Alternative First Dance Song Ideas - Updated 2024!

Choosing your first dance song can seem super daunting if one doesn't immediately pop into your head. It's a statement of who you are as a couple, and it's the opening note for your wedding after party, so it's got to be epic.

For us it was simple, it was Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer. Now, seven years after we got married and fifteen years after we started dating as bright eyed teenagers, we can't remember where the song came from or why it become 'our song'. But it was perfect, truly ideal.

Hopefully, you've got a song that means something similar to you. It's one that just resonates with you both and represents your relationship. Maybe it's from the soundtrack of your favourite movie, or it's the song that was playing during your first date, however you get there if it's special to you then your guests will be able to feel that.

But if you're struggling, or not really sure where to start, we've come up with a few ideas for you to choose from. They're all a little romantic, awesome to dance to, and not ones we've heard a million times already.

Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
A true classic but not one we’ve heard as a first dance before. Unique, dance-able and it will probably have most of your guests saying “I haven’t heard this in a while! I love this song!”. What better way to kick off a night of partying?

Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey
A little bit out there, this one but we love this song. We really believe it would make for a beautiful, soft and slow first dance though. If you’re looking for something with loads of feeling but without too much dance skill required, have a listen and maybe you’ll fall in love with this one too.

The Darkness - I believe in a thing called love
Wow! Ok, but listen. It’s a great song, from a great band (even better live, we recommend you go if you get the chance!) and it’s literally got love in the title. What’s not to like about it? Kick the party off with a bit of high voltage rock and roll and the rest of the night will take care of itself.

Paramore - The Only Exception
A bit of a change from the last suggestion, granted. The Only Exception is one we haven’t heard much and it’s got definite first dance potential. It’s sweet, meaningful and it has a really lovely sway to it so you don’t need to be doing spins and tricks, but it’s also fast enough that if you’re practicing your dance moves you can throw a few spins and dips in there and it would just look amazing.

Josh Turner - Your Man
Guess who put this on the list? Rebecca loves country music and it wouldn’t be one of our lists without it! This one really suits a wedding, it has a great groove and it definitely suits a slower, closer first dance with lots of emotion.

The Cure - Just Like Heaven
We like The Cure, we’re not even sorry about it. They’re great. Even if you’re not a big fan though, this is a great option for an alternative first dance song that is almost guaranteed to get your guests swaying along with you guys and excited to join in the dancing.

Biffy Clyro - Rearrange
Easily overlooked, in our opinion. Not a band that’s usually showing up on lists like “Wedding First Dance Songs”. We think Biffy has a few songs that could suit this list but we chose Rearrange. It’s romantic and emotional and we haven’t heard it yet!

The Wannadies - You and Me Song
You’ll know it, even if you don’t think you know it. Everybody knows it. You’ve not heard it? You have, we promise. Another one that will have people in the room going “Oh! I haven’t heard this for ages!” Bouncy, upbeat and super-duper positive, a definite party starter with a great, wedding-friendly message.

So there you go, a few interesting options that are maybe a bit more unusual for you to consider!

If you have any really cool, different or unique ideas for your first dance then feel free to drop us an instagram message.
We love hearing from people and we’d love to be able to do a Part Two of this list and include some ideas from you guys too.

Also, and we hope it goes without saying, we don’t own any of these pieces of music. We’re just out here spreading the love, please don’t hurt us!