As you approach your big day, you’re probably searching for father-figure songs for weddings to honor the first man who loves you wholeheartedly. There are lots of songs that you can choose for this purpose, no doubt.
But not all of these songs can convey deep messages of appreciation and admiration for this special person. To make this song selection process easy for you, we’ve created a list of 20 meaningful songs.
So whether you’re looking for classic ballads, upbeat songs, or slow-tempo songs, we’ve got you covered. Choosing the best songs for your wedding is necessary, and that’s why we’re here to help you out.
Here are the lyrically meaningful and musically outstanding songs we’ve selected for you!
20 Father Figure Songs for Weddings
Check out our other favorite play lists for the ultimate celebrations on your big day:
1. Daddy by Beyonce
Best Lyrics: No matter what mistakes, I know you’re there for me/You cure my disappointments and you’ll heal my pain
In this beautiful song, Beyonce makes mention of her dad’s sacrifices when she was a child. She also acknowledged him for his immeasurable love. This song’s lyrics and perfect delivery make it a good choice to consider for a slow dance.
2. Your Daddy Loves You by Gil Scott-Heron
Best Lyrics: Do you love your little chocolate girl?/I love my little chocolate girl
This song’s lyrics describe the unconditional love and commitment of a father to his children. Scott-Heron’s magical voice makes this song desirable for the father-daughter dance.
3. Fathers And Daughters by Michael Bolton
Best Lyrics: When times are hard I know you’ll be strong/I’ll be there in your heart when you’ll carry on
One of the ways to celebrate an amazing father figure is to play this Bolton song. “Fathers and Daughters” talks about a father who has made a remarkable impact on his daughter’s life. It’s a song that describes the support, care, and presence of a loving father.
4. You’re A Big Girl Now by The Stylistics
Best Lyrics: No more daddy’s little girl (Oh, ho, ho, ho)/You’re a big girl now
“You’re a Big Girl Now” is a timeless classic that revolves around the growth and change that occurs over the years in a child’s life. It’s an emotional song that expresses the bittersweet experience of a father watching his baby girl grow into adulthood.
5. It’s For My Dad by Nancy Sinatra
Best Lyrics: He always was a rock when I needed one/He gave me good advice when I needed some
Celebrate your wonderful father with this beautiful rendition from Sinatra. It’s a song that expresses gratitude for a supportive and ever-present father. “It’s For My Dad” can evoke a sense of nostalgia and make you shed tears of happiness.
6. I Will Walk With You by John Fogerty
Best Lyrics: My pretty little princess/An angel dressed in blue/Come what may, I will walk with you
For a father figure who has always been by your side through good and bad times, dedicate this song to him. It’s beautiful music that conveys the message of a father’s promise to his daughter to always care for her.
7. Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III
Best Lyrics: That’s my daughter in the water/Everytime she fell, I caught her
“Daughter” is a touching song that describes the relationship between a father and his daughter as she grows into an adult. Its lyrics revolve around a father’s love and the bittersweet feelings that come with allowing a child to become independent.
8. First Man by Camilla Cabello
Best Lyrics: You held me so tight/Now someone else can/But you were the first man that really loved me
Fathers are their children’s first love, whether they’re boys or girls. This Cabello song expresses love for a wonderful father, and its instrumentation complements it perfectly. This is a song that should be on your wedding playlist.
9. Papa Can You Hear Me by Barbara Streisand
Best Lyrics: The world I see is so much bigger/Now that I’m alone
“Papa Can You Hear Me” is an emotional song that goes deep into the souls of listeners who have lost their fathers. Its lyrics express the desire to connect with a father who is no more. Regardless, Streisand’s passionate vocals and perfect delivery make this song an ideal choice for your wedding.
10. Daddy’s Hands by Holly Dunn
Best Lyrics: Daddy’s hands weren’t always gentle but I’ve come to understand/There was always love in daddy’s hands
Dunn’s wonderful vocals and heartfelt lyrics give this song meaning, making it desirable for a wedding. Its lyrics describe the impact of a loving father’s hands on the lives of his children. The song also expresses admiration for the hands that can provide security, support, and comfort. If you find this song’s lyrics relatable, you can play it for the father-daughter dance.
