First Dance Songs Our Couples Love: This Year’s Favorites, Next Year’s Trends, and Tips from a DJ

Your first dance is one of the few moments during the reception when every single guest is watching. The talking stops, the phones come out, and for about three minutes it’s just the two of you on the dance floor. It’s one of the most magical moments of the whole night, and the song you choose sets the tone for all of it.

After more than 20 years of DJing weddings, we've played a lot of first dances. And every year, we notice the same songs showing up again and again on our couples' lists. Some of them are brand new, and some have been wedding favorites for decades. If you're still trying to decide on yours, here's what our couples have been choosing this year, plus a few predictions for next year.

The Most Requested First Dance Songs This Year

1. "Weight of Your World" – Chris Stapleton

This was the number one first dance song for our couples this year, and honestly, it wasn't even close. It's heartfelt without being over the top, and it fits just about any couple.

2. "Can't Help Falling in Love" – Elvis Presley

Some songs just never go out of style. Couples have been dancing to this one for generations, and it still gets the whole room quiet every time.

3. "Wondering Why" – The Red Clay Strays

This one has really taken off. It has that soulful, old-school sound, and it's a great pick for couples who want something a little different.

4. "Speechless" – Dan + Shay

This song was written for a wedding, and you can tell. It's been a staple on our couples' lists for a while now and it will probably continue to be. 

5. "Joy of My Life" – Chris Stapleton

That's right, Chris Stapleton made our top five twice!

Chris Stapleton and Dan + Shay Are Everywhere

If you're noticing a pattern, so are we. Chris Stapleton and Dan + Shay have been the most popular artists for first dances this year by far. Along with the songs above, we've also had couples choose Dan + Shay's "From the Ground Up" and "You." If you're stuck and don't know where to start, listening through either of these artists is a pretty safe bet.

The Classics Never Go Out of Style

Not every couple wants the newest song on the radio, and we love that. We still see plenty of couples choose the classics, like:

• "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" – Frankie Valli

• "At Last" – Etta James 

• "Can't Help Falling in Love" – Elvis Presley

These songs have been played at weddings for decades because they just work. Your grandparents will love them, and so will everyone else.

More Songs Our Couples Loved

Here are a few more songs that showed up on our couples' lists this year:

• "Turning Page" – Sleeping At Last 

• "Ordinary" – Alex Warren

• "Bless the Broken Road" – Rascal Flatts

• "Lifetime" – Justin Bieber

Fun fact: "Ordinary" by Alex Warren was named the most popular first dance song of 2025 by UK dance instructor Amy Nelson of Wedding Day Dance UK, so it's no surprise we're seeing it with our couples too!

Is Your First Dance Song Too Long?

This is something we see all the time, especially with older music. A lot of these songs run longer than you'd think, and that's a long time to sway in front of all your friends and family (trust us, it feels even longer when you're the one dancing!). By the last chorus, guests are checking their phones and you're wondering how much longer you have to go.

The good news? You don't have to pick a different song. Your DJ can cut it down to the best part and fade it out smoothly so nobody even notices. Some couples also dance to the first half and then invite everyone else to join them on the dance floor for the rest.

Should You Choreograph Your First Dance?

Every once in a while, a couple steps onto the dance floor and absolutely blows everyone away. Over the years, we've seen some beautifully choreographed first dances that truly took our breath away. The dips, the spins, the perfectly timed moves... it really makes the moment magical.

But here's the thing. We've also heard from couples that learning a full routine made them stressed or anxious. Between all the other wedding planning, practicing a whole dance (and worrying about forgetting a step in front of everyone you know) can feel like just one more thing on the to-do list.

Our recommendation? Meet in the middle. Choreograph a few cool moves you can pull out during the song, or just plan out the beginning or the ending. A big dip at the end or a fun spin when the chorus hits goes a long way! That way, you're not stressing over every step, and you can actually enjoy your dance while still giving your guests something fun and impressive to watch.

But ultimately, the first dance is for the two of you and no one else. Whether you slow sway the whole time or put on a full show, it should be something you're both comfortable with.

Our Predictions for Next Year

So what will couples be dancing to next year? Here's what we think:

• Shorter first dances. More and more couples are choosing a shortened version of their song so they can get to the party faster. The wedding podcast at My Wedding Songs even named short "studio edits" one of the big first dance trends of 2026, and we expect to see even more of it next year.

• Slow to fast. Some couples are starting their first dance slow and romantic, then switching to an upbeat song and getting everyone out on the dance floor. County Weddings has noticed the same thing, with first dances that start out intimate and build into something upbeat that invites guests to join in. It's a fun way to kick off the party, and we think it's going to keep growing.

• Country will keep climbing. Between Chris Stapleton and The Red Clay Strays topping our list, it's clear our couples love that soulful country sound, and we don't see that slowing down.

• The classics will stay classic. Elvis, Etta James, and Frankie Valli will keep showing up, especially for couples who want something timeless.

• More couples will choose a song that means something to them. Whether it's the song from your first date or the one you always sing in the car together, a song with a story behind it will always beat whatever is trending.

Still Can't Decide?

Picking your first dance song is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be stressful. Listen to a few options together and pay attention to which one makes you both stop and smile.

And if you need help, just ask us! After more than 20 years of first dances, we've seen it all, and we're always happy to help you find the song that fits the two of you. Fill out our contact form and let's start planning your reception. With BRAVO Live, you get "Peace of Mind…Every Time."