2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs.

The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."

1. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran With over 2.9 billion plays, this 78 BPM ballad sets a romantic, cinematic tone. Bright D-major chords and lyrics about growing old together make it perfect for couples embracing the moment. Modern pop production keeps it fresh and timeless.

2. All of Me - John Legend Piano-led and deeply intimate, this track has been streamed over 2.9 billion times. Its 93% acousticness and moderate tempo focus attention on emotional connection rather than choreography. The song remains one of the most recognisable love anthems of the decade.

3. Everything - Michael Bublé At 123 BPM, this upbeat ballad blends crooning vocals with modern production, appealing to couples who want gentle movement. Its 400 million+ streams show it has long-standing popularity. Lyrics about devotion and closeness complete the perfect first-dance vibe.

4. Can't Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley A universally beloved first dance choice, with over 1.2 billion plays. The 98 BPM track is high in acoustic warmth (96%), and its simple, iconic lyrics ensure couples stay close and connected. Its timeless charm spans generations.

5. Make You Feel My Love - Adele A very slow 72 BPM ballad with 91% acousticness, this song has over 1.3 billion streams. Adele's powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics make it ideal for couples wanting to stay close and present. Its emotional intimacy is unmatched.

6. A Thousand Years - Christina Perri With more than 2.1 billion plays, this 73 BPM waltz captures fairy-tale romance. Ultra-acoustic warmth (94%) and lyrics about eternal love create a cinematic first-dance moment. Couples seeking classic charm find it irresistible.

7. Perfect - Ed Sheeran This modern 95 BPM waltz, the most-played in the top 10 with 3.7 billion streams, blends intimacy with gentle movement. Lower acousticness (16%) is balanced by clear, heartfelt lyrics. It's ideal for couples wanting a contemporary yet romantic feel.

8. Your Song - Elton John Piano-driven and timeless at 64 BPM, this classic has been streamed over 1.1 billion times. Its nostalgic charm and emotional depth resonate across generations, making it a go-to first dance. Simple, sincere lyrics amplify the romance.

9. At Last - Etta James Despite its 169 BPM listing, the swing feel makes it elegant and slow, perfect for dramatic first dances. With 644 million plays, its jazz instrumentation and iconic vocals make it cinematic. The song carries enduring cultural weight.

10. Beyond - Leon Bridges Modern, soulful, and ideal for intimate first dances, this 76 BPM track has over 450 million streams. Contemporary production is paired with classic romantic vocals, giving it both warmth and timeless appeal. Couples looking for understated elegance often choose it.

What Makes a Great First Dance Song? Insights from the Top 100 Analysis of the top 100 first dance songs reveals what makes a track perfect for couples. Most cluster between 110 and120 BPM, offering a comfortable pace that encourages gentle swaying without feeling rushed. The majority use a 4/4 time signature, which feels modern and easy to dance to, while a smaller portion in 3/4 provides the classic waltz elegance many couples imagine. Bright keys like D and A major naturally feel romantic, and moderate acousticness (averaging 43.9%) balances intimacy with polished production. Overall, these songs invite emotional connection first, offering just enough danceability to move gracefully while keeping the focus on the couple's moment.


How to Use This to Choose Your Best First Dance Song

Safest Choice: If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, top-tier favourites like Thinking Out Loud, All of Me, Everything, and A Thousand Years never miss.

Classic Feel: Planning a timeless, elegant wedding? Add iconic artists like Elvis, Elton John, Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole to your playlist for that vintage-romantic atmosphere.

Modern Appeal: For a contemporary feel, lean into modern love-song artists such as Ed Sheeran, John Legend, Christina Perri, Michael Bublé, Leon Bridges, and Adele.

Traditional Waltz: If you're dreaming of a classic first-dance moment, 3/4-time songs like Perfect, A Thousand Years, Can't Help Falling in Love, and At Last create that graceful, waltz-like sway.

Ultra Slow (under 80 BPM): For couples who want an intimate, emotional moment, consider slow ballads like Your Song, Make You Feel My Love, A Thousand Years, Thinking Out Loud, and Beyond.

Moderate Tempo (100–130 BPM): If you prefer a little more movement without speeding things up too much, songs like Everything, All of Me, Chasing Cars, Let's Stay Together, and Lucky strike the perfect balance.

Maximum Acousticness (90%+): For a soft, romantic feel, acoustic-leaning tracks like Can't Help Falling in Love, A Thousand Years, All of Me, and Make You Feel My Love keep the focus on emotion.

Modern Production (under 40% acoustic): If you love a polished, contemporary sound, songs like Perfect, Beyond, Everything, and Better Together deliver a clean, modern finish.

From First to Last Dance: Choosing the Perfect Reception Dress
Just as the right song sets the tone for your first dance, the right dress ensures you can move freely and dance the night away. For romantic sways, flowing A-line styles like Ana offer elegance with effortless movement. Brides wanting to twirl to livelier tunes can opt for stretch-lace column or fit-and-flare dresses such as Clo, combining comfort with sophistication.
And for those looking for a fun, playful twist, a shorter reception dress like Oona lets you move freely and show off your shoes while keeping it chic. "Your reception dress, like your first dance song, should feel like you: stunning, comfortable, and unforgettable," says Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace.