15 Unique First Dance Songs To Make Your Moment Unforgettable
When the wedding ceremony is done and the plates from the wedding breakfast are cleared away, it’s time for the first dance.
This is a tradition which started in Europe in the 17th century when formal balls were de rigueur for well -off families.
These days, first dances are generally only for weddings and this is basically the first dance of the evening at a wedding reception whereby only the married couple take to the floor.
While the wedding breakfast signifies the first meal as man and wife, the first dance is pretty self-explanatory and, in this article we’re sharing 15 of the most unique first dance songs.
Striking a new note
When it comes to choosing a unique song for your first dance, the possibilities are endless – but despite this, a huge number of couples go for the same tired old favourites.
In fact, some of the most common songs chosen by couples are:
- Stand By Me by Ben.E King
- Your Song by Elton John
- All of Me by John Legend
- At Last by Etta James
Go your own way
If you choose to move to your own beat and want a unique first dance song but inspiration is refusing to strike, in this section, we’re sharing 15 unique dance songs to make your moment unforgettable.
The ballads
Setting the tone
Traditionally, the first dance song is a slow smoochy one which allows the couple to get up close and personal and, so, in this section we’re suggesting some ballads for your unique first dance song.
1. You’re Still You – Josh Groban
Soaring strings, Groban’s rich voice and some pretty powerful lyrics – what more could you want from a unique first dance song?
Rather than one of the power ballads which should have been left in the 80s where they belong, this song manages to combine Josh’s classically trained voice with a modern twist on an orchestral arrangement.
2. Somewhere Only We Know – Keane
A modern take on a love song, the lyrics to this one capture the intimacy of a relationship made up of shared – and maybe just a little private – memories.
As a bonus, the tempo is an easy one to dance to, even for those with two left feet.
3. Love Thy Will Be Done – Martika
Written by the late great Prince, this haunting track features romantic lyrics set to a gentle melody and beat, making it a really unique first dance song.
4. What A Difference A Day Makes – Jamie Cullum
The mini jazz maestro’s take on this iconic song which was originally written and recorded in Spanish by Orquesta Pedro Vía.
Of course, the most famous version belongs to the legendary Dinah Washington but Mr Cullum’s take makes a great and unique first dance song.
Raising the tempo
If you and your spouse-to-be have got some moves – or just prefer something a little more upbeat, we’ve got your back with these boppier options for a unique first dance:
5. Zoom – Fat Larry’s Band
“Bang – just one touch and all the church bells rang”. Lyrics don’t get much more romantic than this and the mid tempo of this song makes it ideal for everyone, no matter what their dance skill level may be.
6. Love Story – Taylor Swift
Ms Swift may just be the biggest star in the universe right now and, while many of her songs may centre around heartbreak and betrayal, this one’s all about the love – and marriage – and Romeo & Juliet (but with a happier ending).
7. Honey Honey – Abba
Cute and upbeat, this track by our favourite Swedes is not only a great and unique first dance song but one that is guaranteed to get your guests’ toes tapping ready to hit the dancefloor once your dance is over.
8. Only Yesterday – The Carpenters
Arguably one of the world’s most beautiful voices, Karen Carpenter is guest of honour at a number of weddings every day.
However, unlike ballads like You and We’ve Only Just Begun chosen by many couples, this song is full of joy making it perfect for a unique first dance song.
9. You And Me Song – The Wannadies
Modern and full of fun, your only problem here will be keeping your guests off the floor until the end of your special dance.
A proper crowd-pleaser, this is a great choice for couples who want a unique first dance song that will keep energy levels up ahead of the evening reception.
10. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You – Michael Jackson
The King of pop left behind an extraordinary legacy of songs when he died tragically at the age of 50 in 2009 and I Just Can’t Stop Loving You is, although a popular song, rarely used for a first dance – making this one unique as well as just simply great.
11. Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
80s pop icon, Rick Astley, is having a bit of a renaissance at the moment and, although he’s recorded many songs over the decades, he’ll always be remembered for this toe-tapper.
With romantic lyrics and a boppy beat, this is a great choice for couples who want to keep things light-hearted – with just a teeny bit of cheese.
The quirky ones
In the last two sections, we’ve shared some fantastic unique first dance songs – both fast and slow – but if these aren’t quite ‘out there’ enough for you, we’ll finish with a few slightly more quirky tunes:
12. There Is No Greater Love – Amy Winehouse
The late great Amy Winehouse’s voice lends itself perfectly to this 1947 classic by Billie Holliday. Smooth and soulful, this song is perfect for a well coordinated slow dance.
13. I Knew You Were Waiting – George Michael and Aretha Franklin
Joyous and fast-paced, this smash hit by two incredibly talented artists (both of whom have now sadly moved on to the big gig in the sky) will get your evening reception off on the right foot. Uptempo but not too fast to dance to, this one is a great mood setter.
14. Halo – Beyonce
Queen B has her fair share of fans across the world and she is responsible for a great many hits including this number five hit from 2009. Quirky but catchy, the steady beat makes this song really easy to dance to (and you’ll probably have half your congregation singing along too!)
15. Music To My Eyes – Lady Gaga
As quirky as the lady herself, this gorgeous song from the hit movie A Star Is Born is a unique first dance song to say the very least. A great one to dance to, it also has some seriously moving lyrics to go with it. Your guests will be asking you about this track long after the cake has been eaten and the flowers have been pressed for posterity.
What’s in a word ?
When choosing a song for your first dance, it’s pretty important to pay attention to the lyrics. Not so many years ago, a huge number of couples chose James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” for their first dance – oblivious seemingly to the line ‘I will never be with you’.
Similarly, if elderly relatives or those who may be easily offended are attending your wedding, you might want to check the lyrics of your chosen song to make sure that there’s nothing too racy or sweary in there !
The big question
No, not that one – you’ve already said I do ! The big question that a huge number of couples ask is “Am I allowed to play that record at my wedding?”
Happily, the answer is a resounding yes. In the UK, public performance rights exist for public venues such as pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and other venues which are open to the public.
License to thrill with your unique first dance song
In order to play music by groups or artists, these venues must apply for – and pay for a public performance licence as failing to do so can land them with a hefty fine.
Your wedding, however, doesn’t come under the umbrella of ‘public’ as it is classed as a private event. Because of this you are free to air your unique first dance song either by playing the record, having a live band play it or even by singing it at karaoke.
Doing things your way
A great and unique first dance song comprises of a few moving parts – lyrics, melody and beat and, so, once you have your short list, it’s always a good idea to have a few practice runs to make sure that it’s a good fit for you, your partner and your wedding.
While some couples choose to take dance lessons ahead of their wedding – and to have a carefully coordinated dance routine, this really isn’t necessary. A lot of couples prefer their dance to be more natural – if a little less slick.