Father Daughter Dance Songs
When it comes to your wedding day, few moments are as touching and memorable as the father-daughter dance. It’s a special tradition that allows you to honor the bond between you and your dad, creating a sweet and sentimental moment on the dance floor. Choosing the perfect father daughter dance song is key to making this moment unforgettable, and there are endless options for every kind of relationship and style.
Hopefully this helps you navigate through the vast selection of father daughter wedding songs, giving you ideas and inspiration to find the perfect tune that reflects your relationship with your dad. Whether you’re drawn to sentimental ballads, upbeat country hits, or timeless classics, there’s a song out there that will make your daddy-daughter dance a cherished memory for years to come.
Our List of the Current Top Father Daughter Dance Songs
Tap or click each one to listen…
Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
Daddy’s Little Girl – Michael Buble
I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
You Are My Sunshine – Johnny Cash
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
Sweet Child O’ Mine (acoustic version) – Guns N’ Roses
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Because you loved me – Celine Dion
Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
Father and Daughter – Paul Simon
It Won’t Be Like This for Long – Darius Rucker
You are the Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder
Stealing Cinderella – Chuck Wicks
Joy of My Life – Chris Stapleton
Father and Daughter – Paul Simon
You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor
Mi Niña Bonita – Vicente Fernández
What is a father-daughter dance at a wedding?
The father-daughter dance is a traditional wedding moment where the bride shares a dance with her father, symbolizing their close relationship. It usually takes place during the wedding reception and is a chance for the bride to honor her dad while sharing a sweet and emotional moment in front of their guests. It’s more than just a dance—it’s a celebration of love, support, and all the memories shared between a father and daughter.
Why do a father-daughter dance at your wedding?
The father-daughter dance is a meaningful way to express gratitude and love toward your dad. For many brides, it’s an opportunity to show their appreciation for all the support and care their fathers have provided throughout their lives. Beyond the personal significance, the father-daughter dance adds a heartwarming element to the reception, creating an emotional moment that resonates with guests. It’s one of those wedding highlights that many look forward to, offering a touching glimpse into the special bond shared between the bride and her father.
When should you do a father-daughter dance at your wedding?
Traditionally, the father-daughter dance happens early in the reception, usually after the newlyweds have shared their first dance. It can be right after the meal is served, or just before the open dance floor kicks off. Some couples even choose to combine the father-daughter dance with the mother-son dance to create one extended family moment. Ultimately, the timing depends on how you’ve structured your wedding timeline, but it’s usually best to schedule it when all eyes are still focused on the formal aspects of the celebration.
What is the most popular father-daughter dance?
There are countless father daughter dance songs, but one track that consistently stands out as a crowd favorite is “My Girl” by The Temptations. Its upbeat, feel-good melody and timeless lyrics make it a perfect choice for brides who want a joyful yet sentimental dance with their dad. Another popular pick is “I Loved Her First” by Heartland, a deeply emotional country song that resonates with fathers everywhere.
Who traditionally picks the father-daughter dance song?
Typically, the bride has the final say in choosing the father-daughter wedding dance song, but many brides involve their fathers in the selection process. After all, it’s a moment for both of you to enjoy, and picking a song that holds special meaning for both of you can make the dance even more memorable. Some brides even surprise their dads with a song choice, while others prefer to collaborate and find a track that captures their relationship perfectly.
How do I choose a father-daughter song?
Choosing the right father-daughter song comes down to reflecting on your relationship with your dad. Do you share a favorite artist or band? Is there a song that reminds you of a special memory, or one that simply captures how you feel about each other? You might want to lean toward a slow, sentimental tune for an emotional moment, or pick something more upbeat if that better suits your personalities. The key is to find a song that resonates with both you and your dad.
Here are a few categories of father daughter wedding songs to inspire you:
Best Father Daughter Wedding Songs
- “I Loved her First” by Heartland
- “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
- “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman
- “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
Emotional Father Daughter Dance Tracks
- “Daughters” by John Mayer
- “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
- “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash
- “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
What is the number one father-daughter dance song?
