The Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs 2022
Updated on July 28, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell
The most special moment in a father’s life is his daughter’s wedding, second only to the day she was born. Father daughter dance songs celebrate this beautiful bond between the bride and her dad.
The Father Daughter Dance or the Daddy-Daughter Dance is formally the dance between the father of the bride and the bride herself.
The bride should choose one of her favorite tunes to act as the father-daughter dance song that has special meaning between them.
Methodology
We’ve talked to wedding couples through social groups and analyzed hundreds of wedding DJs’ playlists across the U.S. that provide reception music. We selected a list just for you of the most popular and unique father daughter dance songs for your reception.
Every bride’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected father-daughter dance songs that include many different genres.
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Father Daughter Dance Songs
- Listen to Father Daughter Dance Songs
- Father Daughter Songs
- Rock Father Daughter Dance Songs
- Folk Father Daughter Dance Songs
- Country Father Daughter Dance Songs
- Pop Father Daughter Dance Songs
- R&B Father Daughter Dance Songs
- Christian Father Daughter Dance Songs
- Other Father Daughter Dance Songs
- Father Daughter Dance FAQs
Our Top 10 Father Daughter Dance Songs
- “When God Made You My Father” by Riley Roth
- “Good Hands” by Johnny and Heidi
- “Like My Father” by Jax
- “Grow As We Go” by Mat and Savanna Shaw, The Piano Guys
- “My Father’s Daughter” by Olivia Vedder, Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard
- “You’ll Always Be My Baby (Written for Daughters’ Weddings)” by Alan Jackson
- “First Man” by Camila Cabello
- “Like My Daddy” by Lenasia Tyson
- “Story Of Love” by Bon Jovi
- Father Daughter Dance” by Craig Cardiff
Listen to Father Daughter Dance Songs
The Best Father Daughter Dance Songs For A Special Moment
The songs we’ve chosen tell a story about the love between a dad and daughter. The songs can be dedicated to dad from daughter or to daughter from dad. Wedding vendors commonly call the dance between a dad and his daughter the father daughter dance which is formal.
In a less formal title, it can be called the dad-daughter dance. When you think about it, how many daughters call their male parent father over dad? We should change the name to a dad-daughter dance!
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Rock Father Daughter Dance Songs
Story Of Love – Bon Jovi
2020, Rock
From the day you arrive, ’til you walk, ’til you run
There is nothing but pride, there is nothing but love
Walk With You – Edwin McCain
2010, Rock
I’ll take this slow sweet walk with you
You’ll let go of my hand to say I do
He will discover just how blessed a life can be
I know ’cause all those years ago
Your mom handed you to me
Gracie – Ben Folds
2005, Rock
And there will always be a part of me
Nobody else is ever gonna see but you and me
My little girl
Daughters – John Mayer
2004, Rock
So fathers be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Sheryl Crow
1998, Rock
Oh, oh oh oh sweet child o’ mine
Ohh, sweet love of mine
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) – Billy Joel
1994, Rock
Someday your child may cry
And if you sing this lullaby
Then in your heart
There will always be a part of me
Wildflowers – Tom Petty
1994, Rock
Is Wildflowers a good father-daughter song? The describes a story of a man loving someone and he wants her to be happy and free. The song makes for a great choice as the father daughter dance song.
You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
You belong with your love on your arm
You belong somewhere you feel free
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
1988, Rock
She takes me away to that special place
And if I stare too long, I’d probably break down and cry
Whoa, oh, oh
Sweet child o’ mine
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
1988, Rock
May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to Heaven
With a prince or a vagabond
Just The Way You Are – Billy Joel
1977, Rock
I took the good times, I’ll take the bad times
I’ll take you just the way you are
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
1975, Rock
Is landslide a good father daughter song? Stevie Nicks wrote the song about her love romance as well as her relationship with her father. Thus, the song has been a popular selection for the father daughter dance. Other song covers include The Chicks and Boyce Avenue.
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
1967, Rock
Is Brown Eyed Girl a good father-daughter dance? If you don’t care about the lyrics and looking for a fun song to dance to with your father, this classic rock song is perfect. However, the lyrics talk about loving a girl and making love.
