The UK’s Favourite First Dance Songs As Wedding Size Limits Lift

couple dancing

From the 21st June, limits on wedding sizes lifted and couples across the country will be getting their wedding playlists ready, but what could be more important than the first dance song - especially for the next four weeks when this dance it the only one allowed!

Selecting a song which has meaning to the special couple can be tricky. Many couples know that whatever song they choose will go on to forever be known as 'their song', which adds pressure to making the right choice. It's perhaps then no surprise that there are almost 1,000 first-dance dedicated playlists on Spotify to help couples choose, but which songs are the most favoured?

New data analysed by five-star hotel, The Grand, York has revealed the most popular songs to play during a first dance in 2021.Analysing over 57,000 songs on Spotify, the current top ten list has been revealed, and the results might just be surprising.Securing both first and third place is the hugely successful Ed Sheeran and taking second, is 2021 X Factor winner, James Arthur.

couple dancing in room

Top 10 most popular first dance songs:

  1. Thinking Out Loud, Ed Sheeran
  2. Say You Won't Let Go, James Arthur
  3. Perfect, Ed Sheeran
  4. All of Me, John Legend
  5. I'm Yours, Jason Mraz
  6. A Thousand Years, Christina Perri
  7. Iris, Goo Goo Dolls
  8. Like I'm Gonna Lose You, Meghan Trainer ft. John Legend
  9. Best Part. Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R
  10. Make You Feel My Love, Adele
Ed Sheeran takes a whopping 10% of the total songs on the top 50 list, with hits such as Perfect and Thinking Out Loud taking top ten positions. Sheeran's songs which appear on the list also boast a huge number of plays, racking up of over 4.8 million, and as it's thought to cost in excess of £1 million to book Ed Sheeran to actually sing at your wedding, sticking to the Spotify playlist might be the best idea!

Other artists who made multiple appearances in the top 50 include Jason Mraz and James Arthur. The average age of artists making the top 50 are just 45 years old, as couples opt for modern artists over the golden oldies, with timeless artists such as Elvis and Etta James not even making the top ten.

"Hosting weddings at the hotel has been long awaited throughout lockdown and we can't wait to see couples take to the dancefloor once more. While we do see similar songs time and again, our top ten list shows that sometimes there's a surprise song we don't always expect!" says Yvette Thirlwell, Events Manager at The Grand, York.

Check out thegrandyork.co.uk

If you're looking for inspiration for your first dance song you can find the top 50 playlist available here.

Back to previous page

You may also be interested in

5 fun ways to celebrate a hen or stag do without a big night out

5 fun ways to celebrate a hen or stag do without a big night out

If you're planning a celebration that doesn't revolve around drinking, there are plenty of ways to make it fun without sticking to the usual formula. Jak Kennedy, adventure events coordinator at MadMax Adventures, shares five alternative hen and stag do ideas for couples who want something a little different. For couples who want something a bit more exciting than the usual night out, activities such as quad biking and 4x4 off-roading are a great way to get everyone involved. It's a chance to try something new, have a bit of friendly competition and make memories together before the wedding

READ ARTICLE

Cardiff's children's hospice Christmas concet tickets on sale now

Cardiff's children's hospice Christmas concet tickets on sale now

Cardiff-based T Hafan Children's Hospice Christmas concert tickets are on sale now for event on Monday 7th December 2026 and the line-up has just been announced. Treorchy Male Choir will be headlining at Tabernacle Chapel, Cardiff, along with special guests Lauren Elizabeth Williams, City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) M1 Brass Band and Treading the Boards, with journalist Sian Lloyd as host. "Celebrate the season with beautiful performances, much-loved carols, and special festive entertainment, while helping make a difference to children with life-shortening conditions and their families in Wales," says Jodana Weekley, events manager for T Hafan. "So gather your friends, family, and colleagues and book your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of music, community, and festive spirit."

READ ARTICLE

Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: what's the difference?

Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: what's the difference?

Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: What's the difference? Ceremony Master explains... Choosing who will lead your wedding ceremony is an important decision, but understanding the difference between a registrar, an independent celebrant and a humanist celebrant can help you decide what's right for your day. From the legal requirements of getting married to creating a personal, meaningful ceremony that reflects your relationship, each option offers something different. A registrar takes care of the legal civil marriage, while an independent celebrant can create a bespoke ceremony tailored to your story, preferences and values. A humanist celebrant also leads a personal ceremony, but one rooted in humanist beliefs and a non-religious outlook. The important distinction is that not every celebrant is authorised to legally marry a couple, and the rules vary across the UK

READ ARTICLE

Winners of National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 included Welsh property

Winners of National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 included Welsh property

The winners of the National Pub & Bar Awards 2026 were announced earlier this year, with Wales Pub and Bar of the Year awarded to George III, Dolgellau, North West Wales.In total, 94 County Winners were announced, along with Highly Commended venues for each area. Regional Winners were announced for every region across the UK. Pub Group of the Year went to Caledonian Heritable, and Bar Group of the Year was won by German bierhaus brand Albert's Schloss.The Industry's Choice Award was voted for by hundreds of people from across the sector and, once again, went to The Devonshire in Soho, London.

READ ARTICLE

Follow Your South Wales Wedding Magazine on Instagram

VISIT SITE

Follow Your South Wales Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE

Subscribe to Your South Wales Wedding Magazine for free

VISIT SITE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your South Wales Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE