The ultimate list of first dance songs for your special wedding day – as chosen by our live music experts
Everyone looks forward to the first dance – the moment the newly married couple unite on the dancefloor surrounded by their friends and family. But which song to choose? The right tune needs to be personable, memorable and ultimately, perfect for the individual couple. It’ll be the soundtrack to your special day for years to come.
Our live wedding bands and musicians have played hundreds of first dance songs over the years, so we know exactly what it takes to create that perfect moment.
So whether you’re after a true romantic melody or something a bit more rocking, we’ve rounded up the best alternative first dance wedding songs for your special day.
So what are the best alternative first dance songs for your special day?
Whether you want to rock out or simply slow dance, we’ve picked the top first dance songs for every style of wedding, and that will get all your guests gazing at the dance floor.
Most popular first dance songs
These popular wedding songs bring a touch of romance to any special day.
1. Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
The 21st century’s King of ballads tops our most popular wedding songs with his number one single Thinking Out Loud. Pair this romantic modern classic with an intimate slow dance, or take inspiration from Ed’s heartfelt routine and learn the steps from the much-loved music video.
2. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Adele’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s love song topped the charts back in 2008 and has remained a firm favourite ever since.
3. All Of Me – John Legend
One of the most romantic songs of the millenium, John Legend’s tribute to his wife Chrissy Tiegan is among our newlywed’s favourite first dances. Another choice for those who love choreography, this ballad is perfect for twirls, lifts and long gazing looks.
4. Marry Me – Train
Unsurprisingly, this chart topper became a popular pick after it set the scene for a viral flashmob proposal that now boasts over 34 million views! We love its upbeat happy vibe that would work perfectly with a live wedding band.
5. At Last – Etta James
An oldie but a goldie, Etta James’ At Last never goes out of style. Brimming with romantic lyrics such as ‘my lonely days are over and life is like a song’, this classic is a guaranteed tearjerker.
Alternative first dance songs
If you’re searching for something less than traditional, these alternative wedding songs are anything but ordinary.
6. You’re My Best Friend – Queen
Queen’s sweet natured single is perfect for those who want to avoid a soppy contender and for couples who really are the best of friends. It’s a classic alternative wedding first dance song that’s hard to beat.
7. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
This saucy crowd pleaser will be a first dance to remember for those who love a bit of soul and enjoy some tongue-in-cheek humour!
8. Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
Anything but traditional, this upbeat rocker makes the ultimate alternative wedding music, perfect for getting guests to join in a group dance, or after you’ve made your first dance married couple debut.
9. Grow Old With You – Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler?! Yep, you read it right. If you’ve seen The Wedding Singer, you’ll know this beautifully funny wedding song is sure to see tears of joy and laughter.
10. Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
A perfect unusual first dance song for those who love to swing around the dancefloor – especially if you get hitched on a Friday!
Classic wedding songs
If traditional is more your style, take your pick from our classic wedding reception songs.
11. Your Song – Elton John
One of the ultimate love songs for weddings, Elton John delivers with his undeniably heartfelt ballad.
12. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Turn up the romance with some classic Eric Clapton. This much loved first dance tune is perfect for brides who love the limelight.
13. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
The King of Rock sure had a romantic side, even the most cynical can’t help falling in love with it.
14. Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
Most of us have been to a wedding where Unchained Melody makes an appearance – but there’s a reason this classic is so popular. As soon as you hear the words oh, my love, you can’t help but get a little bleary eyed.
15. I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
Bring out all the feels with a bit of Bryan Adams. This wedding day staple has seen newlyweds meet on the dance floor for decades – and it’s just as special today.
Upbeat first dance songs
A slow dance isn’t everyone’s jam. If grooving to the beat is more your style, then you’re spoilt for choice with upbeat love songs.
16. Crazy In Love – Beyoncé and Jay-Z
Love songs definitely don’t have to be slow – as shown by Queen B and her longterm hubby Jay-Z in this 2003 classic. The perfect upbeat wedding song for a couple who are truly crazy in love.
17. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
Apparently Meghan and Harry’s first dance was none other than this number one hit by Whitney Houston. If it’s good enough for The Sussexes, then it’s good enough for us.
18. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Marvin’s so good at the ole romance that he’s here twice, this time with a soul duet guaranteed to get guests grooving.
19. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
What wedding is complete without a bit of Stevie? You’ve signed, you’ve sealed, now it’s time to deliver on the dance floor.
20. Can’t Stop The Feeling – Justin Timberlake
Nothing can compare to Justin Timberlake’s chart-topping pop track for a perfectly happy pick guaranteed to get the party started.
Rock wedding songs
If you’re a rocker at heart then you’ll want to read our top rock wedding first dance songs…
21. I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
This is for those who want their rock with a side of classic romance! Aerosmith’s ultimate rock ballad never goes out of style.
22. You Really Got Me – The Kinks
This is an iconic riff that’ll have your guests grooving alongside you as you groove around the dance floor. A great rock n roll choice for your live wedding band.
23. White Wedding – Billy Idol
Particularly apt for those dressed in white, rock out to Billy Idol’s classic rock wedding song.
24. Starlight – Muse
Muse’s most popular track screams a rocking first dance that’ll have everyone flooding to the floor.
25. I Believe In A Thing Called Love – The Darkness
Definitely for those who want an alternative first dance – get your air guitars at the ready for this loved up headbanger.
That completes our list of first dance alternatives, we hope we helped your wedding planning and gave you plenty of musical inspiration!
Live wedding bands are the ultimate way to make your first dance extra memorable. Whether you’re looking for a traditional 4-piece band, jazz ensemble or rocking live act, check out the best UK wedding bands for hire at HD Events.