with this ultimate group dance song, encouraging guests of all ages to participate in its unique undersea adventure.

• “Golden Years,” David Bowie: Another Bowie classic, “Golden Years” boasts a funky bassline and irresistible danceability, adding a touch of cool to your reception.

  Lyrics of Love: “I’ll stick with you baby, for a thousand years / Nothing’s gonna touch you in these golden years”

• “Cha Cha Slide (Original Live Platinum Band Mix),” DJ Casper: Simple, interactive, and fun for all ages, the “Cha Cha Slide” is a guaranteed way to get everyone involved and laughing on the dance floor.

• “Lean On Me,” Bill Withers: This ‘70s sing-along classic, with its message of support and togetherness, makes for a heartwarming final song to close out the night with loved ones.

  Lyrics of Love: “Lean on me / When you’re not strong / And I’ll be your friend / I’ll help you carry on”

Image Alt Text: Energetic wedding dance floor scene with guests of all ages enjoying music and dancing together during the reception.

Modern Wedding Dance Hits

Incorporate these contemporary hits into your wedding dance and songs mix to keep the energy current and exciting:

• “Crazy in Love (feat. Jay-Z),” Beyoncé: O’Quinn calls it “always a crowd pleaser,” noting, “The horns at the top of the song signal a ‘call to action’ and it’s impossible to not dance.”

  Lyrics of Love: “Looking so crazy, your love’s / Got me looking, got me looking so crazy in love.”

• “We Found Love,” Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris: This 2010s dance hit combines Rihanna’s powerful vocals and Calvin Harris’s beats for an infectious sing-along perfect for high-energy dance sets.

  Lyrics of Love: “We found love in a hopeless place”

• “Moves Like Jagger,” Maroon 5 feat. Christina Aguilera: Everyone secretly wishes they had “moo-oo-oo-ooves like Jagger,” making this song a fun invitation for guests to show off their own dance moves.

• “Happy,” Pharrell Williams: An all-ages dance floor pleaser, “Happy” is guaranteed to lift spirits and earned Pharrell a Grammy for Best Solo Pop Performance. Vizcaino states, “‘Happy’ simply put everyone in a good mood.”

  Lyrics of Love: “Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth”

• “Party in the U.S.A.,” Miley Cyrus: No wedding reception dance party is complete without a little Miley, ensuring guests are “noddin’ [their] heads like, yeah, movin’ [their] hips like yeah.”

• “Shape of You,” Ed Sheeran: Sheeran’s pop hit inspires instant movement. Vizcaino notes, “This is a catchy song that will have guests singing along with the lyrics.”

• “Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift: A fantastic group dance floor song, especially when everyone knows the lyrics to this Taylor Swift classic.

  Lyrics of Love: “‘Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play / And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate / Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / Shake it off, I shake it off”

• “Rolling in the Deep,” Adele: Adele’s high-octane ballad, a Grammy winner for Record of the Year, adds a touch of moody energy with sing-along lines and foot-tapping beats.

• “You’ve Got the Love,” Florence + The Machine: This indie-pop hit with powerful vocals celebrates love in a relatable and heartfelt way.

  Lyrics of Love: “Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air / I know I can count on you / Sometimes I feel like saying ‘Lord I just don’t care’ / But you’ve got the love I need to see me through”

• “Beautiful,” Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell Williams and Charlie Wilson: This early 2000s collaboration is a bouncy, fun track that’s perfect for dancing and enjoying the celebration.

  Lyrics of Love: “Beautiful, I just want you to know / You’re my favorite girl”

• “Can’t Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton),” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: A party anthem from the early 2010s, this high-energy track is ideal for transitioning your reception into full dance party mode later in the evening.

  Lyrics of Love: “Raise those hands, this is our party / We came here to live life like nobody was watching / So we put our hands up like the ceiling can’t hold us”

• “Mr. Brightside,” The Killers: This early 2000s indie-rock hit is a crowd-pleaser across generations. Smith notes, “This song speaks to several generations, plus, it’s fun to jump around to.”

  Lyrics of Love: “It started out with a kiss / How did it end up like this?”

