Your first dance is more than just a few steps on the dance floor — it’s a statement, a story, and one of the most memorable moments of your big day. But how do you pick that one perfect song?
Choosing the best first dance song for your wedding can feel overwhelming, especially with so many emotional favourites, timeless classics and trendy hits out there. In this guide, we’ll break down how to make the right choice for you and your partner — and why your song selection matters just as much as the choreography.
And when you’re ready to bring that song to life, remember that Dream Wedding Dance is here to help with professional choreography and personalised coaching. We’ll link to that at the end — or you can jump straight to Wedding Dance Sydney to get started.
Why Your First Dance Song Matters
Your wedding dance isn’t just for your guests — it’s for the two of you. Your first dance is the first moment you celebrate your marriage through movement. It sets the tone, captures your personalities, and gives your photographer a chance to shoot some truly romantic, unforgettable photos.
That’s why it’s important to choose a song that feels like you. Whether you’re quirky, elegant, traditional or laid-back — there’s a perfect song out there to match your energy and style.
Step 1: Choose the Mood You Want to Create
Think of your dance like a scene in a movie. What do you want your audience (and yourselves!) to feel?
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Romantic: Soft ballads and love songs like “All of Me” by John Legend or “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
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Fun & Playful: Upbeat songs like “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates or “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
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Dramatic or Emotional: Slow burns like “At Last” by Etta James or orchestral remixes of modern hits
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Unique or Unexpected: Try a mashup or acoustic version of a song that means something to you personally
Once you define the mood, your shortlist will get a lot easier.
Step 2: Think About Your Story
Make your choice meaningful. Consider:
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The first song you danced to
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A lyric that reminds you of your partner
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A song that reflects your culture or shared experiences
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Music from a concert or film you both love
The more the song reflects your journey as a couple, the more connected you’ll feel when dancing to it — and the more your guests will love it too.
Step 3: Check the Tempo and Danceability
Not every great love song is easy to dance to. Ask yourself:
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Is the tempo consistent?
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Does it have a strong rhythm?
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Can you count a simple 1-2-3 or 1-2 beat?
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Is it too fast or too slow?
This is where a lesson with a professional wedding dance teacher can really help. At Wedding Dance Sydney, our instructors will assess your song choice and help you adapt your moves accordingly.
Step 4: Decide If You Want to Surprise Your Guests
Some couples go for the big WOW factor — starting slow and then breaking into a fun mashup or unexpected choreography.
Others keep it classic and simple.
Either choice is valid. Just make sure the song gives you space to express what you want — even if that means including a costume change or a dramatic lift!
Step 5: Think Practically (Length, Lyrics, Edits)
Make sure to:
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Trim the track: 90 seconds to 2.5 minutes is the sweet spot.
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Watch the lyrics: Avoid inappropriate or sad lines — even if the melody is beautiful.
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Ask your DJ: Can they play the right edit or loop a fade-out?
Some couples even ask their band to create a custom medley. The possibilities are endless.
Our Top 10 Best First Dance Songs for Weddings (2025)
These are current favourites among couples at our Wedding Dance Sydney studio:
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“Lover” – Taylor Swift
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“You Are the Reason” – Calum Scott
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“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kina Grannis (Acoustic)
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“A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri
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“Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
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“Say You Won’t Let Go” – James Arthur
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“Shallow” – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
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“How Long Will I Love You” – Ellie Goulding
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“Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
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“From This Moment On” – Shania Twain & Bryan White
Conclusion
Choosing your first dance song should be a joyful part of your wedding planning. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to feel right for you. Whether you’re swaying slowly or adding a lift that will have guests cheering, the song is just the beginning.
Need help making your dream dance a reality? Let the experts at Wedding Dance Sydney choreograph a personalised routine that fits your story and your song.
FAQ
While trends change, “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran has consistently topped charts for modern weddings. Other timeless picks include “At Last” by Etta James and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. Ultimately, the best song is one that resonates with your relationship.
Ideally, your first dance should be between 90 seconds and 2.5 minutes. This gives enough time for meaningful choreography without dragging the moment out. You can always trim the track or ask your DJ for a custom edit.
Yes! Many couples choose to surprise their guests with a mashup that blends romance with fun. A common structure is starting with a slow ballad and transitioning into a lively beat for dramatic effect. Your instructor can choreograph it all seamlessly.
No. If you’re both upbeat and want to bring that vibe into your first dance, there’s no rule saying it must be slow. Many couples perform high-energy routines — from swing to salsa — that reflect their fun-loving nature.
Try each picking a few favourites and playing them for each other. Often, one will click. If not, consider a mashup or alternating sections. It’s also worth chatting with your dance teacher — they may have a suggestion based on your personalities.
Absolutely. Some couples choose songs with funny lyrics, inside jokes, or shared memories — even film scores or pop hits that aren’t traditional love songs. As long as it’s meaningful to you, it works!
If cultural expression is important to you, absolutely include it. Many couples choose songs in another language, traditional ballads, or even combine cultural instruments with modern melodies to honour both backgrounds.
Both work well. DJs offer precision and easier timing adjustments, while live bands bring energy and atmosphere. If using a band, be sure they can perform your chosen song exactly how you want — or provide a recording instead.
It’s completely fine. At Dream Wedding Dance, our instructors can quickly adapt choreography to a new song — especially in early stages. Just be honest early on and we’ll make sure your routine still shines.
Yes. Many couples arrive with no idea what to choose — and that’s totally normal. Our instructors at Wedding Dance Sydney help guide you based on your taste, comfort level, and dance goals. You’ll be surprised how quickly the right song will reveal itself!