20 Best First Dance Songs from Films
10 min

20 Best First Dance Songs From Films

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“Darling, don’t be afraid

I have loved you for a thousand years

I’ll love you for a thousand more” 

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“I will feel a glow just thinking of you

And the way you look tonight” 

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.  

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“Take my hand

Take my whole life, too

For I can’t help falling in love with you”

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.  

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“I would sacrifice anything come what might

For the sake of having you near”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“Oh, I’ve been dreaming through my lonely past

Now I just made it, I found you at last” 

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!

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“And the dreams that you dreamed of

Dreams really do come true, ooh-ooh” 

“I’ll watch them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world”

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.

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“Pardon the way that I stare

There’s nothin’ else to compare

The sight of you leaves me weak”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“And thank God we’re together

And I just want to stay with you in this moment forever

Forever and ever”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“Well baby I surrender

To the strawberry ice cream

Never ever end of all this love

Well I didn’t mean to do it

But there’s no escaping your love, oh”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“… Can you feel this magic in the air?

It must have been the way you kissed me

Fell in love when I saw you standing there

It must have been the way

Today was a fairytale”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“I’ve been waiting for so long

Now I’ve finally found someone to stand by me

Just remember

You’re the one thing

I can’t get enough of”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“My Cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore

You’re the only girl my heart beats for”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“Woah, my love, my darling

I’ve hungered, hungered for your touch”

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.

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“I wandered around, and I finally found

The somebody who

Could make me be true”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“We’re after the same rainbow’s end

Waitin’ ’round the bend

My huckleberry friend

Moon river and me”

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.   

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you

That now, our dreams

They’ve finally come true”

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.

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“All I want is you, will you be my bride

Take me by the hand and stand by my side?”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“You love me for who I am

Like the stars hold the moon

Right there where they belong”

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. 

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“However big, however small

Let me be part of it all

Share your dreams with me”

20. “More Than A Woman” – Bee Gees

 (Saturday Night Fever)

Wedding Worthy Lyrics: 

“Oh, say you’ll always be my baby, we can make it shine

We can take forever, just a minute at a time”

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

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11 min

20 Perfect Mother-Son Dance Songs for Weddings

wedding song playlist

If you are looking for the perfect song to celebrate the connection between a mother and her son on his wedding day, then you are sure to fall head over heels for one of these mother-son dance songs. This list contains a variety of different song types with the first six being the most requested mother and son wedding dance songs according to Hipster Mama Productions. Picking the perfect mother-son wedding dance song is just as important as the father-daughter dance song, so get on your feet and get ready to dance around to any one of these songs!

1. “Forever Now” by Michael Bublé

This three minute song is perfect to show any wedding guest how deep a connection the mother-son pair share. The song describes the love between a parent and their child, which creates the perfect environment for a mother and her son to dance through. Bublé’s lyric, “as time flies by I hope you realize that I love you forever now,” is sure to bring tears to anyone’s eye. Bublé’s slow paced sound with a few pick-up beats is great for slow dancing and long embraces on the dance floor.

2. “Days Like This” by Van Morrison

Morrison sings about “days like this” where he mentions small pieces of advice his mother has given him. This song is mellow but also holds place for the saxophone to add some jazz to the song. Morrison has created the perfect up-beat song that any mother-son pair can slow dance to while also smiling wide. 

3. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womback

A song with a country and folk feel, “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womback is the perfect song that is sung from the mother’s point of view. Womback details all of her aspirations for her child, which is sure to touch any mother’s heart. While any mother is sure to resonate with the words of Womback, any son is sure to feel them as well as he holds his mother while they dance.

4. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts

In the melody, the Rascal Flatts sing, “my wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to,” which will touch the souls of the mother-son pair as well as anyone in attendance at the wedding because of the newly wedded couple. A country song, Rascal Flatts creates a beat coupled with lyrics that will leave any mother and son floating in a pool of nostalgia. 

5. “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins 

A song about keeping another in their heart with a melody that will make you want to sing and shout. This song gives the son the perfect opportunity to slow dance, hug, and spin his mother around the dance floor. Collins sings from the heart and it is easy to feel the genuine love that exists in the song, “You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins. 

A song that will cause any mother to reminisce on the days when her son was just a baby, “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart takes the listener on a journey of the times that existed long ago. If you are looking to do more than slow dance, Stewart provides the ability to do so with this rock-like feel song. The beat will make anyone’s shoulders sway side to side and may even bring a tear to an eye. 

7. “Mother” by Michael Bublé

“Mother” by Michael Bublé encapsulates Bublé singing to his own mother. Bublé’s lyrics seem to function as a “thank you” for all that his own mother has done for him. This song is the perfect tribute to any mother with catchy and meaningful lyrics. Get your tissues ready because both the mother and son will be in tears after dancing to this song.

8.“Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry

With another tribute to a mother, The Band Perry sings about a mother and the qualities that they have gathered from their own mothers. The lyric, “we walk on grass that’s greener, and our cares would all be freer if the world had a mother like mine,” stands out. This song is great for showing others how magnificent your mother is while also making sure your mother knows how much she means to you. The beat of this song is slow and soft which is perfect for a calm vibe. 

