Some couples cringe at the thought of slow dancing to a sentimental love song for their first dance. If that’s you, take heart! I have worked with lots of couples who have chosen less traditional songs to dance to at their wedding. Whether it’s a song that you both love dancing and singing to in the car, or a song that gives off unmistakable party vibes, these non-traditional songs are fun and easy to dance to and a great way to kick off the reception.
No Diggity by Chet Faker
Nick Murphy/Chet Faker’s laid-back cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity has such a cool vibe that makes a perfect non-traditional first dance song. The best lyrics of this song are highlighted by the artist’s singing - “she’s got class and style” and “baby you’re a perfect ten” - which means most people won’t have any clue what this song is actually about. 😉
We Found Love by Rihanna ft Calvin Harris
The club/party anthem of 2011, We Found Love still manages to get the most reluctant dancers out on the dance floor. This song is great to dance to because of the big build-up moments and the tempo (not too fast or too slow.) If you don’t use this song as your first dance, make sure you put it on your reception playlist for the end of the night.
One Dance by Drake and Hasta el Amanecer by Nicky Jam | Mashup by Alex Aiono
I LOVE a good mashup. And this one is so so so good. I would even argue that this version is better than the two songs by themselves. (Yes, I said it! And so do the 68M views on this video.) You can also mashup several styles of dance to this song including Bachata, Cha Cha and Salsa which makes it really fun for couples who are interested in learning several styles of Latin dance.
Electric Love by BORNS
What I love about all of these songs are how they all have distinct parts to the song that make it really fun to choreograph and dance to. In Electric Love, you have the lead up to the fun chorus, “Baby you’re like lightning in a bottle" and then this whole dreamy part in the middle of the song where you could have a little slow dance part to break up the other big moments. So fun!
May I Have This Dance by Francis and the Lights ft. Chance the Rapper
There are so many things to love about this song for a first dance. Like “One Dance,” the lyrics about dancing are always appropriate for a first dance. WIth unique instrumental moments and a hip hop-meets-modern dance routine you could totally steal, this song offers a lot in the way of first dance songs to get the party started.
Planning to dance to a non-traditional first dance song?
Go for it! Some of my most favorite dances to work on were to the five songs above. Yes, real couples did dance to all five of these songs! If they can do it, you can do it.
Let me know if you danced to a less traditional song on Instagram @firstdancecharlotte.
Photo of Renata and Alec by Krista Mason Photography.