Photography: Sasha Dove, Yessica Cruz
The first dance might only last a few minutes, but the right song can make it unforgettable. With endless options to choose from, narrowing it down is no easy task. That’s why we asked top wedding pros to share the first dance tracks they’ve seen bring the most magic to the moment and the beautiful stories behind each. From timeless tunes to unexpected favorites, here’s their top picks and the curated Spotify playlist to match.
Joy and Everette, Dias De Vino Y Rosas
"Can’t Take My Eyes Off You"
by Frankie Valli
Sasha Walters, the Creative Director and soul of WED SOCIAL, recalls: "After weeks of practice, one of our couples ended their dance with an epic spin—the bride soaring through the air—met with a roar of cheers. That moment unleashed a wave of applause, singing, and dancing, and the dance floor popped off immediately after—an unforgettable party starter."
"Dancing in the Moonlight"
by Toploader
"This classic hit is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and remains one of my personal favorites," shares Sasha Walters. "One couple opened their dance with choreographed steps that had guests cheering and clapping along. The song’s upbeat rhythm set the tone for a lively, joyful evening, and its timeless appeal ensured that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest was on the dance floor. The older guests especially appreciated this nostalgic tune, making it a perfect choice to unite generations in celebration."
FestaAluga, WED SOCIAL
Photography: RMNE
"When You Say Nothing At All"
by Ronan Keating
"Ronan Keating's version of When You Say Nothing At All is a timeless choice for couples seeking a tender, intimate moment," explains Sasha Walters. "Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics create a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect backdrop for a romantic first dance. You could see us tear up during this couple's first dance—after the high of the ceremony, it brought the moment back down to a gentle pace. It was a welcome chance to slow down, focus on the now, and appreciate these two beautiful people getting married. It was pure bliss."
"Slipping Through My Fingers"
by ABBA
Another beautiful idea Sasha Walters suggests? A mother–daughter dance. She says: "Something lovely to consider beyond the bride and groom’s first dance: a mother–daughter dance. Moms often have fewer dedicated moments during the day in the traditional sense, so this can be a beautiful way to honour their role. One mother and daughter danced to ABBA’s Slipping Through My Fingers—the room hushed, guests were moved to tears, and the emotional impact was unforgettable. A moment I’m sure the mother and bride will never forget."
Alice Wilkes Design, Smith + James
Photography: Andie Jane, Norman & Blake
"Baby’s Arms"
by Kurt Vile
"This couple's first dance stands out as one of the most memorable and unique we’ve witnessed," remembers Sabrina Zeile, founder of Moon Realm and an expert in deeply personalized wedding experiences. "The wedding venue featured a labyrinth—an ancient tool used for self-reflection that encourages present-moment awareness. At sunset, the couple entered the labyrinth from opposite sides, creating a dramatic entrance that perfectly matched the song's intro. They met at the center of the labyrinth and shared a beautiful dance before walking out together, symbolizing their new beginnings as a married couple."
Moon Realm, Giulia Risaliti Weddings
Photography: Brady Bates, Lilly Red
"May I Have This Dance"
by Francis and the Lights
"One of our couples started their first dance with May I Have This Dance, which beautifully transitioned into all of the guests joining in for Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club. Celebrating love at this queer wedding infused the atmosphere with joy, creating the most high-energy singalong and dance to Pink Pony Club that we’ve ever seen," recalls Sabrina Zeile, remembering another unforgettable first dance moment.
"Can’t Help Falling in Love"
Covered by Perfume Genius
"Perfume Genius's unique cover of the classic Elvis hit set the stage for a memorable first dance," reflects Sabrina Zeile. "The couple began with a brief photo opportunity during their dance before inviting all their guests to join them on the dance floor. This moment not only celebrated their love but also honored their guests."
The wedding planner also notes a growing trend: "One trend we've noticed is the shift toward shorter first dances, followed by an energetic song that opens up the dance floor."
Photography: Dos Mas En La Mesa, Norman & Blake
"Strangers in the Night"
by Frank Sinatra
"One of my all-time favorite weddings—and one that will never appear on the internet due to privacy—had Strangers in the Night by Frank Sinatra as the first dance," reveals London’s go-to luxury wedding planner, Mark Niemierko. "As the curtains opened at dinner to reveal a sunken dance floor, guests gathered around it, martinis in hand."
Niemierko, Animäe Events
Photography: Niemierko, Días de Vino y Rosas
"Thinking of You"
by Sister Sledge
Mark Niemierko highlights a standout moment from 2022: "In 2022, at a Lake Como 10th anniversary vow renewal, our couple—joined by their children—danced to Thinking of You by Sister Sledge. One of their favorites. At their original wedding 10 years earlier, their first dance was to Emeli Sandé’s This Is Where I Sleep."
"Grow Old With Me"
by Tom Odell
"A beautiful moment was the surprise performance when Tom Odell appeared on stage to play Grow Old With Me, sitting at the piano for one couple’s first dance at the Mandarin Oriental," Mark Niemierko recalls.
Cheers
Photography: Dos Mas En La Mesa, Pavel Golubnichy
"The Wolves"
by Watchhouse
"This is a sweet one that my husband and I danced to at our own wedding," fondly shares Ellen Ross, photographer behind The Light + Color. "We had a live band play it under the moon, which was very special. The lyrics, "Everything's so great, can't get better / Makes me wanna cry / But I'll go out howling at the moon tonight" are so poignant and meaningful."
Ashley Smith Events, With Love
Photography: AJ Tamari, The Light + Color
"This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)"
by Talking Heads
Ellen Ross often sees couples connect deeply with a Talking Heads' This Must Be the Place. "I’ve had a few couples dance to this Talking Heads song, and it’s always a favorite. The idea that home can be a person, and that you’ve finally arrived there, is beautiful. As the lyrics say, "And you're standing here beside me / I love the passing of time."
"The Best"
Covered by Noah Reid
"The cover of Tina Turner’s The Best that Patrick Brewer sings to David Rose in Schitt's Creek—the first time I watched the scene, I knew it needed to be a first dance song," shares Ellen Ross, revealing a personal favorite. "Last year, one of my couples danced to it, and it was just the sweetest moment."
Photography: Mili Gosh, Wild Faith Photo
"You Are the Reason"
by Calum Scott & Leona Lewis
The talented team at MCW Photocinema recalls one of the most profoundly moving first dances they’ve witnessed. "The groom had been through a life-threatening illness, and the couple saw their wedding as a celebration of resilience and love. This song echoed the strength they found in each other, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room."
"Lover"
by Taylor Swift (First Dance Remix)
For MCW Photocinema, Taylor Swift’s Lover strikes the ideal balance of contemporary romance and heartfelt meaning. "One of the couples choreographed a light, joyful dance that ended with a spin and a dip—so much fun and full of personality. This song beautifully reflected the excitement of starting a life together."
XB Destination Weddings & Events
Photography: Muhammad Talha Bhatti, MCW Photocinema
"At Last"
by Etta James
"Chosen by a couple who got engaged later in life after both going through very different personal journeys," shares MCW Photocinema. "Their dance was slow, elegant, and full of emotion. The lyrics felt like a true reflection of their story—that after all the waiting, they had finally found their forever person."
