No doubt about it, upbeat songs always bring the party vibes to wedding receptions and get everyone on their feet. But when it comes to creating moments filled with soul, love, and heart, slow dance songs are the real stars of your special day.
They not only help your guests unwind after grooving to some lively tunes, but they also create intimate connections that will be cherished forever. Now, you might wonder, what slow dance songs for wedding reception are an absolute must for your playlist? Fret not; we’ve got your back!
Gone are the days of endless searching and uncertainty, wondering if a song truly captures the depth of your love for your partner.
In this hand-picked collection of slow dance songs for wedding receptions, you’ll discover melodies that resonate with your very soul, and lyrics that paint a perfect picture of your unique love story. And guess what? You won’t have to choose between classic ballads and modern hits. This list beautifully blends both, offering you the best of both eras.
So, take your partner’s hand, step onto the dance floor, and let these 20 perfect slow dance songs enchant you both. As the music sets the stage for a celebration you’ll forever hold dear, cherish each moment, and let love surround you in its sweet embrace.
Best Slow Dance Songs for Wedding Receptions
Don’t miss out on these other wedding songs post for the ultimate play list on your special day:
Let’s dive in on the best slow dance songs wedding playlist must have.
1. “At Last” by Etta James
Best Lyrics: “/At last, my love has come along/ My lonely days are over, and life is like a song/.”
The powerful and soulful vocals of Etta in this song create an emotional and romantic atmosphere that is great for you and your partner to share a lovely moment.
The lyrics from the song tell the story of finding true love after a long desperate search. It also awakens the happiness and relief of finding someone who loves and accepts you, making your life a beautiful song. It is best played during the first and last dance of newlyweds.
2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Best Lyrics: “/Take my hand, take my whole life too /For I can’t help falling in love with you/.”
For years, newlyweds have made this song a timeless classic ballad for their wedding slow dances. The smooth and tender melody created by Elvis’ rich velvet tone never fails to create an intimate ambiance that allows newlyweds to enjoy a special moment together.
This song made it to this list because its central idea is long-term devotion. The song’s lyrics capture an honest, open confession of love that has moved from infatuation to a deep-rooted long-term dedication.
This makes it a perfect addition to your wedding songs for slow dances, especially the first dance.
3. “Endless Love” by Lionel Richie ft Diana Ross
Best Lyrics: “/ This love I have inside/ And I’ll give it all to you/ My love, My love, my love/ My endless love/”
“Endless Love” is a classic love song by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross that has withstood the passage of time. Its lyrics display the idea of true love and how its power transcends everything else in life. The song ends with the words “My endless love” which declares the type of love you and your partner share.
Due to its beautiful melody and lyrics, it is a great choice to add to your slow dance songs wedding playlist.
4. “How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees
Best Lyrics: “/You know the door to my very soul/You’re the light in my deepest, darkest hour/”
This song is a pop ballad and made it to this song list because it expresses the resolute force love has that surpasses the toughest moments in a couple’s life.
Dancing to this song for your first or last dance while staring into your partner’s eyes tells them how you will stand by them during difficult times in your marriage.
5. “Everything” by Michael Bublé
Best Lyrics: “/ It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing/ You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything/”
The smooth crooning of Michael’s voice, merged with the jazzy instrumentals, provides both the couple and their guest with an atmosphere filled with love and also makes them sway on the dance floor.
The lyrics speak of someone loving their significant other and choosing them no matter what life throws at them. In all, it is a song about commitment and devotion, making it a perfect choice for a romantic slow dance at any wedding.
6. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Best Lyrics: “/Take me into your loving arms/ Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars/”
There’s no perfect slow dance song wedding playlist without Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” Since its release in 2014, it has ruled many wedding dance floors a few years ago, and it’s still heading.
The song’s lyrics talk about love and how it stays strong through life’s changes, sorrows, and joys. Coupled with Sheeran’s passionate voice, the song is a great choice for couples who want to share a memorable moment on the dance floor.
7. “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele
Best Lyrics: “/I could hold you for a million years/To make you feel my love/”
The first version of this song was performed and written by Bob Dylan. However, Adele’s rendition of this song in 2008 made it more classic, beautiful, and romantic.
This beautiful ballad resonates with how intense love is. The lyrics convey a powerful message of unconditional love making it a great choice for a slow dance song’s wedding playlist. Also, dancing to this chart-topping song alone, the newlyweds express their love sincerely.
