You know that moment during a wedding reception when the bandleader or DJ asks all couples who have been married (or dating) for a certain number of years to hit the dance floor? That's called the anniversary dance, and it's one of the sweetest traditions around. Usually, once all the couples start dancing, the DJ will ask those who've been together for five years or less to leave the dance floor first, then couples of 10 years or less, and so on, until the longest-wed couple is left dancing with the newlyweds.
As the two embark on the first day of their marriage, many guests have been together for 20, 30, and even 40 years or more, and that's definitely something worth celebrating! If you want to include this lovely custom during your reception, you should pick the song you want to play for that moment in advance.
Choose an anniversary dance song based on the age group of your guests. A classic by The Beatles or Frank Sinatra is optimal if you have lots of grandparents, aunts, and uncles in attendance; if your crowd is younger, a modern indie love song makes a great choice.
Any tune with a message of everlasting love is a good selection. We're big fans of Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" and Billie Holiday's "As Time Goes By." Even better? Songs that look forward to even more years of happiness, like Al Green's "Let's Stay Together." Chances are, you've already considered one of these for your first dance song, so why not get a chance to play two songs that speak to you?
Scroll through our 65 favorite anniversary dance songs and get ready for the emotional moment when all those happy couples hit the dance floor.
01of 65
"Still Crazy After All These Years," by Paul Simon
Lyrics of Love: "I met my old lover/On the street last night/She seemed so glad to see me/I just smiled"
02of 65
"You're Still the One," by Shania Twain
Lyrics of Love: "You're still the one I run to/The one that I belong to/You're still the one I want for life"
03of 65
"Amazed," by Lonestar
Lyrics of Love: "Every time our eyes meet/This feeling inside me/Is almost more than I can take"
04of 65
"As Time Goes By," by Billie Holiday
Lyrics of Love: "As time goes by/And when two lovers woo/They still say I love you"
05of 65
"By Your Side," by Sade
Lyrics of Love: "When you're lost and you're alone/And you can't get back again/I will find you/Darling and I will bring you home"
06of 65
"Here, There and Everywhere," by Paul McCartney
Lyrics of Love: "I want her everywhere, and if she's beside me I know I'd need never care/But to love her is to need her"
07of 65
"I Got You Babe," by Sonny and Cher
Lyrics of Love: "I got flowers in the spring/I got you to wear my ring/And when I'm sad, you're a clown/And if I get scared, you're always around"
08of 65
"It Had to Be You," by Frank Sinatra
Lyrics of Love: "For nobody else gave me a thrill/With all your faults, I love you still/It had to be you, wonderful you"
09of 65
"Just the Way You Are," by Billy Joel
Lyrics of Love: "I wouldn't leave you in times of trouble/We never could have come this far/I took the good times; I'll take the bad times/I'll take you just the way you are"
10of 65
"Just the Two of Us," by Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers
Lyrics of Love: "And darling when the morning comes/And I see the morning sun/I wanna be the one with you"
11of 65
"Let's Stay Together," by Al Green
Lyrics of Love: "I'm I'm so in love with you/Whatever you want to do/Is all right with me"
12of 65
"Unforgettable," by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
Lyrics of Love: "Never before has someone been more/Unforgettable in every way"
13of 65
"The Best Is Yet to Come," by Michael Bublé
Lyrics of Love: "The best is yet to come, and babe won't it be fine/You think you've seen the sun, but you ain't seen it shine"
14of 65
"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)," by Natalie Cole
Lyrics of Love: "Loving you/Is some kind of wonderful/Because you've shown me/Just how much you care"
15of 65
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life," by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics of Love: "You are the apple of my eye/Forever you'll stay in my heart"
16of 65
"Your Song," by Elton John
Lyrics of Love: "I hope you don't mind/That I put down in words/How wonderful life is while you're in the world"
17of 65
"Endless Love," by Lionel Richie
Lyrics of Love: "My love, there's only you in my life/The only thing that's bright"
18of 65
"Have I Told You Lately," by Rod Stewart
