đ” Slow Dance Songs
You need to have 3 slow dance songs prepped for your wedding. (excluding formal dances) What will you play?
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With the rise of more upbeat music and happy vibes desired for background music at wedding receptions, I am seeing fewer and fewer slow songs for cocktail hours and dinner music. YEAH!
Thus, when planning a reception playlist, there are minimal times when all guests will dance to a slow song. This could include an anniversary dance too.
Have 3 slow dance songs in your pocket for every wedding.*
*Excluding formal dances such as the first dance and parent dances.
That being said, I thought I would share a few popular slow dance selections for every couple to dance during the reception. These are tried and true romantic slow songs. In addition, you will find 15 slow dance songs that are on streaming and buying charts that you could say are âhidden gemsâ that will motivate guests to dance with their lover.
15 Popular Slow Dance Songs
(In no particular order)
Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers
This is one song that many generations will recognize being that it hit the Billboard charts in the 1960s when released and again in 1990. The film âGhostâ revitalized the hit. Being a blue-eyed soul love song, I have seen many guests sing the lyrics to their lovers of varied ages.
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
This love song is a rock favorite for couples who celebrate their love for each other. Many couples have selected it for their first dance even today because the song tells of a man describing how beautiful his wife/girlfriend is - whatever the dancersâ situation. It is a song that couples can sway to the music even if they have two left feet.
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
The song was pulled back into the spotlight in 2018 when it was performed during the royal wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle. The tempo of the song is a tad bit faster to add a bit of levity. I have seen many age groups recognize this hit and time and again has proven to pack dance floors with couples. Tip: Prince Royce has a popular Latin cover.
I Don't Want to Miss a Thing - Aerosmith
The songâs presence in the film âArmageddonâ and the actors Bruce Willis and Liv Tyler (Aerosmithâs lead singer Steven Tylerâs daughter) brought visibility to the masses. This song has been incorporated into countless wedding soundtracks during many different moments - even for slow dancing.
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Itâs hard to believe that this track became so popular that it is landing on couplesâ do not playlists now. Lots of couples have selected it as their first dance song and for other aspects of the wedding. The song structure could involve a mix of slow dance elements, graceful movements, and dips or lifts depending on the dancersâ skills.
All of Me - John Legend
Being released in 2013, this love tune has proven to strengthen through a short-lived life to peak at the top of demand by couples wanting to slow dance. Legend is one of the biggest music artists and I predict this will replace many love songs of yesteryear - if it hasnât already.
Tennessee Whiskey - Chris Stapleton
Stapleton is one of the most decorated modern country artists with his classic country vibe. Many couples that donât like country music love Stapletonâs authenticity. True country dancers can two-step around the dance floor. Less skilled dancers can sway in each otherâs arms.
Canât Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
I claim CHFIL as the greatest wedding song of all time. Think about the number of covers that have made their way into wedding playlists including the Granniâs version featured in âCrazy Rich Asians. Elvis lives on for all ages. (Have you been to Vegas? He is still celebrated by many wedding couples today!)
Beautiful Crazy - Luke Combs
I could have selected a few of Combâs love songs. However, this is the song he selected to play for his own weddingâs first dance. I like this song because it talks about a man accepting his lover for who she is. The tempo is slower which makes it easy to dance to too.
Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
So many couples pretend they are dancing like they are in the music video with their partner showing their passion and love. Keep in mind that this mega-love song was released a decade ago. Even so, I think this song will stand the test of time and will remain a wedding favorite.
Speechless - Dan + Shay
Many couples had this song playing as the bride walked down the aisle and also for their first dance. I personally like the acoustic version of âYouâ more but it hasnât caught on as I thought it would. Dan + Shay is a crossover group between country and pop and will make more guests happy than a strict country song.
At Last - Etta James
Talk about standing the test of time - âAt Lastâ was released in 1960! A song of finally finding your one true love. Many couples today incorporate this song into their wedding day playlists and you can take advantage of that by bringing all of the couples to the dance floor.
A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Many people watching the âTwilight Sagaâ dreamed of this song playing at their own wedding just as Bella and Edward did. All young and young-at-heart couples can celebrate their love for each other with this popular movie classic.
Amazed - Lonestar
âAmazedâ is another track with a blend of country and pop vibes. It has been selected for many first dances and was played at many proms too in 1999 (I played it at every prom I DJâd in 1999) into the early 2000s. It is a great nostalgic love song to play for a slow dance.
Youâre Still The One - Shania Twain
YSTO is a favorite for married couples as I have seen this played for many anniversary dances. In addition, Twain is very popular right now from 90s country. If you are looking for an alternative to this, be sure to check out Teddy Swimsâ cover version. It is phenomenal with his raspy voice that injects so much emotion.
15 Newer Slow Dance Songs
(Unexpected 1990s to today)
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