Weddings are a blur of activity, and the first dance is one of the few chances a bride and groom get to focus on themselves—albeit, in front of all their closest friends and relatives. Choosing a song to soundtrack this moment can be daunting. Do you go the traditional route? Choose a song that’s important to the both of you? Or throw everyone a curve ball with something completely unexpected? Regardless of the direction you choose, it’s a moment you’ll both remember for the rest of your lives, and you can't go wrong with one of these picks.

Old standbys: Weddings are one of the few places where clichés get thrown out the window, breathing new life into these oldie but goodies.

1. Frank Sinatra – “The Way You Look Tonight”

2. Elvis Presley – "Can't Help Falling in Love"

3. Marvin Gaye – "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)"

4. Beach Boys – "God Only Knows"

Setting the mood: These songs set a sexy tone in anticipation of the end of the evening... but they won't make your grandparents blush.

5. Mariah Carey ft. Miguel – "#Beautiful"

6. Bob Marley ft. Lauryn Hill – "Turn Your Lights Down Low"

7. Rhye - "Open"

8. How to Dress Well – "& It Was U"

Acoustic slow jams: These picks are subdued, but no less emotionally powerful.

9. Death Cab for Cutie – "I Will Follow You Into the Dark"

10. Big Star – "Thirteen"

11. Michael Kiwanuka – "I'm Getting Ready"

12. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – "Falling Slowly"

13. Oasis – "Songbird"

14. Cat Power – "Sea of Love"

Into the future: Choose one of these tunes and look ahead to the life you'll build together.

15. Bright Eyes – "First Day of My Life"

16. Primal Scream – "Movin' On Up"

17. The Zombies – "This Will Be Our Year"

18. Talking Heads – "This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody)"

Love's the greatest thing: Play something that will celebrate your love for one another.

19. Ben Folds – "The Luckiest"

20. Blur – "Tender"

21. Neil Young – "Unknown Legend"

22. The Lemonheads – "Into Your Arms"

23. Majical Cloudz – "Downtown"

24. Taylor Swift – "State of Grace"

Off the beaten path: These tracks might not immediately scream "first dance," but their tone and lyrics ultimately strike the perfect note for the occasion.

25. Caribou – "Can't Do Without You"

26. Hüsker Dü – "Green Eyes"

27. Sloan – "Deeper than Beauty"

28. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – "Into My Arms"

29. Magnetic Fields – "The Book of Love"


More wedding planning tips:
27 special father-daughter wedding songs
10 creative wedding favour ideas
Make your wedding stand out with a signature scent
How to involve the groom in wedding planning
Top 50 wedding songs for a memorable reception