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I've spent the last two days scouring the ‘net for a father/daughter dance for our wedding reception, and frankly, virtually every suggestion I've come across has a title that makes me throw up in my mouth a little like “Daddy's Little Girl” or “Butterfly Kisses.”I'm not opposed to sentimental songs but perhaps none with the bride=angel/child/doll theme I can't seem to get away from.
My dad's a '60s/'70s Classic/Southern rock kinda guy. There's gotta be something out there about years going by, getting older, moving on… I just can't seem to find it.
This is one of the few traditions we're actually keeping, so I'd like to find something right for us. —Sharon
Yeah, nothing like the creepy incest themes that seem to come up with father-daughter dance song lyrics, hmm? That's part of why many of us skip the tradition, but I do agree that with the right father-daughter song, it can be a nice moment on the dance floor.
There are some very time-honored classics, so if you want to give your guests something predictable, go for:
- Frank Sinatra “The Way You Look Tonight”
- Louis Armstrong
- Nat King Cole / Natalie Cole “Unfogettable”
But here you are on Offbeat Wed… and we're betting you might like a few non-cheesy, non-icky song ideas for your alternative father-daughter wedding dance song ideas. Let's start with a genre lots of dads love…
Father-daughter dance songs for those rockin' dads: Classic rock ballads and harder rock songs:
- Led Zepplin's “Thank You” (hear it)
- Lynyrd Skynyrd's “Simple Man” (hear it)
- Rolling Stones' “She's a Rainbow” (hear it)
- The Cars' “Just What I Needed” (hear it)
- Warrant's “Heaven” (hear it)
- Neil Young's “Here for You” (hear it)
- Bruce Springsteen's “When You Need Me” (hear it)
- Queen's “You're My Best Friend” (hear it)
- Guns and Roses' “Sweet Child O' Mine” (hear it)
- Staind's “Zoe Jane” (hear it)
- Tom Petty's “American Girl” (hear it)
Contemporary sentimental, but not overdone (yet!) … for when you want to make the father of the bride cry:
- Loudon Wainwright's “Daughter” (hear it)
- Five for Fighting's “100 Years” (hear it)
- World Party's “She's the One” (hear it)
- 10,000 Maniacs' “How You've Grown” (hear it)
- Natalie Merchant's “Kind And Generous” (hear it)
- The Cary Brothers' “Blue Eyes” (hear it)
- Wilco's “My Darling” (hear it)
- Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo'ole's “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” (hear it)
- Amos Lee's “Sweet Pea” (hear it)
- Eva Cassidy's “True Colors” (hear it)
- “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (hear it)
- “Daughters” by John Mayer (hear it)
Softer rock classics (when you want to rock, but also keep it purty):
Unique first dance songs that haven't been done to death
The Offbeat Wed team has compiled a pretty good list of totally not overused first dance songs from the silly, to the romantic, to the... Read more
- Tom Petty's “Wildflowers” (hear it)
- Bad English's “When I See You Smile” (hear it)
- Journey's “Lights” (hear it)
- Billy Joel's “Just the Way You Are” (hear it)
- Beach Boys' “God Only Knows” (hear it)
- Carol King's “Child of Mine” (hear it)
- The Byrds' “Turn, Turn, Turn” (hear it)
- Paul Simon's “Father and Daughter” (hear it) or “You Can Call Me Al” (hear it)
- Stevie Wonder's “Isn't She Lovely” (hear it)
- James Taylor's “You've Got A Friend” (hear it)
- Joe Cocker's “Darling Be Home Soon” (hear it)
- Fleetwood Mac's “Songbird” (hear it) or “Landslide” (hear it)
- The Beatles' “Across the Universe” (hear it) or Rufus Wainwright's version
(hear it) - Another Beatles selection, “In My Life” (hear it)
- Lulu's “To Sir With Love” (hear it)
- Gram Parsons' “A Song for You” (hear it)
- Bread's “Daughter” (hear it)
- Jimmy Buffett's “Little Miss Magic” (hear it)
- Spiral Staircase's “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday” (hear it)
