.webp)
A great wedding is all about celebrating love and creating life-long memories, and one of the most memorable parts of every wedding is the first dance. That’s why brides and grooms will spend a great deal of time coming up with just the perfect song for their first dance. While traditional songs are often the way to go, many couples want to pick a newer song that is meaningful to them. Here’s a list of the best new songs for 2022 at this point) that would make a great choice for your first dance. Not only can you be fairly certain that these songs are so new they haven’t become cliché, you may find yourself starting a new tradition with them.
Dan + Shay is the name for pop country duo Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney. As vocalists and songwriters out of Nashville, they have released a number of chart-topping singles. Speechless is perhaps their most popular love song and has quickly become a favorite among fans of country music. The song is so fitting for weddings that Dan + Shay themselves created a music video featuring footage from each of their own weddings. If it is good enough for the artists themselves, it certainly makes an excellent choice for a first dance song. Browse our music planning resources for more ideas and inspiration.
Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter, has quickly become a household name. Not only is he one of the most popular artists recording today, he has even dipped his toes into acting with appearances in Game of Thrones and the film Yesterday. With more than 150 million albums sold, he has had plenty of hits, but few are as endearing as the love song Perfect.
While many couples choose the original version for their first dance, he has also released two other versions: a duet with Beyonce entitled Perfect Duet, and another with Andrea Bocelli known as Perfect Symphony. All three versions work beautifully for a first dance depending on your style and taste.
James Arthur, another singer-songwriter from England, rose to fame by winning first place on The X Factor, a British reality show. His pop songs have attracted many fans ever since his debut single hit number one. But when it comes to your wedding day, your best choice may be Say You Won't Let Go. This lovely ballad is a moving and heartfelt way to start your lives together. If you are planning your first dance at a Portland-area wedding, our DJs know this song well and can help you make the most of the moment.
John Legend likely needs no introduction, and there is not enough space here to list all the awards he has received. Suffice it to say that All of Me, a song dedicated to his wife Chrissy Teigen, makes a perfect wedding song. Referred to as a 'mountainous piano crusher' by Rolling Stone, it has become one of Legend's best-known standards and one of the most requested first dance songs we hear at Oregon weddings year after year.
This list would not be complete without at least one classic rock tune: Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing. This tearjerker came out in the nineties on the Armageddon soundtrack, but do not let that fool you. It is an incredibly catchy and deeply romantic love song, and one of Aerosmith's finest, which is really saying something given their remarkable discography. It is a particularly great choice for couples having a wedding in Hood River or other scenic Oregon settings where a big, sweeping song feels right at home.
Your first dance as a married couple is one of the most photographed and most remembered moments of your entire wedding day. The song you choose sets the emotional tone for that moment and, in many ways, for the whole reception that follows. Whether you go with a contemporary country hit, a timeless pop ballad, or a classic rock anthem, what matters most is that the song means something to both of you. A skilled wedding DJ can help you nail the timing, the fade, and the transition into your next song so the whole sequence feels seamless. Want to make that moment even more magical? Add a dancing on clouds effect for a first dance your guests will never forget.
Choosing the right songs is just the beginning. At DJ Cutt Entertainment, our experienced DJs work with you ahead of time to build the perfect playlist for every moment of your reception, from your grand entrance and first dance to the last song of the night. We serve couples across Portland, the Oregon Coast, Salem, Vancouver, Washington, and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start planning the soundtrack to your big day.
All in one service
Ready to talk details? Click one of the buttons below. Dates fill quickly, so don't wait to secure premier wedding entertainment!
Click "Book With Us" to check availability for a specific date
Get a customized price quote for your event.
Portland's most experienced wedding entertainment team
DJ Cutt Entertainment has been voted Best Wedding DJ by WeddingWire and The Knot. With over 20 years of experience creating incredible wedding moments, we serve Portland, Hood River, Oregon Coast, and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
I’m Alex Ramey, owner of DJ Cut Entertainment, and for the past 15 years I’ve had the privilege of working in the wedding industry, helping couples create celebrations that feel personal, seamless, and unforgettable. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how the right entertainment, thoughtful planning, and experienced guidance can shape the entire wedding day experience. As a writer, my goal is to help clients and future brides make better buying decisions before their wedding day, so they can invest wisely and avoid common mistakes. Through these blogs, I share what I’ve learned from years of real wedding experience to give couples honest insight, practical advice, and the confidence to create a wedding that feels authentic, fun, and meaningful.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
%20(1).webp)
.webp)
.webp)