Unexpected First Dance Songs: 21 Different Ideas

There are a great many ways to make your wedding unique and personal to you, as well as full of surprises for your guests, and one way to make your wedding extra special is through choosing an unexpected first dance song.

Of course, popular first dance songs, such as Perfect by Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift’s Lover are gorgeous choices, but an unexpected first dance will make your wedding reception extra memorable, for all the right reasons. 

“Choosing an unexpected first dance song can add a special touch of magic to your wedding day,” agrees Kieran Stokes of Rock My Reception. “Whether you're breaking tradition with a quirky song choice or creating a unique experience under the stars, it's these moments that you and your guests will cherish forever.”

Fellow musician Jonny Ross Music also believes in the unique power of an uncommon first dance song, explaining: “Opting for an unconventional first dance song is your bold statement of individuality. It's like announcing, ‘Here's our vibe, and this is how we want our party to be’,” he says.

“Be it an electrifying rock anthem, a serene indie melody, or even a nostalgic disco tune, opting for a unique first dance song injects a distinct flavour into your day, that leaves a lasting impression on your guests, sparking conversations long after the wedding has passed.”

Unexpected First Dance Songs to Delight Your Wedding Guests

We spoke to Kieran and Jonny, along with other wedding music experts, for their tips when it comes to choosing alternative and uncommon first dance songs. Read on for the best unexpected first dance songs they’ve heard, along with their tips for making your first dance a boogie to remember.

1. The Friends Theme Tune

We’ve all heard the iconic first bars of I’ll be There For You by the Rembrandts more time than we can remember, but have you ever seen anyone perform their first dance to it? “At a recent wedding, the couple surprised everyone by choosing the Friends theme song for their first dance,” Kieran recalls.

“Halfway through, the wedding party joined in with a choreographed re-enactment, complete with a sofa on the dance floor. It was a hilarious and heart-warming moment that had everyone smiling.”

2. The Only Fools and Horses Theme Song

If you don’t take yourself too seriously, this iconic theme tune could be a brilliant idea, as Kieran explains:  “We love it when couples think outside the box, such as when we were asked to perform the theme tune from Only Fools And Horses. It was unexpected and brilliant, adding a touch of nostalgia and humour to the celebration.”

3. The Music from Shrek

Hear us out: Shrek has an abundance of amazing songs that 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 to make a nod to the green guy with a more conventional, yet still unexpected track? 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 and loves it, the grandparents remember it from the first time around and the kids remember it from the movie Shrek!” he enthuses.

“It's a timeless classic that brings everyone together on the dance floor.”

4. Apache - The Sugarhill Gang

“This is a fun song with a premade dance routine (think Fresh Prince of Belair),” 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 took some amazing pictures.”

5. Too Late to Turn Back Now - Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose

“This is just a really lovely fun song,” says Jonny. “It's a great song to dance to and would be a really unexpected and stand out song to pic for your first dance.”

6. Right Here - Jess Glynne 

“Kyle, one of  our DJs, mixed the acoustic version of this song into the dance version,” reminisces Jonny. “It was a classy way of combining the traditional with the fun. It added a lot of euphoria when it kicked into the dance version, and all the guests joined them on the dancefloor. It gave them the chance to get the standard first dance pic, followed by one that really involved their guests. We remix a lot of first dance songs!”

7. Send Me On My Way - Rusted Root

“For a fun and upbeat first dance song that works well for a live band, consider Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root,” says Jonny. “The feel-good, summery vibe is sure to put a smile on everyone's face. Festival weddings are really popular at the moment and this would fit this theme perfectly.”

8. Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Not a conventional love song, but one of the most romantic out there, we’d say. As Karen O’s inimitable vocals fill the room, people won’t be able to help  become emotional as she sings “they don't love you like I love you,” as you dance with the love of your life.

9. Best I Ever Had - Drake

A saucy choice, but one we know would delight millennials as they hear Drake’s iconic vocals boom out over the dancefloor. This isn’t a very granny-friendly first dance song, but if you’re just inviting friends, it’s a fun choice for your big day, and certainly an unforgettable one.

10. Disco 2000 - Pulp

Pulp are better known for Common People, which we have heard at weddings more times than we can count, but for a more unique first dance song, why not try Disco 2000? Jarvis Cocker even mentions marriage in the lyrics, singing: “They said that when we grew up, we'd get married and never split up.” Fingers crossed!

