The Father/Daughter Dance at a wedding is almost always a bittersweet affair. Here are some hand-picked songs that encompass all the feelings the big day brings. Our in-house wedding planning experts have remarked on some of their favorites!
1. “Unforgettable” – Nat King Cole/Natalie Cole
“Unforgettable” is a touching song about the people in our lives that are… well~unforgettable. However, Natalie’s cover of her late father’s song is even more beautiful when turned into a duet as it is here.
2. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” – Stevie Wonder
So many Father/Daughter songs tend to be sad. “You are the Sunshine of My Life” is an upbeat promise of a lasting love. And Stevie is an artist that all generations love. Tony from Tricky Dick & the Cover-Ups says “you can’t EVER go wrong with Stevie Wonder!”
3. “I Loved Her first” – Heartland
Oh no, now they’re getting sad. “I Loved Her First,” is a beautiful country tearjerker about a father talking to his future son-in-law. This song might be used a lot, but Leigh of The Avenue band says the bittersweetness is worth it. “The tears always well up in my eyes with this one, usually as I am on stage about ready to sing and worrying about my makeup.”
4. You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3m8x8fDL01o
DJ Scott E. Jones loves this choice. “Every time I hear ‘You’ve Got a Friend I Me’ by Randy Newman I’m transported back to Toy Story,” he said. “Wow! What a great movie.”
5. “I Hope You Dance” – Lee Ann Womack
“I Hope You Dance” contains advice for children of all ages. Womack even performed it with her daughters in mind which makes it an excellent choice for a Father/Daughter dance.
6. “You Raise Me Up” – Josh Groban
With full orchestral and choral backing, “You Raise Me Up” is an exciting song as well as a crowd favorite. It’s so powerful, it’s a good choice for brides or parents who are shy to dance in front of people. “I definitely couldn’t pick this one for myself, because I would be too busy singing to dance,” said our office manager Kim.
7. “Landslide” – Fleetwood Mac
https://youtube.com/watch?v=K_PQ4fRQ5Kc
This song always gets to me. Written by Stevie Nicks at a crossroad in her life, it’s about embracing change and isn’t that what weddings are about? “Everyone knows and loves this song and sings along,” said Erin of The Element. “You can’t go wrong with this one for a parent dance!”
8. “Daddy’s Hands” – Holly Dunn
Written as a tribute to Dunn’s father, this song is a country classic.
9. “God Gave Me You” – Blake Shelton
This song is about unyielding support and guidance and being grateful for both.
10. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
“The Way You Look Tonight” is about sealing a special memory in your head to look back on when times are difficult.
11. “It’s For My Dad” – Nancy Sinatra
Speaking of Sinatra, this song’s title practically speaks for itself. This song is Nancy’s tribute to her late father.
12. “Daddy” -Beyoncé
This is old school Beyoncé. It was written in 2003 and inspired by her father and manager’s devotion to his family.
13. “You Are My Sunshine” – Johnny Cash
A classic song about the joy that children bring into your life is improved by the Johnny Cash’s soothing bass.
14. “(Everything I do) I Do It For You” – Bryan Adams
https://youtube.com/watch?v=fXtlWmBM-HU
A song about eternal devotion and love and a standard radio favorite.
15. “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” – Billy Ray Cyrus
Originally featured on his daughter’s Disney show, “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” is a truly sweet song. This is a fave pick of our Social Media Assistant Jane. “As someone who remembers Billy Ray Cyrus primarily as Miley’s dad and not the Achy Breaky Heart Guy, Ready Set, Don’t Go is a tear-jerker.”
16. “The Best is Yet to Come” – Michael Buble
Another refreshingly upbeat Father/Daughter song about the excitement that the future holds.
17. “Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion
Another nostalgic song about the support a parent provides that builds to a beautiful height.
18. “Forever Young” – Rod Stewart
Written as a lullaby, “Forever Young” is about wanting to preserve a moment and feeling nostalgic about the past. Don’t forget the other versions of these songs, too! “You know I can’t get enough of Rod’s acoustic version of Forever Young!” said DJ Eric Smith.
19. “I’ll Stand By You” – The Pretenders
Another song about fidelity, preservation, and support through dark times.
20. “Fathers & Daughters” – Michael Bolton
We’re ending with the King of Ballads: Michael Bolton. He sings a song about all a father would do for his child.