• “Ho Hey,” The Lumineers: With its catchy “I belong with you, you belong with me” interlude, this alt-folk hit is perfect for a more relaxed, sing-along moment on the dance floor.

• Home,” Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros: This sweet duet is pure joy and perfect for a heartwarming, inclusive dance moment with all your guests.

• “Cosmic Girl,” Jamiroquai: Jamiroquai’s funky, uptempo electro-pop hit is simply irresistible on the dance floor.

  Lyrics of Love: “She’s just a cosmic girl / From another galaxy / My heart’s at zero gravity / She’s from a cosmic world / Putting me in ecstasy / Transmitting my frequency / She’s cosmic”

• “Hey Ya!,” Outcast: “Shake it like a Polaroid picture!” This Outcast classic continues to inspire iconic dance floor moves and only gets better with time.

• “Valerie (feat. Amy Winehouse),” Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse: Amy Winehouse’s soulful vocals shine in this sing-along favorite, a consistent choice for wedding playlists.

• “Pony,” Ginuwine: Dart Collective suggests “Pony” as the perfect turning point to transition into late-night dance music, encouraging guests to break out their best moves.

• “In My Mind,” Dyrono & Gigi D’Agostino: This down-tempo electro-pop hit, with its catchy chorus, is a great choice for winding down a high-energy dance set without losing momentum.

  Lyrics of Love: “In my mind, in my head / This is where we all came from / The dreams we have, the love we share / This is what we’re waiting for”

• “I Gotta Feeling,” Black Eyed Peas: With its iconic lyric, “I got a feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night,” this bop is a must-play to energize the dance floor and set a celebratory tone.

  Lyrics of Love: “I got a feeling / That tonight’s going to be a good night / That tonight’s going to be a good good night”

• “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” Justin Timberlake: Vizcaino describes this track as “irresistibly catchy” and “a song that always has guests singing along,” making it impossible to resist hitting the dance floor.

  Lyrics of Love: “I got this feeling inside my bones / It goes electric, wavy when I turn it on / And if you want it, inside your soul / Just open up your heart, let music take control”

• “SexyBack,” Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland: With over half a billion plays on Spotify, this JT and Timbaland hit is undeniably popular and perfect for a late-night dance floor rally.

• “One More Time,” Daft Punk: Send your guests off on a high note with this Daft Punk anthem, a perfect final song to close out the dance party.

  Lyrics of Love: “One more time, we’re going to celebrate / Oh yeah, alright, don’t stop the dancing”

• “Something Just Like This,” The Chainsmokers & Coldplay: This EDM-pop collaboration combines danceability with endearing lyrics about imperfect love.

  Lyrics of Love: “I’m not looking for somebody / With some superhuman gifts / Some superhero / Some fairytale bliss / Just something I can turn to / Somebody I can kiss / I want something just like this”

• “Closer,” The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey: This recognizable duet with a great beat is perfect for mixing up the pace during a high-energy dance set, keeping guests engaged without being overly fast-paced.

  Lyrics of Love: “So, baby, pull me closer / In the back seat of your Rover / We ain’t ever getting older”

• One Kiss (with Dua Lipa),” Calvin Harris: A massive dance-pop hit, “One Kiss” is tailor-made for the wedding dance floor, promising summer vibes and joyful movement.

  Lyrics of Love: “One kiss is all it takes / Fallin’ in love with me / The possibilities.”

• “Shut Up and Dance,” Walk The Moon: This upbeat track perfectly encapsulates the desire to simply let loose and dance, making it a straightforward and effective wedding dance anthem. Vizcaino calls it “such an upbeat track that will have everyone on the dance floor.”

• “D.A.N.C.E.,” Justice: Spell it out! This pop hit is undeniably fun and dance-worthy, making it a no-brainer addition to get everyone moving with its infectious energy.

• “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé: Queen Bey’s latest hit pays homage to House music beats while remaining a massive radio hit, making it a fresh yet classic choice for wedding playlists.

