Rhiannon Hendricks
The number of slow dance songs played at a wedding reception can vary depending on the preferences of the couple and the guests in attendance. Some couples opt for a mix of fast and slow songs to cater to different tastes and energy levels, while others may prefer primarily fast-paced music to keep the party atmosphere going. A good rule of thumb is to include at least a couple of slow songs to give guests a chance to catch their breath and create romantic moments, particularly for older guests who may prefer classic ballads. Ultimately, the number of slow dance songs can range from one to five or more, depending on the flow of the reception and the vibe of the crowd.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of slow songs | 1-5 |
| Number of fast songs | 4-8 |
| Ratio of fast to slow songs | 4:1, 8:1, 3:2 |
| Purpose of slow songs | To give guests a break, create a romantic moment, and include older guests |
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What You'll Learn
Slow dance songs are popular for first dances
Slow dance songs are an important part of a wedding reception, especially for the first dance as newlyweds. The right song choice for this momentous occasion can be challenging, with many couples wanting to pick the perfect song. Some couples opt for a sentimental tune that holds a special meaning for them, while others choose a popular wedding song, such as "At Last" by Etta James, or "Stand by Me". Beyoncé's cover of "At Last" is a popular choice, but the original is often considered superior for this special moment.
Michael Bublé's cover of the 1950s hit "When I Fall in Love" is another romantic option, with simple yet poignant lyrics. "Your Song" by Elton John is a sweet and simple pop-country song about loving someone for the rest of your life, and it's a great choice for couples who want to end the evening on a romantic note. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran is another popular first dance song that has stood the test of time.
Slow dance songs are also great for creating a romantic atmosphere and giving guests a chance to rest between upbeat songs. They can be played at various points during the reception, such as after dinner to ease guests into dancing, or during dessert. They can also be used to create a magical moment towards the end of the reception, with songs from artists like Mariah Carey, *NSYNC, and Celine Dion.
The number of slow dance songs played at a wedding reception can vary. While some couples may choose to play only one or two slow songs, others may opt for three to five, or even more, depending on the overall vibe they want to create and the preferences of their guests.
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Slow songs can be played to give guests a break
While some couples prefer to have very few slow songs at their wedding reception, others opt for a more balanced mix of fast and slow tunes. Playing 3-4 upbeat songs followed by a slow song, or even two slow songs back-to-back, can provide a nice break for guests and give them a chance to slow their heart rates. This approach can also help maintain the momentum of the party, as it gives guests a chance to rest without leaving the dance floor.
The number of slow songs played at a wedding reception can range from 1 to 6 or more, with 2-3 being the most common choice according to one source. Another source recommends playing at least 2 slow songs to cater to the older crowd, who tend to enjoy slow dancing. Ultimately, the decision comes down to the couple's preferences and the makeup of their guest list.
Some popular choices for slow dance songs at weddings include "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran, "Remember When" by Alan Jackson, "At Last" (originally by Etta James, famously covered by Beyoncé), "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, and "Ocean Eyes" by Billie Eilish. These songs can create the perfect romantic atmosphere for a wedding reception and provide a much-needed break from the high-energy dancing.
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Ballads by Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and The Temptations are popular
When it comes to wedding receptions, slow dances are a staple, and ballads by Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and The Temptations are popular choices. These legendary artists have left an indelible mark on music, with their soulful and romantic ballads becoming timeless classics.
Etta James, the renowned blues and soul singer, has a repertoire filled with powerful and heartfelt ballads. Her unique ability to interpret a song and deliver it with intelligence and emotion has resulted in classics such as "Tell Mama" and "I Got You, Babe." Etta James' version of "At Last," a song she helped compose, is a soulful ballad that has become a beloved classic, often used during wedding receptions.
Frank Sinatra, the iconic American singer, is another artist whose ballads are a popular choice for wedding receptions. With a career spanning decades and over 150 million records sold worldwide, Sinatra's smooth and captivating voice has left an enduring impact. Sinatra's ballads, including collaborations with renowned bandleaders Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, have become timeless classics, perfect for slow dances.
