First dance songs are meant to have a special meaning that the newlyweds get to share between them. Having lyrics that reflect your journey as a couple or give voice to your feelings can make this moment even more special.
It’s one of the highlights when it comes to weddings and we know exactly how stressful it is to choose the right song. That’s why we’ve put together a list of love songs that are lyrically wholesome and perfect. Just what you need to express your love to your partner.
Let’s check out our list featuring wonderful artists like Ed Sheeran, Edwin McCain, Billy Joel, and more.
With wedding dances going viral, it’s become more of a pressure to choose the perfect song and choreography for your first dance. Don’t worry! We have your back. Here are our top 10 picks:
Ray LaMontagne is an American singer-songwriter with 8 studio albums and this masterpiece clearly stands out in his discography.
It’s an upbeat song fit for a celebration and the song has quite a lot of groove to it, making it perfect for a dance. Moreover, Ray LaMontagne has a raspy, breathy voice that adds to the allure of this song.
But the best part is obviously the heartfelt lyrics. Your heart will just melt at the way the narrator expresses how his partner is the best thing that has ever happened to him. Does a better compliment even exist?
If you don’t know the lyrics to “Thinking Out Loud” by heart, we don’t even know what to say to you. This record was a breakthrough for Ed Sheeran winning him a Grammy for Song of The Year.
The narrator paints a beautiful picture of how time can’t fade from his love for his partner. You get a sense of what a lifetime of growing old together may look like.
With lyrics like “And darling I will be loving you 'til we're 70/And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23”, you can’t help but be swept up by this song.
John Legend famously dedicated his chart-topping record “All of Me” to his beloved wife. The fact that this is his first song to reach no. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart after a decade-long career, tells you how legendary this song is. Forgive the pun.
The song is about loving someone even with all their flaws and giving everything into a relationship. Being there fully.
Musically, the song is rather simple, with John providing the vocals and playing the piano only. The tempo is slightly slower at 120 BPM. You can easily slow dance to it.
Time for a classic! “Unchained Melody” is a love song that has more than stood the test of time. It’s a song that grows sweeter on your ears each time you listen.
The beautiful vocals of Bobby Hatfield will have you mesmerised right from the beginning and he flawlessly hits those high notes. The lyrics capture the feeling of longing and love in such simple words. Here’s a glimpse:
“I've hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much”
“Everlasting Love” is a song that puts a big grin on your face from start to finish. It’s the unofficial anthem for hopeless romantics looking for everlasting love.
The narrator is convincing his partner that they have the kind of love that endures. With lyrics like “Like the sun that shines, endlessly it shine/You always will be mine. It's everlasting love”, we have to say he’s rather convincing.
“I’ll Be” is a song that inspires a lot of nostalgia as so many of us listened to this song when we were young, believing it to be the epitome of romance.
Edwin croons in a warm, sweet-sounding voice “ And I'll be better when I'm older/I'll be the greatest fan of your life”. You can hear the sincerity in his voice, and it’s beautiful.
You can do a modern Waltz to this song to make this song even more magical.
“Iris” is one of the best love songs. This record is about sacrificing for the sake of being together.
When you’re with someone for a long time, you will inevitably come across situations that demand sacrifice. Enduring love can overcome these challenges and this song is a testament to this emotion.
Other than a relatable meaning, Rzeznik’s vocals are what makes this song truly hit home. His scratchy voice makes you feel his ache. It’s a passionate song that can be the backdrop to your most beautiful moments.
Eric Clapton, one of the greatest musicians of all time wrote this song for his then-girlfriend, Pattie Boyd. The couple were going out for the night, and she was taking forever to dress up and Eric wrote this song while waiting.
It’s so loving and adoring the way he sings, “ You look wonderful tonight”. With this sweet song, you can celebrate the tender love that you and your partner share. Having a singer perform this song live for you will be the cherry on top.
This song opens with the best lyrics, and you can just envision the meet-cute the narrator is referring to. James sings:
“I met you in the dark, you lit me up
You made me feel as though I was enough”
Right from the start, you appreciate James’ unique vocal tone. With light and refreshing acoustic backing, he lets his voice take centre stage, and it’s magic.
You can take a look at this beautiful choreography on this song for your first dance.
“She’s Always a Woman” is a poignant and reflective love song that has become sort of a feminist anthem over the years.
Joel is in love with an unapologetic, headstrong woman. She’s flawed, but she’s a force of nature.
Most importantly, she’s the kind of woman that the world wasn’t ready for because assertiveness isn’t a trait considered feminine enough.
But Joel is different. He loves this woman for her strength and despite occasional meanness. He’s full of admiration for the woman she is.
It’s a powerful song fit for the first dance of a true power couple.
First dance songs are not easy to pick. There’s always a pressure to pick a song that resonates with you as a couple and perfectly captures your togetherness.
Each of these songs is heartfelt with wonderful meanings behind them. We don’t see how you can go wrong with any of them.
However, you need live musicians to perform your first dance song to create a romantic atmosphere. At UK Live Entertainment, you can find talented wedding musicians to perform live on your big day.
