One of the most common wedding traditions is the first dance of the newly married couple. For many couples, it’s one of the only moments they can “catch their breath” and take in the excitement from the day. Some couples prepare something choreographed or perform a ballroom style dance routine. I have even seen videos of couples that incorporate their pets into the first dance! But how did this tradition come to be?

If we want to get technical, first dances originated around the 17th century, and were not associated with weddings at all. When wealthy families would host a ball, the guests of honor (usually the hosts or guests with highest social standing) would be the first to dance. This dance signified the opening of the ball, and served as an invitation for all the guests to begin dancing.

^Photo by Making the Moment Photography

Fast forward to today, where the newlyweds (or guests of honor) kick off the festivities by dancing together. As varied as the types of dancing we see now (from swing dancing, foxtrot, or the ever famous “high school sway”), is the song couples choose. Some couples pick something meaningful to them, others want to set the tone for the evening and pick something upbeat and fun. Some go traditional with a romantic love song.

When we were researching interesting wedding facts, we came upon a list of the 10 most popular wedding songs.

The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra

Just the Way You Are, Billy Joel

Come Away with Me, Norah Jones

Unforgettable, Natalie Cole

Wonderful Tonight, Eric Clapton
From this Moment On, Shania Twain

This I Promise You, N’SYNC

Thank you for Loving Me, Bon Jovi

Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, Aerosmith

All I Ask of You, various (Phantom of the Opera)

^Photo by Seedling Photography

I hadn’t heard any of them used for first dances recently, so I was curious: if we asked our followers to share their first dance songs, what responses would we get? And let me tell you, the list was AMAZING. About 25 people responded, and there was only 1 repeat song (At Last by Etta James). Everything from genre (country, classic rock, pop, you name it) to the release date was so unique. I also was reminded of some spectacular songs I haven’t listened to in ages, and I may or may not have created a Spotify playlist as a result!

Here you have it, the list of first dance songs some of our followers shared. If we knew the name of the couple and their wedding date, we included that too, for fun! I hope you are also reminded of some beautiful songs about love and family and happiness.

Let’s Stay Together, Al Green – Kathryn & Mike 10/5/2013

Someone Like You, Van Morrison – Meg & Matthew 6/2/2001

Crazy Love, Van Morrison – 5/25/2002

At Last, Etta James – Kim & Michael 9/2000

Then, Brad Paisley

Stand by Me, Shayne Ward – Andrea & Des 9/15/2006

Grow Old Along with Me, Mary Chapin Carpenter

The Book of Love, Peter Gabriel

Love is All Around, Wet Wet Wet – John & Kim, 6/24/1995

More, Frank Sinatra – Brittany & Jason 9/25/2015

Please Please Please Let me Get what I Want, The Smiths

Is This Love, Bob Marley