- Cyndi Lauper's “Time After Time” (hear it)
Upbeat classics from the '40s and '50s
- Ray Charles' “Ain't That Love” (hear it)
- The Rays' “Silhouettes” (hear it)
- Frankie Avalon's “Bobby Sox to Stockings” (hear it)
- Elvis' “The Wonder of You” (hear it)
- Sam Cooke's “Nothing Can Change This Love” (hear it)
Crazy and funky first dance songs for fathers & daughters:
The HUGE list of instrumental songs for your movie theme wedding playlist
Cinephiles, movie-lovers, movie wedding theme-havers, this wedding playlist is all about you. We're talking movie-themed ceremony songs and movie-themed cocktail and dinner songs that are... Read more
- Steppenwolf's “Born to be Wild” (hear it)
- Voltaire's “Goodnight Demonslayer” (hear it)
- Any version of “You Are My Sunshine,” particularly the Johnny Cash version (hear it)
- “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (hear it)
- LOTS from The Vitamin String Quartet. Try Sweet Child O' Mine (hear it) or “Don't Stop Believing” (hear it)
- Kermit's “The Rainbow Connection” (hear it)
For those who want a country fried daddy dance:
- The Bellamy Brothers' “Let Your Love Flow” (hear it)
- Kenny Chesney's “There Goes My Life” (hear it)
- John Fogerty's “I Will Walk With You” (hear it)
- The Judds' “Love is Alive” (hear it)
- Rascal Flatts' “My Wish” (hear it)
- Dixie Chicks' “Lullaby” (hear it)
Far out stuff for alterna-dads:
- Yo La Tengo's “You Can Have It All” (hear it)
- David Bowie's “Let's Dance” (hear it)
- “Standing” from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical, sung by Tony Head
(hear it) - The Dropkick Murphy's “Forever” (hear it)
And the strangest (but coolest) suggestions from readers:
- Randy Newman's “Short People” (hear it)
- Jonathan Coulton's “Re: Your Brains” (hear it)
- Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five's “Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens”
(hear it)
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I plan to dance with my dad to Cat Stevens (nee Yusef Islam)the Wind. Short, sweet and not icky!
Oh, this is awesome. I sent my Dad the WFUV playlist and I bet we can find something there. Thanks so much for posting my question, Ariel!
I wanted a classic since they tend to be short, so we recently decided on “Ain’t That Love” by Ray Charles. We also wanted the groom and his mom to join in and this song seemed to fit.
My dad and I danced to Tori Amos’s Winter. It was because he bought the album when I was in elementary school, and sat me down and had me listen to it. It’s also a good kinda touchy-feely-you always supported me kind of song. We spent the whole dance talking about her career, as evidenced by this photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thekellyg/498234898/
In any case: what not go with something that is personally meaningful–a song that you and your dad can share for some reason.
Maybe Paul Simon’s “Father and Daughter”? It fits with your dad’s preference for 60/70’s classic music.
Well, my dad and I are kind of nuts anyway, and neither of us or into the sappy stuff, so we actually did our father daughter dance to RHPS Time Warp and got everyone to going in!
It was great and the pictures will be entertaining for years to come. 😉
I’m torn between two songs – – – either Landslide by either fleetwood mac or the dixie chicks, or angels flying too close to the ground by willie nelson.
Thanks for posting some responses to this question! I’d been wondering myself just what to choose when the time for dancing arrives.
What about that Tim McGraw song?
Also- “If These Walls Could Speak” off the “Lead Me On” album by Amy Grant is very touching.
Amen! I hate sappy songs – I love my grandfather, but I do not want one of those cry-your-eyes out moments. I want to smile and laugh the entire time! Thank you so much for posting some info on alternatives!
We’re using Paul Simon’s father and daughter. It’s pretty upbeat and has nice lyrics.
