11 Alternative First Dance Songs

The First Dance is a rite of passage, and an important element of any wedding. It’s the time when you are presented to your nearest and dearest as Husband and Wife, and it’s a moment you want to remember forever.
The First Dance song is often given a lot of significance, so it can be a challenge to choose a song that is meaningful to you as a couple, suitable for dancing to, and importantly, a song that you can look back on and still enjoy in years to come.
While there are many songs out there that have become First Dance favourites, you might want to strike out and pick something a little more unique. A great tip is to pick a song you both love, and then look for an interesting cover version, to mix things up a little.
Ultimately, it’s your wedding day, and the song should represent you as a couple, so regardless as to what’s in the charts, or what’s considered to be a “timeless classic”, the most important thing is that you do you on your wedding day.

That being said, if you need a little inspiration, check out these 11 alternative first dance songs:

1. Baby I’m Yours – The Artic Monkeys
If you and your other half spent much of your youth bopping out to Indie vibes, you might want to consider a pared back cover from one of your favourite bands.

2. 500 Miles – Sleeping at Last
I’m sure we’re all familiar with the foot-stomping original, but this slowed down version adds so much more depth and emotion to the lyrics that you’ll hardly recognise it.

3. Lay Your Heart Next To Mine – Steve Azar
If you like to keep it country, this one might delight you. It’s not very well known (so much so that the only YouTube version we could find features characters from the popular TV show, One Tree Hill!).

4. Hey Ya – Obadiah Parker
This is a great example of finding an upbeat song (perhaps one that means something to you both, either because of the lyrics, or a happy memory it invokes), and finding a slower, more romantic version, to slow dance to.

5. Love on Top – Beyonce
While Queen B isn’t likely to be considered alternative, how often have you seen a couple have fun, genuinely laugh, and energetically dance to an up-tempo number? A wedding is a celebration of your love, and there’s no better way to kick off the party than with a faster beat and great vocals!

6. You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
This song is a mash-up of something a little more up-tempo, with sections that will allow you to get the slow dancing in. With meaningful lyrics, and the amazing voice of LaMontagne, it’s sure to be a great First Dance track.

7. Faster – Matt Nathanson
If you prefer a slightly less serious track, and want to let loose and have some fun, this is the track for you.

8. We Will Dance – Steve Curtis Chapman
Big boyband fan when you were younger (and secretly still are)? If you want something that has a great tone, and sounds a little more Disney-esque, but is much lesser known, this one should give you all the romantic, Disney princess feels.

9. Better Together – Jack Johnson
If you’re a chilled out kind of couple, who enjoy Island-vibes, and happy, uplifting songs, you can’t go wrong with Mr. Johnson.

10. Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
While most people would think of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” for a first dance, this duet is a little more subtle, and certainly lesser-known, and sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

11. You’ve Got The Love – Kim Syvret
Whether you go for the super upbeat original by Candi Staton to dance your newly married socks off to, or a slower and more romantic version such as this one, or even the better known Florence and the Machine cover, this tune features some of the best lyrics ever heard in a love song.

By Rachel Doherty, Excalibur Press

SUMMER 2017 EDITION OUT NOW