Congratulations, you’re getting hitched! Amidst the chaos of wedding planning, sorting the wedding venue, wrangling the guest list, and ensuring Uncle Dave doesn’t nick all the vol-au-vents, there’s one task that’s pure joy: picking your first and last dance songs. These tunes are the heartbeat of your reception, framing your day with romance and a cracking finale. So, grab a cuppa, maybe a custard cream or two, and let’s dive into this professional, friendly, and slightly cheeky guide to selecting the perfect wedding songs. You’ll discovery the latest trends, and we’ll help you choose songs that’ll have your guests swooning, singing, or dancing like nobody’s watching.
We’ve got heaps to cover, from first and last dance songs to bride and groom entrance songs, wedding entrance songs, father-daughter dance songs, and cake cutting songs, plus tips for creating a complete musical flow for your big day. Let’s get cracking!
Why Your First and Last Dance Songs Are a Big Deal
Your first dance is that magical moment when you and your beloved take centre stage, swaying (or stumbling adorably) as newlyweds while your guests whip out their phones to capture the mushy goodness. It’s your chance to say, “This is us, and we’re bloody brilliant together.” The last dance, meanwhile, is your grand exit, the musical equivalent of dropping the mic. It’s the tune that sends everyone home buzzing, possibly belting out the chorus off-key.
These songs aren’t just background noise; they’re the soundtrack to your love story, reflecting your personalities and setting the tone for your celebration. Whether you’re after timeless romance, a modern bop, or something a bit quirky, choosing these songs is also a chance to create memories that’ll stick with you forever, think of it as the moment you’ll reminisce about when you’re old and grey, arguing over who stepped on whose toes.
The First Dance: Your Moment to Shine
The first dance is your time in the spotlight, whether you’re gliding like pros or doing a charming two-left-feet shuffle. It’s a moment that screams romance and sets the tone for the party. Here’s how to pick a song that’s perfect for you, plus a curated list of top picks and unique choices to make your dance unforgettable.
The key is to pick something that feels authentic, so when you’re swaying under the fairy lights, it’s just you and your love, with the world fading away.
Tips for Choosing Your First Dance Song
Make It Personal – The best first dance songs are ones that mean something to you as a couple. Maybe it’s the tune playing when you first locked eyes or one you sang terribly during a road trip.
Mind the Tempo – Slow and romantic is classic, but if you’re not into soppy swaying, go for something upbeat. Just ensure it’s danceable, nobody wants to waltz to a techno banger (unless that’s your vibe, in which case, respect).
Check the Lyrics – Lyrics are key. A song about heartbreak might be a banger, but it’s not quite first-dance material. Look for words that celebrate love, commitment, or just make you grin like loons.
Keep It Snappy – Most songs are around three minutes, which is perfect for your moment. If it’s longer, ask your DJ or band to fade it out early or invite guests to join halfway.
Practise a Bit – You don’t need to be ballroom stars, but a few twirls in your living room can boost confidence.
Even a simple sway can be powerful if it’s heartfelt, so don’t stress about nailing a choreographed routine. Just pick a song that makes you feel all the feels.
Top First Dance Songs for 2025
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley
“At Last” – Etta James
“Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
“Lover” – Taylor Swift
“You Are The Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
“Your Song” – Elton John
“All of Me” – John Legend
“L-O-V-E” – Nat King Cole
Unique and Non-Traditional First Dance Songs
“You and I” – Ingrid Michaelson
“First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
“I Will Follow You Into The Dark” – Death Cab For Cutie
“The Luckiest” – Ben Folds
“I Melt With You” – Modern English
“Perfect for Me” – Bradley Marshall
“Electric Love” – BØRNS
“You’re Still The One” – Shania Twain
For couples who like a touch of quirkiness, consider mash-ups, covers, or indie tracks. These songs often give your first dance a personal twist that feels entirely yours.
Bride and Groom Entrance Songs: Making a Grand Entrance
Your entrance sets the tone for your entire reception. It’s the moment everyone has been waiting for, the big reveal of the newlyweds! Whether you’re going for romantic, dramatic, fun, or a full-on party vibe, your bride and groom entrance songs will give your wedding an unforgettable kickoff.
Set the Mood – Do you want upbeat energy to get everyone dancing immediately, or something grand and cinematic for dramatic flair?
