Father daughter dances are a staple at weddings. They represent the connection between two people who have spent their whole lives together. With that being said, planning one can be a challenge. Here are 106 father daughter dance songs that will help you nail the perfect song for your big day. From emotional father daughter dances to fun, upbeat dances, we know choosing a unique song to capture your bond can be a hard decision which is why we’ve rounded up the very best to inspire your own.
What is a good father and daughter song?
Whether you and your dad plan on hitting the dance with a fully choreographed number or prefer to sway in tune with the music, there’s an option here that will work for you. At the very least, they’ll jog a memory—a childhood favorite, an artist you both enjoyed—that’ll help you decide on your own.
One of our past GWS couples choose “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen as their Father-Daughter dance song since that was “their song” The bride Taylor shares:
My dad + I loved just singing the song to each other and it was like our “thing,” you know? Then it started that any time we heard the song and weren’t together we would call each other and not even say a word but just set the phones down and listen to it together. I would even do it at school dances, or if I called him at work he’d always pick up and listen with it on his desk.
When I got older and started to travel for a while at a time with Kris, any time I called him it meant to him that I was still his and I’m doing alright. It grew into a way that he could know that I’m still his little girl even though I’m off in the world running around. The dance was one of the most special moments, and then (naturally) every single guest started singing along and eventually joined them on the dance floor!
How do you choose a father daughter dance song?
If you don’t know where to start, pick a genre you both love and there’s bound to be a song in that genre that works for you both! To help you choose the perfect song for your special moment with Dad, we’ve compiled 106 of the best father-daughter dance songs out there – with big thanks to lots of input from past and current GWS couples! – and we organized them into genres.
And the best way to decide if you aren’t familiar with the songs? Check out our Spotify playlists – preferably with your Dad and a glass of wine or glass of beer!
Ready for the ultimate father daughter dance playlist?
Classic Father Daughter Dance Songs
There’s something undeniably enchanting about weaving classic songs into the fabric of modern-day weddings, especially when it comes to the cherished father-daughter dance. These timeless tunes carry a weight of emotions and memories, often evoking a sense of nostalgia that can transform a simple dance into a deeply meaningful moment between a father and his daughter.
Classic songs often hold personal significance, evoking cherished memories of shared moments between the father and daughter. Perhaps it’s a tune that was often played in the car on road trips, or maybe it’s a song that your dad used to sing to you as a child. These personal connections add layers of meaning to the dance, making the experience even more poignant and memorable. These are some of our favorite Classic Father Daughter dance songs…
- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
- “What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
- “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
- “They Can’t Take That Away from Me Me” by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
- “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash
- “Misty” by Ella Fitzgerald
- “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke
- “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman
- “The Way You Look Tonight” (Father of the Bride version) by Steve Tyrell
- “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
- “Forever ” by The Beach Boys
Upbeat + Fun Father Daughter Dance Songs
An upbeat song for the father-daughter dance injects a wave of joy and energy into the wedding celebration, transforming a traditional moment into a vibrant expression of happiness. It’s a refreshing twist that can showcase the fun-loving dynamic between the father and daughter, inviting guests to tap their feet, clap along, and be swept up in the infectious excitement.
An upbeat tune breaks away from the expected, symbolizing not only the love and bond shared but also the joyous journey ahead. It’s a delightful reminder that while the wedding marks a new beginning, the fun and laughter shared over the years will only continue to grow. Choosing an energetic song is like saying, “Our journey has been full of laughter and joy, and we’re ready to dance into this new chapter with the same zest and enthusiasm.” It’s a heartwarming scene that leaves a lasting impression, making the father-daughter dance a highlight of the celebration that everyone will remember with a smile.
- “My Girl” by The Temptations
- “Here Comes the Sun” by the The Beatles
- “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince
- “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
- “Dance Like Yo Daddy” by Meghan Trainor
- “Best of You” by Andy Grammar feat. Elle King
- “I’ll Be There For You” by the Rembrandts
- “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
- “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
- “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
- “Scarlet Begonias” by Grateful Dead
- “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry
- “This Must Be The Place” by Talking Heads
Pop/Modern Father Daughter Dance Songs
Opting for a pop song for the father-daughter dance is like infusing the wedding with a burst of contemporary charm and relevance, perfectly blending tradition with the rhythm of today’s world. Pop music, with its catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, speaks to the hearts of many, making it an ideal choice for a father and daughter looking to celebrate their bond in a lively and modern way. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the shared moments that are upbeat and full of life, ensuring the dance floor is alive with energy, smiles, and perhaps a few joyous tears.
The contemporary beats and lyrics of a pop song set the stage for a memorable dance that feels personal and is yet universally engaging, creating a moment that’s as heartwarming as it is Instagram-worthy. This is more than just a dance; it’s a vibrant celebration of the father daughter bond, wrapped in the melody of the moment.
- “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth
- “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay
- “First Man” by Camila Cabello
- “Cecilia and the Satellite” by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
- “Let It Be Me” by Ray LaMontagne
- “I Lived” by OneRepublic
- “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding
- “Moon River” by Frank Ocean
- “My Little Girl” by Jack Johnson
- “Right By You (for Luna)” by John Legend
- “To Know Him is To Love Him” by Amy Winehouse
- “Hold My Girl” by George Ezra
- “Gracie” by Ben Folds
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” acoustic cover by Paul Canning
- “Your Song” by Ellie Goulding
- “Home” by Michael Buble
- “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars
- “Daddy Lessons” by Beyoncé
- “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee
- “Not All Heros Wear Capes” by Owl City
- “Adore” by Prince
Rock Father Daughter Dance Songs
Choosing a rock song for the father-daughter dance is a bold and electrifying way to celebrate this pivotal moment, showcasing a duo that’s not afraid to break from tradition and rock the boat—or rather, the dance floor! A rock anthem, with its powerful chords and impassioned lyrics, can encapsulate the strength and resilience of the father-daughter relationship, highlighting their adventurous spirit and the unbreakable bond they share. This unconventional choice speaks volumes about their unique connection, one that’s as dynamic and spirited as the genre itself. It’s an opportunity to let their personalities shine, to share a dance that’s as unforgettable and vibrant as their love for each other.
