Choosing the right music for your wedding reception is a big job. You want music that both you and your fiancé love, but also music that will appeal to the crowd. Beyond the music for the night, though, you have to pick that perfect song to dance with your father. This is one of the first dances you’ll do at your wedding. It’s an important one.
Stop and think about what you want to accomplish with the song. Do you want it to be nostalgic? Do you want a song that characterizes your relationship with your dad? Is there a special song that you’ve had with your dad since you were a little girl?
Will you dance to a choreographed dance with your dad or just sway back and forth on the dance floor? Is it a time to reminisce with your dad or have a little fun? Ponder these questions as you figure out which of the following songs resonate with you.
Oldies But Goodies
Some father/daughter songs have stuck around through the years. Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole are just a few examples of traditional songs that many brides choose. If you have an affinity for older songs or there’s a special connection you and your father have with a particular song, it’s a great choice for your first dance as a new bride.
The Way you Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Unforgettable by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
You are so Beautiful by Joe Cocker
Through the Years by Kenny Rogers
Child of Mine by Carole King
Modern but Still ‘Older’
Many songs have stuck in the top charts of Father Daughter dances throughout the years. Bette Midler, George Strait, and Martina McBride are a few examples of popular artists that created songs fathers and daughters throughout the country enjoy together. Think about what is special between you and your dad. What makes your relationship unique? This may help you pick one of the songs below that are beautiful ways to start your life as a newly married woman.
Have I Told you Lately by Rod Stewart
Wind Beneath my Wings by Bette Midler
You Look so Good in Love by George Strait
Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle
Because you Loved Me by Celine Dion
Blessed by Elton John
In my Father’s Eyes by Martina McBride
Newer Father Daughter Songs
If you prefer ‘newer’ songs, the following songs are more modern but still just as lovely to dance with your father. They are a combination of pop and country songs that help you start your new life as a married woman with a sentimental dance with your father.
Daughters by John Mayer
My Wish by Rascal Flatts
Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman
God Make me Strong Enough by James Keith Norman
You’re Gonna Miss This by Trace Adkins
Daddy’s Angel by Anthony Carter
Let Your Dad Help you Choose the Song
It’s your wedding, but the Father-Daughter dance has a special meaning for you and your dad. Talk together about your memories, what you want to accomplish with your special dance, and which song holds the most meaning for both of you. Your dad may have some great ideas that help you choose just the right song for your special dance.