Lyrics of Love: "Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness/Ease my troubles, that's what you do"
19of 65
"The Best of My Love," by Eagles
Lyrics of Love: "But here in my heart/I give you the best of my love"
20of 65
"Crazy Love," by Van Morrison
Lyrics of Love: "Yeah when I'm returning from so far away/She gives me some sweet lovin' brighten up my day"
21of 65
"Dancing in the Moonlight," by King Harvest
Lyrics of Love: "Dancing in the moonlight/Everybody's feeling warm and bright/It's such a fine and natural sight"
22of 65
"Two People Fell in Love," by Brad Paisley
Lyrics of Love: "Every single choice we make/Every breath we get to take/Is all because two people fell in love"
23of 65
"Can't Remember Never Loving You," by Ian James
Lyrics of Love: "The only hand I've ever held on to/No, I can't remember never loving you"
24of 65
"Because You Loved Me," by Celine Dion
Lyrics of Love: "I'm everything I am/Because you loved me"
25of 65
"Thank You," by Dido
Lyrics of Love: "I want to thank you for giving me the best day of my life/Oh just to be with you is having the best day of my life"
26of 65
"Wonderful Tonight," by Eric Clapton
Lyrics of Love: "I feel wonderful because I see/The love light in your eyes/And the wonder of it all/Is that you just don't realize how much I love you"
27of 65
"Always Be My Baby," by Mariah Carey
Lyrics of Love: "You'll always be a part of me/I'm part of you indefinitely"
28of 65
"This I Swear Is True," by The Skyliners
Lyrics of Love: "This love will be eternally/Cross my heart/And hope to die"
29of 65
"You've Made Me So Very Happy," by Brenda Holloway
Lyrics of Love: "You made me so very happy/I'm so glad you came into my life"
30of 65
"Everything I Do (I Do It for You)," by Bryan Adams
Lyrics of Love: "You know it's true/Everything I do/I do it for you"
31of 65
"So Amazing," by Luther Vandross
Lyrics of Love: "It's so amazing to be loved/I'd follow you to the moon in the sky above"
32of 65
"When I Said I Do," by Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black
Lyrics of Love: "When I said I do, I meant that I will/Til' the end of all time/Be faithful and true, devoted to you"
33of 65
"After All These Years," by Journey
Lyrics of Love: "Since those days our world has changed/Our love remains the same"
34of 65
"Forever and for Always," by Shania Twain
Lyrics of Love: "'Cause I'm keeping you/Forever and for always/We will be together all of our days"
35of 65
"Through the Years," by Kenny Rogers
Lyrics of Love: "I swear we've been through everything there is/Can't imagine anything we've missed/Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do"
36of 65
"You Make Loving Fun," by Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics of Love: "You, you make loving fun/And I don't have to tell you but you're the only one"
37of 65
"You Decorated My Life," by Kenny Rogers
Lyrics of Love: "By paintin' your love all over my heart/You decorated my life"
38of 65
"I'd Love You All Over Again," by Alan Jackson
Lyrics of Love: "I've always heard marriage made one seem like two/But you're looking better than you did back then/You still make this old heart give in"
39of 65
"The Rest of Our Life," by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
Lyrics of Love: "Oh, as long as you're here by my side/Oh, we'll be young, oh we'll be young"
40of 65
"You're the First, the Last, My Everything," by Barry White
Lyrics of Love: "You're my sun, my moon, my guiding star/My kind of wonderful, that's what you are"
41of 65
"Still the One," by Orleans
Lyrics of Love: "But I want you to know, after all these years/You're still the one I want whisperin' in my ear"
42of 65
"When I'm Sixty-Four," by The Beatles
Lyrics of Love: "When I get older losing my hair/Many years from now/Will you still be sending me a Valentine?"
43of 65
"Swept Away," by The Avett Brothers
Lyrics of Love: "Well, life is ever-changing but I/Can always find a constant and comfort in your love"
44of 65
"Stand by Me," by Ben E. King
Lyrics of Love: "Oh, I won't be afraid/Just as long as you stand, stand by me"
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Music
45of 65
"I'm Yours," by Jason Mraz
Lyrics of Love: "There's no need to complicate/Our time is short/This is our fate, I'm yours"
46of 65
"A Moment Like This," by Kelly Clarkson
Lyrics of Love: "Some people wait a lifetime/For a moment like this/Some people search forever/For that one special kiss"
47of 65
"Anniversary Song," by Cowboy Junkies
Lyrics of Love: "Have you ever felt more fresh or wonderful/As when you wake/By the side of that boy or girl/Who has pledged their love to you?"
