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The day and after · First dance and traditions

What are some classic first dance songs?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For parents

Short answer

Classic first dance songs include 'At Last' by Etta James, 'Unchained Melody' by The Righteous Brothers, 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Elvis Presley, 'The Way You Look Tonight' by Frank Sinatra, and 'Wonderful Tonight' by Eric Clapton.

Classic first dance songs have stood the test of time. They are romantic, familiar and often make guests feel a little emotional. 'At Last' by Etta James is a favourite for its sweeping melody and joyful lyrics. 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Elvis Presley is gentle and timeless. 'The Way You Look Tonight' by Frank Sinatra feels elegant and warm. 'Unchained Melody' by The Righteous Brothers is dramatic and heartfelt. 'Wonderful Tonight' by Eric Clapton is slow and intimate. Other classics include 'Make You Feel My Love' by Adele or Bob Dylan, 'Thinking Out Loud' by Ed Sheeran, and 'All of Me' by John Legend. When choosing a classic, think about the tempo and how comfortable you feel dancing to it. Some classics are quite slow, so you may want to practise a simple sway or a few turns. You could also choose a live version that feels more personal. The right classic song will feel familiar to your guests and meaningful to you. It does not need to be the most original choice, it just needs to feel true to your relationship.

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