Best songs for first wedding dance​

Choosing the perfect song for your first wedding dance is a momentous decision, a reflection of your unique love story. The ideal track should resonate with both partners, evoking emotions and memories that capture the essence of your relationship. Consider a melody that holds sentimental value, perhaps a tune that played during a significant milestone or a song that simply makes your hearts sing together. Whether you opt for a classic ballad, a contemporary hit, or an instrumental piece, the music should create an atmosphere of romance and intimacy. The tempo should align with your dancing style, allowing you to glide effortlessly across the floor or sway gently in each other’s arms. Ultimately, the best first dance song is one that feels authentic to your connection, a soundtrack to the beginning of your forever.  

Here are some of the most beautiful songs that we, as wedding DJs, have played at our weddings throughout our career: we provide DJ services for destination weddings in Italy.

Elvis Costello.  One of his most famous songs is She. A very classy track very famous by the fact that it was used for the soundtrack of Notting Hill (award-winning films with the participation of Hugh Grant).

Best wedding first dance songs: She, Elvis Costello

She, because of the very tense atmosphere and romantic, is always among the most popular for the first wedding dance. In fact, the words are really indicated to celebrate the union for life, here’s a taste:   She   may be the reason I survive   the why and where for I’m alive   …..   the meaning of my life is   she, she, she To learn more about this great artist, visit his website and its Facebook page. And speaking of Elvis, a few days ago (August 16), the anniversary of the death of another Elvis (Presley), the king of rock. Another amazing character, which sometimes is the protagonist of our wedding parties: how to forget Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog: in the most “crazy”, especially international, weddings  can make a difference!  

Romantic songs for the first dance

About the international repertoire, particularly appreciated in weddings with foreigners, we quote the sweet How Does a Moment Last Forever by Celine Dion (soundtrack of the movie The Beauty and the Beast) preferred by brides who opted for a fairytale wedding, and Sweet Creature by Harry Styles, ex-singer of One direction, and revelation of 2017, with a song with very romantic melodies and lyrics: Impossible to resist this declaration of love …. But we are obliged to include in our review, one of the protagonists of the wedding parties of recent years, Ed Sheeran, who, with Thinking Out Loud (released in 2014) has had a huge success (and continues to do so)? In 2017, he return with Castle On The Hill and Perfect (in November), totalizing 457 million Youtube views. And also Shape of you was the protagonist, but for more animated moments (certainly not for a slow).

Following his break after the birth of his daughter, Ed Sheeran has released “Afterglow,” a single that’s rapidly become a YouTube trend and is expected to dominate ProfessionalWeddingDJ’s wedding playlists. The song is deeply personal, with Sheeran designing the cover art. 

We were love-drunk, waiting on a miracle
Tryna find ourselves in the winter snow
So alone in love like the world had disappeared
Oh, I won’t be silent and I won’t let go
I will hold on tighter ’til the afterglow
And we’ll burn so bright ’til the darkness softly clears

From the 2024 Oscars ceremony, Andrea and Matteo Bocelli‘s duet captivated the audience with a moving rendition of “Con te partirò / Time to Say Goodbye” during the “In Memoriam” segment. Under the guidance of two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, the song gained a new emotional depth, becoming a poignant tribute to memory and love. Their performance left an indelible mark on the night. For years, in its original form, this piece has been a popular choice for wedding moments like the first dance, thanks to its romantic and engaging melody, as well as its heartfelt lyrics. “Con te partirò” is more than just a song; it’s a quintessential representation of Italian music worldwide, and a frequent request from couples for international weddings in Italy, where we specialize as Wedding DJs.

“Con te partirò” is an anthem to the power of love and the ability to overcome any challenge. When Andrea Bocelli performed this song at the Sanremo Festival (Italy’s most prestigious music festival) in 1995, he shared not only the beauty of the music but also a glimpse into his personal experience. Lucio Quarantotto’s lyrics, set to Francesco Sartori’s music, resonated with millions globally, telling a story of love that triumphs over obstacles. The lines
“Con te partirò, paesi che non ho mai visto e vissuto con te, adesso sì li vivrò” are an invitation to explore the world with a loved one, and a promise of a new life illuminated by their presence.

For Andrea Bocelli, who lives with visual impairment, the song carries an even deeper meaning, illustrating how love can be a source of light and hope in the darkest times. The lyrics “Quando sei lontana sogno all’orizzonte e mancan le parole, e io sì lo so che sei con me” express the profound connection between two people, who feel close even when physically apart. Love is a force that transcends distance, making every shared moment a cherished treasure. “Con te partirò” propelled Andrea Bocelli to international fame, becoming a symbol of hope and love. Duets with artists like Sarah Brightman and covers by artists like Donna Summer have further universalized this song, demonstrating music’s power to unite people across linguistic and cultural divides.

