Unexpected First Dance Songs: 21 Unique & Unusual Ideas
An unexpected first dance song is the perfect way to kickstart a memorable wedding reception. We asked wedding music experts for their favourite, most unusual choices
There are many ways to ensure your wedding is unique and personal to you – as well as being full of surprises for your guests – and one especially fun way to make it extra special is by choosing an unexpected first dance song.
Of course, popular first dance songs like Lover by Taylor Swift, Beyond by Leon Bridges or Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud are gorgeous choices, but an unexpected first dance will make your wedding reception extra memorable for all the right reasons.
“Unexpected first dance songs will certainly add a special touch of magic to your wedding day,” agrees Kieran Stokes of Rock My Reception. “It’s these kinds of moments you and your guests will never forget.”
Fellow musician Jonny Ross Music also believes in the power of different first dance songs: “Opting for an unconventional first dance song is your statement of individuality,” he says. “It’s like announcing, ‘here’s our vibe – this is how we want our party to be’.
“Be it an electrifying rock anthem, a more serene melody or even a nostalgic disco tune, choosing a unique first dance song injects flavour into your wedding day, will leave a lasting impression on guests and spark conversations long after the big day is over,” he adds.
Best Unique First Dance Songs to Delight Your Wedding Guests
We spoke to Kieran, Jonny and other wedding music experts to find out their favourite unusual first dance wedding songs and get some tips on how to choose alternative and uncommon first dance songs. Time to make your first dance a boogie to remember!
Best TV and Film First Dance Songs
1. Friends Theme Song
You may have heard those iconic first bars of I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts more times than you can possibly count – but have you ever seen anyone perform their first dance to it?
“A couple chose this for their wedding recently, and halfway through, the wedding party joined in with a choreographed re-enactment, complete with sofa on the dance floor,” recalls Kieran. “It was a hilarious and heart-warming moment that had everyone smiling!”
2. Bluey Theme Song
It’s a global sensation in the home of everyone who has kids, with an irresistible theme tune that has every parent on the planet doing a little wiggle as they’re sorting out the washing. If your little ones are at an age where you’re practically co-parenting with CBeebies, the much-loved Bluey theme could be the perfect choice for your 1st dance wedding song.
“I went to a wedding where the newlyweds had two children and they all danced to this together as their first dance song – it was perfection!” recalls Hitched editor Zoe Burke.
3. Anything from Shrek
Hear us out: Shrek has an abundance of amazing tracks that would work brilliantly as unexpected first dance choices. Our favourite is Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows – but All Star by Smash Mouth is an undeniable banger, too.
Want a nod to the big green guy with a more conventional, yet still unexpected, song? Kieran recommends I’m a Believer by The Monkees. “Choosing a first dance song that spans generations is always a hit. I’m a Believer is a perfect example – everyone knows it and loves it,” he says.
4. Apache (Jump On It) – The Sugarhill Gang
“This is a fun song with a pre-made dance routine, thanks to the iconic scene from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” says Jonny. “My partner and I had this at our wedding and asked our groomsmen, parents and bridesmaids to join in as the song progressed. It was a really fun way to start the evening and we got some amazing pictures!”
5. You & Me Song – The Wannadies
For die-hard Romeo and Juliet fans, this charming song has serious romantic credentials. The iconic line, ‘it was always you and me, always and forever’ will get everyone in the room singing – trust us.
6. Anyone Else But You – The Moldy Peaches
If you fell hard for quirky-but-cute film Juno back in the day (same), this original version by The Moldy Peaches could be the perfect choice for a unique first dance song.
Best Rock & Roll First Dance Songs
7. Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Not a conventional love song but definitely one of the most romantic in terms of lyrics, in our opinion. As Karen O’s inimitable ‘they don’t love you like I love you’ vocals fill the room during your first dance, your guests won’t be able to help but feel the emotion.
8. Disco 2000 – Pulp
Pulp is better known for its tune Common People – a classic, but a song we’ve heard at weddings more times than we can count. So why not try Disco 2000 if you're looking for more unique wedding first dance songs? 'They said that when we grew up, we’d get married and never split up,' booms Cocker. Fingers crossed!
9. The Whole of the Moon – The Waterboys
This classic rock tune isn’t a traditional love song, but it definitely evokes feelings of romance and there’s something very charming about it. It’s definitely a unique first dance song we can imagine the whole room singing along to euphorically!
10. Walk of Life – Dire Straits
Nobody tells a story quite like Dire Straits and this jaunty track is perfect if you’re not interested in a slow dance. It’s instrumental until around 55 seconds in, so either fade it in at that point or start playing it as you make your way to the dance floor. It’s a fun wedding dance song to beckon your guests onto the floor to, too!
11. Dancing in the Moonlight – Thin Lizzy
Toploader’s song of the same name is a classic first dance song, but Thin Lizzy’s Dancing in the Moonlight (not a cover) is a more unusual choice, bringing good vibes and happy memories. We can picture this song playing at an outdoor wedding in the summer, as the sun starts to set.
12. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root
“This is a really fun and upbeat first dance song that works especially well if you’re having a live band,” suggests Jonny. “It has a feel-good, almost summer vibe that puts a smile on the face of everyone who hears it. This would work great at a festival-themed wedding, too,” he adds.