• “About Damn Time,” Lizzo: Lizzo’s smash hit is a hugely popular wedding request. Bryne and Zuckerman note, “It’s a tongue-in-cheek reference to how long you’ve been waiting for this day!”

• “Cold Heart” (PNAU Remix), Elton John and Dua Lipa: This remix blends Elton John classics with Dua Lipa’s modern sound, offering a fun mix of old and new. Smith says, “Who doesn’t love Elton John? A little old and new mixed together is really fun.”

• “Blinding Lights,” The Weeknd: Vizcaino highlights its popularity for playlists and wedding entrances, noting its “empowering lyrics and upbeat vibes.”

• “Levitating,” Dua Lipa: Bryne and Zuckerman describe this hit as having “super high energy and it’s definitely in the zeitgeist currently,” ensuring it resonates with modern wedding guests.

  Lyrics of Love: “I believe that you’re for me / I feel it in our energy / I see us written in the stars / We can go whenever, so let’s do it now or never, baby.”

• “Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat feat. SZA: Dart Collective calls this Grammy-winning duet “super bouncy, danceable, and “a fun sing-along as a duet”—perfect for reception playlists.

  Lyrics of Love: “We hug and yes, we make love / And always say ‘Goodnight’ / And we cuddle, sure, I do love it / But I need your lips on mine / Can you kiss me more?”

• “Big Energy,” Latto: Vizcaino notes the numerous requests for this Latto hit, describing its dominance in “reception playlists and wedding party entrances.”

• “Juice,” Lizzo: This Lizzo pop hit is ideal for dancing with friends and enjoying the celebratory atmosphere of your wedding reception.

  Lyrics of Love: “Mirror, mirror on the wall / Don’t say it, ’cause I know I’m cute (ooh, baby) / …That’s how I roll”

• “Higher Love,” Kygo and Whitney Houston: This fresh rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love,” remixed by Kygo, offers a modern take on a classic hit, perfect for intergenerational appeal.

• “Gimme Gimme—Club Mix,” Lee Cabrera, Kevin McKay, Bleech, remixing ABBA: Thanks to TikTok, this remixed ABBA classic is making its way onto wedding dance floors, bringing a European summer hit vibe to your reception. Smith notes, “This was the summer European hit remix version that was played all over.”

• “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God),” Kate Bush: The resurgence of this ‘80s track, thanks to “Stranger Things,” makes it a culturally relevant and unique addition to your wedding playlist.

• “Love You Better,” Alex Preston: This upbeat single from the Sydney-based DJ is a perfect dance song to inject energy later in the evening.

• “Rasputin,” Boney M., Majestic Remix: Another TikTok-inspired hit, the “Rasputin” remix encourages fun, viral dance moments at your wedding reception. Smith explains, “TikTok videos have definitely made their way to weddings. People have seen these dances and want to have ‘a TikTok dance moment’ at their wedding reception.”

• “Havana (feat. Young Thug),” Camila Cabello: With its Latin vibes and danceable rhythm, “Havana” is a fun choice for partner dancing without being overly formal, evoking a vibrant atmosphere.

• “The Middle,” Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey: Vizcaino describes this pop-dance song as having “an infectious beat and fun lyrics that will have everyone singing along.”

  Lyrics of Love:: “Baby, why don’t you just meet me in the middle / I’m losing my mind just a little”

Image Alt Text: Romantic first dance of the newlyweds in a beautifully decorated wedding venue with soft lighting and elegant ambiance.

Timeless Classics for Wedding Dances

For moments that call for elegance and romance, consider these timeless classics for your wedding dance and songs:

• “Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green: This Motown classic has timeless appeal, perfect for creating a soulful and romantic atmosphere. Its appearance in “Pulp Fiction” further cemented its iconic status.

• “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” Marvin Gaye (original), also James Taylor (cover): Both Marvin Gaye’s original Motown hit and James Taylor’s ‘70s cover are consistently popular for wedding playlists, proving their enduring charm.

