Top 5 Father/Daughter Dance Songs

The dance between the bride and her father is one of the most poignant moments at any wedding, and of course you want it to be perfect.

The key to a good father/daughter dance is to keep it simple. It’s important for you both to enjoy this incredibly emotional moment, without worrying too much about where your feet are supposed to be. So we recommend staying away from choreography, and instead focusing on learning a few basic steps so that Dad can comfortably lead his little girl around the dance floor and enjoy holding her close on her wedding day.

First, of course, you’ll need to choose a song that expresses something special about your relationship.

Here are five popular choices.

1. Butterfly Kisses: Bob Carlisle (slow dance)

This is a very popular ballad for the father/daughter dance. The emotional lyrics describe the beautiful journey of fatherhood, right up to the moment he leads his daughter down the aisle. The gentle melody allows for a simple slow dance, where you can enjoy the moment without worrying about fancy footwork.

2. My Girl: The Temptations (Foxtrot)

For something a little more upbeat, try this Motown favourite! The bright, joyful phrases convey the connection without being overly sentimental. The Foxtrot suits this bouncy song really well, so if you are light on your feet we can teach you a few simple steps that will please the crowd.

3. Isn’t She Lovely: Stevie Wonder (Foxtrot)

‘Isn’t She Lovely’ is another good song for the Foxtrot, and the guests will no doubt break out in song as Dad pays tribute to his beautiful daughter. The lively tempo allows for a few fancy moves if you like, but it is just as charming with the basic steps.

Turning the tables, here are a couple of song choices for a daughter to honour her father, her hero.

4. Because You Loved Me: Celine Dion (Rumba)

Get the hankies out as this is a real tear-jerker; Dion’s lyrics thank her loved one for guiding, encouraging and protecting her, and making her the woman she is today. This slow number suits a Rumba, which is a fluid dance; easy to master and effortlessly graceful.

5. It’s For My Dad: Nancy Sinatra (Waltz)

Nancy’s homage to Frank Sinatra is another weepy thank-you song, dedicated to the man who made everything possible, just because he loved her. Starting slow, this number picks up a little and could work well for a traditional father favouring a stylish Waltz.

Once you’ve decided on a song that feels right for you, the next step is to perfect the dance. At Arthur Murray Crows Nest we offer specialist lessons to help you learn the steps and feel at ease as you dance together on the big day. Speak to one of our expert instructors today and find out how we can help make your father/daughter dance a beautiful, memorable part of your wedding day.