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Wedding dance4 minutes

The most beautiful waltz songs for your wedding

By Mary De LucaUpdated

In a nutshell
  • The Viennese Waltz is characterized by a fast, sweeping tempo of about 58 to 60 bars per minute and requires precise turns.
  • The Slow Waltz offers a gentle, soothing atmosphere with around 28 to 30 bars per minute and is ideally suited for beginners.
  • Classic Waltz songs guarantee a reliable structure for your entire sequence of steps thanks to their clear three-quarter time.
  • The choice of the right song should be based strictly on your dancing ability and the desired emotional expression.

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The opening dance draws all eyes to the bridal couple. With a classic Waltz, you choose pure elegance that enchants your guests and creates the perfect setting for your big moment.

Our criteria for the perfect song selection

  • Beat accuracy

    All selected songs are based on an exact, easy-to-count three-quarter time signature without any rhythmic breaks.

  • True classics

    The list contains exclusively real, world-famous music tracks in their original versions.

  • Independent selection

    No artist or label has paid for a placement on this recommendation list.

  • Dance variety

    The pieces cover a wide spectrum, from very slow to dynamic and fast.

Close-up of a woman's legs while dancing on a dance floor
Under radiant light, the couples glide across the dance floor in three-quarter time, carried by the timeless melody of a true Waltz classic.

The best waltz classics for your opening dance

  1. 01

    On the Beautiful Blue Danube

    Johann Strauss II, approx. 58-60 bars/min (fast)

    • Viennese Waltz
    • Classical

    The epitome of the Viennese Waltz. Its majestic introduction transitions into a stirring rhythm that instantly creates a ballroom atmosphere.

  2. 02

    Come Away With Me

    Norah Jones, approx. 30 bars/min (Slow)

    • Slow Waltz
    • Pop Ballad

    A beautiful, soulful song in 3/4 time that is perfect for a romantic and flowing Slow Waltz.

  3. 03

    Second Waltz (Jazz Suite No. 2)

    Dmitri Shostakovich, approx. 58 beats/min (fast)

    • Viennese Waltz
    • film music

    This absolute classic unfolds a magical, almost fairytale-like effect and, thanks to its clear beat, can be danced to wonderfully rhythmically.

  4. 04

    (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

    Aretha Franklin, approx. 29 bars/min (Slow)

    • Slow Waltz
    • Soul-Pop

    The ultimate ballad for the Slow Waltz. The soulful vocals and the pleasantly calm tempo help any bridal couple overcome their stage fright.

  5. 05

    Piano Man

    Billy Joel, approx. 59 bars/min (fast)

    • Viennese Waltz
    • pop classic

    A world-famous classic that creates goosebumps with its melancholically beautiful melody and calls for a spirited, dynamic Viennese Waltz.

  6. 06

    You're All That Matters To Me

    Curtis Stigers, approx. 28 bars/min (Very Slow)

    • Slow Waltz
    • Pop Ballad

    An extremely gentle and heartwarming song, especially suitable for couples who prefer a very slow and intimate opening dance.

How choosing a Waltz opens your wedding night

The wedding dance is one of the most emotional moments of your big day. For your entrance onto the dance floor to be a success, the chemistry between you and the music must be right. Many couples consciously decide against modern experiments and choose the timeless elegance of a Waltz instead. Whether you opt for the lively, fast Viennese Waltz or the soft, harmonious Slow Waltz depends on your previous experience and your personal sense of rhythm. While the Viennese Waltz provides a glamorous, classic appearance with its rapid rotation speed, the Slow Waltz gives you more room to breathe and for soulful glances due to its leisurely tempo.

The right preparation for the opening dance

Before you decide on a song, you should know the basics of both Waltz variations. A detailed comparison will help you with your decision: It is best to take a look at our guide Viennese Waltz vs. Slow Waltz: The differences explained. If you are still unsure about the steps, a structured course is recommended. You can find out how to plan your path to the perfect performance stress-free in the article Preparing your wedding dance: Your stress-free schedule. Don't forget that the music sets the foundation for your steps, which is why the beat speed (measured in beats per minute, or BPM for short) should match your dance level exactly.

The waltz rhythm in numbers

beats per minute for Viennese Waltz
58-60
bars per minute for the Slow Waltz
28-30
steps per bar in waltz rhythm
3
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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. A Viennese Waltz is ideally danced at a speed of 58 to 60 bars per minute (approx. 174 to 180 BPM). This fast tempo requires good footwork and continuous turns on the dance floor.

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