A Good Wedding Means Good Music

Weddings are something that most women and men, though they may not admit it, think about throughout their lifetime. With so many things that require planning for the big day, one of the key elements is often thrown to the wayside: the music. Whether it be the music in general or merely the choice of the first song, it seems that many of today’s weddings rely on musical scapegoats. There is some sort of preconceived notion that traditional weddings should have the same tiredly traditional music that has been played for generations. Songs like At Last and The Way You Look Tonight, though iconic and admittedly classic, have become the standard for most weddings. Though recently, Adele has become the go to girl for slow and emotional songs. It’s high time that people begin to stray away from the norm and realize that there are a slew of song options that are equally moving. So, with that being said, here are 20 untraditional ‘first dance’ songs for any couple that is currently searching for one:

1.     You’re the One That I Want- Angus & Julia Stone

An incredibly interesting take on the song made famous by Grease, You’re the One That I Want is a slow and moving song that perfectly encompasses all feelings of recent newlyweds. (A nice alternative to this would be Big Jet Plane (Acoustic) also sung by Angus & Julia Stone)

2.     A Million Years- Alexander

This song is the perfect combination of sweet and sentimental. It perfectly highlights the feelings of newlyweds and conveys the inner thoughts and emotions that are present when people find the men/women of their dreams.

3.     When U Love Somebody- Fruit Bats

This song is slightly quicker than most used as the first dance song in weddings. It’s ideal for couples that wish to take a far more lighthearted approach to the day. The music is upbeat but still allows for an intimate dance between partners. Additionally, the lyrics exude warmth and positivity.

4.     Rivers and Roads- The Head and the Heart

This song is a bit more somber than those associated with weddings. It mentions loss and change, however, it also focuses on highlighting the strength of love. Despite any change that comes, when two people are together anything can be overcome.

5.     And If My Heart Should Somehow Stop- James Vincent McMorrow

This is the epitome of a classic wedding song. The music is slow and incredibly personal. The lyrics and instrumentals are in complete sync and create a song that is genuine and emotional.

6.     Cruel and Beautiful World- Grouplove

Slow and emotional, this song is ideal for a first dance. There is an acknowledgement of the difficulties that are always present but a deeper focus on the fact that having a partner to get by makes said difficulties that much less consequential. The world is a daunting place but love can overcome anything.

7.     Towards the Sun- Alexi Murdoch

Soft, slow, and truly passionate. There is an incredibly raw emotion in this song that creates an equally amazing feeling of contentment. The song is soothing and candid which creates an overwhelming sense of tenderness.

8.     Maybe I’m Amazed- Jem

A song that perfectly highlights the feelings of newlyweds. There is an incredibly soothing, almost ethereal, quality about the song, which conveys much of the emotions felt on wedding days. Focuses on the fears and vulnerabilities of newlyweds while highlighting the mutual strength that stems from a true partnership.

9.     I’ve Got This Friend- The Civil Wars

This song perfectly highlights the nervousness that surrounds blossoming relationships. It describes the importance of finding the right person and holding onto them. The music itself is sweet and harmonious, making a perfect atmosphere for a newlywed couple.

10. Happy- The Daylights

An ideal song for couples who may have struggled to reach their wedding day. Perfect for people in off-again-on-again relationships who have finally realized that they are far stronger together then they are apart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxKiyqyRiUI

11. Hiding Place- Aushua

The song focuses solely on simplicity. The vocals are the clear heart behind the music and are accentuated by the few underlying instrumentals. The song is slow and steady, picking up pace in certain parts, and invokes feelings of depth and endearment.

12.  A Girl, a Boy, and a Graveyard- Jeremy Messersmith

Soft and melodic this song encapsulates the tenderness of young couples. There is an emotional depth that is unmatched by many other artists and highlights the relationship of numerous couples.

13. In My Sleep- Austin Hartley-Leonard

Focuses on the idea of someday. The song acknowledges the fact that all relationships have their ups and downs but, should a couple work hard enough, the relationship will always remain in tact. There is a melancholy feeling to the song that is then overshadowed by a quicker pace and raw gritty vocals.