11. I Learned From You by Miley Cyrus
Best Lyrics: I’m grateful for all of the times/You opened my eyes
Looking for a special song to dedicate to the father figure who has taught you valuable life lessons? Choose this Cyrus song. Its lyrics express sincere appreciation for a father’s lessons and guidance.
The song also portrays the connection between a father and his daughter and how it influences their lives. Create a touching atmosphere by dedicating this song to the father figure in your life on your big day.
12. Daddy Lessons by Beyonce
Best Lyrics: ‘Cause he held in his arms/And he taught me to be strong
As expected, Beyonce went above and beyond for this beautiful music. The song expresses appreciation for a father who has contributed immensely to her daughter’s life. “Daddy Lessons” will definitely make a good addition to your wedding song list.
13. Dance With My Daughter by Jason Blaine
Best Lyrics: Gonna dance with my daughter/Spin her around under the lights
There’s no doubt that this song will be the perfect choice for the father-daughter dance. “Dance With My Daughter” expresses the desire of a father to dance with his daughter on her wedding day. The song captures the essence of fatherly love and the emotional feelings that come with giving a child away in marriage.
14. My Little Girl by Maher Zain
Best Lyrics: You know I love you, I love you/My little girl, my little girl
No matter how old you are, you’ll always remain Daddy’s little girl. This touching song talks about the deep connection between a father and his daughter. Its lyrics also focus on parental love and the support they offer their children.
15. Always Be Your Baby by Natalie Grant
Best Lyrics: I’ll always be your baby/No matter how the years fly by
Our list of father figure songs for weddings will not be perfect without this wonderful piece by Natalie Grant. It’s an emotional song of parental assurance to always offer love, support, and guidance to their child. “Always Be Your Baby” is a reminder that the love of a parent remains constant.
16. I Loved Her First by Heartland
Best Lyrics: I knew the love of a father runs deep/And I prayed that she’d find you someday
This Heartland song describes the deep affection a father has for his daughter. It also expresses the bittersweet feelings that come with watching her begin a marital journey. If your father loves slow songs, consider playing “I Loved Her First”.
17. Hero by Mariah Carey
Best Lyrics: And then a hero comes along/With the strength to carry on
For a dad who has proven over the years to be a hero, dedicate this Carey song to him. While it is not a song of appreciation for fathers, the deep lyrics of “Hero” and its awesome delivery make it an ideal wedding song.
18. Daddy’s Little Girls by The Shires
Best Lyrics: He might not hold my hand no more/But he’ll always, always hold my heart
For country song lovers, “Daddy Little Girls” will make your special day a memorable one. It’s a song that describes the love, support, and protection a father offers his daughters. The song’s powerful lyrics, heartfelt melodies, and touching harmonies will create a calm wedding atmosphere for the guests.
19. Father And Daughter by Paul Simon
Best Lyrics: There could never be a father who loved his daughter/More than I love you
Everything about this Simon Simon song makes it perfect for a wedding, from its deep lyrics to its captivating melodies. “Father and Daughter” conveys a message of reassurance and encouragement from a father to his daughter.
Playing this song at your ceremony can evoke a sense of nostalgia and create an intimate atmosphere.
20. What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Best Lyrics: I hear babies cry/I watch them grow
Fathers will definitely love this evergreen song, as it is a reminder of nature’s beauty and wonder. Even though it is not a romantic song, “What A Wonderful World” is a celebratory song that you can play at any moment of your ceremony.
With this song playing in the background, your guests will joyfully sing along.
Final Thoughts
While there are lots of father figure songs for weddings, choose any of the ones listed in this article for a start. Whether you’ve decided to have a small or big wedding, try to make it memorable. And one of the simple ways to achieve this is to choose meaningful songs that you and your guests will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Picks the Bride and Father Song?
Usually, the bride will be the one who picks the songs as a way of paying tribute to her father. Before the wedding day, the bride would have listened to each song to know which ones to play. Playing a meaningful song for the bride and father to dance to is an important part of the ceremony.
What is it Called When the Bride Dances with Her Father?
It is commonly known as the father-daughter dance. This dance takes place immediately after the first dance between the bride and groom. Traditionally, the father-daughter dance symbolizes the relationship between the father and the bride.
Do You Dance To The Whole Song For Father-Daughter Dance?
Most of the time, you’ll have to dance until the song stops. But the song is usually a short version of about 3–4 minutes rather than the full one. Songs above this time range can bore your wedding guests.
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
