First dance / Classic
At Last
Etta James
For the couple who wants a slow, elegant moment and a little old-school drama.
Wedding music ideas
Find your dance song
Choose a first dance or family dance, listen to a recording, and keep the songs you want to try together.
A note from Paul
Try dancing to the recording together before you decide.
If you love the chorus but the intro feels long, tell your DJ where you’d like to start. A family dance can be shared, combined or skipped.
First dance / Upbeat
You Are the Best Thing
Ray LaMontagne
A warmer, livelier start if a very slow dance does not feel like the two of you.
First dance / Classic
Can't Help Falling in Love
Elvis Presley
A familiar, unhurried choice. Make sure your DJ has the recording you actually mean.
First dance / Soulful
Beyond
Leon Bridges
A soulful option when you want the moment to feel intimate rather than theatrical.
Father–daughter / Upbeat
My Girl
The Temptations
A lighter, smiling option for a father–daughter dance that does not need to become a tear contest.
Father–daughter / Upbeat
Father and Daughter
Paul Simon
For a warm, easygoing family moment with a little more movement.
Father–daughter / Country
I Loved Her First
Heartland
A sentimental country choice when you want the father–daughter relationship at the center.
Father–daughter / Country
My Little Girl
Tim McGraw
A tender option for a family that connects with country music and a more emotional dance.
Mother–son / Soulful
A Song for Mama
Boyz II Men
An openly heartfelt R&B choice for a mother–son dance. Decide on the length before the night.
Mother–son / Upbeat
Forever Young
Rod Stewart
For a family moment with a hopeful, bigger-room feeling. Confirm this Rod Stewart version.
Mother–son / Country
My Wish
Rascal Flatts
A country option that can also suit another parent, mentor or important person in your life.
Mother–son / Sentimental
You'll Be in My Heart
Phil Collins
A familiar family connection if this song already means something to you. Listen together first.
No songs match. Try another dance, choose Any feeling, or clear your search.
Listen links open Apple Music. Check the artist and recording before adding your final choice to the DJ’s list.
The Mic Check / Paul Grassi
How long should your first dance be?
Paul’s take on choosing who you dance with, which song to use and how long to stay on the floor.
Read Paul’s dance advice ↗The feeling, in music
A song can say it for you.
Think about the people in the moment and the version you want them to hear.
The meaning
The words, the memory or the person it brings to mind.
The moment
Entrance, first dance, family dance or the party.
The details
Artist, version and any cue your DJ should know.