11 Perfect Father-Daughter Wedding Dance Tracks

Nov 11, 20194 min read

Updated: Dec 13, 2021

In this sensitive and inclusive age, we should probably call it parent-offspring dance but let’s be real, the father-daughter dance is still the most recognized combo for this sweet, emotive moment in the wedding night.

Which song should you pick though? Should it be a track with low tempo and a solemn mood that could make the audience cry – or perhaps a lively and upbeat song to show off those fun dad types? Or do you simply settle for a song that they are familiar with?

We’re narrowing down the choices for you! Here are 11 suggestions you should consider for the father-daughter dance at your wedding.

1. John Mayer – Daughters

With his reputation as a lively lothario, John Mayer is probably top of the list on “MEN YOUR FATHER DOES NOT WANT YOU DATING.” However, with his sensitive vocals and warm guitar tone, his opposition to the title of lady-chasing Romeo may be put on hold, at least temporarily.

2. Amos Lee – Sweet Pea

A song with a jaunty rhythm and cute lyrics from a dad to his daughter. If the bride and her father are the happy-go-lucky type, this is the perfect song for them.

3. Marvin Gaye – How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

A classic, soulful Motown sound. It’s the kind of song that accompanies the closing credits to a wedding movie. Ya’ know – the part where the big names appear and it’s a freeze-frame of the cast with goofy, playful smiles.

4. Jay-Z – Glory

Does the dad think of himself as an O.G. gangsta? For the young, cool and hip fathers, this is an urban sound which will work well both for the tempo and sentiment, as the lyrics are for their famous daughter Blue Ivy.

5. Alan O’Bryant – You Are My Sunshine

This pretty song is so well known it’s practically a nursery rhyme! Here is a friendly whimsical version which was used in the movie ‘Oh Brother Where Art Thou’. It’s the kind of good ol’ fashioned bluegrass straight out of deepest hick-town Alabama. Yeee hawww.

6. Stevie Wonder – Isn’t She Lovely

A song written to celebrate the birth of his daughter, Aisha. This version even features baby Aisha at the start! Hopefully, this will be the ONLY crying baby interrupting your perfect wedding day. THE INVITE SAID NO INFANTS, KAREN!

7. Heartland – I Loved Her First

Country music has dozens and dozens of good songs for sweet moments between fathers and daughters. This is one of the most straightforward and popular choices for wedding dances. The sentiment of the protective father is so strong with this song that it practically comes with ‘shotgun and threatening stare included”.

8. Miley Cyrus – Butterfly Fly Away

Another country-tinged pretty ballad literally sung as a duet between a father and daughter, with Billy Ray joining his famous offspring. They continue to be a remarkable family who have achieved fame and success vastly beyond their talents or physical attractiveness. A true inspiration.

9. Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl

Everyone in the ballroom will be toe-tapping along to this party favourite! Although, it might be an absolute PR disaster if the bride’s a blue-eyed maiden.

10. Jackson 5 – I’ll Be There

The famous family will work well for your family occasion. This hit comes from MJ’s younger days as a pre-teen sensation with a major ‘fro and brown skin, but if you’re not a fan of the King of Pop, there is a good Mariah Carey cover instead.

11. Celine Dion – Because You Loved Me

This sounds great as a heartfelt tribute to the bride’s Dad. For extra impact, suggest locking eyes with her judgemental, critical mother (read: mumzilla) for the entire second verse just to remind momma who the favourite parent is.

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