  Lyrics of Love: “You brighten up for me all of my days / With a love so sweet in so many ways / I wanna stop and thank you, baby / I just wanna stop and thank you baby, oh yes / How sweet it is to be loved by you”

• “The Way You Look Tonight,” Frank Sinatra: Keep it classy with this jazz standard, perfect for a sophisticated couple’s dance. Its history in a Fred Astaire film adds to its timeless romance.

  Lyrics of Love: “Lovely, don’t you ever change / Keep that breathless charm / …’Cause I love you / Just the way you look tonight”

• “Somewhere Beyond the Sea,” Bobby Darin: This vintage, jazzy gem takes listeners on a lyrical journey, making it ideal for a first dance or a nostalgic couple’s dance.

• “L-O-V-E,” Nat King Cole: The lyrics of this lovely jazz standard perfectly articulate the essence of love, making it a beautiful and meaningful choice for your wedding.

  Lyrics of Love: “‘L’ is for the way you look at me / ‘O’ is for the only one I see / ‘V’ is very, very extraordinary / ‘E’ is even more than anyone that you adore / Love is all I can give to you / Love is more than just a game for two / Two in love can make it / Take my heart and please don’t break it / Love was made for me and you.”

• “I Only Have Eyes for You,” The Flamingos: The Flamingos’ doo-wop rendition of this classic love song is pure wedding magic, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

  Lyrics of Love: “My love must be a kind of blind love / I can’t see anyone but you / …The moon may be high / But I can’t see a think in the sky / I only have eyes for you”

• “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World,” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: This acoustic medley is a heartstring-tugging mashup of two beloved songs, perfect for a touching and emotional moment.

• “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Elvis Presley: This iconic Elvis love song is a timeless classic, perfect for a romantic first dance and a testament to enduring love.

  Lyrics of Love: Take my hand / Take my whole life, too / For I can’t help falling in love with you”

• “You Send Me,” Sam Cooke: This short and sweet classic is ideal for couples who prefer a shorter first dance, yet still want a song filled with love and emotion. Dart Collective notes its popularity as a first dance request.

  Lyrics of Love: “Darling, you send me / …Now I find myself wanting / To marry you and take you home (whoa-oh-oh-oh)”

• “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Otis Redding: Otis Redding’s soulful ballad uses cosmic imagery to express the immense power of love, making it a deeply romantic and evocative choice.

  Lyrics of Love: “If I was the sun way up there / I’d go with love most everywhere / I’ll be the moon when the sun goes down / Just to let you know that I’m still around / That’s how strong my love is.”

• “The Best Is Yet to Come,” Frank Sinatra and Count Basie: The opening riffs of this Sinatra/Basie classic set a celebratory tone for a first dance, promising a bright future together.

• “At Last,” Etta James: Etta James’ powerful vocals and the sweeping orchestral arrangement make “At Last” the epitome of a perfect first dance song, expressing the joy of finding true love.

  Lyrics of Love: “At last, my love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song.”

• “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” Natalie Cole: Smith calls this song “such a heartwarming song that expresses love so beautifully,” highlighting its positive and uplifting message.

  Lyrics of Love: “Loving you, is some kind of wonderful / Because you show me, just how much you care / You’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime / And made me believe you’ve got more thrills to spare.”

• “Your Song,” Elton John: This timeless love song is a perfect choice for a couple’s dance, whether kept simple or creatively choreographed.

  Lyrics of Love: “And you can tell everybody this is your song / It may be quite simple, but now that it’s done / I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words / How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”

• “Harvest Moon,” Neil Young: Neil Young’s gentle vocals and the song’s easy tempo paint a picture of lasting love, making it a meaningful and romantic choice for a wedding dance.

Image Alt Text: Intimate moment of the bride and groom sharing a romantic first dance, showcasing their connection and love on their special day.

Contemporary First Dance Wedding Songs

For a modern and heartfelt first dance, consider these popular contemporary choices for your wedding dance and songs playlist:

• “Perfect,” Ed Sheeran: With lyrics perfectly describing a wedding day bride, “Perfect” is a chart-topping hit for a reason, capturing the beauty of the moment.

