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Kick Off Your Celebration with 15 Upbeat First Dance Songs!

Your wedding day is one complete cycle of memory and moments to be remembered. The first dance is one of those moments in store for you and your partner-a quiet moment, personal to the two of you, which kick-starts the journey of life together. Of course, most couples prefer slow and romantic ballads, but fortunately, there's an uptrend toward upbeat first dance wedding songs that would keep the atmosphere alive and audiences on their toes. Then, bring fun and gladly furious moments into your celebration with this curated list of upbeat first dance songs that perfectly blend joy, love, and danceable rhythms.

Why Choose Upbeat First Dance Songs?

First dance songs can get the beat of the whole wedding reception going. These upbeat tracks invite guests to jump in and create that sense of inclusiveness in the middle of peals of laughter and joy. Most often, upbeat songs speak volumes about your essence as a couple; it reflect how fun-loving you are and relish every single moment of life. Besides, it cuts the nervousness that one feels when dancing in front of family and friends. A happy song抬highs the mood of the occasion. The right song will give everybody present such a feeling of happiness and euphoria as you take your first few steps together, surrounded by family and friends. It may stir your guests into letting loose, dancing along, and making the time spent together truly unforgettable.

Pre-set with the right intonation to set the tone for the night, one can consider a lively first dance song whether they would want to establish an energetic mood for the evening or wish to express their unique style as a couple.
 

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

1. "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon

That catcher and pop-rock anthem is all about unleashing yourself and having fun. Infused with a sing-along chorus and an infectious rhythm, "Shut Up and Dance" brings the energy to kick off any type of celebration. Fast in tempo, this tune invites spontaneous moves from your wedding guests to make sure everyone will be stuck in. It is a great selection to get the wedding celebration going, as this infectious energy will have guests on their feet, celebrating your love.

2. "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

Happy" is the embodiment of any feel-good song, which just screams joy and happiness. The upbeat tune, along with motivating lyrics, captures the very essence of a wedding day and invites all to join in celebrating this special moment with you. You will feel joy inside your hearts when dancing to this song; plus, the energy is so infectious that it gets your guests up and dancing, too. This is a universally appealing song because everybody can let go of all their inhibitions and dance their hearts out.

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

The song is very uptempo, groovy, too-perfect for a first dance. "Can't Stop the Feeling!" just makes anyone want to get up and dance; the vibe of the night becomes a full-on dance party. It brings that feel-good energy to your guests, who will buzz with this song, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to celebrate their love by moving lively on the dance floor.

4. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars

“Marry You" is playful, filled with a sense of spontaneity, and carries the joyous mood of your wedding day. The track is lively and melodically catchy; light enough for couples who want to celebrate their commitment with a fun twist. Smiles and laughter on the dance floor as you move to the music-this will be an enjoyable moment not only for yourself but also for others around you.

5. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

This classic '80s hit voices universal sentiments of dancing and love. Littered with upbeat rhythm and an undeniably catchy chorus, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" is impossible to resist on the dance floor. Expect this number to make your first dance a full-on celebration as your guests join in, singing along and dancing with you. Its nostalgic charm is what makes it perfect for any wedding that is filled with joy and love.

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

This will be that eternal feel-good number every couple would want on their big day. The upbeat rhythm, hummable melody, tapping of feet, and sporting smiles-this is what you will be getting when you together take the most important first step into marital life. The essence of the track carves a jolly element in celebration, hence engraving memories in your mind and your guest's too.

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

L.O.V.E." mixes old-school class with a contemporary vibe, making it perfect for any couple wanting a fun, yet romantic first-dance song. And with its jazzy feel and upbeat tempo, you'll be swaying to the music together, filled with love and happiness.

Vintage black-and-white portrait of a smiling Nat King Cole in a suit, evoking classic style and charisma, ukliveentertainment

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

The whole anthem is about cherishing better times. "Best Day of My Life" will surely be an exceptional choice, with its catchy hooks and uplifting lyrics, capturing the magic of your wedding day. The first dance to this song will leave such a lasting impression and will surely be one of those surefire moments that quickly become favorites among your guests. Joyous in tone, it sets the perfect tone for a fun-filled celebration.

9. "All of Me" [Tiësto's Birthday Treatment Remix] by John Legend

While the original is a beautiful ballad, this remix by Tiësto gives it an upbeat and danceable flavor. It would work great for any couple that wants to keep things feeling romantic but with a bit of bounce to it. This infectious beat will let you combine touching moments with energetic dance movements, which will keep your first dance both sentimental and lively. A string quartet would beautifully reinterpret this cover, adding an extra layer of magic to the song.

10. "Good as Hell" by Lizzo

This song is an empowering anthem, all about confidence and self-love, so it would be a fantastic choice for a fun first dance. The catchy tempo and uplifting lyrics are sure to make "Good as Hell" a lively tune everybody will want to jump up and dance to. This song is just the beginning of that joyful celebration, electricity in the air, which makes your wedding reception unforgettable and seals the love and happiness on that special moment in your life.

11. "Sugar" by Maroon 5

"Sugar" is sweetened with pop sensibilities and an infectious beat, the perfect accompaniment for a lively first dance. Sweet lyrics and an upbeat melody make this song a fun yet romantic experience, striking a note with you and your guests alike. The infectious energy keeps everyone hooked to the dance floor, keeping them grooving and adding to the festive atmosphere of your wedding celebration.

12. "Dancing Queen” by ABBA 

"Dancing Queen" is an eternal hit that drives people from their chairs onto the dance floor. This classic disco hit entreats everyone to let loose and into the dancing spirit. It surely will bring smiles and laughter on your first dance with its infectious energy and sing-along chorus. The nostalgic feeling it brings will make all your guests share in the comradery, making the moment quite special or hire an abba tribute for your program.

13. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

Get ready to funkify the wedding reception with this uptempo anthem that's just perfect for the modern couple who wants to add a little flair to that first dance. Infatuatingly catchy, "Uptown Funk" invites one and all into the groove-easy celebration of love in style. The vibrant energy in this track compels your guests to get on the floor and dance, hence leaving a memory to always remember.

14. "Let's Get It On" remix by Marvin Gaye

This is a slow jam originally, but there have been some remixes that give this classic a modern and upbeat twist; pick one of these, and you're good to go with romantic lyrics and soulful melodies without having to bring down the energy.

15. "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince

This track is an iconic combination of rock and pop that works for upbeat first dances. It's a celebration song, so "Let's Go Crazy" invites everyone to dance and enjoy your wedding festivities. The high-energy vibe of this song sets the tone for what would surely be an unforgettable celebration, making your first dance one for the books.

Singer Prince in vibrant pink lighting, singing passionately on stage with a microphone, ukliveenetertainment

Final Thoughts

As you select that first dance song, envision what vibe you want to encode. An upbeat tune can set a joyful tone for the remainder of your reception and invite your guests into the fun. With the right track, your first dance will be a moment packed with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

For the best live wedding entertainment—featuring talented bands like an Oasis tribute band or a soulful Barry White tribute act that can play your chosen first dance song—check out UK Live Entertainment. With our comprehensive roster of wedding musicians, we will be able to fit just the right musician for your wedding celebration. With the right band matched with your chosen song, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience both for yourself and your guests. Dance the night away!