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Top 15 Upbeat First Dance Songs to Wow Your Guests

Your wedding day is packed with irreplaceable moments, the most valuable of which is the first dance. Although couples have been using slow, romantic ballads for the tradition for many years, the trend is changing towards energetic, exciting, and fun wedding first dance music.

If you are looking for a song to keep the energy up and get your guests dancing, this handpicked selection of 15 energetic first dance tracks pairs dancing beats with happiness and love to make your moment unforgettable.

Why Use Upbeat First Dance Songs?

Selecting a bright first dance song will create the atmosphere for a fun-filled, interactive reception. The reasons couples are selecting such songs in growing numbers are the following:

  • Break the Ice: A short song eases the tension of being in the spotlight.

  • Engage Your Guests: Catchy music invites your guests to participate and generates a sense of welcome and celebration.

  • Reflect Your Personality: A fun, energetic you with your significant other? A fun, energetic song reflects your personality.

  • Get the Night Started: A celebratory dance greets the night with excitement and encourages people onto the dance floor.

  • Make Long-Lasting Memories: A fun, energetic first dance will be the highlight of your wedding, creating a long-lasting experience for you as well as your guests.

  • Versatile Dance Styles: No matter which type of dancing you do, such as the swing, the salsa, or the freestyle, a quick song allows you to dance freely and be yourself.

  • Non-traditional First Dance: Unconventional song choice can make your first dance memorable and the ultimate reflection of your relationship journey.

Ready to find the ideal song? Listed below are the top 15 fun wedding party first dance tracks to make your wedding party a memorable one!

 

Bride and groom sharing their first dance at a wedding, with the groom in a blue suit and the bride wearing a flower crown, ukliveentertainment

Top 15 First Dance Songs

1. Shut Up & Dance by Walk the Moon

A fun, energetic pop-rock anthem with a catchy beat, "Shut Up and Dance" is the perfect song for couples to get their wedding started with a dose of energy. The fast tempo will have your guests dancing with you!

2. Pharrell Williams – "Happy"

With its celebratory lyrics and sunny melody, "Happy" captures the ultimate euphoric feeling of your wedding day. This party anthem song will have everyone beaming with joy and dancing with you.

3. Can't Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake

This upbeat, groovy song promises a high-energy wedding dance. With its celebratory, catchy mood, "Can't Stop the Feeling!" will have you dancing with your wedding guests.

4. Bruno Mars - "Marry You"

Lighthearted and romantic, this song is perfect for couples looking for a fun yet emotional first dance. Its fast-paced melody and emotional lyrics make it an instant crowd pleaser.

5. Whitney Houston – "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"

One of the most popular '80s classics of all time, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" is the ideal choice for a wedding dance. Your friends will be singing the lyrics in no time, dancing alongside you!

6. Hall & Oates – "You Make My Dreams" 

This is an excellent selection to kick off your wedding reception. The celebratory, energetic song of "You Make My Dreams" will produce beaming faces and tapping toes!

7. "L.O.V.E." by Nat King Cole

The blend of retro with a modern energetic twist, "L.O.V.E." is ideal for couples who desire a fun, yet classic, first dance.

Vintage black-and-white portrait of Nat King Cole smiling warmly in a suit and tie, ukliveentertainment

8.  "Best Day of My Life" – American Authors

This celebratory song is a song for marking special occasions. Your guests will be in celebratory mood with the track of "Best Day of My Life."

9. “All of Me” by John Legend

Couples looking for a mix of romance and energy will love this remix of "All of Me" which transforms the emotional ballad into a high-energy first dance song with a catchy rhythm.

10. Lizzo - "Good as Hell"

Empowering self-love anthem, "Good as Hell" is ideal for couples who wish to dance with energy and enthusiasm at their wedding celebration.

11. Maroon 5 - "Sugar"

Lively and charming, the tune of "Sugar" is a great blend of romance and fun, which makes it a pleasurable yet emotional first dance song.

12.  "Dancing Queen" – ABBA

This disco anthem, "Dancing Queen" calls everyone to come along with you to the party. This old-school song promises to deliver the grins, the chuckles, and the full dance floor.

13. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

If you're looking to give your first dance a sense of seriousness, your best option is "Uptown Funk." The fast-paced, energetic song promises a fun, memorable dance performance.

14. Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On (Remix)

The original is a slow jam, though its remixed versions make it an up-tempo one, allowing couples to dance to it while indulging in romance.

15. "Let's Go Crazy" – Prince

This rock-pop anthem is for couples whose wedding dance will be a full-on celebration. "Let's Go Crazy" marks the start of a fun-filled night to come!

Prince performing on stage under vibrant pink and purple lighting, dressed in a ruffled white shirt and ornate jacket, ukliveentertainment

Non-Traditional First Dance Songs

For couples who wish to break the mold of the traditional wedding ways, the below are some non-traditional alternatives:

  • "I Melt With You" – Modern English: An new wave classic of the '80s with romantic lyrics and a dreamy melody, offering a retro yet surprising choice.

  • "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac: A slow, mellow song with a soothing rhythm, perfect for a quirky, emotional first dance.

  • "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers: A folk-influenced love song with a hook-laden, though intimate, appeal.

  • "Beyond" by Leon Bridges: A soulful, modern classic with sophisticated instruments and timeless romance.

Having a non-traditional wedding first dance song makes your wedding more personalized and a one-of-a-kind celebration.

Some Tips for Making Your First Dance More Special

  • Practice in Advance: While you might not be a professional, practicing for a few sessions will make you self-assured.

  • Choreograph Your Movements: Use simple steps or a full choreographed sequence to spice up your performance.

  • Dress Accordingly: Consider changing into a second outfit for convenience of movement if your track is highly energetic.

  • Surprise Your Guests: Start with a slow dance and abruptly change to an up-tempo song in order to astonish your guests.

  • Utilize Special Effects: Employ a fog machine, sparklers, or confetti to produce a more dynamic dance floor environment.

Final Thoughts

Your opening dance should be a reflection of your personality and the nature of your celebration. Do you want a fun, funky, classic, or eclectic atmosphere? These songs will make your opening dance the highlight of your wedding day.

Looking for live wedding entertainment? UK Live Entertainment offers a range of talented bands from an Oasis tribute act to a Barry White tribute act, ensuring your wedding music is just perfect. Make the right choice for your celebration and dance the night away!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good first dance song?

A great first dance song should reflect your personality as a couple, be meaningful, and set the right mood for your celebration. Whether it’s romantic, upbeat, or unconventional, it should be something you enjoy dancing to.

Should we choreograph our first dance?

It’s up to you! Some couples prefer a spontaneous dance, while others enjoy learning simple or elaborate choreography to make the moment extra special.

Can we have a mashup of songs for our first dance?

Absolutely! Many couples start with a slow song and surprise guests by transitioning into an upbeat or fun track.

How long should our first dance last?

Typically, a first dance lasts between 2-3 minutes. If your song is longer, consider having your DJ fade it out or inviting guests to join midway.

Do we have to follow tradition and dance alone?

Not at all! Some couples invite their bridal party, parents, or guests to join them on the dance floor to make it a more inclusive and fun experience.

What if we don’t like dancing?

You can still make your first dance memorable with a creative alternative, like swaying together, singing along, or incorporating a unique entrance or exit.