Hiding ‘hind a rainbow’s wall
Slipping and sliding
All along the waterfall with you
My brown-eyed girl
Folk Father Daughter Dance Songs
Forever Young – Andrea von Kampen
2019, Folk
Oh let it come true
Forever young
I want to be forever young
Father Daughter Dance – Craig Cardiff
2018, Folk
Oh daughter, know we’re always here
I love you more
Then all the way
Past Florida, China,
The United States
The Old Man & His Daughter – Kaitlin Huwe
2018, Folk
The Old Man told his Daughter, “You must grow to be smarter
than all the ones before you so that you can set them free.”
The Daughter said, “Yes, Father, I’ll rise up and work harder.
I will meet the day and find the way I’d like to lead.”
Promise You’ll Stay – Joshua Creek
2016, Folk
From your first laugh to your first love
I stood by and watched you with pride
A fairy princess, a ballerina, today you’re a bride
Daughter – Loudon Wainwright III
2007, Folk
That’s my daughter in the water
I lost every time I fought her
Yeah, I lost every time
Sweet Pea – Amos Lee
2006, Folk
Hey, sweet pea
Apple of my eye
Don’t know when, and I don’t know why
But you’re the only reason I keep on coming home
Father And Daughter – Paul Simon
2002, Folk
As long as one and one is two
Ooh ooh
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you
You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
1971, Folk
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there
You’ve got a friend
Country Father Daughter Dance Songs
What is a good father-daughter country song?
The best modern country father daughter dance song is “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw from the movie Flicka. If your dad is more into classic country, a popular selection is “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn.
Never Give You Away – Greg Stielstra Productions
2022, Country
When God Made You My Father – Riley Roth
2022, Country
Good Hands – Johnny and Heidi
2022, Good Hands
Tell Me Twice – Chayce Beckham
2022, Country
Say you know how it goes
After every low comes a high that’s life
You better hold on and hold on tight
But you don’t have to tell me twice
You’ll Always Be My Baby (Written for Daughters’ Weddings) – Alan Jackson
2021, Country
No matter where you are
You’ll always be my baby
Forever in my heart
Step by Step – Brandon Davis
2021, Country
Call it stepping up
Or stepping in
But step by step my world went spinning around that little heart and angel face
She’s Somebody’s Daughter (The Wedding Version) – Drew Baldridge
2021, Country
She’s somebody’s daughter
She’s somebody’s everything
She’s somebody’s little girl
My Boy (My Girl Version) – Elvie Shane
2020, Country
I could never walk away
Yeah, she’s my baby my whole world
She ain’t my blood but she’s my, she’s my girl
Half the Man – Jennifer Smestad
2020, Country
Daddy set the bar real high
Showed me what a real man looks like
It’s gonna take one to fill those shoes
In his eyes, nothing less will do
Prettiest Girl in the World – Logan Mize
2020, Country
In my wildest dreams I’d never’ve guessed
I’d be the one holdin’ the prettiest girl in the world
Dads and Daughters – MaRynn Taylor
2020, Country
Like boats and water, they’re meant for each other
Through wind and the waves, they’ll sail away from the storm
And make it to shore
There’s nothing stronger than a lov? between dads and daughters
The Man Who Loves You the Most – Zac Brown Band
2020, Country
On your wedding night, I’ll raise a toast
Hope he understands
I’ll always be the man who loves you the most
For My Daughter – Kane Brown
2019, Country
Well, I guess that’s up to me
Yeah, I grew up without a dad
I’m gonna be the best one I can be
Dance With My Daughter – Jason Blaine
2016, Country
Gonna dance with my daughter
Spin her around under the lights
‘Cause I’m just a father
Making the most of this moment in time
Daddy’s Little Girl – The Shires
2016, Country
He said, “You can be anything you want to in this great big world”
But I’m always gonna be daddy’s little girl
Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw
2015, Country
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind
I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter) – Zac Brown Band
2015, Country
There was a time when I thought I knew love
Until you came into this world
Time keeps on flying
But your always gonna be my baby girl
Daddy – Abby Anderson
2014, Country
He’s my shoulder to cry on, he’s my best friend
Oh, and daddy, he loves me just like you
Daddy Dance With Me – Krystal Keith
2013, Country