48of 65
"From the Ground Up," by Dan + Shay
Lyrics of Love: "This life will go by/In the blink of an eye/But I wouldn't wanna spend it without you by my side"
49of 65
"L-O-V-E," by Nat King Cole
Lyrics of Love: "Love is all that I can give to you/Love is more than just a game for two"
50of 65
"I Was Made for Loving You," by Tori Kelly feat. Ed Sheeran
Lyrics of Love: "Hold me close/Through the night/Don't let me go, we'll be alright"
51of 65
"You Just Get Better All the Time," by Tim McGraw
Lyrics of Love: "You just get sweeter every day/The little things you do and say/If only you could see you through my eyes/You just get better all the time"
52of 65
"I Love You," by Climax Blues Band
Lyrics of Love: "You came along and stole my heart when you entered my life/Ooh babe you got what it takes so I made you my wife"
53of 65
"I Do (Cherish You)," by 98 Degrees
Lyrics of Love: "For the rest of my life/You don't have to think twice/I will love you still"
54of 65
"Love Is Here to Stay," by Frank Sinatra
Lyrics of Love: "It's very clear/Our love is here to stay/Not for a year, but ever and a day"
55of 65
"Can't Help Falling in Love," by Elvis Presley
Lyrics of Love: "Take my hand/Take my whole life too/For I can't help falling in love with you"
56of 65
"(I've Had) The Time of My Life," by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Lyrics of Love: "I've been waiting for so long/Now I've finally found someone to stand by me"
57of 65
"Crash Into Me," by Dave Matthews Band
Lyrics of Love: "Sweet like candy to my soul/Sweet you rock/And sweet you roll/Lost for you I'm so lost for you"
58of 65
"Coming Home," by Leon Bridges
Lyrics of Love: "Baby, baby, baby/I'm coming home/To your tender sweet loving"
59of 65
"In My Life," by The Beatles
Lyrics of Love: "Though I know I'll never lose affection/For people and things that went before/I know I'll often stop and think about them/In my life I'll love you more"
60of 65
"You & I (Nobody in the World)," by John Legend
Lyrics of Love: "All of the stars, you make them shine like they were ours/Ain't nobody in the world but you and I"
61of 65
"This Magic Moment," by Jay & The Americans
Lyrics of Love: "This magic moment/While your lips are close to mine/Will last forever/Forever, till the end of time"
62of 65
"I Keep On Lovin' You," by Reba McEntire
Lyrics of Love: "I keep on lovin' you/Through the baby don't-leave-mes/And never-will-agains/And I-promise-tos/I keep on lovin' you"
63of 65
"Yellow," by Coldplay
Lyrics of Love: "Oh yeah, your skin and bones/Turn into something beautiful/You know/You know I love you so"
64of 65
"When I See You Smile," by Bad English
Lyrics of Love: "Sometimes I wonder/How I'd ever make it through/Through this world without having you/I just wouldn't have a clue"
65of 65
"Ho Hey," by The Lumineers
Lyrics of Love: "I belong with you, you belong with me/You're my sweetheart"
FAQ
Do I need to include an anniversary dance at my wedding?
If you have a significant number of married couples and older guests in attendance, it would be a sweet, sentimental touch to include them in the wedding with an anniversary dance. If the guest list skews younger, an anniversary dance may be lost on them. That said, your wedding is for you and your partner, and you can personalize it as you see fit.
When does the anniversary dance take place?
The anniversary dance takes place during the wedding reception, typically toward the end of the evening. It usually precedes the bouquet, garter toss, or cutting of the cake.
How long does the anniversary dance last?
The anniversary dance usually lasts for the duration of one full song. Some couples choose to include two songs to cater to different generations or music genres.
FAQs
Which song is best for anniversary video? ›
- Tere Bina (Guru) "Tere Bina beswaadi beswaadi ratiyan" ...
- Pehli Nazar Mein (Race) ...
- Shayad (Love Aaj Kal) ...
- O Mere Dil Ke Chain (Mere Jeevan Saathi) ...
- Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna (Kudrat) ...
- Yeh Fitoor Mera (Fitoor) ...
- Chand Si Mehbooba (Himalay Ki God Mein) ...
- Chaand Sifarish (Fanaa)
The bouquet dance or anniversary dance is an alternative to throwing the bouquet at your wedding reception. The idea is this: Your DJ or emcee invites all married couples onto the dance floor. After a few minutes of dancing, the DJ asks all couples who have been married for five years or less to leave the dance floor.
What is the most popular first dance wedding song? ›The study found that "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers was the most popular choice overall, with classic love songs by Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley earning a spot in the top 15. More contemporary songs from artists like John Legend, Ed Sheeran, and Adele also made the ranks.
Should we do an anniversary dance? ›Should we do an anniversary dance? Yes, you should do an anniversary dance if you have a lot of older guests, especially married couples. The anniversary dance is a great way to get couples of all ages onto the dance floor. Many times, these older couples will not start dancing unless you give them a good reason.
What songs do you not play at a wedding? ›- Chicken Dance.
- Hokey Pokey.
- DJ Casper – Cha-Cha Slide.
- Los Del Rio – Macarena.
- ABBA – Dancing Queen.
- Sister Sledge – We Are Family.
- Psy – Gangnam Style.
- Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby.
- 1. “ Your Song” by Elton John.
- 2. “ Can't Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley.
- 3. “ Saving Forever For You” by Shanice.
- 4. “ P.S. I Love You” by The Beatles.
- 5. “ I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston.
- 6. “ Dance Me To The End Of Love” by Leonard Cohen.
- 7. “ ...
- 8. “
- Choose a template. ...
- Upload images and video clips. ...
- Drag and drop. ...
- Personalize your anniversary slideshow. ...
- Choose music. ...
- Sending your video via email. ...
- Posting your video on social media. ...
- Watching at an anniversary party.
- “Real love stories never have endings.” ...
- “All that you are is all that I'll ever need.” ...
- “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” ...
- “We loved with a love that was more than love.” ...
- “If I know what love is, it is because of you.”
- Rumba. Maybe it's the music, or the sophisticated, yet simple, movements, but we think Rumba is romantic mainly because of what it replaces - the old sway side to side slow dance. ...
- Argentine Tango. ...
- Waltz. ...
- Foxtrot. ...
- Bolero. ...
- Any Dance in Your Kitchen.
The anniversary dance generally goes for one or two songs.
What is a reverse anniversary dance? ›
She told me about a reverse anniversary dance where you call couples onto the dance floor instead of off so at the end everyone is on the dance floor to start your dancing. I thought it was neat because it brought everyone out to the dance floor.
What is the number one wedding song of 2022? ›To do this, Hitched used Spotify's Playlist Miner to search for the most popular songs from the most popular public playlists that used the terms “weddings” and “first dance” within them and can reveal that the most popular wedding song for 2022 is Perfect Duet by Ed Sheeran featuring Beyoncé.
What are the most cliche wedding songs? ›- The Chicken Dance.
- I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas.
- Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars.
- Cupid Shuffle by Cupid.
- Don't Stop Believin' by Journey.
- Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex.
- Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke.
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
- Filthy – Justin Timberlake.
- Man, I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain.
- Little White Church – Little Big Town.
- Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups.
- Single Ladies – Beyonce.
- How Will I Know – Whitney Houston.
- Run the World – Beyonce.
- Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani.
The parent's dance is a wedding event where, in tradition, the bride dances with her father and the groom dances with his mother. These dances are commonly called the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance.
How do you slow dance at a wedding? ›How to Slow Dance for Wedding | 4 Easy Steps for Beginners - YouTube
What is the most overplayed song? ›- Seven Nation Army – White Stripes.
- Get Lucky – Daft Punk.
- Don't Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith.
- Love Shack – B-52s.
- Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye.
- YMCA – Village People.
- How You Remind Me – Nickelback.
- Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker.
- Table of Contents:
- 1. “ Can't Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. ...
- 2. “ At Last” by Etta James. ...
- 3. “ Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. ...
- 4. “ Marry Me” by Train. ...
- 5. “ Bless The Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. ...
- 6. “ All Of Me” by John Legend. ...
