Songs to Use for a Father-Daughter Dance

The selection of a song for the father-daughter dance traditionally belongs to the bride. Ideally, the selected song says something about the special relationship held between the two. This song usually has exceptional meaning for the two and the moments during this dance are usually very emotional.

The father-daughter dance is a time when the love and joy shared by daughter and father are shared not only with each other, but also, with the wedding guests. This moment happens only once in the lifetime of every bride. It symbolizes the impending change from daddy’s little girl to wife as well as the letting go of the small child who has been nurtured into this young woman.

Today, many brides are faced with the decision of selecting two songs for the father-daughter dance. One song is for her biological father and the other is for her stepfather. Not every bride opts to do this. However, for those who are raised by a stepfather for the majority of her life, honoring this man as well comes into play.

Perhaps the song is one that the father sang to the bride as a small child. Perhaps it is one that simply expresses everything they feel for each other. Whether the bride selects a traditional father-daughter song or one of her own choosing, this is one song that she will remember for years to come. Its selection should be carefully thought out.

Fortunately, a wide variety of songs have been dedicated to daughters or fathers or to the relationship between the two. Thus, the selection process can at least begin with the traditional offerings. A partial list of some of the most frequently selected father-daughter songs is included below.

• “Daddy’s Little Girl” by Jeff Carson
• “A Song For My Daughter” by Ray Allaire
• “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross
• “My Girl” by The Temptations
• “My Dad” by Paul Petersen
• “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
• “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel
• “Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison
• “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole
• “You Look So Good In Love” by George Strait
• “Butterfly Kisses” by Raybon Brothers
• “Thank Heaven For Little Girls” by Gigi

For the brides who aren’t sure which song to select, listening to many of the choices can make her selection of one easier. In fact, simply reading the lyrics of each song will help to narrow the choices down to one piece.