13. You Had Me At Hello – A Day to Remember
‘I’ve never seen a smile that can light the room like yours’, read the sweet lyrics from this romantic emo song. A tune about falling deeply in love at first sight, it makes for an adorable and unexpected first dance song choice.
14. Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
This sixties/Beatles-inspired B-side from the Arctic Monkeys is perfect for those who want to combine a modern rock and roll 1st dance wedding choice with something that will also get granny swaying.
Best Modern First Dance Songs
15. Right Here – Jess Glynne
“One of our DJs mixed the acoustic version of this song into the dance version, and it was a classic way of combining tradition with something fun,” recalls Jonny. “It created a lot of euphoria when the dance track kicked in and all the guests joined in on the dance floor. It also gave the couple the opportunity to get their first dance photo followed by one that included all their guests.”
16. Best I Ever Had – Drake
A saucy choice, maybe, and not the most grandparent-friendly first dance song, but one we know would delight all the millennials in the room.
17. I’m In Love With You – The 1975
The 1975 have endless tracks that would work perfectly as more unexpected first dance songs, but none better than this heartfelt tune. All I Need to Hear is a popular choice, but we prefer this more upbeat offering from the lads.
18. Crashed The Wedding – Busted
A total crowd-pleaser and one (believe it or not) that’s rarely used as a first dance song. This is a song that’ll definitely encourage guests to the dance floor – along with their air guitars.
19. Us – Regina Specktor
Any 500 Days of Summer fans will recognise this in the first few bars – and it definitely makes for an unusual wedding song for the first dance. We wouldn’t recommend trying to dance to the whole thing but fade this into a floor filler after the first chorus and it makes a beautiful, off the beaten track choice.
20. The Bones – Maren Morris & Hozier
Irish musician Hozier teamed up with American country singer/songwriter Maren Morris for this gorgeous song that tells the tale of a couple who have built strong foundations to ensure their relationship goes the stretch. Our favourite lyric? ‘Life sure can put love through it, but we built this right, so nothing’s ever gonna move it.’
21. Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
The lyrics in this tune from TikTok sensation/former American Idol contestant Benson Boone couldn't be more perfect for a first dance song. Have your guests join you on the dance floor after that banger of a beat drops, and maybe even throw in a confetti cannon for good measure!
Unusual First Dance Songs UK: FAQ
Why Choose an Unexpected First Dance Song?
According to Jonny, part of the joy of choosing an unexpected first dance song is defying traditional wedding expectations: “Guests naturally expect a bit of a soppy first dance, with the two of you dancing face to face,” he says. “But I love it when couples go for a fun first dance that gets their guests involved too.”
He also adds that it can take the pressure off if you’re feeling nervous: “Some couples find it a bit awkward dancing to a romantic song, so choosing a fun first dance song might help you let loose and relax a bit,” he suggests.
How Do I Choose a Non-Traditional First Dance Song?
Wondering how to choose a unique first dance song? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Draw up a playlist of potentials and listen to them together at home. Make use of Spotify or Apple Music on long car journeys, while you’re cooking together, out walking the dog or wedding planning to help you find songs, new and old, that you might like.
- Consider classics that immediately get you and your partner on the dance floor (or bopping about in the kitchen or at home). If it’s something you love, it’ll likely get your guests up dancing with you, too.
- Explore other, lesser-known versions of your favourite songs. Maybe they’ve been covered by another artist, or perhaps there’s an acoustic or orchestra version that’s not so popular.
- Be inspired by film and TV themes. Think about films and shows that you and your partner love watching together – it’s likely the music will conjure up some pretty good memories. Plus, if you ask your band to play a live version of it, it’ll sound even more unique.
- Ask around. Whether that’s friends, family, the band you’ve hired or the internet, there’s no harm in taking inspiration from others.
- Try them out at home. Of course, the best way to find the perfect first dance song is to do more than just listen to it – actually have a go dancing to it together at home to see if it feels right. Try not to feel awkward, we’re pretty sure you’ll feel glad of the test run later down the line!
What Are Some Unique First Dance Songs?
From the Bluey theme song to modern-day artists like Jess Glynne and The 1975, we’ve packed in plenty of inspiration for unexpected first dance songs above. Want something upbeat? Disco 2000 by Pulp will be a hit with guests. Looking for something a bit tongue in cheek? Get on Crashed the Wedding by Busted.
What Modern Songs Make Great First Dance Wedding Songs?
There are plenty of modern songs that make great first dance choices – for something unique, why not look to acoustic versions of your favourite dance tunes? We love Right Here by Jess Glynne.
Other modern tracks that make great first dance wedding songs, but perhaps aren't so unexpected, include Toothpaste Kisses by the Maccabees, Beyond by Leon Bridges and I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons.
What Makes a First Dance Song Unique?
A first dance song is considered unique if it’s not typically associated with being a first dance song. Perhaps you’d prefer to swap a slow, romantic dance for something a bit more upbeat, or choose a song that your guests or members of your wedding party can join in with, too.
If you’re set on a more traditional first dance song, but want to put your own spin on it, Kieran suggests that the way the track is delivered or performed can make it equally unexpected. If you’re booking a live band, ask them to perform it in their style. It’ll likely be a version your guests haven’t heard before and it’s not every day you get to dance to a live version of your favourite track!
Need more inspiration? Discover more first dance songs here.