- “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
- “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin
- “My Hero” by Foo Fighters
- “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon
- “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
- “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison
- “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
- “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” by Billy Joel
- “You Got It ” by Roy Orbison
- “My Darling” by Wilco
- “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders
- “Moonshadow” by Yusef / Cat Stevens
- “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
- “That’s How Strong My Love Is” by The Rolling Stones
- “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
- “To Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan
- “She’s Got a Way” by Billy Joel
- “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor
- “Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III
- “Forever Young” by Bob Dylan
- “Heart of Gold” by The Harvest
- “I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)” by Nick Lowe
- “When You Need Me” By Bruce Springsteen
- “Cool Love” by Pablo Cruise
R&B Father Daughter Dance Songs
Choosing an R&B song for the daddy daughter dance is like wrapping the moment in a soulful embrace, setting the scene for an unforgettable experience steeped in emotion and rhythm. R&B, with its rich blend of soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, offers a deep, emotive backdrop to express the profound bond between a father and daughter. It’s the perfect genre for those looking to highlight a connection that is as deep as it is dynamic, offering a smooth, groove-filled canvas that allows for both tender moments and a showcase of joy. The sultry beats and smooth vocals characteristic of R&B music can turn the dance floor into a space where every step and sway tells a story of love, gratitude, and the unbreakable bond shared.
- “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross
- “Daddy” by Beyoncé
- “Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith
- “Your Joy” by Chrisette Michele
- “Color Him Father” by The Winstons
- “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Gerald Levert & Eddie Levert
- “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- “Ballerina Girl” by Lionel Richie
- “Hero” by Mariah Carey
Country Father Daughter Dance Songs
Opting for a country song for the father-daughter dance is like draping the moment in a quilt of warmth and authenticity, embodying the heartfelt simplicity and storytelling tradition of country music. This genre, with its roots deep in tales of love, life, and family, perfectly encapsulates the journey of a father and daughter, offering a soundtrack that is as sincere as the bond they share. Country songs have a unique way of speaking to the heart, their lyrics often reflecting values of love, resilience, and the passage of time, themes that resonate profoundly on a wedding day.
The twang of guitars and the soulful sincerity in the vocals can turn the dance floor into an intimate space, where every lyric and chord mirrors the genuine emotions of the moment. It’s a choice that celebrates not just the love between a father and daughter but also honors their roots and the stories that have shaped their lives. A country song for the father-daughter dance is like a shared whisper between two hearts, a moment that’s as timeless as the genre itself, leaving an indelible mark on the memories of all who witness it.
- “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
- “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift
- “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
- “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
- “The Girl You Think I Am” by Carrie Underwood
- “I’ll Be Your Man (Song for a Daughter)” by Zac Brown Band
- “Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
- “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
- “Just Fishin'” by Trace Adkins
- “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
- “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
- “Half the Man” by Jennifer Hart
- “Baby Girl” by Sugarland
- “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson
Oldies Father Daughter Dance Songs
Choosing an oldie for the father-daughter dance is like stepping into a time capsule, where each note and lyric carries the timeless charm and warmth of a bygone era. Oldies, with their classic appeal and enduring melodies, offer a bridge between generations, weaving a tapestry of memories that resonate with every guest in attendance. It’s a choice that says, “Our love is timeless,” creating a moment that is as deeply emotional as it is joyously celebratory. The simplicity and purity of an oldie song provide a backdrop that allows the genuine connection between father and daughter to shine through, making for a father daughter dance that is as unforgettable as the classic tune they choose to sway to.
- “Come Fly With Me” by Frank Sinatra
- “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
- “Edelweiss” by Bill Lee, Charmian Carr
- “Oh! My Papa” by Eddie Fisher
- “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
- “True Love Ways” by Buddy Holly
- “Stairway to the Stars” by Ella Fitzgerald
- “What a Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke
- “Ain’t That Love” by Ray Charles
- “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
Need More Wedding Song Inspo?
Just like those unforgettable films, the soundtrack to your wedding will capture and set the mood for your unforgettable day. Imagine a collection of melodies that, years from now, will instantly transport you back to that blissful “just married” moment. Here at Green Wedding Shoes, we’re all about guiding you towards the perfect harmony of songs to ensure your memories are as timeless as your love. Let’s curate that magical playlist together!
To start things off, here are 91 songs that are perfect for your walk down the aisle. As wedding “processional” tunes, these go hand-in-hand with ceremony exit and wedding recessional songs.
Once you’ve officially tied the knot and grooved back up the aisle to your wedding recessional song, it’s time for the dances. From an unforgettable first dance songs to the best mother-son dance songs, we’ve found some special tracks for your most special moments.
Finally: the cake-cutting ceremony. You may have already thought about the flavor of your cake, but choosing a sweet song to play while you cut the cake is super important, too!
What are your favorite wedding Daddy Daughter songs? Let us know in the comments below!
wow beautiful wedding musics, should foward that music to the venue wedding DJ next time.
THANK YOU for not recommending that John Mayer song. Seems like most folks don’t understand that it’s a song about a father who abandoned his daughter.
Love this list! My daughter and I have already started brainstorming song ideas for our father-daughter dance at my wedding. Thanks for putting this together 💕