Still looking for a wedding band?
Planning your first dance and still looking for a band? We perform across Ireland and can learn your song, then keep the dancefloor full all night.
Check date availabilityChoosing your first dance song is one of the most personal decisions you'll make for your wedding. After playing over 500 real weddings across Ireland, we've seen what works, what surprises guests, and what gets everyone emotional in the best way. (And if you're curious about wedding band prices in Ireland or considering a wedding DJ add-on, we've got you covered there too!)
This guide shares the 65 most requested first dance songs at Irish weddings, organised by style, plus practical tips for making your choice.
Top 10 First Dance Songs in Ireland (2026)
Based on our bookings and requests over the past two years:
| # | Song | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perfect | Ed Sheeran |
| 2 | Thinking Out Loud | Ed Sheeran |
| 3 | At Last | Etta James |
| 4 | Can't Help Falling in Love | Elvis Presley |
| 5 | All of Me | John Legend |
| 6 | Crazy Love | Van Morrison |
| 7 | A Thousand Years | Christina Perri |
| 8 | Make You Feel My Love | Adele/Bob Dylan |
| 9 | I Don't Want to Miss a Thing | Aerosmith |
| 10 | You Are the Best Thing | Ray LaMontagne |
Want to hear these first dance songs live?
Come to our live showcase to hear how a first dance feels with a full band, then jump to the availability form if you already have a date in mind.
Musician's Tip
Ed Sheeran songs are popular for good reason — they're romantic and easy to dance to. But if you want something less common, consider "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison. It's unmistakably Irish, beautifully romantic, and not overdone.
Classic First Dance Songs
Timeless choices that never go out of style:
| The Way You Look Tonight | Frank Sinatra |
| Unchained Melody | The Righteous Brothers |
| Stand By Me | Ben E. King |
| At Last | Etta James |
| L-O-V-E | Nat King Cole |
| The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face | Roberta Flack |
| Wonderful Tonight | Eric Clapton |
| Have I Told You Lately | Van Morrison |
| When a Man Loves a Woman | Percy Sledge |
| You Send Me | Sam Cooke |
Modern Romantic Songs
Contemporary hits that work beautifully for first dances:
| Perfect | Ed Sheeran |
| Thinking Out Loud | Ed Sheeran |
| All of Me | John Legend |
| A Thousand Years | Christina Perri |
| Marry Me | Train |
| Say You Won't Let Go | James Arthur |
| I'm Yours | Jason Mraz |
| Better Together | Jack Johnson |
| You Are the Best Thing | Ray LaMontagne |
| Never Stop | SafetySuit |
Irish First Dance Songs
For couples who want something distinctly Irish:
| Crazy Love | Van Morrison |
| Have I Told You Lately | Van Morrison |
| Into the Mystic | Van Morrison |
| She Moved Through the Fair | Traditional |
| Raglan Road | Luke Kelly |
| When You Say Nothing at All | Ronan Keating |
| Nothing Compares 2 U | Sinéad O'Connor |
| The Parting Glass | Traditional |
Upbeat First Dance Songs
Not every couple wants a slow dance. These get the party started:
| You're My Best Friend | Queen |
| I Wanna Dance with Somebody | Whitney Houston |
| Signed Sealed Delivered | Stevie Wonder |
| You Make My Dreams | Hall & Oates |
| Shut Up and Dance | Walk the Moon |
| I Gotta Feeling | Black Eyed Peas |
| Happy | Pharrell Williams |
| Lovely Day | Bill Withers |
Upbeat Dance Tip
If you choose an upbeat song, consider inviting guests to join you after the first minute. It takes the pressure off and gets the party started immediately.
Tips for Choosing Your First Dance Song
1. Consider the Length
Most first dance songs are 3-4 minutes, but that can feel long when everyone's watching. We can shorten any song to 2-2.5 minutes, keeping the best parts and making the transition natural.
2. Think About the Lyrics
Listen carefully to the full lyrics. Some seemingly romantic songs have verses about breakups or loss. "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, for example, is actually quite dark when you pay attention.
3. Practice (A Little)
You don't need choreography, but dancing together a few times before the wedding helps. Even just swaying in your kitchen removes the awkwardness.
4. Consider a Live Version
A live band performance of your song adds intimacy and uniqueness. We can adjust the tempo, add personal touches, or create a medley if you can't choose between two songs.
5. It Doesn't Have to Be "Your Song"
If you don't have an obvious choice, pick something you both enjoy that sets the right mood. Many couples choose their first dance song specifically for the wedding rather than a pre-existing "our song."
Songs We're Asked to Learn Most Often
These aren't in our standard repertoire but are frequently requested:
- Songbird — Fleetwood Mac
- Sea of Love — Cat Power version
- Harvest Moon — Neil Young
- First Day of My Life — Bright Eyes
- Such Great Heights — The Postal Service
- Ho Hey — The Lumineers
We're always happy to learn a special song for your first dance — just give us a few weeks notice.
Need Help Choosing?
Come to our live showcase and hear how we perform first dance songs. We can chat about your options afterwards.
Reserve Showcase SpotRelated Guides
- How to Choose a Wedding Band
- Wedding Band vs DJ: Which is Right for You?
- Our Full Song List
- Wedding Band Pricing Guide
Book a Band Near You
We perform first dances at weddings across Ireland. Find your county: