There are tons of ways to make your wedding ridiculously personal to you two, but one thing that impacts your wedding vibe a lot? Your music choices. Especially, your first dance song.
And if you’re the kind of couple who likes to do things your own way, you don’t want to choose some snoozy first dance song that means nothing to you two and that your guests have heard a million times before.
So, how do you pick an epic, non-traditional first dance song? Keep reading because I’ve got tips and a list of awesome song suggestions for you.
What To Consider Before Picking Your Epic Non-Traditional First Dance Song:
While it’s your big day and you should do whatever the hell you want, you also don’t want to look back on your first dance song choice and regret it. So, here’s some quick advice from a wedding photographer who has documented 150+ non-traditional weddings…
1. Are you doing it for the trend or because it’s your vibe?
Trends can be freaking fun and totally true to you! However, it’s important to be mindful about WHY you’re going for a trend. If it’s a trend that speaks to your soul, hell yes, do it! But if it’s a trend you’re doing because you didn’t know what else to do, you two might look back and feel a little icked out. So just make sure to think it over.
2. Are you two a sentimental duo?
If you are, you probably want your non-traditional first dance song to be something meaningful to you. Maybe that means picking a first dance song from a time period in your relationship that was hella meaningful. Or a song you always sing together. Or, a new song you two choose together that feels like it totally represents your relationship.
3. Do you want to do a more classic first dance situation or do something totally unique?
Some of my couples don’t enjoy all eyes on them. So instead of doing the traditional, longer first dance at their wedding, they choose a first dance song that all of their favorite peeps will love, so they can dance alone for 10 seconds and then have everyone else can join them.
Another awesome non-traditional first dance idea? Have your married friends submit their first dance songs and do a compilation of your first song and theirs. As a snippet of each couple’s first dance song gets played, they can come out on the dance floor and join you! (This is fun for you and for your guests, as they see the different first dance song vibes for different couples!)
Point is, the best first dance song you can pick is one that’s epically YOU.
Now, let’s get into the awesome list of non-traditional first dance wedding songs to get you two inspired.
Non-Traditional Upbeat First Dance Songs
“YOU MAKE MY DREAMS (COME TRUE)” BY DARLY HALL & JOHN OATES
It might not be the most non-traditional first dance song in the world, but with the chorus lyrics being “you make my dreams come true,” it’s romantic for sure and beloved for a damn good reason.
“ARE YOU GONNA BE MY GIRL” BY JET
With it’s rock meets pop vibes, this song will get you two up on your toes, strutting around, having a freaking blast.
“BETTER TOGETHER” BY JACK JOHNSON
If you’re looking for a happy, cute, non-traditional first dance song that’s still upbeat, this song is an awesome choice.
“ADORE YOU” BY HARRY STYLES
For my Harry Styles fans (btw, I am too), not only is this pop song catchy, but it’s sweet and has a great beat for dancing in a low-key, but high-vibe way.
Alternative/Indie First Dance Songs
“FIRST DAY OF MY LIFE” BY BRIGHT EYES
A song that will tug at people’s heartstrings, but in an intimate, sincere kind of way that’s perfect for a non-cheesy first dance.
“SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS” BY IRON & WINE
Dreamy, sweet, and romantic, this alternative song is an awesome choice for couples looking for something slow but indie.
“ALWAYS” BY BLINK 182
As a personal pop-punk lover, this is one of my favs. It’s definitely angsty, definitely nostalgic, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser for anyone who grew up listening to the early 2000s hits.
“THIS MUST BE THE PLACE” BY TALKING HEADS
Quirky but lighthearted, this cult favorite captures the feeling of finally finding the person who makes you feel at home. So it’s romantic without being overly ooey-gooey.
“THE ONLY EXCEPTION” BY PARAMORE
A little emo and definitely an alternative option, this song is for the couples looking for a 2000s throwback and who resonate with the idea that their partner changed the whole damn way they looked at love.
Non-Traditional Romantic/Sentimental First Dance Songs
“AT LAST” BY ETTA JAMES
If your wedding vibes are anything along the lines of vintage glamour, this timeless first dance song is gonna be just the freaking thing you’re looking for. With its iconic opening line “at last, my love has come along,” and its soulful tune, it’s sentimental and classy as hell.
“MOON RIVER” BY FRANK OCEAN
A modern reinterpretation of an olden goldie, this one’s for the couples who want a slow first dance that feels fitting for the modern-ass era.
“GROW OLD WITH YOU” BY ADAM SANDLER
Yes, this song is actually by Adam Sandler! And it’s sweet, funny, and unexpectedly heartfelt, making it an awesome choice for couples that want something cute but not sappy.
“BEYOND” BY LEON BRIDGES
Leon Bridges sings like an 80-year-old man who has experienced love and loss like no one else, but he’s actually only 36. Which is why this song is soulful and stunning, bringing together old-school sentimentality and modern vibes.
Classic Rock First Dance Songs
“I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE” BY THE DARKNESS
For the couples who want to jam out to an absolute banger that’s more rock and roll than it is romantic, this is an awesome first dance song.
“THANK YOU” BY LED ZEPPELIN
If you’re looking for the softer side of classic rock, this song’s your guy. It’s intimate, sincere, and romantic, but doesn’t feel like a traditional wedding ballad.
“LEATHER AND LACE” BY STEVIE NICKS & DON HENLEY
A duet that captures two very different personalities coming together, making for a stunning song told from the perspective of both partners.
“HAPPY” BY THE ROLLING STONES
Loose, joyful, and epically fun, this track is an awesome choice for a non-traditional first dance song if you want to go for something that’s upbeat and rock and roll.
“BABY I’M YOURS” BY THE ARTIC MONKEYS
Although this bad boy is actually a cover of a song written in the 60s, The Arctic Monkeys give this romantic song a nice indie twist.
Totally Unexpected First Dance Songs
“YOU AND ME” BY LIFEHOUSE
A millennial classic that will always hit because it perfectly captures the feeling of being wapped up in your own world with the love of your life.
“ALL STAR” BY SMASH MOUTH
One word: Shrek. Yep, Shrek inspired this first dance suggestion that would be totally unexpected and absolutely have everyone jamming out with you.
“BEAUTIFUL THINGS” BY BENSON BOONE
As a chronically online person, I couldn’t not suggest this song. It’s well-known, moving, and could inspire some epic choreography and singing along from your wedding guests.
“THE MACARENA” BY LOS DEL RÍO
If you guys are more silly than sentimental and want to only spend a few seconds dancing alone, this song is not only a non-traditional pick for your first dance, but is a guaranteed way to get everyone up and dancing with you.
Other Ways to Make Your First Dance Song Non-Traditional
Add in local commercials
Have your DJ mix in a snippet from your favorite radio station that everyone will instantly recognize and scream about.
Go for an inside joke
It could be an inside joke between you and your partner, or you and your partner and your closest friends. Either way, using a song to reference a funny inside joke is guaranteed to be a hit and is a super non-traditional first dance song idea.
Slow down a banger
If you and your partner have a high-energy, fast-beat song you really love, but want the mood to be more sentimental, see if you can find a cover of that song! Or an instrumental version.
Mix something sweet and something funny
During my first dance with my parents at my wedding, I started off dancing with my dad to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” and then the record scratched and “Watch Me Whip” started playing. I invited the rest of my family up to dance with me, and watching my mom do the stanky leg is one of my favorite memories ever.
P.S. If you’re looking for a non-traditional wedding photographer to document your epic first dance…
I’d love to introduce myself. I’m Kylee. I take documentary-style wedding photos of dope couples who want their wedding day to be an absolute blast. If that sounds up your alley, let’s connect!
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