- 7. “ I Don't Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith.
Don't Marry Her – Beautiful South
We'd say this is easily one of the worst songs for weddings that's out there.
- Choose a template. ...
- Upload images and video clips. ...
- Drag and drop. ...
- Personalize your anniversary slideshow. ...
- Choose music. ...
- Sending your video via email. ...
- Posting your video on social media. ...
- Watching at an anniversary party.
What is a good bouquet toss song? ›
- Filthy – Justin Timberlake.
- Man, I Feel Like a Woman – Shania Twain.
- Little White Church – Little Big Town.
- Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups.
- Single Ladies – Beyonce.
- How Will I Know – Whitney Houston.
- Run the World – Beyonce.
- Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani.
- “Real love stories never have endings.” ...
- “All that you are is all that I'll ever need.” ...
- “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” ...
- “We loved with a love that was more than love.” ...
- “If I know what love is, it is because of you.”
- 1. “ Your Song” by Elton John.
- 2. “ Can't Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley.
- 3. “ Saving Forever For You” by Shanice.
- 4. “ P.S. I Love You” by The Beatles.
- 5. “ I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston.
- 6. “ Dance Me To The End Of Love” by Leonard Cohen.
- 7. “ ...
- 8. “
- Choose a memorial video template or start from scratch.
- Upload your photos and video clips.
- Personalize your video by changing colors, text, and music.
- Finish your HD video and download it to share at a funeral or online with family and loved ones.
- Open the Google Photos app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Select the Assistant option at the bottom.
- Select Movie at the top.
- Select photos that you want in the movie. ...
- Now, press the Create button at the top-right.
- Then, type Play to watch your movie.
- Download free. Freemake Video Converter. ...
- Add photos & pictures. Collect your pics for slides into one folder. ...
- Add music to video. Make your slideshow sound beautiful with a background track. ...
- Set duration & transitions. ...
- Make a slideshow with music free.
Traditionally, the bride and groom serve wedding cake in between dinner and dancing, often following the couple's first dance. This is mainly because cake cutting serves as a silent clue that guests can start heading home, especially if they aren't planning to stay for the after-party.
What can I do instead of bouquet toss? ›The Anniversary Dance, or Bouquet Dance, is the most popular alternative to the bouquet toss. It is a great way to celebrate marriage and for the newlyweds to share a dance with their married friends. Your wedding DJ will ask all the married couples to the dance floor with you and the groom.
Is the bouquet toss outdated? ›In an effort to prevent this invasive situation, the bride would throw her bouquet and leave the vicinity. Of course, the original meaning behind the bouquet toss has become obsolete, but many couples still incorporate the activity today.
How do you say happy anniversary in unique way? ›- “Wishing a perfect pair a perfectly happy day.”
- “Here's to another year of being great together!”
- “Anniversary cheers!”
- “Happy [21st] anniversary, you old lovebirds!”
- “Hope you find time to look back on all your sweet memories together.”
- “Always knew you two had something special.”
How do you write a heartfelt anniversary message? ›
- “Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.”
- “All of me loves all of you.”
- “Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite. ...
- “Ever since I met you my life has been infinitely better. ...
- “When I say 'I love you', it's not out of habit. ...
- “I've fallen in love many times.
- “The most wonderful thing I decided to do was to share my life and heart with you.” - ...
- “We may not have it all together but, together we have it all.” - ...
- “A strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. ...
- “He's more myself than I am. ...
- “Thank you for being you.
- Most Popular Anniversary Songs of Bollywood. Tere Bina. Baahon Ke Darmiyan. Main Shayar to Nahi. Tum Hi Ho. Muskurane Ki Wajah. Tum Mile. Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko. Tum Se Hi. Dil Kyun Yeh Mera Shor Kare. Dekha Hazaron Dafa.
- Top 10 Best Selling Rakhis and Gifts.
- "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw.
- "I Can't Wait to Meet You" by David Ryan Harris.
- "A Mother Like You" by JJ Heller.
- "Watch You Be a Mother" by Johnny Diaz.
- "I Loved Her First" by Heartland.
- "We Exist" by Arcade Fire.
- "I'm OK" by Christina Aguilera.
- "Crazy World" by MNEK.
Waves of the Danube