June 20, 2025

Top First Dance Songs to Consider in 2025

Your first dance isn’t just a tradition—it’s the first moment you and your partner step into a shared spotlight as a married couple. It’s emotional. Intimate. And it deserves a soundtrack that means something to you both.

At BookLiveMusicKC, we’ve helped countless couples across Kansas City find their perfect first dance song and bring it to life with a live performance that feels uniquely theirs. Whether you're after timeless romance or something modern with a twist, this curated list of first dance songs for 2025 can help guide your search.


Classic First Dance Songs That Never Fade

Some songs just don’t age. These enduring classics continue to make hearts melt in every decade

  • "At Last" – Etta James
    A soulful staple for couples who want to highlight a story of long-awaited love.
  • "Can’t Help Falling in Love" – Elvis Presley
    Gentle, poetic, and full of timeless charm.
  • "Unforgettable" – Nat King Cole
    Sophisticated and elegant with rich vocals.
  • "The Way You Look Tonight" – Frank Sinatra
    Perfect for a formal reception with an Old Hollywood feel.


Modern Favorites for 2025 Couples

These contemporary songs have quickly become first dance staples for couples who want fresh, relatable romance:


  • "Perfect" – Ed Sheeran
    Arguably the most popular first dance song in the last 5 years—for good reason.
  • "All of Me" – John Legend
    Heartfelt lyrics and piano-driven passion.
  • "Don't Know Why" – Norah Jones
    Smooth, jazzy, and effortlessly romantic.
  • "Just the Two of Us" – Bill Withers & Grover Washington Jr.
    Laid-back and full of soul with an uplifting groove.
  • "Just the Way You Are" – Billy Joel
    A timeless message of unconditional love.


Unique and Underrated Gems

Want something that doesn’t show up on every wedding playlist? Consider these classic jazz-inspired treasures:


  • "The Nearness of You" – Norah Jones
    Delicate, dreamy, and rich with emotion.
  • "Cheek to Cheek" – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
    Light, charming, and joyful—perfect for vintage-themed receptions.
  • "Our Love Is Here to Stay" – Billie Holiday
    A warm and optimistic jazz standard.
  • "Moonglow" – Nat King Cole
    Romantic and timeless with a swing-era elegance.
  • "What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong
    A sentimental choice that feels like a hug in song form.


Instrumentals and Jazz Renditions for a Classy Touch

For couples who want something elegant without lyrics, instrumental or jazz covers can add sophistication:

  • Acoustic guitar versions of your favorite pop songs
  • Jazz trio interpretations of Frank Ocean or Billie Eilish
  • Piano arrangements of cinematic themes (think La La Land)


BookLiveMusicKC offers all of these possibilities with live musicians who can tailor the vibe to fit your venue, timeline, and aesthetic.


Why a Live Band Elevates the First Dance

When your first dance song is played live, it becomes more than just a tune—it becomes part of your memory.

The vocals breathe with emotion. The tempo adjusts to your movement. The energy is real, unfolding in real time in front of the people you love.

And if you're nervous about the spotlight? A live band naturally sets the mood and helps ease you into the moment.


Let’s Find Your Song and Make It Unforgettable

At BookLiveMusicKC, we help you select the perfect song and deliver a performance that fits your story. Whether you're dancing under the stars in Overland Park or on a ballroom floor in downtown Kansas City, we’re here to create a first dance that truly reflects you.

Contact us today to start planning your music experience and book your First Live Music Performance.