Unique new survey finds couples are saying “I do” to hit by homegrown heroes, while wedding bands warn against endless speeches, photobooths and chocolate fountains
With wedding season underway, brides and grooms across Ireland are (hopefully!) agreeing on their first dance song for their big day. They’re choosing bands and checking song lists, wondering what would work best: a waltz, a tango, perhaps even a salsa…
Well, while newlyweds-to-be thinker over the final details before tying the knot, the team at HenParty.ie has been putting together a list of their own. By contacting 12 highly rated wedding bands across Ireland, most of whom reported playing 90+ weddings each year, a new survey by HenParty.ie has revealed Ireland’s favourite first dance wedding song.
Ireland’s Favourite First Dance Song
HenParty.ie contacted 12 wedding bands and asked each what top three songs couples most often request for their first dance song. Totalling 36 answers, the results show what songs newlyweds are most keen on.
| Top 3 | % of Total Vote |
1 | Kodaline: The One | 16% |
2 | The Cranberries: Dreams | 11% |
3 | Frankie Valli: Can't Take My Eyes Off You | 8% |
Taking top spot as Ireland’s favourite first dance song with 16% of total votes is Dublin-based band Kodaline with “The One”, the second single from their sophomore album Coming Up for Air. One read of the song’s lyrics shows why it’s such a popular choice: “Tell me, tell me that you want me/And I'll be yours completely, for better or for worse” and “And I still remember feeling nervous/Trying to find the words to get you here today” particularly relevant to the wonderful occasion.
In second place with 11% of the total vote is the Cranberries debut single “Dreams”. Released in 1992 and appearing on their first album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, the Irish band’s song is a radio favourite across the globe and wedding dancefloors in Ireland, with the following lyrics summing up what the bride and groom mean to each other: “You're what I couldn't find/A totally amazing mind/So understanding and so kind/You're everything to me”.
In third place with 8% of the total vote is the classic “Can't Take My Eyes Off You”. First released in 1967 by Frankie Valli of the Four Seasons, the song has all the ingredients of a first dance wedding song. With its rhythm and pacing, lyrics like “But if you feel like I feel/Please let me know that it's real/You're just too good to be true/Can't take my eyes off you” make it a song everyone will swoon to.
When asked about the results, Kate Hyde, founder of HenParty.ie, said,
Every wedding is unique to the couple, but there are some first dance songs that are so perfect they reappear time and time again. It’s easy to see why these three songs are the most popular, too, and from the feedback we received it was great to hear many couples like to get their guests involved in their first dance song.”
How the Data Was Gathered
HenParty.ie spoke with 12 bands and asked each what top three songs couples requested for their first dance song, totalling 36 answers. The bands shared their answers and other interesting insights, many of which couples would do well to take note of…
Social Media Trends, Endless Speeches and… Chocolate Fountains?
When discussing first dance song requests, several bands spoke about how couples are choosing shorter or “quicker” songs, those where the chorus might kick in early or be a bit more “dancey”. They say this is because people don’t like to be the centre of attention for too long, despite the fact it’s their wedding. So, they pick a song that people will flood the floor for, something snappy that shifts the spotlight.
Bands also spoke to Henparty.ie about the influence of TikTok and Instagram on today’s generation of newlyweds. Bands are noticing how social media is changing habits around what first dances couples perform and how they’re now finding songs on these channels. Songs heard on TV are also becoming more popular.
However, bands also spoke about how they’re seeing a rise in content creators being hired in place of photographers and videographers with the idea of making a wedding “go viral”. To achieve this, couple are tackling more elaborate dances or including mini events throughout the day, events bands warn may distract from the purpose of the occasion. Bands also underlined the importance of professional photographers and videographers when capturing moments couples will want to revisit and remember forever.
Other tips shared by bands interviewed include:
- Couples should set up a wedding email address to keep communications in one place
- Newlyweds need to be on the dancefloor or guests will be less inclined to dance
- A good best man can make all the difference when gathering guests for photographs, keeping things ticking over, etc.
- Keep speeches short. Talking for too long can take the sting out of the party
- Avoid distractions like photobooths and chocolate fountains! Keep the party going by putting the focus on the dancefloor and getting people together
About HenParty.ie
HenParty.ie is a leading online platform for planning bachelorette parties and girls' getaways, specialising in creating unforgettable experiences across a range of destinations and activities. From spa weekends to adventure-packed getaways, HenParty.ie ensures every celebration is memorable.