20 Perfect Yet Unexpected Wedding Reception First Dance Songs Part 2
In Part 1, we looked at “finding the perfect, one-of-a-kind first dance song for your wedding reception” with 10 wonderful choices. And now for the final 10 songs in Part 2!
11. Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves
A country love song with a pop twist, Musgrave’s “Golden Hour” sounds like pure sunshine. Beautiful, entrancing, blissful — this hit will soon become your dedication to your future spouse.
12. December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) – The Four Seasons
Another upbeat classic, “December, 1963” is the perfect first dance tune for the fun-loving bride and groom. This song will undoubtedly have all your guests smiling and clapping as they watch you dance.
13. Latch (Acoustic) – Sam Smith
Sam Smith’s falsetto, the beauty of the acoustic recording, and the gorgeous lyrics will create a memorable and thoughtful first dance that will set the scene for your magic night.
14. Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest
A classic, feel-good hit, “Dancing in the Moonlight” will have everyone excited to reminisce on this popular, nostalgic song. The pure joy and happiness packed into this song will guarantee a beautiful and fun first dance.
15. Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
This heartwarming cover has a 50’s love vibe that will create a uniquely beautiful atmosphere for your first dance. Check out the original as well if you’re interested in using this song! Both the original and this cover are perfect for any wedding.
16. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
“Happiness hit her like a train on a track” should be exactly how your wedding night is described. This song perfectly portrays the moments in your life, especially your special wedding night, when you truly cannot stop smiling.
17. The Moon Song – Karen O & Ezra Koenig
This is the type of song that makes those who hear it imagine dancing with the love of their life at their future wedding. There couldn’t be a more perfect first dance song. “The Moon Song” creates an atmosphere of pure love.
18. XO – Beyoncé
XO, performed by both Beyoncé and John Mayer, is a gorgeous song that will fill your heart with affection, love, and hope. Check out the John Mayer version as well! Both are so beautiful and perfect for a first dance song.
19. Happiness – Rex Orange County
This lovely, modern love song makes a perfect first dance experience. “Happiness” is a beautiful, sweet hit that portrays love perfectly.
20. Danny’s Song – Loggins and Messina
This nostalgic song is sure to get every guest at your wedding emotional, enjoying your beautiful night and celebrating love with you. The meaning behind the lyrics creates an intentional and gorgeous atmosphere that will linger throughout your special night.
We hope you have enjoyed both Part 1 and Part 2 and now have some new ideas for your first dance!
20 Perfect Yet Unexpected Wedding Reception First Dance Songs Part 1
Finding the perfect, one-of-a-kind first dance song for your wedding reception can seem impossible, but we’re here to help. As the best wedding entertainment band in the country for over three decades, we have seen it all — the classic Etta James, the country slow dance, the fast-paced Queen rock tune, original compositions, orchestral pieces—the list goes on and on. Whatever your ultimate choice is, it should speak to you and your relationship, making the night just that much more perfect.
Deciding the mood, whether it’s an upbeat hit or a slow ballad, is a good first step. If you can’t decide, we’ve included a little of both in our list. A tip is to listen to some options on high volume and imagine yourselves on your wedding night. If you have a natural desire to dance, a smile on your face, and happiness in your heart, it’s probably a good contender for that special first dance.
If you feel more comfortable with some fast-paced choreography, perhaps a pump-up song that’ll start the night right, getting you and the crowd energized, is your best bet. Maybe a slow sway is more your vibe, and you’re looking for a more unpredictable ballad. Ultimately, whatever fits YOU best will make for the perfect song.
Keep scrolling for some great options!
1. Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
This forever young, magnetic song was featured in the hit movie Stuck in Love. The song describes love as a home, always present no matter where you go. Uplifting and positive, “Home” is a perfect dedication for your first dance.
2. Music To My Eyes – Lady Gaga
Used as the backdrop for the wedding in A Star is Born, this song’s lyrics and melody will be sure to melt your heart. “I want to sing you a sunrise and be the dawn I know will move you” is just a taste of the poetic lines of this song.
3. Love – Lana Del Rey
The title describes this piece of music perfectly. Lana Del Rey encompasses the wistful art of love and romance, creating a ballad perfect for an emotion-filled first dance.
4. Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) – Edison Lighthouse
This throwback hit will guarantee a great first dance. The energetic, uplifting vibe will have your guests ready to celebrate your night with you!
5. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
A gorgeous slow dance, “How Long Will I Love You” guarantees tears of joy. The beautiful lyrics describe love perfectly—endless and eternal. Goulding’s song is a promise to always love and will take you and your guests to a beautiful, emotional place.
6. Love Never Felt So Good – Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake
High-energy and fun, this Michael Jackson/Justin Timberlake duet is a great option for a first dance. Anyone listening will want to sing along, even if they don’t know the words. It’s undoubtedly a feel-good, happy love song.
7. Electric Love – BØRNS
An innocent, happy-go-lucky track, “Electric Love” serves teenage love and pure happiness vibes. It’s guaranteed to get you smiling upon first listen. The lyrics, “Baby, you’re like lightning in a bottle, I can’t let you go now that I got it,” speak perfectly to a true love story.
8. One and Only – Adele
This intensely gorgeous Adele ballad is the ultimate love song. The lyrics are an ode to loving someone completely and wholly. The piano, band, and Adele’s voice would serve as a beautiful first dance.
9. All Night – Beyoncé
“Nothing real can be threatened” stands out as one of the best lyrics of this beautiful piece of music. Every lyric speaks perfectly to an everlasting love, with Beyoncé providing a more modern and fun first dance song.
10. Bloom – The Paper Kites
This song concocts images of a perfect sunset, a night of dancing, bare feet on grass and wind in the soul, of practically every good, pure, and beautiful memory you can remember. This is truly one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded, and completely embodies true love.
We hope you have enjoyed Part 1 and now have some new ideas for your first dance. Click over to Part 2 and we will share 10 more!
Happy Fathers Day from Emerald City Band
Today’s a great day for a variety of reasons, a major one being the fact that it’s Father Day! When Emerald City Band performs at weddings, it’s the best feeling to be a part of such a special day. For the bride, the groom, their families and friends, it’s a wonderful occasion and we’re honored to be a part of it.
So many special moments are attached to a wedding, and one is the bride and father of the bride dance. It’s a tender and sweet moment between a father and daughter, it’s beautiful and important in more ways than one. To play that special song for is a phenomenal feeling that just can’t be beat.
Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there, we hope it’s filled with love and great memories.
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