  Lyrics of Love: “When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful / I don’t deserve this / Darling, you look perfect tonight,”

• “Thinking Out Loud,” Ed Sheeran: A Grammy-winning modern classic, “Thinking Out Loud” remains a top choice for first dances, resonating with Gen Z and younger Millennials. Palmieri notes its continued popularity in user-generated playlists.

• “Just the Way You Are,” Bruno Mars: This anthem of self-acceptance and love is universally adored, making it a powerful and uplifting choice for a wedding first dance.

  Lyrics of Love: “When I see your face / There’s not a thing that I would change / ‘Cause you’re amazing / Just the way you are / And when you smile / The whole world stops and stares for a while”

• “You Are The Best Thing,” Ray Lamontagne: This beautifully composed song with gospel and blues influences expresses deep appreciation and love.

  Lyrics of Love: “You are the best thing / that ever happened to me”

• “Marry You,” Bruno Mars: This upbeat Bruno Mars track is a popular, non-traditional choice for weddings, offering a joyful and celebratory feel. Vizcaino calls it a “classic wedding anthem with its upbeat and romantic lyrics.”

  Lyrics of Love: “Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you / Is it the look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice? / Who cares, baby, I think I wanna marry you”

• “Better Together,” Jack Johnson: Jack Johnson’s acoustic style creates a sweet and romantic vibe, making “Better Together” a consistently popular choice for wedding playlists.

  Lyrics of Love: “Love is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heart / I’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together”

• “First Day of My Life,” Bright Eyes: This melodic indie rock ballad is a heartfelt and meaningful choice for a first dance, expressing new beginnings and finding love.

  Lyrics of Love: “Yours was the first face that I saw / I think I was blind before I met you / And I don’t know where I am, I don’t know where I’ve been / But I know where I want to go”

• “Lucky” Jason Mraz, feat. Colbie Caillat: This Grammy-winning duet is a lovely and harmonious choice, celebrating love with your best friend.

  Lyrics of Love: “Lucky I’m in love with my best friend / Lucky to have been where I have been / Lucky to be coming home again / Lucky we’re in love in every way”

• “All of Me,” John Legend: John Legend’s lyrical love letter to Chrissy Teigen is a Grammy-winning ballad guaranteed to bring tears of joy, making it a profoundly romantic first dance song.

• “You and Me,” Penny & the Quarters: This soulful track with a sweet innocence gained popularity after being featured in “Blue Valentine,” becoming a sought-after first dance request.

• “Everywhere,” Fleetwood Mac: This ethereal Fleetwood Mac song with beautiful harmonies is a popular and romantic choice for first dances. Smith notes it as potentially the most requested first dance song of 2022.

• “Turn Your Lights Down Low,” Bob Marley feat. Lauryn Hill: O’Quinn recommends this Bob Marley remix featuring Lauryn Hill as a favorite first dance request, highlighting its beautiful rendition and romantic vibe.

• “Our Day Will Come,” Amy Winehouse: Amy Winehouse’s rhythmic and soulful “Our Day Will Come” is a beautiful choice, filled with hope and the promise of lasting love.

  Lyrics of Love: “Our day will come / And we’ll have everything / We’ll share the joy / Falling in love can bring / … Our dreams have magic because we’ll always stay in love this way / Our day will come.”

• “10,000 Hours,” Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber: This fresh hit collaboration offers honeyed harmonies and sweet lyrics, making it a contemporary and romantic choice for a first dance.

  Lyrics of Love: “I’d spend ten thousand hours and ten thousand more / If that’s what it takes to learn that sweet heart of yours / … If it’s ten thousand hours or the rest of my life / I’m gonna love you (ooh ohh ohh).”

• “Moon River,” Frank Ocean: This dreamy R&B tune by Frank Ocean is a popular first dance request, offering a unique and melodic option.

  Lyrics of Love: “Two drifters off to see the world / There’s such a crazy world to see / …Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ the same.”

By incorporating a mix of these wedding dance and songs into your reception playlist, you’ll create an unforgettable celebration that reflects your unique style and keeps your guests dancing all night long. Remember to personalize your selection to ensure the music truly resonates with you as a couple and sets the perfect tone for your special day.