8. “All of Me” by John Legend
Best Lyrics: “/All of me loves all of you/Give your all to me I’ll give my all to you/”
This song is a contemporary pop ballad that adds realism to your regular love songs. It tells a story of loving your partner unconditionally despite their flaws. With the beautiful lyrics and sultry piano in this song, playing it at your wedding will give everyone goosebumps.
9. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Best Lyrics: “/Be my girl, I’ll be your man/ I see my future in your eyes/”
This popular melody ruled many wedding receptions, feeling the atmosphere with love and making everyone present at your reception cry tears of joy, seeing the flourishing love between you and your partner as you dance to it.
The song’s lyrics convey a message about unconditional love making it a good choice to add to your wedding dance list. And coming out of Sheeran’s emotive voice makes it even more beautiful.
10. “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys
Best Lyrics: “/But I don’t want nothing at all/ If it ain’t you, baby/.”
If you’re looking for R&B options to spice up your list, Alicia’s “If I Ain’t Got You” is perfect for that position. Despite being released two decades ago, the song aged like fine wine and is still soulful, guest-pleasing.
11. When a Man Loves a Woman” by Michael Bolton
Add this to your slow dance wedding playlist if you want a soulful R&B song for your last dance, ending the evening on a sultry and romantic note.
12. “10,000 Hours” by Dan + Shay feat. Justin Bieber
As a cheery slow dance song with a touch of country, this romantic track will lighten the mood but keep all romantic feelings of everyone present at the surface.
13. “Your Song” by Elton John
Best Lyrics: “/I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words/ How wonderful life is while you’re in the world/”
In this classic hit, “Your Song” Elton’s soulful voice creates the perfect tune for any two lovers to sway to on their memorable night with the right amount of ideal piano accompaniment and amazing vocals.
14. Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
Best Lyrics: “/No, I won’t shed a tear/ Just as long as you stand/ Stand by me/”
If you and your spouse have been there for each other through thick and thin, then “Stand by Me” is an emotional and perfect choice for a first dance song.
15. “Amazed” by Lonestar
Best Lyrics: “/Baby when you touch me /I can feel how much you love me/And it just blows me away/”
This old-school country lighthearted hit song is a must-play if you’re having a rustic theme wedding, as its cheerful tune will infuse the people on the dance floor with so much joy and love as they slow dance with it.
16. “Marry Me” by Train
With a soft guitar melody and amazing vocals of Train, this song sets the atmosphere for a candlelit reception dance floor for the happy newlyweds to have their first dance.
17. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Best Lyrics: “/Darling, don’t be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years/”
Promising endless love to your partner while gazing at their eyes is fitting for a wedding slow dance, and that’s what Perri says in this beautiful love song.
18. “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs
This touching ballad captures the simplicity and beauty of love creating a perfect ambiance for a slow dance at a wedding.
19. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
Best Lyrics: “/Our time is short/This is our fate, I’m yours/”
Jason’s soulful voice and rhythmic soft rock sounds of this song create a love-filled aura at the wedding reception as couples lean on each other, celebrating their love and commitment to each other.
20. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Best Lyrics: “/There is nothing for me but to love you/And the way you look tonight/.”
Perfect your ballroom dancing skills, and get ready to twirl around the dance floor to this amazing jazzy Frank Sinatra classic. Pay attention to its romantic lyrics as you will need to look at your spouse’s eyes as you adore how they look.
Summary
Slow dancing is one of the most intimate moments shared between newlyweds on their special day. As such, every couple deserves to express their commitment and love for their spouse. With so many beautiful songs to choose from, this well-crafted list of songs, you will surely find the right slow dance songs you need for your big day.
FAQs
Here are some often-asked questions
Who Leads When Slow Dancing at Weddings?
Most times, the groom leads the slow dance, except if the newlyweds want to spice it up, then the bride may lead the dance.
Are There Slow Dances at Weddings?
Yes, there are slow dances at weddings. It is when the newlyweds embrace each other while dancing to celebrate their love.
How Many Slow Dance Songs at a Wedding?
Too many slow songs can reduce your desired energy at your wedding reception. With that said, at least ten slow dance songs are enough. Also, you should play one slow song after every four or five upbeat songs.
Serena & Dominic are a married couple and parents to 3 wonderful children. They plan weddings, run multiple small businesses, and curate wedding events.
By giving you everything you need to make your dream wedding attainable, you can eliminate stress, get the ‘wedding glow,’ and focus on spending this rocking day with the person you adore. Discover their podcast for more information