The number one father-daughter dance song varies depending on taste, but one of the most beloved songs across all genres is “I Loved Her First” by Heartland. Its sentimental lyrics speak directly to the father’s feelings as he watches his daughter marry, making it a tear-jerker that resonates with both fathers and daughters. This song consistently tops lists of wedding songs for father-daughter dance moments.
How long should the father-daughter dance be?
A typical father-daughter dance lasts about 2-3 minutes. While this might seem short, it’s just enough time to enjoy the moment without it feeling too long. If you have a longer song in mind, you can always plan to fade it out or work with your DJ to create a custom edit. The length should be comfortable for both you and your dad, ensuring that the dance feels just right for the occasion.
What is the slow dance song for father-daughter?
For a slow, heartfelt dance, you might consider tracks like “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton or “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. These songs are classics that create an intimate and touching moment on the dance floor. Another beautiful choice is “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole—a song that blends nostalgia and sentimentality perfectly for a father daughter dance.
Father Daughter Dance Song Ideas by Genre
Classic Father-Daughter Wedding Dance Songs
If you’re a fan of the classics, songs like “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra or “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole are perfect choices. These timeless tracks have been wedding staples for generations, bringing a sense of nostalgia and elegance to your dance.
Country Father-Daughter Dance Songs
Country music is full of heartfelt father daughter songs that are ideal for a wedding. Songs like “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw, “It Won’t Be Like This for Long” by Darius Rucker, and “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks offer sentimental lyrics and simple melodies that perfectly capture the father-daughter bond.
Modern Father-Daughter Dance Songs
For a more contemporary vibe, consider songs like “Daddy” by Beyoncé or “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift. These modern hits are fresh, meaningful, and resonate with brides who want to choose something current and emotionally rich for their dad and daughter dance.
Timeless Father-Daughter Dance Hits
Some songs never go out of style, and tracks like “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder or “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King are enduring choices for a father daughter dance. These timeless hits have broad appeal and will surely strike a chord with guests of all ages.
Unique Father-Daughter Dance Songs
If you’re looking for something less conventional, try “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon or “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor. These unique father-daughter dance songs step outside the box while still offering meaningful lyrics and beautiful melodies.
Father Daughter Dance Songs in Spanish
For those planning a multicultural wedding or who have Spanish-speaking roots, there are some beautiful Spanish-language father daughter wedding songs to consider. “Mi Niña Bonita” by Vicente Fernández, “Cielito Lindo” by Pedro Infante, or “Gracias al Amor” by Jose Luis Perales are all wonderful options that add a special cultural touch to the occasion.
Capturing the Moments of your Daddy Daughter Dance Song
One of our favorite times of the evening is when the bride dances with her dad. The father-daughter dance is not just a special moment to share with your dad, it’s also one that creates stunning photographic memories that we love to capture. This is a moment rich with emotion, perfect for capturing candid expressions of love, laughter, and tears. Whether it’s the tender embrace of a slow dance or the joyous energy of an upbeat song, these are the moments that tell the story of your wedding day in a beautiful, authentic way.
What will you choose for your Father Daughter Dance Song?
The father-daughter dance is one of the most cherished traditions of a wedding reception, offering a heartfelt moment to celebrate the bond between a bride and her dad. Choosing the perfect father daughter dance song can be both fun and meaningful, whether you’re opting for a classic, sentimental tune or a modern hit that reflects your unique relationship. From country ballads to timeless hits, the song you select will help create a memory that you and your father will treasure for years to come.
When planning your wedding, the father-daughter dance isn’t just another item on the checklist—it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on the journey you’ve shared with your dad. It’s a time to celebrate the role he’s played in your life and acknowledge the love, support, and memories that have shaped who you are today. No matter what song you choose, the dance will be a defining moment on your wedding day, one that stands out in both your heart and in your wedding photos.
Your photographer will be there to capture every smile, every tear, and every step you take together, making this moment one of the highlights of your wedding album. So as you consider your options, take your time, listen to different tracks, and think about what feels right for you and your father. At the end of the day, it’s the meaning behind the song that matters most, and the moment you share will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your wedding celebration.
Central Florida Wedding Photographers – Mike Briggs Photography
