Are you looking for unusual first wedding dance songs? Perhaps you want an unusual first dance song, but you only like mainstream music? Or perhaps you are torn between wanting to be traditional and classic yet also unusual and different? The good news is that you are in the right place, as we are solving all those wedding music dilemmas!
Alternative First Dance Songs
Sorry Sinatra, but there is no rule that says a first dance song must be traditional! Below you will find a long list of fantastic alternative wedding dance songs, perfect for couples who don’t enjoy mainstream music. If you want a song that’s different to the norm, these songs may feel more ‘you’. Choosing a lesser known song for first dance adds personality to your wedding day. After all, the day is all about the two of you! If you want a first dance song that’s lyrically appropriate yet not over used, you’re in the right place. Because your song reflects you as a couple, your song enhances the individuality of your first dance, making it even more special.
Unless you are already experienced dancers, if you want to do an incredible first dance you’ll need wedding dance lessons, to learn bespoke choreography, created especially for you. When choosing an alternative first dance song, it works really well when the dance suits the song, as well as your style and your ability. We love creating personal wedding dances and an unusual song is a great way to be different and show your love to each other and your wedding guests.
Ho Hey, The Lumineers
My Universe, Coldplay ft BTS
One Day Like This, Elbow
Nothing Else Matters, Metallica
I’II Be, Edwin McCaine
The One, Kodaline
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Somewhere Over The Rainbow
I’II Be There, Jess Glynn
Indigo Girl, Watershed
Kiss Me, Ed Sheeran
Best Friend, Jason Mraz
Iris, Goo Goo Dolls
Rewrite The Stars, James Arthur & Anne-Marie
Ben Howard, Only Love
Last Night On Earth, Greenday
All The Lovers, Kylie Minogue
Baby I’m Yours, Arctic Monkeys
Unusual First Wedding Dance Songs
Are you facing the dilemma of wanting an alternative wedding dance song, but you only like mainstream music? If so, the cover version is what you need, as these songs are familiar, yet different at the same time. The music industry is full of great alternative versions of popular songs. Don’t worry if you don’t have an unusual yet cool musical number up your sleeve, as slightly different version of a standard song adds the unique touch you’re looking for.
As an example, we’ll use the most popular first dance song ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri. You will recognise the standard radio version of this well know track, as will all your guests. But have you heard the beautiful acoustic version by Boyce Avenue? What about the gorgeous instrumental by The Piano Guys played on the piano and cello? All three of these lovely versions are here for you to listen to and you’ll find more with a little bit of research.
Your first wedding dance can be THE highlight of your wedding reception, as long as you take the time and effort to pull it off well. It’s an opportunity to make incredible memories, that you and your wedding guests will cherish forever. Using an unusual first dance song is one way to be different, but choosing your song can be a difficult task as the choice is so vast. Here is where the cover version takes centre stage…. you can take a classic, well known song sung by an unlikely artist to add a funky twist to your first dance, providing an edge and bags of personality.
I Love You Baby
One of the most popular first dance songs is ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ originally sung by Frankie Valli in 1967. It’s got old skool charm and a classic, vintage tone, with a killer key change that gets even the most unromantic souls humming along.
‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ is a very popular wedding dance song, so it is no good for brides and grooms who want something very unusual. However, over 200 artists have covered this song – that’s over 200 alternatives for a first dance full of classic style with a contemporary, edgy undertone and a surprising perspective. Instead of boring you with all 200 artists, we’II let you in on the good cover versions…
For outdoor, festival style weddings Muse’s version is great. Lauryn Hill’s soulful cover is perfect for an ultra modern, uber cool first dance. Children of the 80’s can relive their teens with Manic Street Preachers version. Movie buffs will love Andy Williams cover featured in Bridget Jones or Heath Ledger’s performance in ’10 Things I Hate About You’. Musical theatre darlings will be familiar with the critically acclaimed Jersey Boys, as ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Of You’ is the signature theme to the box office smash.
Cool Cover Versions
Thanks to BBC Radio One’s Live Lounge, we have the coolest, most unexpected cover songs at our fingers tips. Live Lounge has bought us wonderful, interesting versions of well known songs, sung live by artists of the ‘now’. Our first dance favourites are ‘Chasing Cars’ sung by Natasha Beddingfield and Lemar getting smooth with his version of ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’. Florence and The Machine add something a little different to ‘Halo’. Jay Sean oozes first dance love with Black Eyed Peas ‘I Got A Feeling’, whilst Kylie’s version of ‘All The Lovers’ is absolutely divine.
Traditional & Classic Yet Unusual & Different First Wedding Dance Songs
Now this is where it gets really clever. You want your first dance to be traditional, classic feeling elegant and timeless. But also you want it to be unusual, different, modern and unexpected, to show your personalities and be memorable. You don’t want to be over the top or silly, but understated with a bit of edge. Ther perfect solution is to choose one song with two different versions and edit them together.
For example, one of our couples had the most inspired idea. They used the song ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’ by The Proclaimers. This is obviously not a typical first dance song, yet it’s lyrically very appropriate. Although not for Bride & Bride couples, with the lyric ‘I’m gonna be the man who wakes up next to you’! Our couple wanted to start in a traditional, romantic way and so began with Alison Newman’s gentle acoustic version. They danced in hold with some beautiful twists and spins, which complimented the brides wedding dress beautifully. After a while, the music seamlessly moved into the upbeat version we all know and love by The Promclaimers. The change was totally unexpected and the wedding guests loved it! After dancing together for a while the couple invited everyone to join them on the dance floor. No one needed asking twice!
This concept would work for so many songs. All you need to do is indentify the standard version of the song you both love, then research either slower, accoustic versions or upbeat, dance floor versions. It will depend on whether your song is slow and quiet or fast and loud. It’s always best to start with the calmer version first, so that when you move into the more upbeat song. This way the party atmosphere builds and becomes the celebration that your first dance deserves!
The First Dance That Feels ‘You’
Hopefully this blog has helped you find the unusual first wedding dance songs that feel ‘you’. Whether your first dance song is mainstream or alternative, as long as it feels like ‘you’ your wedding dance will be unforgettable and your first dance memories cherished forever.