9. “Extraordinary Magic” by Ben Rector 

Another tearjerker, this slow song does not directly address a mother, but the singer talks about seeing, “extraordinary magic in you,” which is a beautiful lyric for any son to convey to his mother. The slow sound of the piano also creates an element of beauty that is perfect to dance to. If you are looking for a slow song that is sure to tell your mother how much she means to you without the song’s lyrics directly addressing a mother, then this song is perfect. 

10. “Thank You Mom” by Good Charlotte

A more upbeat song that would allow any mother-son pair to add their own spin on the traditional slow dance, Good Charlotte creates a shoulder-shaking beat tributed to mom. The lyrics thank mom and express their love and gratitude for her, which is perfect for letting your mom know how much she means to you. Get ready to slow dance, bob your head, and throw in a few spins with “Thank You Mom.”

11. “Mama Said” by The Shirelles

A funky and groovy song, “Mama Said” by the Shirelles is the best combo of old school music and an upbeat vibe. This song is best for adding in old school moves like twist, moonwalk, and lawn mower. The song is also fairly short, clocking in at two minutes, which is great for any pair that does not want to be out on the floor for too long. If you and your mother are looking for a spunky mother-son dance song, then this song has it all. 

12. “Forever And Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis

Randy Travis’ classic voice is exceptional as he sings, “I am going to love you forever.” The lyrics in “Forever And Ever, Amen” are meaningful and give the son in the mother-son pair the opportunity to tell his mother how much he loves her. This song is the obvious choice for your mother-son dance if your main goal is to make sure your mother walks off the floor knowing how much you appreciate and love her. 

13. “He Gets That From Me” by Reba McEntire

An early 2000s song, Reba McEntire describes what her son gets from her from physical features to characteristics. This song is from the mother’s point of view, which can be meaningful for any mother during the mother-son dance. The song’s essence is sweet and encapsulates the growth of McEntire’s own son, creating an overall meaningful and pure song that is great for any mother-son pair.

14. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor

In another blast from the past, the 1975 release of “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor is a song both the mother and son pair can sing to each other. The song focuses on “how sweet it is to be loved by you,” as given by the song title, but when it is combined with the tambourine and saxophone, any mother-son pair are sure to be dancing with ease out on the dance floor. 

15. “A Mother’s Prayer” by Céline Dion

“A Mother’s Prayer” by Céline Dion is a slow song sung from the mother’s point of view. The song is slow moving, but also magical because there is a focus on the symphony in the background. Dion sings about what she wishes for her baby, which ought to resonate with any mother. 

16. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

A 1980s classic, Bette Midler’s song, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” is catchy and will make any mother-son pair sing loudly, “did you know you are my hero?” The song is a great tribute to any mother or son as it focuses on the value and effect that another person has on the other. This song is great for a classic old school slow dance. 

17. “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder

A song that has both male and female voices, this gives the opportunity for the masculine and the feminine to be expressed in a single song. The song itself is positive and expresses love through words like, “you are the apple of my eye.” If you are looking to share an upbeat and quick dance with your mother on your big day, then this song is a great contender. 

18. “Dear Mama” by 2Pac

An old school hip-hop classic by 2Pac, “Dear Mama” is a tribute to any mother. This song is sung from the son’s point of view. As 2Pac sings about his mother, the listener is able to feel how much love 2Pac has for his mother. This song is great for making sure your mother knows how much you love and appreciate her in classic hip-hop style. If you and your mother are lovers of old school hip-hop, then dancing around to this song on your wedding day is great for the mother-son pair. 

19.  “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

One of the most played songs by Fleetwood Mac, it is clear that “Landslide” is a fan favorite. A smooth and classic slow song, this beat is perfect for a mother-son pair looking to glide across the dance floor. The lyric, “children get older, and I am getting older too,” is perfect to represent the coming of age of the major life event of marriage for the son in the mother-son pair.  

20. “Mom” by Garth Brooks

To wrap the countdown up, Garth Brook’s voice allows any listener to drift away. The song is sung from the son’s point of view and describes how there is nothing better than mother’s love. Each lyric in the song is well crafted and beyond meaningful for any mother-son pair. If you are looking for a song where each word sung is meant for a mother’s ear, then this song is great for your mother-son dance. 

When dancing on your big day with your mother, it is important to have a song that is… 

  1. Meaningful to you both. 
  2. A song that is correlated with your dancing style. Think about whether or not you want to slow dance or add in a mixed style of dancing. This will help you choose which song you want to boogie to with your mother on your big day. 
  3. Consider song length. If the dance floor scares you, be on the lookout for songs that aren’t as long!
  4. One where the lyrics speak to you. It is important to have a song that is meaningful to you both, so choose wisely. 
  5. A tearjerker. Get your tissues ready because regardless of the song you choose, it is sure that you will shed a tear as you remember this moment for years to come. 

You now have a selection of songs to choose from! There are songs sung from the mother’s point of view, the son’s point of view, a mix of both, and songs purely about love. If you find yourself not resonating with many of the songs listed, take a glance at these father-daughter dance songs and see if one of those calls to you. Now, prepare yourself to share an experience with your mother that you both will remember for the rest of your lives!

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