Daddy dance with me
I want you to see the woman I’ve become
Daddy don’t let go
I want you to know I’ll always need your love
You’re Gonna Miss This – Trace Adkins
2008, Country
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you’re gonna miss this
You Can Let Go – Crystal Shawanda
2008, Country
It’s still a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I’ll be ok now, daddy
You can let go
It Won’t Be Like This For Long – Darius Rucker
2008, Country
One day soon we’ll look back laughin’
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
It won’t be like this for long
Ready, Set, Don’t Go – Billy Ray Cyrus feat. Miley Cyrus
2007, Country
She’s waitin’ on my blessings
Before she hits that open road
But baby get ready, get set, don’t go
Stealing Cinderella – Chuck Wicks
2007, Country
Dancing with her dad and looking up at him
If he gives me a hard time
I can’t blame the fella
I’m the one who’s stealing Cinderella
I Loved Her First – Heartland
2006, Country
And I prayed that she’d find you someday
But it’s still hard to give her away
I loved her first
My Wish – Rascal Flatts
2006, Country
Is My Wish a good father-daughter dance song? Yes! “My Wish” is a very popular song selected for the father-daughter dance because a Dad can offer a special dedication to his daughter wishing that all of her dreams come true.
I hope you never look back, but ya never forget
All the ones who love you, in the place you left
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
My Little Girl – Tim McGraw
2006, Country
Go on, take on this whole world
But to me you know you’ll always be
My little girl
There Goes My Life – Kenny Chesney
2003, Country
Draggin’ that teddy bear, sleep tight
Blue eyes and bouncin’ curls
He smiles
There goes my life
Then They Do – Trace Adkins
2003, Country
Can’t believe how much you miss
All they do
And all they did
You want all the dreams they’ve dreamed of to come true
Then they do
There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
2001, Country
For all my life
I’ll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am there you’ll be
I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
2000, Country
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
He Didn’t Have To Be – Brad Paisley
1999, Country
Looking back, all I can say about all the things he did for me
Is I hope I’m at least half the dad that he didn’t have to be
That’s My Job – Conway Twitty
1987, Country
Everything I do is because of you
To keep you safe with me
That’s my job you see
Daddy’s Hands – Holly Dunn
1986, Country
Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle but I’ve come to understand
There was always love in daddy’s hands
Pop Father Daughter Dance Songs
Daughter – Ben Rector
2022, Pop
You’ll Be in My Heart – Brent Morgan
2021, Pop
No matter what they say
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
Always
Grow As We Go – Mat and Savanna Shaw, The Piano Guys
2021, Pop
I don’t know how this river runs
But I’d like the company through every twist and turn
Call My Name – Lukas Graham
2021, Pop
Don’t matter when or where
Just know that I’ll be right there
Call my name
Like My Father – Jax
2021, Pop
I need a man who loves me like
My father loves my mom
We’re Gonna Miss These Days – Dave Barnes
2020, Pop
Forgive me for forgetting
The season we’re in
It’s just sometimes I miss us
Like we were before this
Time to Let Me Go – Quixotic Sound
2020, Pop
You’ll be there when I call
That much I know
But it’s time to let me go
First Man – Camila Cabello
2019, Pop
You held me so tight
Now someone else can
But you were the first man that really loved me
You’ll Always Be My Hero – Ashley Marina
2018, Pop
Keep us safe, safe and secure
You’ll always be my hero, forever I’ll be yours
Forever Now – Michael Bublé
2018, Pop
No matter what you do
I’m forever proud of you
I love you forever now
Beautiful Memory – Scott Keo
2018, Pop
I never thought that this dance would come
You brighten(ed) my life, brighter than the sun
You’re beautiful, in every single way
And now it’s so bittersweet, giving you away
This Dance – Scott Thomas Laughridge
2018, Pop
And This Dance is more than just a dance, It gives me one more chance
to show the world how proud I am of you, and as we dance
Dance around this room, like we did when you were two
My little girl, This Dance is just for You
Not All Heroes Wear Capes – Owl City
2017, Pop
He’s my Superman
Some folks don’t believe in heroes
‘Cause they haven’t met my dad
One Call Away – Charlie Puth
2015, Pop
