10 Cheesy Love Songs You Shouldn't Choose For Your First Dance & 10 Great Romantic Options
10 Cheesy Love Songs You Shouldn't Choose For Your First Dance & 10 Great Romantic Options
First Dance Songs
The first dance is a moment you’ll never forget. But when it comes to choosing a first dance song, not all love songs are created equal. In fact, some are so trite and overdone, they’re almost painful to listen to. With that in mind, here are 10 cheesy songs to avoid, and 10 better ones to choose.
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1. I Will Always Love You
"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, while a classic and powerful ballad, may be a bit over the top and melodramatic for a first dance. The intensity of the vocals and the soaring emotion can feel like a lot for a moment that is meant to be romantic and intimate. It might be better to choose a song that feels more personal.
2. My Heart Will Go On
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion is an epic, cinematic ballad, but it can come across as overly sentimental and melodramatic for a first dance. Additionally, its strong association with Titanic may make the moment feel more like a reenactment of a movie scene than a personal celebration. Couples seeking a more genuine and intimate vibe may want to consider a different song.
3. All of Me
“All of Me” by John Legend is a song that is most definitely romantic. However, some couples would say the song is too predictable or cliché for their first dance. If a song is overdone at weddings, then it is not going to make the dance about you as a couple; instead, everyone will know the song.
4. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith is a power ballad. Its soaring, dramatic style may feel too over-the-top for a first dance. The song’s larger-than-life emotion can overshadow the intimate, personal connection couples want to convey.
5. Unchained Melody
“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers: While a timeless classic, its sweeping, dramatic style can feel overly sentimental for a first dance. Its heavy emotional intensity may make the moment feel more like a performance than a personal celebration. Couples seeking a relaxed and intimate vibe might prefer a different song.
6. Baby
“Baby” by Justin Bieber is a fun and infectious pop song. However, it’s often too youthful and playful for a first dance. Its lighthearted, teen-focused lyrics can make the moment feel less romantic and more like a fun nostalgia trip.
7. Love Story
“Love Story” by Taylor Swift is a romantic power ballad, but it might sound either juvenile or over the top depending on your audience. The fairytale lyrics may not appeal to all of your guests or pair with a more sophisticated, subdued wedding aesthetic. If you want a song that will resonate with everyone, think about a first dance tune with a personalized flare.
8. Just the Way You Are
While “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars is, without a doubt, sweet, the sugary lyrics are also a bit cliché. This is not a terribly complex song, so it may leave a first dance feeling a bit predictable. If you are looking for lyrics that more deeply speak to your love for each other, you may want to consider something else.
9. Can’t Help Falling in Love
Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" is a classic, timeless song, but its mellow and sentimental style may be seen as too traditional or safe for a first dance. In addition, it is a song that is so often played at weddings that it can take some of the specialness out of the moment, making it feel a little too ordinary and expected. Couples looking for a more unique or modern feel might want to choose a different song.
10. A Thousand Years
“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri is a popular romantic ballad. However, its slow, dramatic style can be overly sentimental for a first dance. It’s also been used so frequently at weddings that the moment may not feel as uniquely special as you’d like.
Now that we talked about 10 cheesy picks to avoid, here are 10 fun ones to pick instead.
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1. Stand By Me
"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King is a classic and enduringly romantic first dance song choice. Its heartfelt lyrics and slow, steady tempo provide a sincere and intimate atmosphere. The song's message of love and support is universally appealing and meaningful.
2. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" is a joyful, romantic, and classic song that's perfect for the first dance. It's playful, charming, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face. Its lively tempo and sweet lyrics are sure to create a fun and memorable moment for the couple and their guests.
3. Chasing Cars
"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol offers a soft and emotively powerful first dance option. The slow, heartfelt melody sets a gentle and intimate atmosphere. The lyrics speak of connection and devotion in a straightforward yet profound way, making it ideal for expressing love sincerely.
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4. Isn’t She Lovely
“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder is a wonderful, upbeat first dance song. It is cheerful and celebratory and is also very versatile. The playful melody and exuberance will create a fun, romantic, and very memorable first dance.
5. Thinking Out Loud
“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran is a timeless and romantic song that has become a popular choice for first dances at weddings and other celebrations. The lyrics express a deep and enduring love, with the singer promising to be there for his partner. The melody is gentle and slow, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
6. Just the Two of Us
This classic is a jazzy, romantic, and upbeat choice for your first dance. First released in 1980, the song has been reintroduced to a new generation in recent years. The song's lively tempo and meaningful lyrics make for a great alternative to a slow dance.
7. Love on Top
“Love On Top” by Beyoncé is an upbeat, energetic song that will get everyone in the room moving. Its infectious melody and positive lyrics allow for easy participation from both the couple and the guests, making it a great choice for a first dance celebration.
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8. Somebody to Love
Queen's "Somebody to Love" is a soulful, dynamic track that's a strong choice for a first dance. The passionate vocals and heartfelt lyrics about love and connection are both meaningful and uplifting for couples, and the energy and power of the song make it a memorable, sing-along-worthy moment that your guests are sure to love.
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9. Dancing in the Moonlight
"Dancing in the Moonlight" by Toploader is a light-hearted, feel-good song that's perfect for a first dance. It's a happy, upbeat tune that will make your guests smile and have a great time. The melody is breezy and light, and the lyrics are about enjoying the moment.
10. So This Is Love
“So This Is Love” from Cinderella is a beautiful and timeless classic first dance song. It’s light, sweet, and pure. This ballad has a magical quality that’s perfect for the big day.
