47 First dance ideas for 2023
Picking the first dance tune can be a tricky thing for some couples, and I’m always getting asked for ideas or songs for inspiration, so I thought I’d compile a little list of songs that have been popular over the last few months to give you some ideas! I’ve made a Spotify playlist here for all of these tunes, but I’ve also got them listed down below!
A lot of these songs also make perfect songs for ceremonies too and I’m always happy to play instrumental sax versions during the daytime of these songs for the occasion as well.
1.) This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) - Natalie Cole
This is a fun, upbeat song that works really well if you’re feeling a little nervous about your first dance, as it’s a well known tune that will help get people on the dancefloor! The lyrics are also really sweet and sentimental talking about your future life together!
2.) At Last - Etta James
An absolute classic that has been in top love songs for many years, this song will guarantee getting all your guests doing a slow, happy dance with their loved ones.
3.) Perfect - Ed Sheeran
We can’t talk about first dances without talking about Ed Sheeran - that’s because he’s written some absolute classics that hold up alongside the older songs. Even though this song is a few years old, being released in 2017 - it’s still a really popular choice for this year!
4.) Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Another Ed Sheeran classic, this song is still proving to be a popular choice for this year, despite being released in 2014. Its lyrics are as timeless as a lot of the other songs on this list.
5.) Never Too Much - Luther Vandross
This is an 80s classic that will get everyone on the dancefloor. It’s a super fun song that is perfect for setting the tone for your first dance - the lyrics are great and you can’t beat that 80s groove! I also love the sax parts on this song, I always loving playing along to this belter of tuuuneee!
6.) All of Me - John Legend
This song is still everywhere when it comes to weddings - and with the sentimental lyrics and beautiful piano playing - it’s easy to see why. If the tempo is a little bit slow for you, the Tiesto remix is great if you’re feeling a little bit nervous and want people to join you on the dancefloor after a certain point!
7.) Came Here for Love - Signal, Ella Eyre
This is a classic song that I often include in my sets, but also makes for a perfect first dance as it’s really upbeat and fun! There’s an acoustic version that works really nicely if you’re wanting to keep things slower and more romantic, or the original version is great for setting the party off for the rest of the night!
8.) For Once in My Life - Stevie Wonder
Such a TUNEEE! This is a great way to get all ages on the dancefloor, with its upbeat message and funky beat!
9.) (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson
Another timeless tune - this is an uplifting song suitable for all ages and never fails to put smiles on people’s faces at weddings whenever it’s played!
10.) How Long Will I Love You - Ellie Goulding
There’s a couple of different versions of this song - the original being performed by The Waterboys, but the Ellie Goulding version still proves to be a hit for first dances to this day! It has everything you need for a great first dance - a slow intro, building into something epic that all your guests can join in with!
11.) Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) - Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder coming in with another classic! This song is really fun as a first dance, and the lyrics help ‘seal’ you and your partner’s delivery of this song!
12.) How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - Marvin Gaye
If you’re looking for something for all ages, you can’t go wrong with this beautiful tune from Marvin Gaye. The sentimental lyrics and infectious groove will get everyone started dancing the night away with their loved ones!
13.) Still Into You - Paramore
This might seem like quite a wild card in this list - but it’s a super fun song with really sweet lyrics. There’s also a really relaxed, chilled piano version by Isabella Kensington that is labelled as a first dance version, which does work really well! It also works really well as instrumental sax cover for ceremonies, too!
14.) Lover - Taylor Swift
Okay, okay - I must admit it - I’m a huge Swiftie! There’s so many gorgeous Taylor Swift tunes to choose from (maybe not some of the breakup tunes though!) but this is one of my favourites (and a favourite for a first dance!) with it’s really sweet lyrics and laid back feel!
15.) I Could Get Used to This - Becky Hill, Weiss
Just like with ‘Came Here for Love’ earlier in the list - the original version of this track is a staple of my Ibiza sax tracks for the evening, but the song also works really well as a first dance. You’ve got the option of a really lovely acoustic version, or the more uptempo groovy original mix that works well to get everyone in the party zone!