Superman got nothing on me
I’m only one call away
When you’re weak I’ll be strong
I’m gonna keep holding on
Fathers & Daughters – Michael Bolton
2015, Pop
Into this world
Come with a heart that’s open wide
And the best of this life
Is all I ever want for you
You’re My Hero – Wedding Music Central
2012, Pop
You’re my hero
And ’cause you’re my Dad…
I’m twice as blessed and lucky to be me
Your Song – Ellie Goulding
2010, Pop
I hope you don’t mind
That I put down in words
How wonderful life is
Now you’re in the world
Never Alone – Jim Brickman Feat. Lady Antebellum
2010, Pop
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You’re never alone
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
2002, Pop
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
A Song For My Daughter – Ray Allaire
2000, Pop
So I wish you every happiness
And the blessings of this day
And I hope the love I’ve given you
Will forever be your guide
You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
1999, Pop
‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
1997, Pop
She’ll change her name today
She’ll make a promise and I’ll give her away
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
1996, Pop
You gave me faith ’cause you believed
I’m everything I am
Because you loved me
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
1988, Pop
I want you to know I know the truth, of course, I know it
I would be nothing without you
Tiny Dancer – Elton John
1971, Pop
You must’ve seen her
Dancing in the sand
And now she’s in me
Always with me
Tiny dancer in my hand
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
1967, Pop
Is what a wonderful world a good father-daughter dance? “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong is a classic parent-child dance song at weddings that is not too mushy but captures the bond between father and daughter.
I hear babies cry, I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more
Than I’ll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
R&B Father Daughter Dance Songs
Like My Daddy – Lenasia Tyson
2018, R&B
I just want to be just like my daddy
Daddy Lessons – Beyoncé
2016, R&B
Daddy made me dance
And daddy held my hand
And daddy liked his whiskey with his tea
And we rode motorcycles
Blackjack, classic vinyl
Tough girl is what I had to be
Right by You (For Luna) – John Legend
2016, R&B
And know that I will be there, yeah, I will be there
No, I swear that I will, yeah, I promise I will
Little girl
Babyfather – Sade
2010, R&B
For you child
For you he’s the best he can be
Oh child don’t you know
Your daddy love come with a lifetime guarantee
Your Joy – Chrisette Michele
2007, R&B
No one can compare to the way my eyes fit in yours
You’ll always be my father, oh
And I’ll always be your joy
Footprints in the Sand – Leona Lewis
2007, R&B
The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes
And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave
Daddy – Beyonce
2003, R&B
I want my husband to be like my daddy
There is no one else like my daddy
And I thank you
Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
2003, R&B
Another walk, another dance with him
I’d play a song that would never ever end
How I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again
If It Wasn’t For Your Love – Heather Headley
2002, R&B
At last my chance to shine
And all in perfect time
A life I’d once dreamed of
Who’d have thought
If it wasn’t for your love
Wind Beneath My Wings – Eddie & Gerald LeVert
1995, R&B
Did you ever know that you’re my hero
If you didn’t, I’m telling you now daddy, daddy
You’re everything I would like to be
Hero – Mariah Carey
1993, R&B
Look inside you and be strong
And you’ll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
1991, R&B
That’s why darling it’s incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable too
Ballerina Girl – Lionel Richie
1986, R&B
Ballerina Girl
You are so lovely
I can see in you
My dreams come true
Shining Star – The Manhattans
1980, R&B
Honey be, right here where you are
Until my dying day, ahh yeah
Honey you, you, you are my shining star
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
1977, R&B
Then I look at you
And the world’s alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day
Your Daddy Loves You – Gil Scott-Heron
1974, R&B
Your daddy loves you
Your daddy loves his girl
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
1976, R&B
I can’t believe what God has done
Through us, He’s given life to one
But isn’t she lovely made from love?
