Everyone has heard songs that make you feel every little word, bring to the surface emotions you didn’t even know you felt. Music is incredibly powerful, and I think it’s wonderful that we can take with us through life a piece of music that was a part of our wedding day. If its a bit of an alternative first dance song that you are looking for, I’ve compiled a list of ones that I think are beautiful.
Lots of first dance songs are very popular, and every year there’s a key few that are heard a lot. That’s sweet, because if that songs super popular then every time you hear it on the radio you’ll be taken back to your wedding day. That’s beautiful!
But for some couples, they don’t want a song that everyone else has, they want something really individual and personal to them. And that’s awesome, but can be tricky to think of! So here’s a list of my favourite alternative first dance songs, that you don’t hear very often.
Hello My Love – Westlife
“Hello, my love, I’ve been searching for someone like you for most my life”
Westlife
Now, a little disclaimer here, this was only released in January this year, so it could turn out to be one of those that crops up at a lot of weddings, but I haven’t heard it at any yet. Be a trendsetter!
I know, I know, Westlife are the ultimate in boyband cheesy love songs, but this ones super sweet. Those are just some of the lines from it, and it will speak to a lot of people on so many different levels. Written by Ed Sheeran, it alludes to how not all relationships are perfect, but yours is perfect for you. Which is actually very realistic. So if you’re a couple who have faced some challenges, both before and while you’ve been together, this could be the song for you. Take a read of the lyrics and listen to it, and see if you can find yourself not smiling and agreeing.
Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
“I wanna dance with you right now. Oh, and you look as beautiful as ever, and I swear that everyday’ll get better”
James Arthur
Now, when I first heard this song back in 2016, I was sure I was going to hear it at a LOT of weddings… I’d have sure chosen it! But I haven’t heard it at one yet!
This is one for the childhood sweethearts, or maybe creeping into those who met in their early twenties. Slightly alternative in that it starts with talking about how drunk the girl got, but it goes on to sing super sweet words about how “I’m so in love with you, and I hope you know. Darling your love is more than worth its weight in gold”. Oh how lovely! All the heart eyes for those lyrics. If you’re childhood sweethearts or have been together since you were quite young, this one will put at your heartstrings. My husband and I have been dating since we were 15 and got married at 23, so I love this one. Take a listen!
Is That Alright? Lady Gaga
“I want you to look right in my eyes, to tell me you love me, to be by my side”
Lady Gaga
This song is actually from the film A Star is Born, but isn’t one of the main songs so I think is a little overlooked. It’s actually about getting married, and as in the quote above speaks about taking your vows and being by each other’s side. It talks about “It’s a warm celebration of all of our years. I dream of our story, of our fairy-tale”, which is such a beautiful description of a wedding day. Lady Gaga is of course awesome vocally, and performs it beautifully. It does talk about being together until you die, which might not be to everyone’s taste, but listen and see what you think!
For more tips for planning your wedding, visit my blog!
Always – Bon Jovi
This is an older song, from 1995, and so may not be as well known as other more current songs. It’s a slightly rockier background being Bon Jovi, but has some beautiful lyrics … “I, will love you, baby always and I’ll be there forever and a day, always”. It’s heartfelt and passionate, and poetic with lines such as “I’ll be there, till the stars don’t shine, ‘Til the heavens burst and the words don’t rhyme”. This is a great one for couples who are a little more rocky but don’t want a full head banging, air-guitar-ing song for their first dance but aren’t into cheesy love songs.
Fun fact: my parents used to love Bon Jovi and went to loads of their concerts, and I’ve been to a couple too!
You’re My Best Friend – Queen
“Oh, you’re the best friend that I ever had. I’ve been with you such a long time. You’re my sunshine and I want you to know, that my feelings are true”
Queen
This happy, upbeat song is a fun first dance song guaranteed to get people smiling and singing along. I don’t know about you, but it makes me think of my husband and all the fun we have, and how he really is my best friend. I think it’s really magical to marry your best friend, and this song will highlight that for everyone to see. Plus, it wouldn’t be a list of music without Queen on it right?!
Well there you have it, that’s my top alternative first dance songs to really make your first dance stand out from the crowd. I’d love to hear your alternative first dance songs, it’s such a personal thing and a great way to bring both your personalities into the wedding. Happy dancing!
“Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion”
Unknown
