One of the most tender and touching moments of a wedding reception is the classic Father-Daughter dance. Although it has become a staple of…
Father-Daughter Wedding Dance Songs
One of the most tender and touching moments of a wedding reception is the classic Father-Daughter dance. Although it has become a staple of modern-day wedding receptions, the old tradition once held a much more significant meaning than it holds now. The dance symbolizes a father’s last moments as the only man in his daughter’s life as he passes her over to the groom. The tradition would typically begin with the father and daughter taking the floor at the beginning of the song and end with the groom whisking his bride away into their first dance alone together.
Today, the Father-Daughter dance has evolved into a fun, yet often tearful, way for daughters to have their last few moments as “daddy’s little girl.” The dance means something different to every family. Some may choreograph a big number and practice for months; others may just step into it and keep it simple: right foot, left foot, and repeat! Some brides choose a song that the guests will recognize, but many choose songs that hold special significance between her and her father. Regardless, those special few minutes should be something you and your family can cherish forever. To help you pick out the perfect song for you and your father, here is a list of some excellent Father-Daughter dance songs to choose from.
Most memorable lyric: “On behalf of every man, Looking out for every girl, You are the God and the weight of her world. So fathers, be good to your daughters, daughters will love like you do.”
2. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
Most memorable lyric: “Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand. But I won’t say “yes” to him unless I know, He’s the half that makes you whole, he has a poet’s soul, And the heart of a man’s man.”
3. “My Girl” by the Temptations
Most memorable lyric: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day, when it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May …”
4. “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
Most memorable lyric: “As long as one and one is two, there could never be a father, who loved his daughter more than I love you.”
5. “If I Could” by Ray Charles
Most memorable lyric: “If I could, I would try to shield your innocence from time. But the part of life I gave you isn’t mine. I’ve watched you grow, so I could let you go.”
6. “It’s For My Dad” by Nancy Sinatra
Most memorable lyric: “He was always a rock when I needed one, he gave me good advice when I needed some. I want you to know that when it’s said and done, he’s one of the best friends I ever had. This song’s not for you folks, it’s for my dad.”
7. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
Most memorable lyric: “From the first breath she breathed, when she first smiled at me, I knew the love of a father runs deep. And I prayed she’d find you someday, but it’s still hard to give her away. I loved her first.”
8. “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
Most memorable lyric: “Have I told you lately that I love you? Have I told you there’s no one else above you? Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness. Ease my troubles that’s what you do.”
9. “When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen
Most memorable lyric: “I’ll be there to guide you when trouble walks beside you. If you need me I’ll be there. And when this dirty world has been cold to you, I got two strong arms waitin’ to hold you. and when those mean days come along. We’ll stand together and we’ll take ’em on, so if you need me just call my name.”
10. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Most memorable lyric: “Isn’t she lovely, isn’t she wonderful, isn’t she precious, from less than one minute old.”
Additional Father Daughter Dance songs:
- Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
- You Are My Sunshine – Johnny Cash
- Father and Daughter – Paul Simon
- Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
- You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
- How Sweet It Is – James Taylor
- Here Comes the Sun – the Beatles
- Daddy – Beyonce
- Butterfly Fly Away – Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
- Lean on Me – Bill Withers
- Not All Heroes Wear Capes – Owl City
- Stand By Me – Ben E. King
- Ballerina Girl – Lionel Richie
If you are lucky enough to have a healthy father in your life to partake in a Father-Daughter dance, make the most of it! While there are a number of aspects of the wedding you may be worrying about first, this will be the most important part to him. Whether he is bopping to Stevie Wonder or fighting back tears during Heartland, spinning his little girl around on her special day will be a moment both he and you will treasure for years to come.
Looking for a band to play these beautiful songs on your big day? Check out our selection of award-winning party bands or call us at (610) 358-9010 for more information!