The soundtrack to your wedding is an incredibly important aspect of wedding planning. Music has the power to remind us of special times – pick wisely and you’ll have songs that will transport you back to your wedding forever.
For most couples, this means choosing wedding songs that are a little different and that express their personalities – and alternative music is perfect for this.
Our roster of talented live wedding bands and musicians have tons of experience covering the best alternative music for weddings, and know what songs will get guests on the dance floor.
The best alternative wedding playlist for your special day
We’ve put together a list alternative wedding song recommendations for the entirety of your big day, from walking down the aisle, right through to the drinks reception. So if you’re looking for alternative music for your wedding that you and your guests will love, keep reading.
Alternative songs to walk down the aisle to
This is arguably the most romantic and “serious” part of your wedding day, so a tender and heartfelt alternative wedding song will fit the bill, such as…
1. This Must Be the Place – Talking Heads
This Must be the place is a subtly romantic song by alternative legends, Talking Heads, about belonging and being together throughout life.
2. Toothpaste Kisses – The Maccabees
Another understated love song ideal for walking down the aisle. Toothpaste Kisses is a sweet song about romance in the everyday moments of life.
3. You’ve Got the Love – Florence + The Machine
An absolute classic when it comes to alternative love songs, you can’t go wrong.
4. Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
This 2004 ballad feels intimate and has the perfect amount of whimsy.
5. Just Like Heaven – The Cure
Just Like Heaven makes an unexpected but memorable alternative wedding song. It reminds us of young love and its intoxicating power – “You’re just like a dream…”
Alternative First Dance Songs
Everyone anticipates the first dance with great excitement – it’s your big debut as a married couple. Therefore, it’s important that the alternative wedding first dance song you choose feels personal to you and your partner.
To give you some inspiration, here are our top alternative first dance song recommendations…
1. Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
“I wanna be with you everywhere…” is a perfect sentiment for newlyweds to boogie to! This feel-good alternative favourite will go down a treat.
2. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder
This groovy number is a little bit cheeky and bags of fun, making it a great alternative first dance song. Watch The Hook’s soulful version above.
3. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Guy & Tammi Terrell
This is a prime example of alternative wedding music to sing your heart out to. Everyone knows the lyrics, so you can expect friends and family to join in from the sidelines during your first dance.
4. Young and Beautiful – Lana Del Ray
Del Ray’s breathtaking ballad will set the scene for a seriously romantic debut dance.
5. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
An upbeat alternative first dance song perfect for throwing some shapes! Listen to the Country Brothers unique version above.
Want more inspiration? Read our full list of the best wedding first dance songs.
Father/Daughter & Mother/Son alternative wedding dance songs
These songs are ideal for an alternative parent/child dance that is fun and heartfelt, but not too cheesy.
1. Lean on Me – Bill Withers
An absolute classic that works brilliantly for either an alternative mother-son or father-daughter wedding dance song.
2. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns & Roses
We just had to include this alternative rock n roll banger.
3. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
Maybe this one is a tiny bit cheesy… but it will get everyone joining in, that’s for sure!
4. Let’s Dance – David Bowie
It’s hard not to get moving to this funky eighties classic.
5. Forever Young – Becky Hill
We can see Becky Hill’s version of Alphaville’s tender ballad being a real tear-jerker. It’s another alternative song that will work well for both mothers and sons, and fathers and daughters.
Alternative wedding reception songs to get everyone on the dance floor
Now it’s time for all your closest friends and family to kick off their shoes (and their inhibitions!) and join you on the dance floor. To make sure as many people as possible get up and boogie, add these alternative wedding reception songs to your playlist…
1. I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor – Arctic Monkeys
Anyone looks good on the dancefloor if they’re having an amazing time dancing to great music. Watch this cover by the brilliant Weekend Lions above.
2. Son of a Preacher Man – Dusty Springfield
A little bit sexy and a whole lot of fun. Everyone knows this classic by Dusty Springfield, making it an alternative wedding song to add to your list.
3. Human – The Killers
“Are we human, or are we dancer?” Well, hopefully, your guests will be both!
4. Shiny Happy People – R.E.M
Just as you want your guests to be both human and dancers, you also want them to be shiny happy people on the dance floor. This early noughties classic belongs on any alternative wedding reception playlist.
5. Good As Hell – Lizzo
A feel-good banger that will get everyone feeling a little sassy.
Need more alternative wedding music recommendations?
Alternative music is an eclectic genre with something for everyone, which means you’ll certainly find alternative wedding songs which lend themselves to your special day. Check out our list of the 50 must have songs for your wedding setlist for more inspiration.
Our experienced wedding bands and musicians are another surefire way to make your wedding extra special and memorable and can help you create a unique alternative playlist.
Get in touch today to find out more about our alternative wedding entertainment options.