The most popular first dance songs from 2023 weddings

Weddings are full of traditions, one of which is a first dance between the newlyweds. But which song should you dance to? Here are the most popular wedding songs from 2023

couple dance on grass as a band plays with a saxophone player standing closest to the couple
(Photo: Encore Musicians)

Most of us were keen to see what Spotify wrapped revealed about our listening throughout the year, and in a similar style, Encore Musicians has created their own ‘wrapped’ of the most popular first dance and wedding songs from 2023.

The musician booking platform based this information on more than 2,000 song requests from newlyweds at 2023 weddings, combined with a survey of their customers about their favourite and least favourite songs to hear at weddings.

The most popular first dance songs at weddings

Revealing the results, Encore Musicians explained: “Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ ranked overwhelmingly as the most popular song for first dances in 2023 with one in six (16.3%) of couples using it as the soundtrack to their first dance.”

The English singer was also the most requested musician at weddings, and given the number of romantic tunes he has in his discography – like ‘Thinking Out Loud and ‘Kiss Me’ – it’s hardly a surprise!

Lists of the most requested musicians for weddings in 2023 and te most popular first dance songs in 2023
The top five artists requested at UK weddings and most popular first dance songs in 2023 (Photo: Encore Musicians)

On the other hand, Queen made their way to Number 2 on the list of popular musicians because of their upbeat tracks which are great for receptions. It’s hard to not dance to ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’!

The most popular wedding songs

Ed Sheeran may be popular among couples, but when the wedding guests get a say, they vote for Elvis. The King of Rock and Roll’s romantic tune ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ was a winner among those surveyed, and we must admit, it’s a good choice.

a pie chart of the UK's favourite wedding songs
‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ by Elvis takes the top spot as the UK’s favourtie wedding song (Photo: Encore Musicians)

The least popular wedding songs

While newlyweds seem to love ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran for their first dance, this song was among one of the least favourite for guests to hear at a wedding.

Although, it wasn’t quite at the bottom as Celine Dion has bagged the least favourite song to hear at a wedding, with her song ‘My Heart Will Go On’.

a pie chart of the UK's least favourite wedding songs
Celine Dion’s ‘My Heart Will Go On’ proves to be the least popular among wedding guests (Photo: Encore Musicians)

The anthem that is ‘Mr Brightside’ by The Killers divided the crowd, with 6% saying it is their favourite and 3% saying it is their least favourite song to hear.

But who says you have to go with the majority? Your wedding day is all about you, and your wedding music should reflect you as a couple. So whether you choose a soundtrack of Ed Sheeran, Elvis or any other artist, turn the music up and dance the night away!

Speaking of music, here are our five dos and don’ts for sorting your wedding music and entertainment

For a trip down memory lane, read about the most iconic weddings from TV shows and films