I chose “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, as another poster mentioned. I grew up listening to FM with my father and took him to see them in concert several years ago for Father’s Day. It’s a song that holds meaning and sentiment for us.
Sweet Child of Mine by Guns and Roses!!!
We’re dancing our hearts out to led zepplin’s “thank you” we’re both big fans of LZ and the lyrics are cool.
Thats my pick too! My dad and I are both Zeppelin fans and that song is great!
there was a great story on npr about wedding songs. its worth a listen plus the song list isnt bad, check it out:
Clem Snide, “Forever, Now and Then”
Old 97’s, “Question”
Josh Rouse, “Nothing Gives Me Pleasure”
Death Cab for Cutie, “Passenger Seat”
Jimmy Scott, “When Did You Leave Heaven?”
The Lemonheads, “Into Your Arms”
Ron Sexsmith, “Moonlight Becomes You”
Nick Drake, “From the Morning”
Radney Foster & Abra Moore, “I’m In”
Norah Jones, “Come Away with Me”
Sade, “By Your Side”
Matthew Sweet, “I’ve Been Waiting”
Neil Young, “Harvest Moon”
Chet Baker, “Embraceable You”
Iron & Wine, “Ab’s Song”
Low, “The Plan”
Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash, “As Long As the Grass Shall Grow”
Clem Snide, “Find Love”
if for whatever reason the link doesnt work go to npr.org and search wedding day blues: finding the perfect mix cd.
I’ve decided against doing any kind of “first dance” action, just because I’m not really a dancer, but I thought M.Ward’s version of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” would be absolutely perfect for one of those moments.
We used The Beatles’ All You Need Is Love for a simultaneous bride-bride’s dad, groom-groom’s mother dance that then expanded to include the other parents, the wedding party and their partners and anyone else who wanted to join in. We picked it because it’s not too slow, has a happy but not too sappy message and it’s fun/easy to dance to.
DIY Weddings has a nice list, too.
I personally found the lyrics to Ben Folds’ “Gracie” to be precious without being too sappy.
You could always find a cool version of “sweet child.”
My father and I danced to stand by me.
We danced to Kenny Roger’s “Throught the Years”.
we are on the mod side of things so my dad and i chose To Sir with Love by Lulu
My daughter and her Dad are not using it, but I thought “time after time” by Cyndi Lauper was a good one.
How cool is your DJ? Our DJ (who is, lucky for us, also a longtime friend) is awesome at making suggestions based on our needs. If you have a DJ who is willing to get to know you and work with you, their knowledge of music will be a big help!
(Sorry I don’t have a suggestion for a song–we aren’t able to do parent dances.)
I’m having exactly the same issue. I might go with “teach your children well” by Crosby, Stills, and Nash
My dad and I are going to dance to These are the Days by Van Morrison. I think that’s perfect for a hip classic rock dad. We also thought of Forever Young (slow version) by Bob Dylan
for my october wedding my dad and i are going to dance to ‘moon river’ by andy williams. i know it’s not classic rock but anyone else looking for a good song might be interested. and i dont know if anyone else dances with their mother, but i’m also going to have a daughter/mother dance with my mom, Sherry to My Cheri Amour, by Stevie Wonder.
I think “Daughters” by John Mayer is a good song choice for the father/daughter dance.
I think we will dance to “I loved her first” by Heartland. It’s a slow country song..
My dad passed away in 2005 so “our dance” is going to be with his brother, who’s my favorite uncle. I chose “Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant; only because it says the right things without going overboard.
