🎵 I Have TOO Many First Dance Song Ideas

Overwhelmed by first dance song options? You’re not alone (here’s how to choose one you’ll love)

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A bride recently reached out to me, totally overwhelmed:

“I like TOO MANY songs!! I'm having a little difficulty narrowing down most of the playlists, but particularly struggling with the First Dance. I've started several Spotify playlists for each element of the ceremony and reception, but the First Dance list alone already has 75 songs on it! We don't have any dance studios nearby, so I'm looking on YouTube for tutorials as to what we may best be able to do and what songs correspond with those tutorials to help narrow things down. We don't really have any one song that we consider "our song," so that makes it a little more difficult.” ~Bride

75 songs! That’s not indecision. That’s someone who seriously loves music (which, honestly, I respect).

If that sounds like you, just know you’re not doing anything wrong. This is so common, especially for couples who love discovering music together but don’t have one obvious “our song” that immediately stands out.

So let’s talk about what you can do when you’ve got too many favorites, no dance studio nearby, and a first dance moment that’s creeping closer on the calendar.

You're Not Alone! This Is a Good Problem.

Here’s the truth: loving too many songs just means you care. You want the first dance to feel like you, not like some cookie-cutter moment off Pinterest/Instagram/TikTok. And you’re right to be thoughtful about it. But let’s take some pressure off.

You don’t have to find a song that makes everyone cry or that perfectly summarizes your entire relationship. That’s a lot to ask of 2 to 3.5 minutes. What you do need is a song that:

• You both like

• Feels natural to move to

• Makes you smile when you picture yourselves dancing to it

And yes, I said swaying. This doesn’t have to be “Dancing with the Stars”.

How to Narrow It Down (Without Losing Your Mind)

The bride who wrote to me mentioned that she’s been watching YouTube tutorials to see what kind of dancing they might be able to pull off. Smart! That’s exactly what I’d recommend if you don’t have access to a local dance studio.

Here’s how I suggest approaching the chaos of a 75-song list (and yes, I know this from my own Spotify playlist rabbit holes):

1. Start with what doesn’t work

This is elimination, not perfection. Put on each song and imagine dancing to it. Not in theory, but actually hit play and try a few steps in your kitchen or living room. If it feels off, too slow, too long, too awkward… delete it.

You’ll know. Some songs just don’t feel right when you’re in motion. I always say if you’re shuffling your feet waiting for the chorus to end… It’s not the one.

2. Listen to the lyrics

I get it - it’s easy to overthink this moment because it’s one of the only times everyone’s eyes are on just the two of you. That’s a lot of pressure for a single song. But remember, this is your dance, not a performance.

Some songs sound romantic… until you really tune in and realize they’re actually about heartbreak, regret, or a one-night stand. (Yep, including “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston.)

If a song tells a story and it feels close enough to yours, that’s a green flag.

What If You Don’t Have “Your Song”?

If you don’t have “your song,” that’s totally okay. You can make one yours. Many couples choose a song that simply fits the vibe they want to create in the moment.

Here are some ways to find meaning even without a big backstory:

• Pick an artist you both love

• Choose a track tied to a memory, like a road trip, a concert, or a movie you always quote

• Find a cover version of a favorite classic

• Or let the vibe lead. It doesn’t have to be lyrically perfect. It just has to feel good.

Still Stuck? Try the “3 & 3” Method

Here’s a simple trick that works when you’re both stuck in choice overload:

• You each pick your top 3 contenders

• Share them

• If there’s overlap, you might have found the winner!

• If not, talk about which one you could see yourselves dancing to, not just listening to on a date night

Sometimes the winner is the one that makes you both nod quietly and go, “Yeah… that’s the one.”

Reminder: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Can I give you one last piece of advice? The perfect first dance song doesn’t exist.

What makes the dance beautiful is the way you look at each other. The way your friends cheer. The way you sway together, maybe a little awkwardly, maybe a little emotionally, in the middle of it all.

That’s the part people will remember, not whether the song was ranked on a “Top 100” list.

And hey, if dancing in front of a crowd doesn’t feel right? Skip it. Have a private last dance at the end of the night. Or share a song alone at sunset before the reception begins. There are no rules here.

Need a Little Inspiration?

If you’re just starting your search or need a few fresh ideas to spark something, I’ve got a list of both unique and popular first dance songs that couples love, from timeless classics to underrated gems.

🎧 Need ideas? Browse my First Dance Playlist. It’s packed with crowd favorites, hidden gems, and modern classics to spark inspiration.

And if you're still building playlists for the rest of your wedding day, you're in the right place! Check out more curated lists on My Wedding Songs.

Thanks for reading!

Matthew Campbell

Wedding MusicLetter

P.S. Have you tried my 30-day wedding playlist challenge?