11. The Whole of the Moon - The Waterboys

This dreamy song isn’t a traditional love song, but it evokes feeling of romance and charm, and we can just imagine everyone singing along euphorically.

12. Crashed the Wedding - Busted

Despite being about a wedding, and the music video set at a wedding, we are yet to hear this used as a first dance song. Another crowd-pleaser, this is the perfect track to encourage guests onto the dancefloor, performing air guitars and that iconic Busted jump. Year 3000 is another Busted track we’d always be thrilled to hear at a wedding, though not quite so fitting for a first dance choice.

13. Us - Regina Spektor

Any 500 Days of Summer will recognise this cute ditty in the first few bars, and it certainly makes for a unique first dance track. We wouldn’t recommend trying to dance to the whole thing as it’s a quirky beat, but to fade this into a floor filler after the first chorus, this is a beautifully off the beaten track choice. 

14. You and Me Song - The Wannadies

While this isn’t a conventional love song, it has charming lyrics, and was part of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet, which gives it so serious romantic credentials. The iconic line of “It was always you and me, always and forever,” will get everyone singing too. 

15. I’m In Love With You - The 1975

For modern rock fans, The 1975 have endless tracks that work perfectly as an unusual first dance song, but none better than this heartfelt song - the title says it all. Other 1975 we know have used the band’s All I Need To Hear, but we prefer this more upbeat offering from the boys. 

16. Walk of Life - Dire Straits

Nobody tells a story quite like Dire Straits, and this jaunty song is perfect if you don’t want to do a slow dance for your first dance. It’s instrumental until 55 seconds in, so either fade it in at that point, or start it playing as you make your way to the dancefloor. It’s a fun track to beckon your guests onto the floor too! 

17. Paper Rings - Taylor Swift

Lover is the obvious Taylor Swift song for a first dance, but for Taylor fans after something different, 1989’s You Are In Love is a gorgeous choice, with Taylor and her co-writer, Jack Antonoff saying they thought it would make a good wedding song when they were first writing it

18. Tragedy - Steps

For couples who don’t take themselves too seriously, Steps’ Tragedy is an incredibly fun and unusual first dance song. Remember in the video, they all perform the iconic Tragedy dance in the church? That could be you and your loved ones! Sure, Faye’s wedding in the video doesn’t go quite to plan, but you’ll have already sealed the deal by the time you get to your first dance.

19. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For - U2

Another one for the light hearted newlyweds, we’ve seen this jokey track go down a storm as an unusual first dance, particularly perfect for couples who want their sense of humour to shine through on their big day. If guests are laughing along with the joke, you’re less likely to feel self-conscious, too. 

20. Dancing in the Moonlight - Thin Lizzy

Toploader’s Dancing in the Moonlight is a classic first dance song but this song of the same name (not a cover), is an unusual choice for your first dance, offering good vibes and happy memories - we picture this one at an outdoor wedding in the summer, as the sun starts to set. 

21. 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 for this romantic emo song (yes, the two can go together) that makes for an adorable, unexpected first dance song about falling deeply in love at first sight. 

22. The Bones - Maren Morris & Hozier

Hozier teamed up with country star Maren Morris for this gorgeous song that tells the tale of a couple who have built strong foundations to ensure their relationship lasts. Our favourite lyric? “Life sure can try to put love through it, but we built this right, so nothing's ever gonna move it.”

Why Choose an Unexpected First Dance Song?

Jonny explains that part of the joy of an uncommon first dance song is defying traditional wedding expectations: “Guests expect a soppy first dance with you dancing side to side,  but I love it when couples go for a fun first dance that gets their guests involved.”

Jonny adds than a unique first dance song can take the pressure off if you’re feeling nervous adding: “Some couples find it a bit awkward dancing to a romantic song, so choosing a fun first dance song involving your guests helps you let loose and relax.”

If you want a traditional first dance song, but want to put your own spin on it, Kieran suggests that the way to deliver the track can make it unexpected. He and his band love to perform first dance songs live - it’s not every day you get to dance to a live version of your favourite track, after all. 

Discover even more first dance song ideas here.