35 Beloved Father Daughter Dance Songs

Your wedding day is just as emotional for your father as it is for you and the father daughter dance is a special moment of the evening made just for the two of you. From the day you were born you had a special place in your dad’s heart and you always will. This dance symbolizes the relationship you have with your dad so, you’ll want to be sure to select the perfect song. With a little planning and preparation, your father daughter dance will be everything you’ve imagined. 

The best father daughter wedding songs are those that say, “I’ll always be your little girl”. No matter which genre or decade you choose, each of the father daughter dance songs on our list below have meaningful lyrics that will help you show your appreciation and love for dad. 

father-daughter-wedding-dance-songs

How to Pick a Father Daughter First Dance Song?

Before you choose a father daughter song to play at your wedding, make sure you think about what exactly you’ll want the song to express.  Is an upbeat tune more fitting or a slow ballad? Is there a certain genre perfect for the two of you or a particular tune the both of you love? The lyrics of a song are a great way to express your emotions and make sure Dad knows just how much you appreciate him.

If you are unsure where to start, use the four steps below to pick a father daughter first dance song. These tips will help you select a unique song that will touch the hearts of your family and friends at your wedding reception.

  1. Think about how you would like to honor your relationship with your dad. Your dad is a one-of-a-kind man and you’ll want the wedding song you choose to reflect that. Thinking about your relationship is the perfect place to start when you’re searching for inspiration because it can leave you with a ton of great ideas. Is there anything in particular that stands out? How about a certain song that has a special place in both of your hearts? Encompass the feelings of love and admiration that the both of you have for each other through your song selection.
  2. Consider certain decades or genres that might have a special place in your hearts. Aside from making sure that the both of you will absolutely adore the song you select, you can use certain decades or genres as the perfect way to narrow down your options. If you aren’t sitting down with your dad to select the song together, use his favorite decades or genres to make your decision easier.
  3. Consider if a slow song or something upbeat is more fitting.  The classic slow dance is tradition for father daughter wedding dance songs, although if “sentimental” doesn’t exactly feel right for you and your dad then pick something that does. The song you choose doesn’t need to be a slow tear-jerker to reflect the love you and your dad share. An upbeat rock song can have just the same effect as a ballad, if it represents you and your father.
  4. Take a dance class with Dad. Seeing as all eyes will be on you and Dad when you take the floor for your first dance, it can’t hurt to enroll in a few dance classes together. Sign up to learn the waltz or choreograph a special number just for your big day and who knows, the dance you learn may help guide your song selection.
  5. Have fun with your song selection. Regardless of which decade or genre you choose your song from, it will be memorable because you selected it. Don’t forget to cherish these little wedding planning moments when you’re in the middle of your wedding journey.
daddy daughter songs

Make the moment extra special by surprising your dad with a song

Who Picks the Father Daughter Dance Song?

The bride and her father are usually the ones who select the father daughter dance song. Whether it is a combination of the both of you or one or the other, it’s really up to personal preference who you designate this job to. Traditionally, the bride is the one who selects the song seeing as this portion of the evening is meant to serve as a tribute to your father. You can make the moment extra meaningful by selecting a song to surprise your dad with. On the other hand, sitting down and choosing a song with your father will not only ensure that the both of you will love the song, but will also allow for some extra bonding time before your big day.

When is the Father Daughter Dance?

The father daughter dance takes place immediately after the newlywed’s first dance as husband and wife. Traditionally, the father-daughter dance would come before the newlywed’s first dance and symbolize the father passing on his daughter to her new husband who would then dance her away. More modern weddings opt for having the newlywed’s first dance as bride and groom kick off the reception, followed by the father daughter dance song and then the mother son dance song. Depending on your wedding timeline and how you would like to kick off your wedding reception the order of your wedding dances may vary.

father and daughter dancing their first dance at wedding reception

Ballad Father Daughter Dance Songs

Song TitleSong ArtistYear
The Way You Look TonightFrank Sinatra1964
What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong1967
Brown Eyed GirlVan Morrison1967
LandslideFleetwood Mac1975
You Are So BeautifulJoe Cocker1975
Shower The PeopleJames Taylor1976
Wonderful TonightEric Clapton1978
Just The Way You AreBilly Joel1978
Could I Have This DanceAnne Murray1980
Unforgettable Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole1991
Can You Feel The Love Tonight Elton John1994
Butterfly KissesBob Carlisle1997
DaughtersJohn Mayer2003
Make You Feel My LoveAdele2011

Oldies Father Daughter Dance Songs

Song TitleSong ArtistYear
Love Me TenderElvis Presley1956
Memories Are Made Of This Dean Martin1956
True Love WaysBuddy Holly1958
Stand By MeBen E. King1961
You Belong To MeDuprees1962
My GirlTemptations1965
In My LifeBeatles1965
God Only KnowsBeach Boys1966
My Cherie AmourStevie Wonder1969
Colour My WorldChicago1971
Tiny DancerElton John1972
Tupelo HoneyVan Morrison1972
AngieRolling Stones1973

Father Daughter Country Songs

Song TitleSong ArtistYear
Daddy's HandsHolly Dunn1986
Love Without End, AmenGeorge Strait1990
When You Say Nothing At AllAlison Krauss1995
I Hope You DanceLee Ann Womack2000
Then They Do Trace Adkins2003
Tough Little BoysGary Allan2003
I Loved Her FirstHeartland2006
My Little Girl Tim McGraw2006
Ready, Set, Don't GoBilly Ray Cyrus2007
You're Gonna Miss ThisTrace Adkins2008
I'll Be There Josh Turner2010
Just Fishin'Trace Adkins2011

gold wedding invitation

Music is a big part of most weddings and whether you decide to hire a band, a DJ or play the soundtrack on your own, you will still be tasked with selecting from a long list of unique father daughter dance songs. Between making sure that everything goes smoothly, situating the finishing touches for your big day, and ordering your wedding thank you cards, make sure you find the time to select a touching first dance tune.

Your wedding photographer will be quick to capture this precious moment and you’ll have plenty of photos to design a personalized wedding photo album. Use our tips on how to make your own wedding photo album to create the perfect keepsake. With just a little thought, practice, and planning, you’ll be able to find a song made just for the two of you. Now that you’ve got your song selection taken care of, make sure that all of the other wedding details go smoothly with our creative list of wedding ideas and more.