Daddy Could Swear, I Declare – Gladys Knight & the Pips
1973, R&B
Cursin’, just a-fussin’
And a-bein’ mad
But I hope the good lord will understand
That daddy’s is just bein’ my dad
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder
1972, R&B
You are the apple of my eye (love has joined us)
Forever you’ll stay in my heart
You’re A Big Girl Now – The Stylistics
1971, R&B
You’re a big girl now
No more daddy’s little girl
I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
1969, R&B
With an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name
And I’ll be there
Color Him Father – The Winstons
1969, R&B
Think I’ll color this man father
I think I’ll color him love
Said I’m gonna color him father
I think I’ll color the man love
My Girl – The Temptations
1964, R&B
I’ve got a sweeter song
Than the birds in the trees
Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way
My girl
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
1961, R&B
I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
Christian Father Daughter Dance Songs
Daddy’s Girl – Channing Gillespie
2022, Christian
King of the World – Cindy Morgan
2009, Christian
Praise Him for the rolling hills
Where children laugh and play
Oh and praise Him for the wandering soul
That never lost their way
Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
2007, Christian
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
‘Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
You’re My Little Girl – Go Fish
2006, Christian
All you need to do is call Me
I’ll be there for you
‘Cause you’re My little girl
Find Your Wings – Mark Harris
2005, Christian
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
Always Be Your Baby – Natalie Grant
2003, Christian
I’m a woman now
Not a little girl
Wherever this life takes me
I’ll always be your baby
Other Father Daughter Dance Songs
My Father’s Daughter – Olivia Vedder, Eddie Vedder, Glen Hansard
2021, Indie
I am my father’s daughter
Come hell or high water
Never gonna leave him
Letter To My Daughter – Quando Rondo
2020, Hip Hop
When I walk inside the door, she gon’ know it’s me
I’ma tell her ’bout the days they ain’t notice me
I can feel you and you know I’m you’re Jodeci
Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
1990, World
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
1977, Reggae
Three little birds
Pitched by my doorstep
Singin’ sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
1964, Jazz
Is the Way You Look Tonight a father-daughter dance song? Yes, it is a classic song from one of the Rat Pack singing about his adoration and love from a father to a daughter.
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight
They Can’t Take That Away from Me – Ella Fitzgerald feat. Louis Armstrong
1956, Jazz
The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No, no they can’t take that away from me
Do you have a favorite father-daughter dance song, not on our list? Please share it below so that we can add your song!
Enjoy our podcast about the Father-Daughter Dance songs!
What if I have a stepdad for the father daughter dance?
Remember, this is your wedding and you can honor the people that matter to you most in the way that makes sense to you. Brides, if you have more than one father in your life, one can tap the other on the shoulder in the middle of the dance so you can dance with both of them. We’ve even seen this happen with one biological dad and two step-fathers.
Or, choose two father daughter wedding songs and reserve a special dance for each of your fathers. That way you can choose a song for each man, that will fit his personality and be representative of your relationship. Talk to your professional wedding coordinator and DJ so they can take it into account.
Step Father Daughter Dance Suggestions
- “He Didn’t Have To Be” by Brad Paisley
- “Step by Step” by Brandon Davis
- “My Boy (My Girl Version)” by Elvie Shane
What is the traditional order of dances at a wedding reception?
The typical order of the formal dances during a wedding reception is 1. First Dance 2. Father-Daughter Dance 3. Mother-Son Dance 4. Wedding Party Dance
What if I don’t have a father?
It could feel awkward if your new spouse dances with their mom and you don’t have a dad. It’s okay, If you do not have a father, a common substitute is a father figure or even your brother would make a very nice gesture. Then, you can have a special brother bride song.
This also goes for same-sex couples. You can honor the parent of your choosing with each dance. Your wedding is for you — as a new couple.
Who picks out the song for the father-daughter dance?