daughter – loudon wainwright
here comes the sun – beatles
brightside of the road – van morrison
tupelo honey – van morrison
wildflowers – tom petty
gracie – ben folds
still fighting it – ben folds (good for a boy and mom)
somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world – israel kamakawio ole
lullaby – dixie chicks
wide open spaces – dixie chicks
turn, turn – the byrds
blackbird – the beatles
the rainbow connection – any artist, but kermit’s best
father & daughter – paul simon from the thornberrys soundtrack
wonderful world – louis armstrong
pennies from heaven – louis armstrong
sugar mountain – neil young
never fully dressed without a smile – harry connick jr., or annie soundtrack
landslide – fleetwood mac or dixie chicks
dancing in daddy’s shoes – leon redbone
circle game – joni Mitchell
child of mine – carol king
how sweet it is – james taylor
sweet baby james – james taylor
thank heaven for little girls – gigi soundtrack
I had a good father and mother – kate wolf (very folk)
Molly Ban – Alison Krauss
How you’ve grown – 10,000 maniacs
[…] Offbeat Bride’s List of Alternative Songs […]
My dad and I are dancing to Joni Mitchell’s Circle Game. He used to sing it to me when I was a kid, and it holds many memories! It’s also a very fitting song…very emotional for me though!
For the bride that left home before the wedding… try Drops of Jupiter by Train.
My dad and I are dancing to Brown Eyed Girl! A little more peppy, a LOT less sappy.
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel.
I wish I could use it for my own wedding, but my sister danced with my dad to it at her wedding. He is her stepfather so she wanted a song that was meaningful and loving, but not “Daddy” because she had her bio dad to dance with too. The lyrics are really, really perfect. They arent sappy or too much, but are so loving and appropriate.
This is a great list!
Depends on how good at dancing (& shape) the father/daughter are, but my daughter got married 2 months ago & we got a standing ovation for big-band dancing to Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood” It was a BLAST!
I’m getting married in April and am having a hard time finding a father-daughter song. They all seem to be the same, you were always there for me, we always did this and that and have so many memories but i can’t do that because my father wasn’t around, I didn’t meet him until i was 16 and it was a very bumpy road to get to the relationship we have now which is finally good. Does anyone have any suggestions on something that may be good song but not say all of those things?
My dad used to wake me up on lazy summer mornings by singing The Four Tops song “I Can’t Help Myself”.
The one that goes:
“Sugarpie honeybunch
You know that I love you
I can’t help myself
I love you and nobody else”
When I try to think of a song, its the first one that comes up 😀
Elton John-
“your song”
My sis danced with our dad to “tiny dancer” by elton john. It was nice…. Im debating using “your song” for mine….. im just so tired of the same ol’ same ol’ suggestions for father daughter songs. Im sure ill manage to decide on something, but its nice to see some different suggestions on here….
To Renee–
How about “you were always on my mind” By willie nelson. He talks about the mistakes he’s made but still loves her?
Me and my dad are dancing to “Here There and everywhere” by the beatles, but I’m having a hard time finding a song for me and my step dad. He’s great, but he came into my life when I was like 17, so yeah, when the songs talk about early childhood or get too sappy it doesn’t make sense. Something like “unforgetable” would work, but I’m not really into the whole Sinatra, Nat King Cole type of music… Anything by Elvis anyone?
I have a good suggestion that would work for a lot of Dads/Father Figures:
“More I Cannot Wish You” from the musical Guys and Dolls.
It’s all about a father figure (not even her real Dad in the musical!) wishing his daughter figure the best in life as well as giving her away to a romantic love. How much more wedding appropriate can you get? Here’s a link with the lyrics and a midi.
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/lyrics/morecannot.htm
The midi is a bit weird, for a better version just listen to the Guys and Dolls soundtrack.
Renee, I can relate to your predicament and I think this song is not too over the top in terms of the father always being perfect.
[…] Click here to read her answer and her readers’ comments […]
leila, you wanted to know is an Elvis song would work? A friend of mine danced to “The Wonder of You” with her Dad. It was lovely.
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/e/elvis+presley/the+wonder+of+you_20049579.html
I may steal this idea from her. 🙂
My dad has maintained since my sisters and I were old enough to understand that he wants the Father/Daughter dance to be Warren Zevon’s “Tenderness on the Block.”
Yo La Tengo’s “You Can Have It All” or “In My Life” by the Beatles (if I can keep from crying everytime I hear it). I wish I could use an Elliott Smith song, but they’re all pretty sad.
in my life by the beatles is a good one, as until there was you. my dad and i danced to the way you look tonight by frank sinatra.