16.) Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur
This song works really well for ceremonies ( I love playing as an instrumental cover too!) but the lyrics and feel are also perfect for a romantic first dance, too.
17.) The Only Exception - Paramore
This is another beautiful Paramore song that has really sentimental lyrics and a lovely ‘waltz’ feel to it.
18.) You & Me Song - The Wannadies
You might not recognise the name of this song - but you will probably remember it as soon as you hear the chorus kick in!! This works really well for getting your guests to join you on the dancefloor, as there’s a really obvious pause for your band or DJ to get people to join you on the dancefloor!
19.) Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis
There’s so many beautiful versions of this classic by Elvis out there - but it’s hard to beat the original version. The Haley Reinhart version is another hugely popular version - this one also works really nicely as a walking down the aisle song as an instrumental sax cover!
20.) Everything - Michael Buble
Michael Buble might be better known for his Christmas numbers - but this tune is a really popular first dance with sentimental lyrics that can be the perfect way to describe you and your partner’s future together!
21.) I Won’t Give Up - Jason Mraz
This is another song that is a popular choice for ceremonies, but works perfectly as a first dance, too! It builds perfectly to an epic finale so you can sing along with friends and family at the top of your lungs!
22.) If I Ain’t Got You - Alicia Keys
This song should come as no surprise in this list - it’s the perfect ballad for a first dance and been highly requested as a first dance for many years!
23.) A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Featured on the Twilight films, this is another great first dance choice, and one to get everyone on the dancing with their loved ones with its heartfelt lyrics. This is great for ceremonies as well - I love playing this melody on saxophone for walking down the aisle or signing the register!
24.) Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
‘Home is wherever I'm with you’ is such a lovely lyric and sentiment as you celebrate your first dance and your life together, making this a really popular choice for first dances, even recently!
25.) Count On Me - Bruno Mars
A Bruno Mars classic from his debut album, this is still a great choice for a first dance with its sweet lyrics and upbeat feel!
26.) No One - Alicia Keys
Another Alicia Keys song that I absolutely love! This is still a hugely popular choice for couples, and another song that works well for ceremonies as well, especially the acoustic version!
27.) Little Things - One Direction
I have to confess - I love One Direction (although I’d say I’m more a Harry Styles fan now!) Even though the song is a few years old now, it’s a great choice if you’re after something that’s a bit of throwback for your first dance or just a fan of this lovely song!
28.) Kiss Me - Ed Sheeran
I think we’re up to 3 Ed Sheeran songs in this list - so far! He’s written so many songs that are perfect for first dances and ceremonies that sometimes it’s hard to keep up! However this is a bit of an overlooked song that works really well for first dance or ceremony song!
29.) Marry You - Bruno Mars
This song is like a recap of your day, and will keep the wedding mood to the front of your guest’s thoughts as you dance the rest of the night away with this lovely tune from Bruno Mars!
30.) Lucky - Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat
This is another really sweet tune from Jason Mraz, a duet with Colbie Calliat and is a real feel good tune for your first dance!
31.) You’re Still the One - Shania Twain
I know, I know - it’s a bit country, but it’s such a TUNE. The Teddy Swims version is also a gorgeous choice if you’re looking for something a little more down tempo. This version also works brilliantly for ceremonies too, and I love playing it as a sax cover, too! (It actually caused a singalong in a cermeony once!)
32.) Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
A classic song describing the love of your life - could this be more perfect for a first dance?
33.) Just You & I - Tom Walker
Just You and I - a perfect way to describe your new life together through thick and thin. There’s also a lovely acoustic version of the song too!
34.) Better Together - Jack Johnson
This sweet and simple song has plenty of lyrics that will resonate with couples making a popular first dance choice still.
35.) More Than Words
Those harmonies - what more can I say? This beautiful ballad is a classic, being released in the early 1990s it’s still being chosen for first dances and ceremonies to this day!
36.) Everlasting Love - Jamie Cullum
There’s a few different versions and covers of this song, but the Jamie Cullum one is my fave! This version is one to please all ages, as younger guests will recognise this version, and older folks will know the original classic!
