You made it through your first dance and now it’s time for arguably one of the sweetest moments of the wedding: the father-daughter dance. Of course this dance doesn’t need to be the traditional father-daughter dance, the bride can choose to dance with whomever gave her away during the ceremony or another person who is important to her. Sometimes finding the right song to represent all this one person (dad or someone else) means to you is harder than you think. Here are some of our favorites to help get the wheels turning…
"Your Song," by Elton John
One of our favorite Elton John songs is a really sweet message from a father to a daughter on her wedding day..
Lyrics we love: "Oh I know it's not much but it's the best I can do/My gift is my song/And this one's for you/And you can tell everybody this is your song/It may be quite simple but now that it's done/I hope you don't mind"
"I Hope You Dance," by Lee Ann Womack
Another song you might not think of when it comes to father/daughter dances. We especially love this one if you have a history of dancing with your dad.
Lyrics we love: "Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens/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"
"Count on Me," by Bruno Mars
Another non-traditional choice that’s super sweet and a little more upbeat than your typical slow song.
Lyrics we love: "If you tossin' and you're turnin' and you just can't fall asleep/I'll sing a song/Beside you/And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me/Every day I will/Remind you"
"Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole
Everyone knows and loves this one but probably won’t expect it for your father/daughter dance.
Lyrics we love: "Somewhere over the rainbow/Way up high/And the dreams that you dream of/Once in a lullaby”
"A Wink and a Smile," by Harry Connick Jr.
We love this one for a cheeky father/daughter duo. Another song your guests won’t be expecting…
Lyrics we love: "Just the sound of your voice/The light in your eyes/We're so far away from yesterday/Together, with a wink and a smile"
"Daughters," by John Mayer
We like this one for obvious reasons. And who doesn’t love John Mayer!?
Lyrics we love: "On behalf of every man/Looking out for every girl/You are the God and weight of her world/So fathers, be good to your daughters/Daughters will love like you do"
"My Darling," by Wilco
If you’re looking for something a little more indie and off the beaten path, check this one out.
Lyrics we love: "Grow up now/My darling/Please don't you grow up too fast/And be sure, darling/To make all the good times last"
"Brown Eyed Girl," by Van Morrison
If you’re looking for a slightly more uptempo song, we love this one. Especially if the bride has brown eyes. :)
Lyrics we love: "So hard to find my way/Now that I'm all on my own/I saw you just the other day/My, how you have grown/Cast my memory back there, Lord"
"My Girl," by The Temptations
Another great choice in the oldie-but-goodie category that’s a little more upbeat.
Lyrics we love: "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day/When it's cold outside I've got the month of May/Well I guess you'd say/What can make me feel this way?/My girl/Talkin' 'bout my girl"
"You Are the Sunshine of My Life," by Stevie Wonder
This list would not be complete without at least one Stevie Wonder song. This classic song isn’t your typical father/daughter slow song, but the lyrics are some of our faves.
Lyrics we love: "You are the sunshine of my life/That's why I'll always be around/You are the apple of my eye/Forever you'll stay in my heart"
"What a Wonderful World," by Louis Armstrong
Another classic we love as a father/daughter dance.
Lyrics we love: "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"
"The Way You Look Tonight," by Frank Sinatra
Frank had to find his way on here somewhere… We love this one as one of our more upbeat choices if you’re looking for a classic sound.
Lyrics we love: "Someday, when I'm awfully low/When the world is cold/I will feel a glow just thinking of you/And the way you look tonight/Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm"
"How Sweet It Is," by James Taylor
Your audience will definitely be clapping and tapping their toes along to this one. We love choreographing father/daughter dances to this one.
Lyrics we love: "I close my eyes at night/Wondering where would I be without you in my life/Everything I did was just a bore/Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before/But you brighten up for me all of my days”
"Sweet Child O' Mine," by Guns N' Roses
Last but not least, we LOVE this one for a non-traditional choice. Especially if you’ve decided to do a mashup, this is a great surprise for your guests.
Lyrics we love: "She's got a smile it seems to me/Reminds me of childhood memories/Where everything/Was as fresh as the bright blue sky/Now and then when I see her face/She takes me away to that special place"