I’m only just starting to plan, but the father duaghter dance was chosen before the colors…
My dad and I have a blissfully wierd relationship and we both have a warm place in our hearts for Ozzy. So we will be dancing to Kelly & Ozzy Osbourne “Changes”.
Its probably the least likely song our family would expect…something by Frank Zappa would’ve been more likely!
Just the Way You Are – Billy Joel
This is REALLY obscure…but Harry Chapin’s Story of Life is an absolutely amazing song.
Growing up my dad and I would dance to the disco hits in the living room. I am trying to think of a good disco song to dance to. “Bad Girl” by Donna Summer just doesn’t seem right. Any suggestions?
Wow! I thought I was the only one having this trouble. It wasn’t so much of the sappiness I didn’t like , but rather the “typical” songs don’t fit us, some sound creepy and others too religious. My dad is a 70s rock guy too, he also loves Metallica. After a few months I have found one that my dad will love to dance to and will bring back memories for both of us…Metallica – Nothing Else Matters!
i am also having trouble figuring out what to dance to…i was thinking about “little surfer girl” by the beach boys…well i dont surf or anything but my dad knows i love summer and he bought me a beach boys tape when i was like 7 and i would play it while he helped me pick up and he would always sing that song to me. i thought maybe he might appreciate that too.
My dad won’t be at my wedding, so no father/daughter dance for me. But I think a good choice would be “Standing” from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical, sung by Tony Head. It’s really a sweet song about a pseudo-father/daughter relationship and it’s doubly appropriate if you’re a fan of the show. The soundtrack is called “Once More, With Feeling” for those who are interested.
Go back to your childhood playtime dance! My dad and I danced to “You Can Call Me Al!” When I was a kid we used to dance around the living room to that song and it was so fun to have people clapping. DJ said it was the best father/daughter dance he’d seen in his career!
It took me forever to figure out what song my father and I were going to dance to. All the poppy/country songs that are very popular father daughter songs just didn’t fit us. We both love classic rock and are fans of Neil Young so we choose “Here for you” its a great song he wrote for his daughter.
this one is kinda sappy…I like “Daddy’s Hands”…not sure who sings it…but it is kinda country and I’m not sure if I’m using it…but I LOVE the song!
My daddy sang “you are so beautiful” by Joe Cocker in my ear as we were dancing. I’ll remember that until the day I die.
i am dancing with my father to the song ‘american girl’ by tom petty, we refuse to cry slowdancing.!!! this will be much more fun… and every year we go to his concert, so it brings back good memories.
everything about my wedding is different. a good example is my wedding color is neon green. my first dance song is adam sandlers “i wanna grow old with you.” my dad is a rocker so the sappy songs wont work, this site has really helped me out. thanks all.
‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ by Simon and Garfunkel
So, I am having trouble b/c the last time my dad and i danced was at my grad and was uber awkward due to a broken collar bone and a total lack of rhythm. Neither of us partner dance well. my partner and his mother on the other hand are great! We want to dance at the same time, but want it to look good for all of us. My family is country. His is spanish. Suggestions, please?!
I am so glad I found this website! My father and I are dancing to Paul Simon’s “Father and Daughter”. If my childhood had a soundtrack, Graceland by Paul Simon and Simon & Garfunkel’s Greatest hits would dominate the playlist, so his newer song is perfect!
My dad is on the hip side, too. I have been scouring Motown and Standards playlists. I’m trying to narrow it between “My GIrl” or “Puttin on the Ritz” or “Jeepers Creepers”
Dana, Thank you! My dad is obsessed with Neil Young and I have been wondering if he had a good song for the occasion. Just listened to it and loved it.
