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.
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.
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.
Ballad Father-Daughter Dance Songs
For a deeply emotional and slow-paced father-daughter dance, ballads are the go-to choice. These powerful songs create an intimate moment on the dance floor, allowing you to reflect on the bond you share while savoring the beauty of the occasion.
1. “The Way You Look Tonight,” by Frank Sinatra
Lyrics: “And that laugh that wrinkles your nose / It touches my foolish heart”
2. “What a Wonderful World,” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics: “I see trees of green, red roses too / I see them bloom for me and you / And I think to myself / What a wonderful world”
3. “Brown Eyed Girl,” by Van Morrison
Lyrics: “My brown-eyed girl / You, my brown-eyed girl”
4. “Landslide,” by Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics: “‘Cause I’ve built my life around you / But time makes you bolder / Even children get older / And I’m getting older too”
5. “You Are So Beautiful,” by Joe Crocker
Lyrics: “You are so beautiful to me / Can’t you see”
6. “Shower the People,” by James Taylor
Lyrics: “Just shower the people you love with love / Show them the way that you feel”
7. “Wonderful Tonight,” by Eric Clapton
Lyrics: “And then I tell her, as I turn out the light / I say, ‘My darling, you are wonderful tonight'”
8. “Just the Way You Are,” by Billy Joel
Lyrics: “I said I love you, that’s forever / And this I promise from the heart”
9. “Could I Have This Dance,” by Anne Murray
Lyrics: “Could I have this dance for the rest of my life?”
10. “Unforgettable,” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
Lyrics: “Unforgettable / In every way / And forevermore / That’s how you’ll stay”
11. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” by Elton John
Lyrics: “And can you feel the love tonight? / It is where we are”
12. “Butterfly Kisses,” by Bob Carlisle
Lyrics: “From ribbons and curls / Trying her wings out in a great big world / But I remember”
13. “Daughters,” by John Mayer
Lyrics: “Fathers, be good to your daughters / Daughters will love like you do”
14. “Make You Feel My Love,” by Adele
Lyrics: “Go to the ends of the earth for you / To make you feel my love”
Oldies Father-Daughter Dance Songs
Oldies hits bring timeless charm and nostalgia to the father-daughter dance. With soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, these classic songs have stood the test of time and are perfect for a dance that honors tradition while celebrating the love between a father and daughter.
15. “Love Me Tender,” by Elvis Presley
Lyrics: “For, my darling, I love you / And I always will”
16. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” by Randy Newman
Lyrics: “You’ve got troubles, and I’ve got ’em, too / There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you”
17. “Stand By Me,” by Ben E. King
Lyrics: “I won’t cry, I won’t cry / No, I won’t shed a tear / Just as long as you stand, stand by me”
18. “My Girl,” by The Temptations
Lyrics: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day / When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May”
19. “God Only Knows,” by The Beach Boys
Lyrics: “God only knows what I’d be without you”
20. “Your Song,” by Elton John
Lyrics: “I hope you don’t mind / That I put down in the words / How wonderful life is while you’re in the world”
21. “My Cherie Amour,” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics: “You’re the only girl my heart beats for”
22. “Here Comes the Sun,” by The Beatles
Lyrics: “Here comes the sun / And I say, it’s all right”
23. “Colour My World,” by Chicago
Lyrics: “As time goes on / I realize / Just what you mean / To me”
24. “Tiny Dancer,” by Elton John
Lyrics: “And now she’s in me, always with me / Tiny dancer in my hand”
25. “Do You Believe in Magic,” by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Lyrics: “Do you believe in magic in a young girl’s heart / How the music can free her whenever it starts?”
26. “Isn’t She Lovely,” by Stevie Wonder
Lyrics: “I never thought through love, we’d be / Making one as lovely as she / But isn’t she lovely? Made from love”
Father-Daughter Country Songs
Country music’s heartfelt storytelling makes it perfect for a father-daughter dance. Whether you’re a fan of classic country or modern hits, these country songs blend love, nostalgia, and a touch of twang to create a memorable dance that celebrates your special relationship.
