Are you planning on getting married soon? Or maybe one day? Or maybe you're in the #foreveralone club, but you still love love songs? If you fit any of these categories or care about music at all, this article is for you.
Of course there are a lot of important details that go into planning and executing a spectacular wedding. You need the dress, the guests, and the food. But what could really make or break your big day is the first dance song. Whatever song you and your significant other pick serves as a setting stone for your marital relationship. Here are a couple decently modern songs fit for this romantic occasion.
1. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran (2014)
This song didn't win Song of the Year at the 2016 Grammy's for nothing. It's beautifully crafted, with Sheeran using a good amount of his range to sing about promising to love someone until they're old. You could even get some inspiration for dance moves from the music video.
2. "Kiss Me" by Ed Sheeran (2011)
OK, so honestly almost any song by Ed Sheeran can be used as your first dance, but this one stands out for a variety of reasons. The music is subtle, and Sheeran's vocals are mostly quiet, which will result in guests at your wedding focusing more on you and your partner than the song. However, the song has gorgeous lyrics about falling in love and wanting to feel loved every time you kiss that special someone.
3. "You are in Love" by Taylor Swift (2014)
This girl is known for her hits about love, heartbreak, and everything relationship. This song penned by Swift is especially cute and romantic. It gives little snapshots of how a couple fell in love and when they realized it. It's soft, slow, and sweet, making it the perfect first dance song.
4. "All of Me" by John Legend (2013)
What's not to love about this song? You have John Legend's soothing voice, a pretty melody, and honestly beautiful lyrics. The piano is showcased in this slow track suiting the romantic, elegant vibe of a wedding.
5. "Truly Madly Deeply" by One Direction (2012)
Here's one for not only the boyband fans, but for the people who dream about love. This song is about feeling like you're living a dream because you're so in love with the person you're with. It's about being the underdog and finally getting the person of your dreams. There are nice little snapshots of the relationship through cute, vulnerable lyrics. Also, the music is lighthearted and acoustic.
6. "Little Things" by One Direction (2012)
And here comes Ed Sheeran again with his beautiful lyrics. Sheeran wrote this track and gave it to One Direction to record. It's about loving someone for everything, even their faults. The lyrics show how one person's flaws may be the reason someone falls in love with them.
7. "18" by One Direction (2014)
This is a great song if you're marrying your high school sweetheart or maybe even if it feels like you've been with your partner for a long time. It's about having the feeling of being young and in love for the rest of your life with your partner. It's about constantly continuing to learn about love and falling in love more each day. This song was also written by Ed Sheeran, so you can count on the lyrics being captivating and genuine.
8. "Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding (2015)
If you can disassociate this song with "Fifty Shades of Graey," then you can see how romantic it is. There's a nice, flowing melody and loving lyrics. Goulding's voice whisper-like vocals add to the softness of this track.
9. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Leona Lewis (2007)
This is a remake of Robert Flack's 1969 version. The song is incredibly vulnerable. It's about love at first sight and showcases how powerful love can be through humble lyrics and Lewis's strong vocals.
10. "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane (2004)
This song is for sure going to be my first dance song at my wedding whether my future husband likes it or not. It's full of great melodies and imagery. Keane talks about how he's getting older and life is going by, so he's looking for that someone to spend the rest of it with. The song describes having that special spot with someone through lyrics about love and nature. Overall it's just a really pretty song.
11. "Tattooed Heart" by Ariana Grande (2013)
This song is perfect for couples trying to compromise between contemporary and old-fashioned songs. "Tattooed Heart" is only a few years old, but sounds before its time. Grande's vocals soar as she sings about wanting a love like people had in the 1950s. It's definitely a sway-to-the-music kind of song.
12. "Nightingale" by Demi Lovato (2013)
In this song, Lovato sings about finding someone to make her feel good about herself and love her unconditionally. She admits to struggling—it's unclear exactly what she's struggling with—and needs someone to basically be her safety and sanity. She admits to full heartily needing the person by the bridge of this track.
13. "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey (2013)
If you're going for a more regal vibe on your big day, this song is a great fit. It has drama, both in the musical composition and in Lana Del Rey's vocals. The song is about coming to terms with the idea that someone will always love you, even when you're old and not as good looking as you once were. The love described in this song carries onto the afterlife as well.
14. "Tear in my Heart" by Twenty One Pilots (2015)
If you're looking for something a little unconventional, "Tear in my Heart" would make a great first dance song for you. It's more upbeat and full of weird lyrics. This track is about realizing that you have to get some bruises throughout your life to appreciate true love when you find it. Tyler Joseph sings about his wife and how she's his type of music, pain, and love.