14 alternative first dance song ideas

I’ve had a few couples mention to me lately that they are struggling to choose a first dance song, and that don’t really want to go with one of the more popular song choices that are common for the first dance.

First of all, you don’t have to do a first dance if you don’t want to. My top wedding tip as always is ‘do things your way’. And if a first dance really isn’t your thing then it might be with having a read of my previous article 8 Alternative First Dance Ideas.

However, the first dance can be a great tradition to keep. It makes for such an amazing moment with your family and friends gathered around you, with some stunning photos captured by your photographer. And it’s also the perfect moment to really kick the party off straight after!

So you want to go with a first dance but with a song that is a bit different?…

Whilst I would recommend trying to come up with a song choice yourself, I know it can be really difficult to choose one. So here are my 14, totally random, alternative first dance ideas that you might like. Or at least help you get your thinking caps on!

…and no Ed Sheeran song in sight! (sorry Ed!)

The XX – Islands

A beautiful song about searching the world to find the one. Amazing production from Jamie XX, and something a bit different from the usual ‘slow dance’.

“I am yours now, so now I don’t ever have to leave
I’ve been found out, so now I’ll never explore”

Finley Quaye – Your Love Gets Sweeter

Such a nice upbeat song from Finley Quaye. If swaying from side to side for three minutes sounds horrible to you then this song is a great tempo to have a little jig to without being too fast.

“Since I was sweet sixteen, I wanted to make you my queen
Then until the day you were, you are the loving girl who’s taken my hand”

Wannadies – You and Me Song

This song will have certainly been played many times at weddings, but perhaps not so much as a first dance. With ‘quiet bits’ and ‘lively bits’ it definitely makes for something a bit different! And the lyrics are just great.

“Then we watch TV, until we fall asleep
Not every exciting, but it’s you and me
And we’ll always be together”

The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition

Awesome, uplifting song from The Temper Trap, and perfectly structured for a confetti cannon explosion when the beat drops! Just picture it!

“And while our blood’s still young, it’s so young, it runs
Won’t stop ’til it’s over, won’t stop to surrender”

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – You’re all I need to get by

We couldn’t really have a first dance list without a bit of Marvin! A lesser played classic that is just timeless.  Check out the Method Man and Mary J Blige cover for something a little more gangster (I’ve actually played that version as a first dance!).

“Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you,
And it was plain to see, you were my destiny”

Taylor Swift – Lover

Could this be the next ‘Thinking out loud”?… Only released very recently, I predict this to become a bit of classic love song. Part of the song that almost sounds like fun wedding vows are very fitting. Check it out!

“Swear to be overdramatic and true to my lover
And you’ll save all your dirtiest jokes for me
And at every table, I’ll save you a seat, lover”

Noah and the whale – 5 years time

Such a fun song from Noah and the Whale. Certainly a bit different to the usual type of first dance song with its lively tune. With fantastic lyrics it could be just perfect for a fun loving couple!

“And it’ll be love, love, love all over her face
And love, love, love all over mine”

Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere

Probably a slightly more popular ‘alternative’ first dance song, but I couldn’t not put it on the list! Absolute classic from the mighty Fleetwood Mac.

“Oh, I
I want to be with you everywhere”

Oasis – She is love

There are a few other Oasis anthems I certainly could have picked here, but for something a bit different this is a lovely little song about being in love.

“You’re in all my thoughts of passion, and the dreams of my delight
Whatever stirs my mortal frame, well, you keep it warm at night”

Carpenters – We’ve only just begun

I bet you weren’t expecting this one from the Carpenters! Another great song with both slow and upbeat bits, and absolutely perfect lyrics for a wedding.

“And when the evening comes, we smile, so much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow, and yes, we’ve just begun”

Ray LaMontagne – You are the best thing

Probably a much more popular wedding song over in the U.S. Such a good tune that sounds like it could have come from any era. Timeless.

“The way you move me, it’s crazy, it’s like you see right through me
And make it easier, you please me, you don’t even have to try”

Sam Smith/Disclosure – Latch (acoustic)

Great acoustic version of Disclosure and Sam Smith’s dance classic.  Fancy something a bit faster though?… go for the original! Awesome tune and great lyrics.

“How do you do it, you got me losing every breath
What did you give me to make my heart beat out my chest?”

Arctic Monkeys – Baby I’m yours

A beautiful song about searching the world to find the one. Amazing production from Jamie XX, and something a bit different from the usual ‘slow dance’.

“Baby, I’m yours, and I’ll be yours until the stars fall from the sky
Yours until the rivers all run dry, in other words, until I die”

Queen – You’re my best friend

And finally, just a total classic from Queen!

“You’re my sunshine and I want you to know, that my feelings are true
I really love you, oh, you’re my best friend”

I hope you enjoyed these! And I hope they at least sparked some ideas for your first dance song that’s just a little bit different to the usual! Please check out my first dance spotify playlist for a few other ideas.