27. “Daddy’s Hands,” by Holly Dunn
Lyrics: “Daddy’s hands were soft and kind when I was cryin'”
28. “When You Say Nothing At All,” by Alison Krauss
Lyrics: “It’s amazing how you can speak right to my heart / Without saying a word, you can light up the dark”
29. “I Hope You Dance,” by Lee Ann Womack
Lyrics: “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”
30. “Then They Do,” by Trace Adkins
Lyrics: “You want all the dreams they dreamed of to come true / Then they do”
31. “Roots and Wings,” by Miranda Lambert
Lyrics: “I thank the Lord above / On my Sunday drive / For Daddy’s hands”
32. “I’ll Be Your Man (Song for a Daughter),” by Zac Brown Band
Lyrics: “There was a time when I thought I knew love / Until you came into this world / Time keeps on flying / But you’re always gonna be my baby girl”
33. “Tough Little Boys,” by Gary Allan
Lyrics: “Well I know one day, I’ll give you away / And I’m gonna stand there and smile”
34. “You Are My Sunshine,” by Johnny Cash
Lyrics: “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine / You make me happy when skies are gray”
35. “I Loved Her First,” by Heartland
Lyrics: “I was enough for her not long ago / I was number one, she told me so / And she stills means the world to me, just so you know”
36. “Ready, Set, Don’t Go,” by Billy Ray Cyrus
Lyrics: “She’s at the starting line of the rest of her life / As ready as she’s ever been”
37. “You’re Gonna Miss This,” by Trace Adkins
Lyrics: “You’re gonna miss this, you’re gonna want this back / You’re gonna wish these days, hadn’t gone by so fast”
38. “I’ll Be There,” by Josh Turner
Lyrics: “When you need a coach or you need a fan / Need a castle built out of ocean sand / Or a rainbow chaser / I’m your man”
39. “My Little Girl,” by Tim McGraw
Lyrics: “Go on, take on this whole world / But to me you know you’ll always be my little girl”
40. “All American Girl,” by Carrie Underwood
Lyrics: “Now he’s wrapped around her finger / She’s the center of his whole world”
41. “Just Fishin’,” by Trace Adkins
Lyrics: “I say, ‘Daddy loves you, baby’ one more time / She says, ‘I know. I think I got a bite.'”
42. “The Best Day,” by Taylor Swift
Lyrics: “And I love you for giving me your eyes / For staying back and watching me shine”
43. “My Wish,” by Rascal Flatts
Lyrics: “My wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to / Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small”
Unique & Modern Father-Daughter Dance Songs
For brides looking to add a contemporary twist to their wedding, unique and modern father-daughter wedding songs offer fresh melodies and meaningful lyrics. These tracks bring a stylish, updated feel to this sentimental moment while still capturing the deep bond between a father and daughter.
44. “You’ll Be in My Heart,” by Phil Collins
Lyrics: “I will protect you / From all around you / I will be here / Don’t you cry”
45. “First Man,” by Camila Cabello
Lyrics: “You held me so tight, now someone else can / But you were the first man that really loved me”
46. “Yours,” by Post Malone
Lyrics: “‘Cause she’s still my little girl / It’s crazy thinkin’ one day, she’ll be someone else’s world”
47. “Over the Rainbow,” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Lyrics: “Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly / And the dream that you dare to, oh why, oh why can’t I, I?”
48. “Butterfly Fly Away,” by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
Lyrics: “Don’t you worry, hold on tight / I promise you there will come a day / Butterfly fly away”
49. “Forever,” by The Beach Boys
Lyrics: “If every word I said could make you laugh / I’d talk forever (together, my love)”
50. “Father and Daughter,” by Paul Simon
Lyrics: “As long as one and one is two / There could never be a father who loved his daughter more than / I love you”
51. “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” by Guns N’ Roses
Lyrics: “Woah-woah-woah / Sweet child of mine”
52. “Never Grow Up,” by Taylor Swift
Lyrics: “Oh, darling, don’t you ever grow up / Don’t you ever grow up, just stay this little”
53. “Daddy,” by Beyoncé
Lyrics: “There is no one else like my daddy / And I thank you (thank you) for loving me”
54. “Right By You (for Luna),” by John Legend
Lyrics: “And if angels don’t have answers to your prayers / Oh, I will be there, oh I will be there”
55. “You Are the Best Thing,” by Ray LaMontagne
Lyrics: “You are the best thing / That ever happened to me”
56. “One Call Away,” by Charlie Puth
Lyrics: “I’m only one call away / I’ll be there to save the day / Superman got nothing on me”
57. “Dance Like Yo Daddy,” by Meghan Trainor
Lyrics: “Make sure you stand out in the crowd and show them all what you can do (Be a dancing fool) / I want you dance like yo daddy”
58. “Count on Me,” by Bruno Mars
Lyrics: “And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me / Every day, I will remind you, oh”
59. “I Turn to You,” by Christina Aguilera
Lyrics: “For a heart I can rely on through anything / For the one who I can run to”
60. “How Long Will I Love You,” by Ellie Goulding
Lyrics: “How long will I love you? / As long as stars are above you / And longer if I may”
Related Resources to Father-Daughter Dance Song Ideas
The father-daughter dance is a treasured wedding tradition that highlights the love and bond between a father and his daughter. Whether you choose a timeless classic, a heartfelt country tune, or a modern favorite, the song you pick will help make this special moment even more unforgettable. As you plan your wedding, take the time to select a father-daughter dance song that reflects your unique relationship and creates a memory you’ll cherish forever.
Additional Resources:
