🎵 Slow Dance Songs

You need to have 3 slow dance songs prepped for your wedding. (excluding formal dances) What will you play?

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With the rise of more upbeat music and happy vibes desired for background music at wedding receptions, I am seeing fewer and fewer slow songs for cocktail hours and dinner music. YEAH!

Thus, when planning a reception playlist, there are minimal times when all guests will dance to a slow song. This could include an anniversary dance too.

Have 3 slow dance songs in your pocket for every wedding.*

*Excluding formal dances such as the first dance and parent dances.

That being said, I thought I would share a few popular slow dance selections for every couple to dance during the reception. These are tried and true romantic slow songs. In addition, you will find 15 slow dance songs that are on streaming and buying charts that you could say are “hidden gems” that will motivate guests to dance with their lover.

15 Popular Slow Dance Songs

(In no particular order)

1. Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers

   1. This is one song that many generations will recognize being that it hit the Billboard charts in the 1960s when released and again in 1990. The film ‘Ghost’ revitalized the hit. Being a blue-eyed soul love song, I have seen many guests sing the lyrics to their lovers of varied ages.

2. Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

   1. This love song is a rock favorite for couples who celebrate their love for each other. Many couples have selected it for their first dance even today because the song tells of a man describing how beautiful his wife/girlfriend is - whatever the dancers’ situation. It is a song that couples can sway to the music even if they have two left feet.

3. Stand By Me - Ben E. King

   1. The song was pulled back into the spotlight in 2018 when it was performed during the royal wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle. The tempo of the song is a tad bit faster to add a bit of levity. I have seen many age groups recognize this hit and time and again has proven to pack dance floors with couples. Tip: Prince Royce has a popular Latin cover.