40 Alternative First Dance Songs (That Aren’t Cheesy)
Looking for alternative first dance songs that aren’t cheesy or overdone? Here are 40 non-traditional first dance song ideas perfect for couples planning a wedding that feels a bit more like them.
Alternative First Dance Song Ideas
So you're planning a kick ass wedding, you've got a whole host of awesome suppliers, you've decided to throw the rule book out the window and do what you want, aaaaaand then you get to the part where you have to:
A) Decide if you're actually going to have a first dance (let me be super clear here, it's TOTALLY fine if you don't want to!)
B) If we do… what song do we choose?
If you ended up here after Googling things like alternative first dance songs, non cheesy first dance songs, or non traditional first dance songs, chances are you’ve already scrolled through about twelve playlists that all say the same thing.
You know the vibe. “Super beautiful/lovely/romantic/insert some other word here”
Ed Sheeran was probably featured 200 times in the list, and no disrespect to Ed but if you’re planning a wedding that’s a little less traditional and a bit more you, chances are you’re after something slightly different.
Maybe something indie, a pop punk throwback, an emo banger, something completely left field but guaranteed to get everyone up dancing with you.
As an alternative wedding photographer based in Essex, I hear loads of brilliant, unconventional first dance songs at weddings. So I thought I’d put together a list of some favourites.
And hey, if nothing else, you can always pick a random number and commit to it.
(Honestly any of the pop-punk/emo songs would be my choice!
Indie & Alternative First Dance Songs
Arctic Monkeys – Baby I’m Yours
The Maccabees – About Your Dress
The Maccabees – Toothpaste Kisses
Bloc Party – This Modern Love
Bombay Bicycle Club – Eyes Off You
Mystery Jets – Young Love
The Black Keys – You’re The One
The Black Keys – I’ll Be Your Man
Band of Horses – No One’s Gonna Love You
The Smiths – There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Pop Punk / Emo First Dance Songs
If like me you grew up screaming lyrics in your bedroom or at gigs, this section might be your vibe.
Paramore – Still Into You
A Day To Remember – If It Means A Lot To You
A Day To Remember – You Had Me At Hello
Blink-182 – First Date
Fall Out Boy – Sugar, We’re Going Down
Jimmy Eat World – The Middle
Yellowcard – Only One
Dashboard Confessional – Hands Down
Hellogoodbye – Oh, It Is Love
Walk The Moon – Shut Up and Dance
Unexpected (But Excellent) First Dance Songs
For couples who want something a bit chaotic or fun.
Kaiser Chiefs – I Predict A Riot
Queen – Fat Bottomed Girls
David Bowie – Let’s Dance
Madness – It Must Be Love
Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up
Richard O’Brien – The Time Warp
Arctic Monkeys – Mardy Bum
The Mouldy Peaches – Anyone Else But You
Vance Joy – Riptide
Paolo Nutini – Loving You
Romantic First Dance Songs (But Not Cringey)
Kodaline – The One
Paul Weller – You Do Something To Me
John Lennon – Stand By Me
Nick Helm – Let’s Get Married
Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
Bonus Picks (Because 40 Is a Better Number)
Florence + The Machine – You’ve Got The Love
The Lumineers – Ho Hey
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Maps
LCD Soundsystem – All My Friends
Talking Heads – This Must Be The Place
Do we even have to do A first dance?
Short answer: absolutely not.
Loads of couples skip it completely.
Some alternatives I’ve seen at weddings include:
• inviting everyone onto the dancefloor straight away
• starting the party with a band or DJ
• doing a group dance with friends
• cutting the first dance short and getting everyone involved
• Have a Ceilidh that gets everyone involved
• Karaoke
• First Pint
• Rodeo Bull
How To Choose Your First Dance Song
Choosing your first dance song doesn’t have to be complicated.
A few ideas that work really well at weddings:
Pick something nostalgic
Maybe a song you both loved when you first met.
Choose something you actually enjoy dancing to
It doesn’t have to be slow.
Start dancing together and invite everyone halfway through
This instantly removes the awkward “everyone staring at us” feeling.
Pick a song that gets the dancefloor going
Loads of couples skip the slow romantic moment entirely and just start the party.
Weddings are way more fun when couples stop worrying about traditions and just do what actually feels right for them.
Listen To The Playlist
I’ve popped as many of these songs as possible as well as some others into a playlist so you can have a listen while you’re wedding planning.
If you’re more of an Apple Music person, you can find the same playlist there too.
Planning a Non-Traditional Wedding?
If you’re the kind of couple Googling alternative first dance songs, there’s a good chance you’re planning a wedding that’s a bit less traditional and a lot more personal.
That’s exactly the kind of day I love photographing.
Relaxed, colourful weddings where nobody’s worrying about doing things the “right” way and the dancefloor usually ends up slightly chaotic.
If you're planning a wedding in Essex, Suffolk or London and want documentary-style photography that captures the real moments, you can check out more of my work here:
First Dance Song FAQs
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Non-cheesy first dance songs tend to be indie, alternative, or nostalgic songs that actually mean something to the couple. Songs like Just Like Heaven by The Cure, Still Into You by Paramore, or First Day Of My Life by Bright Eyes are great alternatives to traditional wedding songs.
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No. There’s absolutely no rule saying you have to do a first dance. Many couples skip it entirely, invite everyone onto the dancefloor halfway through, or start the party with a band or DJ instead.
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Yes. Your first dance doesn’t have to be slow. Lots of couples choose upbeat indie or alternative songs so the dancefloor fills quickly and the party starts straight away.
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Most couples dance for around one to two minutes before inviting everyone onto the dancefloor. DJs and bands can easily fade the song early if you don’t want to dance for the full length.
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A good alternative first dance song is simply one that reflects your personalities as a couple. That might be indie, pop-punk, rock, or even a chaotic throwback that gets your guests singing along.
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You’re definitely not alone. Lots of couples feel a bit awkward about having everyone watch them dance. A good option is to keep the first dance short and invite your guests onto the dancefloor halfway through, or choose an upbeat song that gets everyone involved straight away. The goal isn’t a perfect performance it’s just a fun way to kick off the party.
