40 Father-Daughter Dance Songs for Your Wedding

The father-daughter dance is often the most emotional few minutes of a wedding reception. The right song makes it easy: the tempo feels natural, the words mean something to both of you, and it is short enough that neither of you is counting the seconds. Below are 40 songs couples ask us about most, grouped by feel, plus practical advice on choosing one you can actually dance to.

How to choose the right song

• Listen to the words, not just the title. Some popular songs are about loss or saying goodbye. That can be exactly right for your family, or it can make the moment heavier than you want.
• Check the tempo. A very slow song is harder to dance to than it sounds, because there is nothing to move with. A comfortable, steady beat is easier for two people who do not dance often.
• Keep it short. Two to two and a half minutes is plenty. Most DJs can fade a song or cut a verse. Ask for the edit before your lessons so you learn the right version.
• Consider a medley. Some families start with a slow classic and switch to an upbeat song halfway through. It gets a laugh and takes the pressure off.

Timeless classics

• "My Girl" by The Temptations
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
• "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
• "Daddy's Little Girl" by The Mills Brothers
• "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
• "Moon River" by Andy Williams
• "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole
• "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley

Heartfelt and sentimental

• "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle
• "Dance with My Father" by Luther Vandross
• "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder
• "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
• "Ribbon in the Sky" by Stevie Wonder
• "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon
• "Daughters" by John Mayer
• "In My Life" by The Beatles
• "Blackbird" by The Beatles
• "Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)" by Billy Joel

Country favorites

• "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw
• "I Loved Her First" by Heartland
• "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts
• "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
• "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw
• "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride
• "Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn
• "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Pop and modern picks

• "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart
• "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel
• "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
• "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift
• "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift
• "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
• "You'll Be in My Heart" by Phil Collins
• "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas

Upbeat songs to finish on

• "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
• "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by James Taylor
• "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley and the Wailers
• "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers

Which dance style fits your song

You do not need a formal style for a father-daughter dance, but matching the song to a simple style makes it look natural. A song in three, like many older ballads, is danced as a waltz. A smooth song in four works as a simple foxtrot or a relaxed sway with turns. Upbeat songs like "Brown Eyed Girl" are perfect for swing. If you are not sure, bring the song to a lesson and we will tell you in a minute.

How many lessons do you need?

Most fathers and daughters need one to three private lessons for a short, confident routine: a comfortable hold, a basic step, one or two turns and a clean ending. If you want a medley with a switch to an upbeat song, plan on two to four. Many families add these lessons to the couple's own wedding dance lessons, so everyone is ready at the same time.

Tips for the day

• Practice at least once in the wedding shoes and, if possible, with a skirt of similar length to the dress.
• Agree on a signal for the ending so neither of you is left mid-step when the music fades.
• Look at each other, not your feet. Guests will remember the smile, not the steps.

Planning the whole wedding dance program? Read How Many Dance Lessons Do You Need Before Your Wedding? or book a lesson at our Addison studio.