Match Your Style – Rock, pop, soul, or classical, pick a track that reflects your personalities.
Think About Timing – Some couples like a long, cinematic intro; others prefer a punchy track to lead straight into speeches or first dances.
Consider Lyrics – A playful lyric adds humour; heartfelt words make it sentimental.
Popular Entrance Songs:
“Marry You” – Bruno Mars
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” – Stevie Wonder
“A Sky Full of Stars” – Coldplay
“I Gotta Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas
Bride and Groom Entrance Songs: Making a Grand Entrance
While the bride and groom’s grand entrance is the highlight, don’t forget wedding entrance songs for the bridal party, parents, and special guests. These moments build anticipation and excitement before the main event.
Tips for Wedding Entrance Songs:
Build energy with playful or upbeat tunes for bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Signal importance with music that cues guests to focus attention.
Blend humorous tracks with romantic or cinematic choices for variety.
Popular Bride & Groom Entrance Songs
“Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves (bridal party)
“Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles (parents)
“Everything” – Michael Bublé (groom’s parents)
Father-Daughter Dance Songs: A Special Moment
The father-daughter dance is a tender, often emotional highlight. Picking the right songs is all about matching sentimentality with authenticity.
Tips for Choosing Father-Daughter Dance Songs:
Emotional resonance matters, pick a song that reflects your relationship.
Tempo, slow ballad for intimacy, slightly upbeat if your dad likes to move.
Lyrics, celebrate love, guidance, or memories together.
Practice, a few sessions will help both feel confident.
Popular Father-Daughter Dance Songs:
“Butterfly Kisses” – Bob Carlisle
“My Girl” – The Temptations
“I Loved Her First” – Heartland
“Isn’t She Lovely” – Stevie Wonder
“Dance With My Father” – Luther Vandross
Cake Cutting Songs: Adding Fun and Flair
The cake cutting is another iconic moment. Choosing the right cake cutting songs can set the mood, whimsical, romantic, or downright hilarious.
Tips for Cake Cutting Songs:
Keep it short and sweet.
Match the vibe, romantic, upbeat, or quirky.
Consider lyrics, humorous or thematic can add personality.
Popular Cake Cutting Songs:
“Sugar” – Maroon 5
“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” – James Taylor
“Cake by the Ocean” – DNCE
“Sweetest Thing” – U2
“Love on Top” – Beyoncé
The Last Dance: Ending with a Bang
The last dance is your chance to leave everyone buzzing, sentimental singalong or dancefloor banger, it’s your grand finale.
Tips for Choosing Your Last Dance Song:
Set the mood, slow ballad for reflective, upbeat for party.
Get guests involved, choose singalong appeal.
Keep it concise, avoid overly long tracks.
Think about the message, leave guests feeling uplifted.
Check with your DJ or band, make sure it sounds great live.
Top Last Dance Songs for 2025:
“Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
“Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
“All Night Long” – Lionel Richie
“Mr Brightside” – The Killers
“You’ve Got the Love” – Florence and the Machine
Unique Last Dance Songs:
“You Make My Dreams” – Hall & Oates
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
“The Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats (cover)
“All Your’n” – Tyler Childers
Creating a Complete Musical Flow
Combining all these songs, first dance, last dance, bride and groom entrance, wedding entrance, father-daughter dance, cake cutting songs, creates a cohesive soundtrack for your wedding day.
Suggested Flow:
Bridal party entrance – upbeat and fun
Bride and groom entrance – celebratory and grand
First dance – romantic and personal
Father-daughter dance – heartfelt
Cake cutting – fun and thematic
Dance floor opens – a mix of classics and modern hits
Last dance – epic finale
Extra Tips to Make It Personal and Fun
Create a playlist for your DJ or band in advance.
Add surprises like mash-ups or choreographed moments.
Plan songs around photography or video opportunities.
Include tracks that appeal to all guests.
Most importantly, enjoy the music and the moment.
A Cheeky Note to End
Choosing your wedding songs is like picking the best biscuit from the tin (custard cream, obviously). Don’t overthink it, laugh, listen to some tunes, and pick what makes your hearts sing. Years from now, when your song plays, you’ll grab each other, do a daft little dance, and relive the magic of your wedding day. That’s the power of a great song choice.