Bonnie Foster Productions · Playlist · 28 songs · 0 likes
A couple’s first dance is one of the most beautiful traditions at a wedding. All eyes are on you two as you share this special moment together as newlyweds. Choosing the right song for your first dance can feel very important and meaningful, because you want the song to speak to your unique love story and relationship. Whether you’re looking for something romantic, classic, sexy, upbeat, or dramatic, here are some unique first dance songs that won’t feel overplayed.
“I Found You” – Alabama Shakes
This soulful love song by blues rock band Alabama Shakes has lyrics like, “this isn't sometimes, yeah it's for always” and "I finally found you" that make it a heartfelt and meaningful option for your first dance.
“Work Song” – Hozier
This sexy, romantic and moody song from Irish singer/songwriter Hozier won’t be what your guests are expecting. Need some ideas for dance moves? Watch the video and you’ll see how “Work Song” may just be the perfect unique first dance song.
“Beyond” – Leon Bridges
“Beyond” is a love song by American soul singer, songwriter and record producer Todd Michael "Leon" Bridges, who is best known for his song "Coming Home", which was a Top 10 Most Viral Track on Spotify. “Beyond” includes lyrics like “Space and time in the afterlife, Will she have my kids? Will she be my wife? She might just be my everything and beyond.”
“Love On Top”– Beyoncé
This is a first dance song that’s upbeat, full of joy, and guaranteed to make you and your guests smile. Some of our favorite lyrics:
“I can feel the sun whenever you're near
Every time you touch me I just melt away”
“The Luckiest” – Ben Folds
This love song from Ben Folds includes lyrics like:
“Now I know all the wrong turns the stumbles,
And falls brought me here
And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face,
Now I see it every day
And I know
That I am, I am, I am, the luckiest”
“Lovesong” – Adele
Adele does a beautiful cover of this song that was originally recorded by The Cure in 1989. You’ll recognize the lyrics:
"However far away I will always love you
However long I stay I will always love you
Whatever words I say I will always love you."
“Stay With You” – John Legend
This R&B ballad is a romantic and soulful choice for a couple’s first dance. Lyrics include:
“Oh I'll stay with you through the ups and the downs
Oh I'll stay with you when no one else is around
And when the dark clouds arise
I will stay by your side
I know we'll be alright
I will stay with you.”
“Baby I'm Yours” – Arctic Monkeys
“Baby I’m Yours” by the Arctic Monkeys is a charming modern interpretation of a classic love song.
“Say You Won't Let Go” – James Arthur
This song plays beautifully covered live with an acoustic guitarist and vocalist. The lyrics speaks to the lifelong commitment of marriage:
“I'm so in love with you
And I hope you know
Darling, your love is more than worth its weight in gold
We've come so far, my dear
Look how we've grown
And I wanna stay with you until we're grey and old
Just say you won't let go”
"Mess is Mine" – Vance Joy
"Mess Is Mine" is a single by Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy. The lyrics acknowledge that relationships and love can be complicated and messy, but worth holding on to:
“Hold on, darling
This body is yours,
This body is yours and mine
Well hold on, my darling
This mess was yours,
Now your mess is mine”
“I Love You More Than Words Can Say” – Otis Redding
Otis Redding is often referred to as the “King of Soul,” and for good reason. You'll often see his song “That's How Strong My Love Is” on the list of most popular first dance songs. However, “I Love You More Than Words Can Say” is just as romantic and not played as often.
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
Start your first dance with this slow and romantic song and then go into the Robin Schulz Remix to get your guests on the dance floor to create a magical start to the reception. We performed this song live for a couple’s first dance and then went into the dance remix and the dance floor was packed.
“Songbird” – Fleetwood Mac
Who doesn’t love Fleetwood Mac? This timeless song from their “Rumors” album is perfect for your first slow dance as a couple. Both older generations and younger generations will recognize this lovely melody, because it was featured on Glee in 2016. Fun fact: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes danced to this song at their wedding.
“I Want To Spend My Lifetime Loving You” – The Mask of Zorro
You may or may not remember the 1998 film The Mask of Zorro, but its theme song “I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You,” makes for a beautiful first dance song with a bit of a Latin flair. This duet song was originally performed by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena. Our live band performed a duet of this song for a couple’s first dance and it was a big hit.
Other Ideas for Unexpected First Dance Songs
Need some more ideas for first dance songs? Give these songs a listen.
“Lover” – Taylor Swift
“Love and Some Verses” – Iron and Wine
“Ho Hey” – The Lumineers
"You & I" - John Legend
"You Make It Easy" – Jason Aldean
“First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
“Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison
“Ends of the Earth” – Lord Huron
“Whole Wide World” – Bahamas
“Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton
“Coming Home” – Leon Bridges
“You and I” – Ingrid Michaelson
"It's Good To Have You" – Josh Rouse
"You Make Me Feel So Young" – Frank Sinatra
"Waiting for You" – Seal
Live Music & DJs for Your Wedding
Bonnie Foster Productions offers award-winning music and entertainment for weddings and special events. We do it all, whether you’re looking for a live wedding band, a Big Band Dance Orchestra, a DJ, a DJ/Band Hybrid Experience , or instrumentalists like classical musicians, Latin guitarists, steel drummers, pianists, and more.
We’re located in Southern California, but will travel globally for your special day. Contact us to learn more.
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