14. Give Me Love- Ed Sheeran

Definitely rising in popularity this past year, Give Me Love is a song that delves into the gritty, almost somber, aspect of love. The song is incredibly moving and highlights the raw emotions that can be evoked when two people realize they’re meant to be.

15. Hold You In My Arms- Ray LaMontagne

While arguable that Ray LaMontagne is definitely a common sound at most weddings, it is important to note that his albums are versatile and emotional enough to play in full. Hold You In My Arms is a song that focuses on the slow and raw emotion of a relationship. Lyrics full of the promises that all new brides wish to hear, the song is soft and sweet making it an ideal way to begin a marriage. Additionally, You Are The Best Thing is another LaMontagne song that may be more suitable for couples that wish to have a faster version of the soulful music.

16. This Years Love- David Gray

This song has been played in numerous shows and movies. It’s incredibly personal and emotional. The song takes touching to a whole other level and creates an overwhelming sense of commitment and depth.

17. Breathe In Breathe Out- Mat Kearney

This song is a bit more dark than most wedding songs. There is a note of finality within the music and, while it is far more somber than most, the song also highlights the fact that no matter how many negatives are present, the positives come from having a light in your life.

18. Lifelong Lullaby- Will Derryberry

This song emphasizes the protective comfort that should be present in any marriage. The song focuses on the fact that all relationships are joint partnerships in which two people look after one another. There is a tranquility within the song that oozes compassion and support.

19. Come Out of the Shade- The Perishers

A song that truly speaks for itself, Come Out of the Shade is a slow and steady representation of the ever-changing nature of relationships. The song highlights the blossoming of friendship into love and perfectly captures the warmth that is present in relationships.

20. I and Love You- the Avett Brothers

This song has soul, passion, grit, and raw emotion. While not a typical song to dance to, it has all of the elements of a perfect first dance song.

Honorary mentions: Modern twists on noted classics

 I Can’t Help Falling In Love- Ingrid Michaelson

I Try- Ben Taylor

Skinny Love- Birdy

Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

The Way You Look Tonight / Save the Last Dance For Me- Michael Buble

50 Great Songs For the Ultimate Wedding Playlist:

Shake Shake Shake- Bronze Radio Return

Never Had Nobody Like You- M.Ward

Slow Dance- John Legend

Home Is Not Places- The Apache Relay

A Lack of Color- Death Cab for Cutie

Something Pretty- Patrick Park

Champagne Supernova- matt pond PA

How Good It Can Be- the 88

England- The National

Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It- Stars

Little Talks- Of Monsters and Men

Friday I’m In Love- the Daylights

Classy Girls- the Lumineers

Ho Hey- the Lumineers

San Francisco- the Mowglis

Harbour Lights- A Silent Film

On Top of the World- Imagine Dragons

It’s Time- Imagine Dragons

Shiver Shiver- Walk the Moon

When Will I See Your Face Again- Jamie Scott

Saw You First- Givers

Up Up Up- Givers

Addicted- Morgan Page

All Eyes on You- St. Lucia

This Head I Hold- Electric Guest

Meant to Be- Mind the Gap

Boom Boom- Donora

Grandfather Clocks- Apple Horse

Simple Song- the Shins

Gold on the Ceiling- the Black Keys

Only For You- Heartless Bastards

Tongue Tied- Grouplove

Lovely Cup- Grouplove

Half Moon- Blind Pilot

All the Pretty Girls- Fun.

Wolf Pack- the Vaccines

Squealing Pigs- Admiral Fallow

Stone In My Heart- Graffiti6

Stop Mary- Graffiti6

My Body- Young the Giant

Give A Little Love- Noah and the Whale

Home- Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

40 Day Dream- Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Change of Seasons- Sweet Thing

Daylight- Matt & Kim

Love Today- Mika

Almost Everything- Wakey!Wakey!

Slow Show- the National

Chelsea Dagger- the Fratellis

Everybody Knows- John Legend