Father-daughter dances are a traditional part of the wedding reception that follows after a couple's first dance. It’s a big moment, and you can have a lot of fun with your father while preparing for this sweet moment.
For that, you need the right track so that you can start choreographing the dance together. Father-daughter dance songs have to be special and meaningful, celebrating your bond.
We have put together a list of unique songs with the most heartfelt lyrics to make your guests dab at their eyes as you dance. Keep on scrolling!
Wedding music is never an easy choice, but when you find songs that mean something to you, they feel right. Here’s a list of great songs that are highly relatable:
This folk-rock song from "The Wild Thornberrys Movie" soundtrack features lyrics promising eternal love and protection as a reminder of paternal love.
The gentle blend of acoustic guitar, bass, and light percussion makes a wonderful instrumental backing. Simon's subtle vibrato and heartfelt delivery make this song sweet-sounding and tender.
The intro of Ben Folds's "Gracie" features a gentle, melodic piano solo accompanied by soft strings.
It reflects on the passage of time and the beauty of watching a child grow up from a father’s perspective. With lyrics like “You got your momma’s taste/But you got my mouth”, this song is perfect for a teary father-daughter dance.
Billy Joel is one of the most iconic singer-songwriters known for his versatility and ability to write meaningful lyrics.
He wrote this song for his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. It’s a comforting song that promises protection and love. This track’s origin is rooted in deep love, making it our top choice for a father-daughter dance song.
Musically, the song is simple, featuring a minimalistic arrangement that allows Joel’s vocals to shine, and for good reason. His voice conveys a sense of vulnerability and love he feels for his child.
The Way You Look Tonight is a tender ballad perfect for a slow dance. Its gentle tempo will lend itself well to a simple dance routine with a few basic steps.
The song's lyrics express admiration and love, making it a perfect choice to symbolize the special bond between a father and his daughter.
“In My Life” is a song that makes us feel like we're looking back on our lives and reminiscing about the people, places, and experiences that have shaped our journey. And who shapes our journey more than our parents?
The song triggers instant nostalgia with its poetic lyrics and simple acoustic backing. It’s a beautiful way to thank and celebrate your father in front of all your loved ones.
If you and your father are free spirits who are constantly in search of joy and freedom in nature, this song is a perfect representation for you.
The folk-inspired track is light-hearted with a simple acoustic arrangement but it carries a beautiful and introspective meaning. It’s about self-discovery and appreciating the little things in life.
If you remember watching Disney movies with your father as a child, this song is for you.
“You’ll Be in My Heart” is part of the soundtrack for the Disney animated film "Tarzan" (1999). The song signifies Tarzan and Kala, his adoptive gorilla mother’s love. It’s a short and sweet song about a parent soothing their child and promising protection and eternal love.
There is something incredibly soulful about John Meyer’s voice. With this song, he speaks of the lasting impact of parental love, and he brings depth to this heavy topic with his passionate delivery.
It’s a gentle song with a steady tempo that’s quite easy to dance to. The energy of this song is reflective and calming. To choreograph this song, you can go for a slow dance and gentle swaying.
The lyrics for “I Hope You Dance” are poetic, and the song forces you to reflect on how you’re living. It’s full of good deep realizations like “Lovin' might be a mistake/But it's worth makin’”.
The narrator offers these pearls of wisdom to a loved one and wishes them the best life, as a parent does to their child. Having a wedding band sing live to your guests will make this moment even more powerful.
Taylor’s voice is soothing and comforting in this song as she builds a familiar narrative that will resonate with every adult in the room.
This song is a perfect reminder that when we’re little all we ever want to do is grow up. But when we’re finally adult-ish, we realize we were better off as children.
Just the moment when you’re living alone for the first time, the nostalgia and appreciation you feel for home is captured beautifully.
"Forever Young" by Rod Stewart is a classic rock song with elements of folk rock and soft rock. The song has a soft sound with acoustic guitar, piano, strings, and gentle percussion, such as drums and tambourine, providing instrumental backing.
It’s a positive and playful song, with the narrator wishing a loved one a youthful and adventurous life. You can do a fun contemporary dance to it.
Tim McGraw is one of the biggest country singers for a reason. It’s a sweet and meaningful song for a father-daughter dance that celebrates the love fathers feel for their little girls.
With lyrics like “You beautiful baby from the outside in/Chase your dreams, but always know the road/That'll lead you home again”, there won’t be a single dry eye in the room.
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder is a soulful pop song with elements of R&B and jazz.
Stevie blended elements of different genres to create this wonderful piece. It’s a song about appreciating a loved one and being around them. This classic is a great choice for a father-daughter dance.
This song is full of love and appreciation for a loved one, with lyrics that celebrate their bond and the power of their relationship.
Thinking of this song in the context of parental love, these lyrics become even more special. For example:
“Through the years, you've never let me down/You've turned my life around”
“Wind Beneath My Wings” is a timeless classic that expresses gratitude to a loved one who has taken care of us and made us into who we are.
Musically, "Wind Beneath My Wings" features an orchestral arrangement with soaring strings and gentle piano accompaniment. Midler's vocals are deeply expressive, conveying both vulnerability and strength as she delivers the heartfelt lyrics.
When you have narrowed down a couple of father-daughter dance songs you like most, you should ask the band you hire or will be hiring whether they can play it. Song lists should be given out in advance to see which songs are easier for the band to play.
But if you haven’t hired a band yet, there’s no need to sweat. We have a wonderful selection of wedding musicians, tribute bands, and more. Our customers rate and review the artists, so you won’t be going in blind when shortlisting artists.