Unconditionally is the second single taken from Prismian, the album of the beautiful and fabulous Katy Perry. The song is a pop ballad dealing with a theme specifically related to marriage: accepting the defects of a loved one through unconditional love. The touching and delicate lyrics and the sweet musical atmosphere make it ideal for your first dance! About the first dance…in this blog you can find other suggestions

Read All About It is a song of the British rapper Professor Green, produced in collaboration with Emeli Sandé, and chosen as the first single from the album At Your Inconvenience. This new version sung only by Emeli, is really beautiful. In some parts it remember the songs of Adele, but has a soul more “black”. It has a strong personality and will  accompany  brides and grooms in their  first dance  in the best way! Here’s the video of Read All About It https://youtu.be/vaAVByGaON0?si=DrwCPG-EbsCOnN5O

And now, two romantic song suggestions performed by two American singers and actresses: Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez.

Jennifer Lopez, famous for very rhythmic and danceable hits, often in cooperation with Pitbull, has produced this romantic song entitled “My first love“, the text is really sweet and perfect for a declaration of love between bride and groom. “I wish you were my first love” it is one of the most beautiful phrases to dedicate to the person with you have decided to spend your life.

Another lovely romantic song is ‘Souvenir‘ by Selena Gomez (who, as a young artist, contributed to many Disney Records soundtracks). It features beautifully romantic lyrics, though the rhythm isn’t quite geared for a slow dance. Nevertheless, it could be a captivating addition to a special moment at your party! We’re confident it’s poised to become a hit across Italy.

Shivers dance down my spine, head down to my feet

Swimming in your eyes, in your eyes, in your eyes

Egyptian blue

Something I’ve never had without you

You’re giving me chills at a hundred degrees

Calling your name, the only language I can speak

Taking my breath, a souvenir that you can keep

Giving me chills

Chills

Royals: a song for get married … like a king

This New Zealand songwriter so different, for her look and class, from the most flashy and undressed popstars, composed a magnetic, engaging and sensual song chosen by a married couple for their first dance. In our opinion an unconventional, successful choice! We “stole” the idea to Paolo and Beatrice, and we suggest it to you, let us know . Thanks, see you soon.  HERE ‘s the video As regards the most romantic moments, we report another Lorde song, who gave us the beautiful Royals in 2013. She has reappeared on the scene a few weeks ago with “Solar Power”, a delicate and romantic song, very suitable for the cake cutting. Another new song, very “fitting” both for the cutting of the cake and for the first dance (some spouses have already requested it, receiving great appreciation even among the guests) is “Leave The Door Open” by Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak and Silk Sonic .

For example, we highlight the much-appreciated return of Rita Ora with “You & I” which explores the theme of true love and its transformative power in a person’s life. In the lyrics, the singer reflects on her past experiences of trying to understand love by listening to romantic songs, without finding the right connection. However, when she meets the person she sings about, everything changes.

I used to listen to the love songs on repeat
Tryna figure out how they would work for me
I just wanted to dance with somebody
Somebody who loved me
Now I see you standing in our garden lights
Damn I knew when I got dressed to go that night
That I finally found that somebody
To stand by me

I will ride for you
Spare my life for you
If you ask me to

Benson Boone – Beautiful Things  – The song “Beautiful Things” has reached the top spot of the Billboard Global 200 with several hundred million streams, no small feat for a young artist just starting out. It even knocked Taylor Swift, the undisputed queen of world music, off the top spot. The song is a ballad that tells a piece of the protagonist’s life, who would like to never lose all the beautiful things he has obtained.

And I thank God every day
For the girl He sent my way
But I know the things He gives me
He can take away
And I hold you every night
And that’s a feeling I wanna get used to
But there’s no man as terrified
As the man who stands to lose you
Oh, I hope I don’t lose you

Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight”: might not be the right choice

However, Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” despite being from the artist of the year (coming off an epic concert in Milan), is not suitable for either the first dance or the cake cutting. The song tells a story of a complicated relationship: it talks about suffering, particularly the suffering for love. The term “fortnight” means “two weeks” in English, and in this context, it represents a love that lasted just this brief period. The song explores the themes of the transience of relationships and the pain that can come from their end, highlighting how intense love can quickly degrade into a form of superficial and detached interaction.

“Technicolor Honeymoon” by Maisy Kay is a more upbeat song, suitable for the cake cutting but it could also be appropriate for the couple’s entrance into the reception hall. “Technicolor Honeymoon” tells the story of a honeymoon, representing a period of intense love and happiness. It blends elements of modern pop with vivid storytelling and an eclectic sound reminiscent of the bright and vibrant tones of Technicolor, an old film coloring process.