The first dance is your introduction as a couple to the world, but it can be stressful choosing the perfect song to backdrop your big debut. We took inspiration from the big screen to find 20 wedding-worthy songs to commence your celebration. From pop to jazz to dramatic ballads spanning decades, this list has something for every type of couple. Check out our first dance tutorial for all the moves you need to wow your guests.

1. “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri

(Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2) 

Whether you’re team Edward or Jacob, it’s hard to deny that Christina Perri’s pop tune pulls at the heartstrings during the final montage of the Twilight series. The upbeat rhythm starts slow and builds to allow lots of variation in your first dance, plus the string bridge sounds beautiful if performed live. While it is upbeat, the song maintains a softer, romantic, hopeful sound to bless your marriage. 

2. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra 

(My Best Friend’s Wedding)

There are few things more romantic than Frank Sinatra’s voice. This jazz classic is a soft and intimate ballad that perfectly articulates the environment that makes a wedding oh-so special. This is a great pick for a couple that would like to combine the first dance and the parent dance in one song or want a shorter first dance. The bridge is a great transition for the newlyweds to switch partners or get the guests to the dance floor. 

3. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kina Grannis or originally Elvis Presely 

(Crazy Rich Asians)

The lavish Singapore wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians takes the cake for being the most drool worthy wedding on the big screen. Kina Grannis’s interpretation on Elvis Presley’s original “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is everything you could want in a wedding song and more. Melodic, rich and lifting, this tune is sure to be a tearjerker. You could do the classic sway or speed it up and opt for a more dynamic waltz.  

4. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” – Frank Sinatra or Micheal Buble cover

 (The Proposal) 

Although the bride did not make it down the aisle in The Proposal we would be amiss if we didn’t include another classic Frank Sinatra masterpiece. Similar to “The Way You Look Tonight” this song has a soft jazz swing. However, unlike the other song, this pick is much more suited for a foxtrot. Charming and passionate, you can not go wrong with Sinatra.  

5. “I Do I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” – ABBA 

( Mamma Mia, Muriel’s Wedding) 

While the Swedish pop sensation has several wedding-worthy songs, this one is our favorite because it happens DURING the wedding in Mamma Mia. The cheerful vibe lends itself to easy dancing, no matter your skill level. Whether you opt for the original ABBA version or Meryl Streep cover, “I Do I Do, I Do, I Do” is sure to set the perfect reception mood. 

6. “Over the Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo 

(50 First Dates) 

“Love can overcome all” is the message at the end of 50 First Dates, backed by the beautiful mashup of two American classics by Hawaiian artist, Kamakawiwo. Maybe it’s the movie, but this melody would be idyllic on a beach. Especially if you’re exchanging vows in Hawaii, consider a local sound to accompany your introduction as a couple!

7. “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” – Franki Valli and the Four Seasons

 (10 Things I Hate About You) 

If you haven’t seen 10 Things I Hate About You, stop reading and go watch it right now. There are few things more romantic than Heath Ledger’s surprise serenade to Julia Stiles accompanied by a full band. This classic early 2000s movie is paired with an even more classic song. This quintessential Franki Valli song starts slow and builds for the perfect amount of drama. Dynamic and fun, this timeless piece would make an evergreen first dance.

8. “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” – Aerosmith 

(Armageddon) 

Sensual pop rock—if you know you know. “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” is featured in Armageddon as we watch two very different people fall in love in the midst of global collapse. What is more romantic than an asteroid collision? Although this movie is a science fiction disaster film, love is in the air. This dramatic rock ballad is perfect for an edgy couple, who doesn’t feel the need to slow dance the whole time. 

9. “Accidentally in Love” – Counting Crows 

(Shrek 2) 

The Counting Crows created this song especially for Shrek 2. If your love story was also unexpected, “Accidentally in Love” could strike the perfect chord. Upbeat pop lends itself to an easy sway, or you could level it up and choreograph a dance. 

10. “Today Was A Fairytale” – Taylor Swift 

(Valentines Day) 

Don’t worry Swifties, we didn’t forget about you. Since your wedding day should be a fairytale, what better way to cement the idea than a pop country ballad paying homage to the big day. Since this one is a little slower, a sway is ideal for those of us with two left feet. 

11. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” – Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes  

(Dirty Dancing)

This song is excellent for the couple ambitious enough to try the celebrated ~over the head~ lift that is featured at the end of Dirty Dancing. Do your own thing or learn the choreography from the film. Soft rock straight out of 1987 would be lots of fun live because it starts slow and intimate and grows–ideal for getting the party started. 

12. “My Cherie Amour” – Stevie Wonder 

(Silver Linings Playbook & Almost Famous) 

Although this song triggers bad memories for Bradley Cooper, we can’t ignore the brilliance of using “My Cherie Amour” for a first dance. The song is intimate, lovey-dovey and downright beautiful to listen to. It would be perfectly paired with a waltz or foxtrot. 

13. “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers 

(Ghost) 

Blacktux interviewed 900 couples and found that The Righteous Brothers take the cake for the most popular first dance song. Popular (without being basic)—there is a reason many couples select this song as the backdrop to their introduction as a pair. The pottery scene in Ghost is sexy to say the least, and the song could be easily adapted to fit your style. 

14. “It Had To Be You” – Harry Connick Jr. (movie version), Frank Sinatra (original)

(When Harry Met Sally) 

Yet another Sinatra, but our list would be incomplete without including part of the score of this 1989 flick. Your mother probably loves it and the song is easy to dance to. With slightly more swing, this jazz beat is equal parts intimate and lively. If you’re marrying your best friend, this song is a good option.

15. “Moon River” – Audrey Hepburn 

(Breakfast at Tiffany’s)

A departure from traditional first dance songs, “Moon River” is sincere, fanciful, and pretty. It is also only 1:50 long, ideal for a more low key couple who wants to celebrate the tradition without it being a focus of the party. A simple sway would be enough to convey the love and commitment in this melody. 

16. “City of Stars” – Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone

(La La Land)

La La Land swept at award shows in 2016–for good reason. Although (spoiler!) the two do not end up together in the end, the cinematography and love story are breathtaking. Nix the tap shoes (or keep them in for some flair) for some waltzing shoes to stun the crowd. You could even take inspiration from the choreography from the film. This song is on the softer side and is shorter than others on the list.   

17. “All I Want Is You” – Barry Louis Polisar

(Reality Bites)

This 90s cult classic starring Winona Ryder is one part coming of age, one part social commentary, and one part romantic epic. More recently the tune was featured in Juno, another flick about the intricacies of love. Upbeat and swingy, this is a great pick for a more casual first dance. Whimsical while still being romantic and more folky than other picks on our list, you could even throw in a two step.

18. “When I Look At You” – Miley Cryus

(The Last Song)

Dramatic and starry-eyed, this song could make a beautiful entrance for your reception. Inspired by Nicolas Sparks 2009 book, The Last Song is a coming of age teen romantic drama that sparked its own love story offscreen between Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. A sway or waltz could easily accompany this rock-esc pop song. A live piano performance would be beautiful just like the piano in the movie. 

19. “A Million Dreams” – The Greatest Showman Cast

(The Greatest Showman)

This hopeful and bright ballad debuted in 2017 and is sung by a star-studded cast. While the movie isn’t explicitly about falling in romantic love, it has every message a new marriage could hope for. This song is perfect for the dreamers and would be performed beautifully live. 

20. “More Than A Woman” – Bee Gees

 (Saturday Night Fever)

Check out our YouTube Playlist HERE to see the songs in action!