120+ Best Father Daughter Dance Songs + FAQs 2023

A father-daughter bond is something to be celebrated, and these songs will do just that.

The father-daughter dance is a traditional part of any wedding celebration. They stand for the bond between two people who have known each other their entire lives. It can be challenging to choose the perfect song for father daughter dance since you want to choose one that genuinely speaks to your feelings. Therefore, we've compiled a list of the best father-daughter dance songs to help you pick the perfect song for your touching moment with your dad.

Our collection of father daughter dance songs is meant to get you started. These songs range from classic jazz riffs to iconic rock bangers, from emotional father-daughter dances to fun, energetic dance songs.

Emma Loves Weddings Tips

  • Pick a song that complements the vibe of the ceremony.
  • Pick a song that is personal to both of you.
  • Pick a song you can both dance to.
  • Give yourselves some time to practice, and remember to enjoy the process!
choose a song for the father daughter dance that holds some meaning to you.
choose a song for the father-daughter dance that holds some meaning to you (Photo credit: Style Me Pretty)

Let's get started with some old favorites! Are you a fan of classical music? Any of these classic & popular father-daughter dance songs would be perfect for your special dance together.

  1. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
  2. “Ballerina Girl” by Lionel Ritchie
  3. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
  4. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole
  5. “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke
  6. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  7. “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
  8. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
  9. “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross
  10. “Misty” by Ella Fitzgerald
  11. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor
  12. “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
Classic & Popular Father-Daughter Dance Songs List

The music you choose to play as you walk down the aisle will be one of the most cherished moments of the celebration. Take a peek at these romantic songs for walking down the aisle. It would be best to have a calming song playing in the background because you'll be the center of attention for everyone.

Modern Father Daughter Dance Songs

Nothing beats these latest father-daughter wedding songs if you enjoy chart-toppers. Some of these you've probably heard on the radio or seen in movies and TV shows, so when you start dancing, everyone will know them. These are the best songs for father-daughter dance at wedding if you enjoy the latest music.

  1. “Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus
  2. “Daddy” by Beyonce
  3. “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth
  4. “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince
  5. “First Man” by Camila Cabello
  6. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift
  7. “Like My Father” by Jax
  8. “To Know Him is To Love Him” by Amy Winehouse
  9. “I Lived” by OneRepublic
  10. “Hold My Girl” by George Ezra
  11. “Ready, Set, Don't Go” by Billy Ray Cyrus
  12. “Dance Like Yo Daddy” by Meghan Trainor
  13. “Moon River” by Frank Ocean
  14. “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding
  15. “Hero” by Mariah Carey
  16. “I Turn to You,” by Christina Aguilera
Modern Father Daughter Dance Songs List

Slow Father-Daughter Dance Songs

Pick a song from this list of peaceful slow songs if you and your dad wish to take things easy; whether sad songs or timeless classics, any of these songs will make your special day on the dance floor memorable. Your father will be pleased with any of these slow dance songs for his special time with you. Below, we've compiled some of the best slow father-daughter dance songs.

  1. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
  2. “Forever” by The Beach Boys
  3. “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
  4. “Lullaby” by Billy Joel
  5. “One in a Million” by Larry Graham
  6. “She's Leaving Home” by The Beatles
  7. “To Sir With Love” by Lulu
  8. “A Song for My Daughter” by Ray Allaire
  9. “Always Be Your Baby” by Natalie Grant
  10. “Because You Loved Me,” by Céline Dion
  11. “Daddy's Little Girl” by Michael Bolton
  12. “Dream” by Priscilla Ahn
  13. “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Crocker
  14. “Your Song” by Elton John
  15. “Gracie” by Ben Folds
  16. “You'll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
  17. “You've Got a Friend” by James Taylor
  18. “Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III
  19. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
  20. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
  21. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  22. “It Had to Be You” by Ray Charles
Slow Father-Daughter Dance Songs List

Upbeat & Fun Father-Daughter Dance Songs

We understand that slow song aren't necessary for every father-daughter duo. If you and your father want an exciting moment on the dance floor, choose an upbeat and fun song that will get everyone on their feet. Here are our favorite lively and fun father-daughter dance songs.

  1. “Isn't She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
  2. “My Girl” by The Temptations
  3. “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince
  4. “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
  5. “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor
  6. “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
  7. “The Best of You” by Andy Grammar feat, Elle King
  8. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
  9. “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
  10. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
Upbeat & Fun Father-Daughter Dance Songs List

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Your unique bond with your father will be honored by these songs.
Your unique bond with your father will be honored by these songs.  Photo Credit: Hailey Erickson Photography

Rock Father-Daughter Dance Songs

A style of music with a powerful beat. Why not use one of your favorite classic rock songs for your first dance, as you two like singing along to it?

  1. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
  2. “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
  3. “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” by Billy Joel
  4. “You Got It ” by Roy Orbison
  5. “My Darling” by Wilco
  6. “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders
  7. “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
  8. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by The Rolling Stones
  9. “When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen
  10. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
  11. “To Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan
  12. “She’s Got a Way” by Billy Joel
  13. “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor
  14. “There She Goes” by The LAs
  15. “Two Steps Behind” by Def Leppard
  16. “You'll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins
  17. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
  18. “When I See You Smile” by Bad English
Rock Father-Daughter Dance Songs List

The Father of the Bride has the opportunity to steal the show with a memorable speech. Check out our ultimate guide to writing a flawless father of the bride speech for your daughter's wedding day, complete with speech examples, tips, and advice.

Emma Loves Weddings

Country Father Daughter Dance Songs

Is your big day going to be set in a rustic setting, like a farm, barn, or the countryside? There are many songs to choose from, whether it's one written for their father or their own daughter! Some country music can definitely make you feel something. Those who enjoy this type of music will enjoy any of these heartfelt songs. The best country father-daughter dance songs are right here.

