Your wedding day will turn out to be one of the most special and memorable days of your life. One of the sweetest and most romantic moments is your first dance.
Your first dance is the time that you celebrate your very first dance as a couple with all of your guests watching, and it is a very heartfelt moment. However, it can be difficult to decide on the perfect first dance song with so many options out there.
Whether you are looking for a classic ballad, modern tune, or something unique, there is definitely a slow song out there to fit the exact feel you want for your first dance.
Read on for the best slow wedding songs
Best Slow Wedding Songs
You will also like these other posts for the ultimate play list on your wedding day:
1. “All of Me” by John Legend
Lyrics to adore: “Cause all of me loves all of you, love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections, give your all to me, I’ll give my all to you”
A popular and modern love song, Legend brings us this beautiful number about loving your partner despite all of their imperfections. That’s what love is really about isn’t it? It makes a great first dance song to show your unconditional love between you and your partner.
2. “At Last” by Etta James
Lyrics to adore: “At last, my love has come along, lonely days are over, and life is like a song”
This classic love ballad is slow and romantic, and one of the most popular first dance songs. If you are looking to showcase your timeless love during your first dance, this would be a great choice. It would also be a sweet last dance at the end of the night.
3. “Marry Me” by Train
Lyrics to adore: “Forever will never be long enough for me, to feel like I’ve had long enough with you.”
Another modern hit, this song talks about seeing someone and wanting them to be with you forever, but forever also not being long enough. It’s a slow, heartfelt tune that will make a great backdrop for a first dance and tug at the heartstrings of your guests.
4. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Lyrics to adore: “Take me into your loving arms, kiss me under the light of a thousand stars,place your hand on my beating heart, I’m thinking out loud, maybe we found love right where we are”
Another modern tune by one of the great singer/songwriters of our era, Sheeran wrote this lovely ballad about loving someone throughout the years, and having a steady love that lasts. It would be a perfect heartfelt tune to highlight your forever love with your spouse during your first dance.
5. “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain
Lyrics to adore: “You’re still the one I run to, the only one I belong to, You’re still the one I want for life”
This classic tune was released in 1997, and it’s a great song to highlight a long relationship or love from high school/college.
It talks about the person still being in love with someone after all this time, and it would be a great first dance tune to highlight your relationship’s ability to withstand the test of time.
6. “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez
Lyrics to adore: “I would never fall in love again until I found her, I said, I would never fall unless it’s you I fall into, I was lost within the darkness but then I found her, I found you.”
This romantic number is a very recent release, but has already gained popularity for first dance tunes due to its sentimental lyrics and smooth instrumentals. As a first dance song, it will show your guests how important your partner is to you and how they have changed your life.
7. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley
Lyrics to adore: “Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can’t help, falling in love with you.”
One of the most classic love songs of all time, this timeless melody is a perfect first dance song. All of your guests will be humming along, and you and your partner will certainly be lost in the moment, captured by this beautiful song to celebrate your love.
8. “Lover” by Taylor Swift
Lyrics to adore: “Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close, forever and ever? And, ah, take me out, take me home, you’re my, my, my, my lover”
Another modern classic by one of the music industry’s current queens, this lilting ballad is a great tribute to you and your spouse. There is even a specific first dance remix which would be perfect for your big day, as you celebrate you and your “lover”.
9. “When You Say Nothing At All” by Alison Krauss and Union Station
Lyrics to adore: “The smile on your face lets me know that you need me, it’s the truth in your eyes saying you’ll never leave me, the touch in your hand says you’ll catch me whenever I fall, you say it best, when you say nothing at all”
This beautiful love song was released in 1999, and it’s a stunning duet that makes the perfect backdrop for a first dance. It talks about all of the little things about your partner, and that special kind of love when they show it through their actions.
10. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Lyrics to adore: “I have died everyday waiting for you, darling don’t be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years, I’ll love you for a thousand more.”
A modern classic in its own right, this ballad talks about waiting for your soulmate your whole life and finally finding them. It’s perfect to capture the love that you are celebrating on your wedding day with your spouse.
11. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Lyrics to adore: “Yes you’re lovely, with your smile so warm and your cheeks so soft, there is nothing for me but to love you, and the way you look tonight”
This classic tune with an upbeat rhythm makes for a great first dance, especially if your wedding has a classic and elegant feel. Imagine spinning around the dance floor with your partner to this tune that will have all of your guests smiling and tapping their feet.
12. “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
Lyrics to adore: “I know you haven’t made your mind up yet, but I would never do you wrong. I’ve known it from the moment that we met, no doubt in my mind where you belong.”
Another modern love ballad that has gained popularity, Adele’s tribute to showing the person you love how much you love them is a perfect first dance number. It has a great piano portion, and will definitely give your first dance a sentimental and romantic feel.
13. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
Lyrics to adore: “if you’re lost you can look and you will fine me, time after time”
Another older classic tune, this song highlights having a partner who you can rely on and is always there for you. This is a popular first dance and will highlight your committed partnership with that special person that you have chosen to marry.
14. “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones
Lyrics to adore: “Come away with me and we’ll kiss on a mountaintop, come away with me, and i’ll never stop loving you”
Released in 2009, this song quickly became a popular love song. It talks about the feeling of wanting to run away with your person and would make a lovely first dance or even final song to end the night before you leave your reception as a married couple.
15. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
Lyrics to adore: “You were my strength when i was weak, you were my voice when I couldn’t speak, I am everything I am because you loved me.”
Celine Dion is one of the greats when it comes to putting out great love songs that stand the test of time. This is a great classic love song for the backdrop of your first dance, showcasing how your partner has been by your side through it all.
Final Thoughts
A first dance is one of the most notable and memorable parts of a wedding. While it can be challenging to find the right song, there are multitudes of options to fit you and your partner.
Think about what is important and meaningful to your relationship, and find a song that speaks to you both. Don’t be afraid to put your own flare on it or pick something unique!
FAQs
What is the best slow dance of all time?
There’s so many great ones, like those we listed above! However, the most used of all time is “At last” by Etta James. Some other very popular picks are “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Because You Loved Me”.
Do you play slow songs at weddings?
Yes! Weddings include a mix of different events, but you will want to include some slow songs for your special dances with your partner and parent dances, as well as during open dancing for the reception.
Is the first dance at a wedding supposed to be a slow dance?
Traditionally, yes! However, there is no rulebook on what song or music style you need to choose. It’s your wedding, so feel free to give it your own flare and pick something that is personal and meaningful to you! You can pick something more upbeat, or even do a choreographed number.