“take good care of my baby” – i’m the youngest of 8 girls . it just works
“Take good care of my ba-a-a-by
Please don’t ever make her blu-u-u-ue
Just tell her that you love her
Make sure you’re thinking of her
In everything you say and do-o-o-o
Aww, take good care of my ba-a-a-by
Now don’t you ever make her cry-y-y-y
Just let your love surround her
Paint a rainbow all around her
Don’t let her see a cloudy sky”
I just found a song Nancy sinatra wrote for her dad. It is perfect. I havent seen it posted anywhere. ‘For My Dad’ wow, it says it all.
i think going back to your childhood is the best place to find a meaningful fun song.
my dad is a classic rock kinda guy and its been really hard finding a song, but he keeps saying “everytime i think about it i think of ‘Kiss that frog’ by peter gabriel or ‘twistin the night away'”
those were songs i used to sing and dance too with him when i was kid. now Kiss the frog is kinda an insult to my husband, so i think im going with twistin the night away…
there’s always Brown Eyed Girl if ya got brown eyes, but if u have a band it could be blue, green, grey, hazel eyed girl!
‘You belong to me’ by Patsy Cline. I’m moving to London from Maryland so the theme of the song works well…I wanted to choose a happier song cause I know I’m gonna be a crier, but in the end, I’ll probably bawl at anything that day.
I’m a sap. A heavily tattooed, foul mouthed, sarcastic sap. Not quite sure how that happened.
Thanks to some of the suggestions here! I burned a CD of “Ain’t That Love,” by Ray Charles and sent it to my dad. He loves to dance (and the song), but he’s a little self-conscious about dancing b/c it’s more up-tempo (he’s pushing 70yrs old). For Father’s Day, we’re going to have a dance lesson. He’s really excited… especially since he really doesn’t feel like balling– it’s not his thing– we like big belly laughs with our mouths wide open:)
I’ve got 2 suggestions:
Tori Amos wrote a beautiful song for her daughter called Ribbons Undone, it’s on her Beekeeper album.
I’m having trouble deciding between that and Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Gram Parsons’ “A Song for You”. I especially like the line: “Take me down to your dance floor. I won’t mind the people when they stare.” And then there’s the sad part: “I loved you everyday and now I’m leaving and I can see the sorrow in your eyes.” Technically, the daughter is the one leaving but I think it works. Or The Rolling Stone’s version of “That’s How Strong My Love Is.”
My Father & I don’t have that type of relationship. Don’t get me wrong, he’s supported me along the way. My mom insists of a Father-Daughter dance…..I’m thinking “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross & Beyonce. Yes, Cliche I know!
i’m thinking of a few songs, but brevity may be a big concern, since i’m going to want to dance with my groom!
-little miss magic by jimmy buffett
-lady in red by chris de burgh
-sweet child o’ mine by guns and roses
it’s hard to find songs that don’t sound sappy, but equally hard to find non-sappy songs that won’t conjure up that incestuous weirdness.
i might take some (or a lot) of the suggestions i’ve seen here:-)
Ok I just had to tell my plan!!!
My Dad and I have always loved Convoy by CW McCall and I can’t imagine not dancing to it. I don’t think that choice is for everyone but it’s personal and I love it plus my mom will freak.
i didnt meet my dad until i was 17 and just cant find a song to use for us for my wedding. help please!
How about a song with no words? That could help avoid the cheese factor.
i’m gonna throw my hat in the ring a little late, but hopefully this will help a bit! here are my contenders for a non-traditional dance:
Sam Cooke: Nothing Can Change This Love
Sam Cooke: Bring it on Home to Me
James Brown: Papa Don’t Take No Mess
Joan Osbourne’s version of Dolly Parton’s: Do I Ever Cross Your Mind
Patty Griffin: Heavenly Day
I found this blog very helpful, but I went back and forth on songs, and ended up choosing “He didn’t have to be” by Brad Paisley. My step dad is walking me down the aisle and I think it will be a great song for he and I to dance to. I really did like “It’s for my dad” by Nancy Sinatra too. I thought about “There you’ll be” by Faith hill. “Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant was another one I liked.