The bride selects the song to dance to with her father on her wedding day. However, the song should reflect their relationship such as a song highlighting a moment in their life or lyrics that describe their relationship.
What is a good father and daughter song?
A good father and daughter song is one that describes your relationship. If the father did not have a great relationship with his own father, then “For My Daughter” by Kane Brown would fit. If you have a loving relationship, then “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw is perfect.
Who does the bride dance with if a father is deceased?
If you have a father who passed away before your wedding day, check out this song. “Would Have Loved Her” by Chris Bandi is a special dedication song. Brides can also have a family member fill in such as her mother, brother, uncle, or aunt. You can get more dad dedication suggestions on our memorial songs list.
What can I do instead of father-daughter dance at my wedding?
If you do not want to dance with your father on your wedding day, then a popular alternative is to have a mother-daughter dance. Other options include a honeymoon dance (similar to the money dance) and also a selfie dance (guests can get selfies with the wedding couple).
Do you dance with your dad at your wedding?
Historically, the bride danced with her father as a final farewell before her new life with her husband. In the 1990s through the 2000s brides typically danced with their fathers immediately following the first dance. However, in recent years, more and more brides are choosing to only have one formal dance, the first dance, and get to the dance party as quickly as possible. So, it is up to you if you wish to have the father daughter dance or not.
Does the father daughter dance have to be serious?
Absolutely not! The point of the father daughter dance is to honor your relationship. If you have a history of goofing off, then make your dance a fun one! A lot of people choose funny songs instead of serious father daughter songs. This gives the dance a light-hearted feel.
And if you can’t decide on what song to use, you can always choose an instrumental number such as a jazz tune, classical waltz, or contemporary dance music. The most important thing is to not rush your decision. You can even discuss it with your father or the man you will dance with if you like. It can be super fun to make the song a surprise and see his reaction (be sure to tell the photographer and videographer to look for it). We cannot name all the great father daughter songs; that would be impossible.
How long should a father-daughter dance be?
When planning the father daughter dance, select a song around 2 minutes in length to prevent any awkward moments of trying to get off the dance floor (unless you have a choreographed dance). The DJ can also create a shortened version of any song you think is a bit too long.
What is a parents’ dance at a wedding?
The traditional parents’ dances at a wedding are when the bride dances with her father and the groom dances with his mother. These are known as the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. If their parents are unable to attend, relatives can step in for the dance.
I don’t want too many formal dances
Hey if the step-parent situation is complicated or slightly adversarial, you can always skip it. Or, keep it to a minimum. Some bridal couples combine the father daughter dance with the mother-son dance into just one song to dance.
In this case, a wedding couple should agree on a song that is memorable to everyone involved. There are plenty of songs that are ambiguous enough to allow for both the bride and the groom to dance with their parental figures. Whatever helps you celebrate your special day the best is what you should do.
The songs aren’t required to be about a daddy giving away his little girl (especially if you’re down with the patriarchy, right?). They don’t even have to be about a father or a daughter! They can simply be songs about love, dedication, or even something silly.
What is the best song for a daughter?
See our list of songs with daughter in the title for inspiration!
Interesting fact: The only song performed by a father daughter combo to chart as a Top 10 song on Billboard is Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra’s “Somethin’ Stupid“.
Father Daughter Song Dedications
Dad and daughter songs can also be commonly used as dedication songs to honor that special bond. A dad can dedicate a song to his daughter for events like her birth, special birthday (sweet sixteen), teaching her how to dance as a little girl, and also as a dad’s dedication to his daughter at her wedding.
Daughters can also dedicate songs to their dad in special moments such as at her wedding, his retirement party, and special dances at school events. Daughters can dedicate some of the above songs to not only dads but also those who have filled the role like the song “He Didn’t Have To Be” by Brad Paisley.
Daddy-Daughter Dance Songs
Another need for dad and daughter songs is for the special Daddy-Daughter dances that schools host. The night usually includes dinner, too. It is time for your dad to take his best suit to the dry cleaners. He can also take you shopping (yay!) for a new dress to wear for the Daddy-Daughter date night.
Similar song lists for further reading:
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