The Temptations, a legendary vocal group, have also created numerous ballads that have stood the test of time. With songs like "My Girl," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "Just My Imagination," they have crafted soulful and romantic music that resonates with audiences. The Temptations' ballads, often with social commentary, showcase their exceptional harmonies and have become staples at wedding receptions.
These artists have contributed immensely to the world of music, and their ballads have become the soundtrack to countless wedding receptions. Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and The Temptations have left a lasting legacy, with their songs continuing to evoke emotion and create memorable moments for couples and their guests on the dance floor.
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Thinking Out Loud is a popular slow dance song
"Thinking Out Loud" is a popular slow dance song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It was released in 2014 as the third single from his second studio album, ×. The song was a massive commercial success, peaking at number one in several countries, including the UK, Australia, and Ireland. "Thinking Out Loud" also broke records on Spotify, becoming the first song to be streamed over 500 million times on the platform in October 2015. As of February 2025, it has been viewed more than 3.8 billion times on YouTube.
The song's lyrics, inspired by Sheeran's then-girlfriend and his grandparents, explore the theme of "everlasting love." This theme, along with its mellow tempo, likely contributes to its popularity as a slow dance song at weddings.
While the number of slow dance songs played at a wedding reception can vary, they typically range from one to five, with two to three slow songs being the most common. Slow songs can be strategically placed throughout the reception to give guests a chance to catch their breath between fast-paced dances or to involve more guests in the dancing, especially the older crowd, who often appreciate a slower tempo.
"Thinking Out Loud" is well-suited for a wedding slow dance due to its romantic lyrics and sentimental melody. Its popularity and familiarity also make it a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that the dance floor remains packed during this special moment of the celebration.
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Remember When by Alan Jackson is a classic country slow dance song
The number of slow dance songs played at a wedding reception can vary depending on the preferences of the couple and the guests in attendance. Some sources suggest that playing 1-2 slow songs is sufficient, while others recommend at least 2-5 slow songs to cater to the older crowd and couples who want to dance together. Ultimately, the DJ or couple can decide based on the energy of the room and the flow of the reception.
"Remember When" by Alan Jackson is a classic country slow dance song that can be a perfect choice for a wedding reception. Released in October 2003, the song topped the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its gentle mandolin melody and acoustic guitar, it creates a warm and melancholy atmosphere for couples to sway and slow dance to.
The lyrics of "Remember When" are heartfelt and relatable, describing Jackson's relationship with his wife, Denise, and the milestones they experienced together. The song looks back on their love from the beginning, raising their three daughters, and the challenges they faced along the way. It captures the universal experience of a couple growing old together and looking back on their life with joy and gratitude.
The song's simple melody and soothing vocals have pulled at the heartstrings of listeners, becoming one of Jackson's most beloved tracks. As a celebrated country music artist, Jackson's songs have appeared on the Billboard charts numerous times, and he has earned multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards. "Remember When" showcases his traditional honky-tonk style and his ability to write poignant and well-loved country music.
Including "Remember When" as a slow dance song at a wedding reception can create a sentimental and romantic moment for couples to connect and reflect on their own relationships. It captures the beauty of enduring love and the precious memories shared between partners, making it a timeless choice for weddings and a beloved classic in the country music genre.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to play 2-5 slow songs at a wedding reception, excluding the parent dance and first dance. Slow songs are great to include as they give guests a chance to let their heart rates slow and bake their own romantic moment into the evening.
It is recommended to play 3-4 upbeat songs and then a slow song. This gives people who want to dance wildly a break and lets them catch their breath.
Some popular slow songs to play at weddings include "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran, "Remember When" by Alan Jackson, "At Last" by Beyoncé, and "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys.
Yes, slow songs can get other people involved during the evening. For example, a person who doesn't like to dance but is attending with their significant other will have the opportunity to dance and appease their partner since all they have to do is stand in one place and sway.
Yes, slow songs can sometimes kill the energy in the room. If people are enjoying dancing to fast-paced songs, a slow song can cause them to stop dancing and clear out.
