As your wedding day approaches, you’re probably looking for the best father-daughter wedding dance songs to dance to. Without a doubt, there are several tunes available for this purpose.
However, not all of these songs can communicate profound words of love and adoration for this loving man. To make your song selection process easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 21 heartwarming songs.
So, whether you want classic ballads, lively music, or slow-tempo songs, we’ve got you covered. Choosing the ideal songs for your wedding is essential, which is why we’re here to assist you.
Here is a list of amazing music that we have chosen for you!
Top 21 Father-Daughter Wedding Dance Songs
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1. “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee
Best Lyrics: Apple of my eye/Don’t know when and I don’t know why/You’re the only reason I keep on coming home
With this song playing in the background, you can have an unforgettable experience on your special day. The lyrics capture the bittersweet emotions that a father feels on his daughter’s wedding day.
2. “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
Best Lyrics: Just take my hand/Hold it tight/I will protect you/From all around you
As you get married, be confident that you’ll always be in your parents’ hearts. Collins emotional vocal delivery, combined with this song’s instrumentals, makes it an ideal choice for your wedding.
3. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
Best Lyrics: Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’/Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’
This song has uplifting lyrics and a positive vibe that will make you enjoy your dance to the fullest. It’s a song you’ll want to listen to repeatedly because of the powerful message it conveys.
4. “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
Best Lyrics: When you’re down and troubled/And you need a helping hand/And nothing, oh, nothing is going right/Close your eyes and think of me
Perhaps you’ve always been your father’s favorite; this song can bring back sweet childhood memories. It’s a celebratory song that expresses gratitude for the friendship of someone special.
5. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
Best Lyrics: So much in love, you’re alone in this place/Like there’s nobody else in the world
No matter the circumstance, have it in the back of your mind that Daddy loved you first. “I Loved Her First” is relatable because it’s about a father whose daughter is getting married, making it a perfect choice.
6. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
Best Lyrics: Sometimes I’m overcome thinkin’ ’bout it/Makin’ love in the green grass
This emotional song can evoke feelings of nostalgia as you dance with your father. Its upbeat tempo and meaningful lyrics can set the tone for a delightful moment.
7. “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
Best Lyrics: Can’t you see/You’re everything I hoped for/Everything I need
Everything you’ve ever desired in your wedding for a father-daughter dance is in this song. It’s an expression of deep love and admiration for someone special. “You Are So Beautiful” can make the bride feel on top of the world while it is being played on her special day.
8. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Best Lyrics: You are the apple of my eye/Forever you’ll stay in my heart
Wonder has a way of making a song outstanding, and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” is proof. This timeless classic will make the father-daughter dance one of the most delightful moments of your lives.
From the soothing instrumentals to the simple, heartfelt lyrics, there’s nothing you wouldn’t love about this song.
9. “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Michael Bublé
Best Lyrics: A precious gem is what you are/You’re mommy’s bright and shining star
“Daddy’s Little Girl” captures the feelings of unconditonal love and a special connection between a father and his daughter. Buble’s impressive vocal delivery adds a touch of charm to the song, making it an ideal pick for the father-daughter dance.
10. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
Best Lyrics: Reminds me of childhood memories/Where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky
This timeless classic will continue to be a favorite at weddings and celebratory occasions. The lyrics, which express deep love for someone special, have a way of touching the hearts of listeners.
11. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Best Lyrics: I see friends shaking hands/Saying, “How do you do?”/They’re really saying/I love you
For special occasions like your wedding ceremony, this beautiful and uplifting song will make a great impact. “What a Wonderful World” celebrates the beauty of nature and the simple things in life that bring people together.
12. “My Girl” by The Temptations
Best Lyrics: I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day with my girl/I’ve even got the month of May with my girl
Being one of the most popular love songs, “My Girl” will make a great addition to your dance song playlist. Its instrumentals are top-notch, and the lyrics relate to the themes of love and admiration for an amazing person.
13. “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross
Best Lyrics: If I could get another chance/Another walk, another dance with him
Considering its passionate lyrics and Vandross’ soulful voice, this song will be perfect for the father-daughter dance. It conveys a deep message that can bring back memories and make you feel emotional.
14. “93 Million Miles” by Jason Mraz
Best Lyrics: Every road is a slippery slope/There is always a hand that you can hold on to
With this song, your dance can indeed be special and unforgettable. That’s not all; your guests can join in the celebratory moment by singing along to its chorus.
15. “Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison
Best Lyrics: For the morning sun in all it’s glory/Greets the day with hope and comfort too/You fill my life with laughter
What other way can you make your father feel appreciated if not by playing this beautiful track as you dance together? It is a simple, heartfelt song that expresses love and gratitude for the presence of loved ones.
16. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Best Lyrics: I never thought through love we’d be/Making one as lovely as she
From time to time, couples add this song to their wedding playlist, and it’s not surprising. “Isn’t She Lovely” is a song that celebrates fatherhood and the deep bond between parents and their children.
17. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Best Lyrics: Someday, when I’m awfully low/When the world is cold/I will feel a glow just thinking of you
As the bride shines bright like a diamond on her big day, this song will perfectly capture the emotions she feels. With “The Way You Look Tonight” playing in the background, there’s no need to feel pressured about how to dance.
18. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
Best Lyrics: Be courageous and be brave/And in my heart you’ll always stay
“Forever Young” serves as a reminder that parents want their children to retain their youthfulness forever. It’s also a touching song that expresses the desire for our loved ones to be happy and free from harm. The song’s emotional melody blends with the lyrics beautifully.
19. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor
Best Lyrics: I needed the shelter of someone’s arms/And there you were
Everyone present at your wedding ceremony will enjoy this beautiful song. “How Sweet It Is” has simple and meaningful lyrics, and Taylor’s vocal delivery adds a touch of magic to it.
20. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
Best Lyrics: Like a song of love that clings to me/How the thought of you does things to me
There’s no doubt that this song will make you remember the precious memories you shared with your dad. As the tile implies, it is impossible to forget the wonderful impact he’s had on your life.
21. “A Whole New World” by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle
Best Lyrics: I can open your eyes/Take you wonder by wonder/Over, sideways and under
Featured in the animated film Aladdin, “A Whole New World” can create a charming atmosphere for you and your guests. It’s a beautiful love song that listeners can enjoy and relate to.
Final Thoughts
While there are several father-daughter songs to choose from for your wedding, any of the ones listed above are excellent choices. Whether you’ve chosen a modest or grand wedding, make it interesting and unforgettable for everyone present.
One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to select beautiful songs that will leave lasting impressions in everyone’s mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Picks the Father-Daughter Wedding Dance Song for a Wedding?
Most of the time, the bride and her father choose the song together. Sometimes, they can go for a song that holds a special meaning to them.
Other times, the father and her daughter can choose a song they both love to dance to.
Is the Father-Daughter Dance Before or After the First Dance?
Usually, the father-daughter dance happens immediately after the first dance, followed by the mother-son dance. In some cases, the dance with parents can come after the toasts.
Is It Okay to Skip the Father-Daughter Dance?
Well, it is possible to skip the father-daughter dance based on personal preference. A bride whose father is not alive or has not been present in her life may decide to skip the dance.
In situations like this, the bride can dance with someone else or invite the guests to hit the dance floor.
Serena & Dominic are a married couple and parents to 3 wonderful children. They plan weddings, run multiple small businesses, and curate wedding events.
By giving you everything you need to make your dream wedding attainable, you can eliminate stress, get the ‘wedding glow,’ and focus on spending this rocking day with the person you adore. Discover their podcast for more information
