Top 5 First Dance Requests of 2025 That Will Surprise You - from a UK Wedding Band

Choosing the perfect first dance song sets the tone for your wedding reception and creates a moment you’ll remember for years to come.

As a UK wedding band performing more than a hundred weddings every year, we get a front-row seat to the trends couples are loving — and for 2025, the mix is fun, heartfelt, and sometimes surprising.

Here are the top five most-requested first dance songs for 2025, ranked from five to one.

Image by Kirsty Mattsson

5. First Date – Blink-182

A pop-punk anthem might not be an obvious first dance choice — but that’s exactly why couples love it.

“First Date” brings a fun, nostalgic energy that’s perfect for couples who want something lighthearted instead of overly romantic. The lyrics capture the excitement, nerves, and butterflies of starting something new together.

We often start this song slow in a “first-dance style,” running the chorus once before kicking into the full-tempo, full-band version to get everyone on the dancefloor.

4. No First Dance

A big trend for 2025? Skipping the first dance entirely.

More couples are choosing to jump straight into the party, avoiding the pressure of dancing in front of a room full of guests. This reflects the growing shift toward relaxed, personality-driven weddings with fewer formal traditions.

If you feel awkward being in the spotlight or simply want to maximise party time, choosing not to have a first dance is becoming a totally normal — and popular — option.

3. Still Into You – Paramore

A modern pop-rock classic, “Still Into You” continues to dominate the first dance requests.

It’s upbeat, emotional, and joyful — a perfect blend of sentiment and fun. Couples love that it feels heartfelt without being slow or overly traditional.

For this song, we typically start with a verse or pre-chorus in a stripped-back style before kicking into the full band version and inviting everyone onto the dancefloor.

2. Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay

Coldplay remains a wedding staple, but “Sky Full of Stars” has seen a huge rise in first-dance requests for 2025.

With its atmospheric build and EDM-infused energy, the song creates a magical, cinematic moment. Couples often start slow, holding each other close, before the track lifts and the dancefloor fills.

It’s versatile, emotional, and works beautifully live.

1. Baby I'm Yours – Arctic Monkeys

Topping the list for 2025 is the timeless, soulful “Baby I’m Yours.”

Couples who grew up on indie music love its vintage charm, warm instrumentation, and smooth, jazzy feel. It’s intimate without being soppy, romantic without being cliché, and translates beautifully in a live band setting.

It’s the perfect choice for couples wanting something unique yet classic.

Why These Songs Matter

These trends show couples are increasingly choosing songs that feel personal rather than simply traditional.

Whether it’s:

• a nostalgic pop-punk throwback,

• a modern pop-rock anthem,

• an atmospheric Coldplay classic, or

• an indie-soul favourite…

  
  

…the goal is selecting a track that genuinely reflects your story, your style, and the vibe you want your day to have.

And with more couples skipping the first dance altogether, weddings continue to shift toward more relaxed, authentic celebrations.

Tips for Choosing Your First Dance Song

• Pick a song that reflects your relationship or a shared memory.

• Consider the tempo and how comfortable you feel dancing to it.

• Decide whether you want guests to join in midway.

• Remember: you don’t have to follow tradition — your day, your rules.

  
  

Your first dance should be something you enjoy, not something you perform.

Thinking About Your Own First Dance?

If you're still choosing your song — or want to hear how any of these tracks sound performed live — we’d love to help.

🎸 You can check our live videos, availability, and pricing here: SouthWestBand.co.uk

Or, if you already have a date in mind:

✨ Get in touch to see if we’re free and get a quote that fits your day.