37.) Love is Easy - McFly
McFly are one of my absolute favourite bands and I knew I had to include at least one of their songs on this list! This lesser known one is a great choice for a first dance, with it’s sweet lyrics and upbeat feel!
38.) When You Say Nothing At All - Ronan Keating
Not many people know that this song is actually a cover! The original song is actually a country classic, but Ronan Keating’s song is a true classic that works really well for a first dance!
39.) Pointless - Lewis Capaldi
A new release in 2023, this tune from Scottish legend Lewis Capaldi talks of the simple things and how the world can seem pointless without your partner in it.
40.) Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
This sweet song talks about your partner being a safe place to come back to, making it a perfect sentiment to have your first dance to!
41.) Come Away With Me - Norah Jones
This really gentle jazzy ballad is perfect for a first dance. There’s lots of simple choreographed routines you can work on with this song, have a look for some examples!
42.) All About You - McFly
Okay, I had to include at least one more McFly song. This one is a popular choice, it’s one of their best known and songs and has a perfect ‘lift’ which can be the perfect time for you to invite your guests to join you on the dancefloor!
43.) Better Half of Me - Tom Walker
Another beautiful song by Tom Walker, this encapsulates how he feels about leaving his partner when he was away on tour, and is something that couples can relate to as they perform the first dance!
44.) Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton
I never get bored of playing this beautiful song. It feels timeless, and has a gorgeous melody that I love performing during ceremonies, too!
45.) I’m Yours - Jason Mraz
Fun fact - I actually learned how to play this song on Ukulele! However, I’d much prefer to play it on the sax, if you don’t mind! This is a really popular choice for weddings for 2023 and beyond!
46.) L-O-V-E - Nat King Cole
This simple, jazzy number is a timeless song that all ages will love as your first dance! The melody is perfect for ceremonies and will get everyone humming along!
47.) I Get to Love You - Ruelle
A beautiful song with a really simple sentiment - ‘I get to love you’ which sets the perfect scene for your first dance, and the start of the adventure of your new lives together as a married couple!
First dance song FAQs
What is the first dance at a wedding?
The first dance is a significant and traditional part of a wedding reception. This is the moment that the newlywed couple will dance together for the first time as a married couple. The first dance is often a specific special song chosen by the couple themselves!
Classic romantic songs are often popular choices, but many couples choose a song that has meaning to their relationship, or reflects their personalities.
Do you have to choreograph your first dance?
Absolutely not! Although having a little run through and a plan of your dance moves is a nice way to remove some of the nerves (dancing in front of your friends can be pretty intimidating if you don’t do it all the time!)
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t discount choreographing your first dance though - it can be a really fun way of bonding as a couple before the wedding, and is a surefire way to impress your guests!
When do you have your first dance?
The first dance is usually done in the evening, after you’ve finished your wedding breakfast and any evening guests that are attending have arrived. From experience, this is usually between 8-8:30 and is usually done after you’ve cut the cake - although there are no hard or fast rules!
How do you make your first dance less awkward?
This should be a special moment for you and your partner, and shouldn’t be an awkward moment, or anything to stress over! Here’s a few tips to help make the first dance smooth and enjoyable!
1.) Choose the right song
Pick a song that means a lot to you, and suits your personalities. If you love big romantic ballads, go for it! But if neither of you enjoy slow dancing - maybe pick something that’s fun and upbeat!
2.) Keep it brief
You can get your band or DJ to invite guests to join you on the dancefloor after a minute or two to help get the spotlight away from you and help you feel more relaxed.
3.) Have a quick run through before the day
If you’re thinking of doing a full, choreographed routine - awesome, go for it!
But if you’re not, it’s still worth thinking ahead anyway. Think about how you’ll enter the dancefloor, what moves you might do (even simple twirls look great for photos or videos!) and when you might want family and friends to join you - it won’t feel as long as it seems when it’s just you two enjoying yourselves on the dancefloor!
4.) Relax and enjoy the moment
This is a really special moment for you to share as you embark on your new lives together - don’t forget to take a second to enjoy the moment with your partner!
I hope you’ve found this blog useful - I know I get a lot of questions about this topic. I’m always happy to answer any questions - just drop me a message!
Cat x
