How to Choose the Perfect First Dance Song

You know that moment — the lights dim, the crowd hushes, and it’s just the two of you on the dance floor. It's magic. But the song? Choosing the song can feel less magical and more… mildly panic-inducing.

Don’t worry — you're not alone. It’s totally normal to overthink this part. After all, it's not just a song. It's the soundtrack to a memory you'll have forever.

But here's the great news: finding the right track can actually be fun, playful, and deeply personal — if you know where to start.

Think Story, Not Soundtrack

Before you go scrolling through “Top 100 Wedding Songs on Spotify,” pause. Breathe. Look at each other.

Is there a song that’s been quietly showing up in your relationship?

• The one you hummed together on your first roadie

• That silly bop you danced to in the kitchen

• A tune from a concert you saw while dating

Often, the best first dance songs aren’t the most obvious ones. They’re the songs that feel like you. Sometimes they’re romantic, sometimes funny, sometimes completely unexpected — but they always carry a story.

Not Perfect? No Problem.

What if your favourite couple song is too fast? Too loud? Too… weird?

No stress. There’s usually a cover or acoustic version that softens things up — or we can tailor your dance to suit the vibe you want. We’ve had couples dance to everything from Beyoncé to Blink-182, and guess what? It worked, because it meant something to them.

This Isn’t About the Charts — It’s About You

Your first dance doesn’t have to be traditional. Or slow. Or dramatic. It can be:

• Light-hearted and theatrical

• Short and sweet

• Goofy and fun

• Or quiet and tender

You don’t have to choose the same Ed Sheeran song 90% of couples use (unless you want to — he is the king of first dance anthems, to be fair). The only requirement? It should make you feel something.

Can't Pick Just One?

Good news: you don’t have to. Make a shortlist. Try a few out. Dance around your lounge in socks. See what clicks.

Sometimes, it takes moving to a song to know how it fits.

And if you really can’t decide, we can help you build a mashup — start slow and romantic, then surprise everyone with a beat drop halfway through. We love a good switch-up.

You Don’t Need the Whole Song (Really)

Pro tip: most couples only dance to a 60–90 second edit of their song. Just enough to feel special, not long enough for the nerves to kick in or the energy to drop.

Want to make it extra warm and communal? Have your guests join in halfway. It takes the pressure off and adds so much joy.

Final Thought: Feel Over Flawless

Forget perfect. Aim for personal. The best songs aren’t always polished or obvious — they’re the ones that bring you both into the moment and make you smile. If a song does that? You’ve found the one.

Planning your wedding in New Zealand?

If you're tying the knot in Tauranga, Rotorua, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa or Whakatāne — I’d love to help you choose, move, and feel good about your first dance song.

Together, we’ll find a rhythm that suits your story, whether that’s a slow sway, an upbeat groove, or a little bit of both.

Book a free discovery session with SWAY — and let’s find the song that moves you.