  1. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
  2. “Daddy's Little Girl” by The Shires
  3. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
  4. “The Girl You Think I Am” by Carrie Underwood
  5. “I’ll be Your Man (Song for a Daughter)” by Zac Brown Band
  6. “Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
  7. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
  8. “Just Fishin'” by Trace Adkins
  9. “Don't Blink” by Kenny Chesney
  10. “Daddy Dance With Me” by Krystal Keith
  11. “Daddy's Hands” by Holly Dunn
  12. “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton
  13. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift
  14. “Dance With My Daughter” by Jason Blaine
  15. “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks
  16. “Daddy” by Abby Anderson
Country Father Daughter Dance Songs List

Indie Father-Daughter Dance Songs

New wedding songs can be discovered at indie weddings. Insightful lyrics and unique rhythms define this modern musical style. This option is particularly enjoyable because you may select between fast and slow music. There is a significant possibility that you will select a song played over the campfire or that frequently plays on repeat during road trips. The following list of indie father-daughter dance songs is for you if you enjoy this music.

  1. “Let’s Find An Out” by Snail Mail
  2. “Sleepwalking” by Modest Mouse
  3. “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
  4. “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove
  5. “There Will Be Time” by Mumford & Sons
  6. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding
  7. “Tightrope” by Walk The Moon
  8. “Houdini” by Foster, The People
Indie Father-Daughter Dance Songs List

R&B Father-Daughter Dance Songs

The father-daughter dance is an important part of the wedding festivities, so finding the right R&B music for the occasion is necessary. We've included R&B in almost every category since there are so many excellent options to choose from. If R&B is all you're interested in, then you'll be happy to know that we provide a wonderful playlist of both old and modern songs for you to enjoy.

  1. “Daddy” by Beyonce
  2. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
  3. “Your Joy” by Chrisette Michele
  4. “Letter To My Daughter” by Quando Rondo
  5. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Gerald Levert & Eddie Levert
  6. “Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith
  7. “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross
  8. “Daddies N Daughters” by Mistah F.A.B.
R&B Father-Daughter Dance Songs List

Short Father-Daughter Dance Songs

The father-daughter dance can sometimes go on for a very long time! These short songs are ideal because they are all under two minutes and will ensure that the dance won't seem awkward, even if you or your father aren't natural dancers. You may control every detail, including the father-daughter dance, with shorter music.

  1. “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
  2. “Stairway to the Stars” by Ella Fitzgerald
  3. “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee
  4. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  5. “Forever ” by The Beach Boys
  6. “My Girl” by The Temptations
  7. “Ain’t That Love” by Ray Charles
  8. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
  9. “Gracie” by Ben Folds
  10. “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
Short Father-Daughter Dance Songs

Best 10 Father-Daughter Dance Songs Ever

Choosing the ideal music for any occasion may be challenging. A strong list might allow you to cut down your options. Your playlist will satisfy guests of all ages, preferences, and styles if it includes the greatest dancing songs ever.

  1. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
  2. “How Sweet It Is” by The Isley Brothers
  3. “Father’s Eyes” by Amy Grant
  4. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
  5. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
  6. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
  7. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
  8. “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn
  9. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
  10. “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Best 10 Father-Daughter Dance Songs Ever List

Spanish Father-Daughter Dance Songs

The wedding is the perfect occasion for a father to dance with his daughter, a tradition highly valued in Spain. There is a wide variety of music to dance to, ranging from oldies to modern hits in Spanish. If interested, here's a playlist of Spanish father-daughter dance songs.

  1. “Vals Para Una Novia” by Alejandro Jaén
  2. “Que Me Alcance La Vida” by Sin Bandera
  3. “Papá, Quiero Decirte” by Lali Torres
  4. “Mi Princesa” by David Bisbal
  5. “Canción Para Ella” by Eros Ramazzotti
Spanish Father Daughter Dance Songs List

My Playlist for Father Daughter Dance Songs

I created this playlist to celebrate the love of a father for his daughter. Just give it to the music guru at your wedding. You will definitely enjoy this playlist while dancing to your father's dance songs at your wedding. The list of songs can be displayed to the DJ or band, and you can ask them to play a particular song.

Top Father Daughter Dance Songs
Top Father-Daughter Dance Songs

Common FAQs

What's the purpose of a father-daughter dance at weddings?

A father-daughter dance honors the bride's father and gives him a moment in the spotlight to thank him for raising the bride. This represents the father's blessing and love for his new son-in-law.

How long is the father-daughter dance song?

You shouldn't pick a 20-minute epic since dad might have problems keeping up with you or learning choreography that lasts for 9 minutes. For dancing, short father-daughter dance songs are ideal.

When is the father-daughter dance performed?

The father-daughter dance is usually performed after the meal and toasts at the reception. This dance, along with other family dances, is an excellent way to ease into an open dance floor.

Final Thoughts

The ideal father-daughter dance songs will set the perfect mood after meals and toasts. It's a great memorable way to honor the father and serenade the bride. We'd love you to pick the best ones listed here and play on your wedding. Although dad still gets to go first, preparing a full song for him and your new husband is usually a good idea. We hope you enjoyed the father-daughter dance songs we shared.

About me

emma

Seven years ago, I took a leap of faith and merged my organisational skills and love for all things wedding by starting this blog. Since then, it's been a whirlwind of sharing my insights, covering the latest trends, and offering practical how-tos, all aimed at simplifying your wedding experience.

Why weddings, you might ask?

Well, for me, weddings are more than just events; they are a tapestry of love stories, each unique and beautiful in its own way. With a blend of technical expertise and a keen eye for style, I bring a fresh perspective to the wedding scene, marrying (pun intended!) precision with creativity.

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