I am happily going with Brown-Eyed Girl. Anyone have a suggestion on how to dance with my dad on that one? Slow dance? Hmmm …
I’m dancing with my father too brown eyed girl or the hustle by Van Mccoy. When I was a little girl, he would always play that song and I always loved it to this day! I thought it would be funny for something like that!
Jessie (#58) THATS WHAT I WANT TO USE!!! IM SO GLAD SOMEONE ELSE USED IT!!!
my dad called me tonight and said what we should do instead of “DANCE” to the father daughter dance, we should do what we did every weeknight when i was a little girl. we’d have the staff of the hotel wheel in a couch to the middle of the dance floor. he’d kick off his shoes, i’d crawl up next to him and we’d share a gallon of New York Cherry Ice Cream together while listening to our song. I LOVE THE IDEA cause i get to eat ice cream with my daddy one more time 😀
Dana and Nancy! Thank you for the song recommendation! My Dad is also obsessed with Neil Young.
my dad and i danced to ‘the way you look tonight’ by frank sinatra (the micheal buble version) i don’t think it’s so sappy because it doesn’t talk about the father/daughter relationship, just a nice song about how beautiful the bride looks. one thing to consider for the dad’s is the length of the song, i’m sure dads appreciate shorter songs!
“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder was actually written by the boy wonder for his baby daughter when she was born. I might be using this one…
I’m using “Tiny Dancer” just because my dad used to hold me and sing it to me when I was a baby, so it has always been “our” song. I’m using John Lennon’s “Woman” to dance with my mother.
My dad and I used to dance to Black Water by The Doobie Brothers when I was a little kid so that is what we are going to do our father/daughter dance to. Sappy just doesn’t fit us!
This has been so helpful for me. I get married in 26 days and still had no idea what to dance with my dad to. My dad and I both love Bob Dylan, so I found the suggestion Forever Young very helpful. Anyone else know of any good Bob Dylan suggestions?? (I also liked the idea of Lady in Red since my dress is red. thanks again!)
Love the suggestions! I’ll be using “Still the One” by Orleans. It’s totally appropriate, given that it’s from my father’s era of music. It’s a fun song that everyone can dance to.
I’ve always loved “In My Life” by the Beatles!
I just found Daughter by Bread. Upbeat and perfect for us. I couldn’t imagine slow dancing with my dad. We’re sentimental at our own tempo!
I think we’re going to dance to “Diamond Girl” by Seals & Croft. My Dad used to blast Seals & Croft and The Eagles when my mom wasn’t around when I was a toddler. 🙂
I used to sing Bad to the Bone with my dad…so while Dad is prepping himself for a sappy song, we are suprising him with Bad to the Bone Intro…and then ease it into something he and I can dance to…but I haven’t gotten that far yet!
What about Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young?” I know others have mentioned the Bob Dylan version, but RS’s is not as slow and the lyrics are a little different. Also, I’m surprised no one mentioned Green Day’s “Time of your life”. My father and I have a unique relationship, and my true “father-daughter” dance is going to be “Wind Beneath my wings” with my grandfather, who raised me. I still want to honor my dad, though, and am currently deciding between “Forever Young” by RS and “Time of your Life” by Green Day.
Ok, this one is just because my Dad would sing it to me ALL the time when I was a little girl…”I Feel Fine” by The Beatles
Brown Eyed Girl is about two lovers. Daughters by John Mayer is about a woman with a bad Father.
Little Miss Magic by Jimmy Buffett
I danced with my father to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Growing up, my dad and I watched this movie every March – so it had a very special meaning. My husband danced with is mother to “My One True Friend” by Bette Midler.
Ditto on “Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant! My Dad and I danced to that one at my wedding several years ago…the song embodied everything I wanted to say to my father that day!
My dad and I have decided on “Goodnight Demonslayer” from Voltaire.
Cat Stevens also…..Wild World!
Though my dad is a bit of weeper and when I played the song for him he was crying! He’s too cute!
Luna has a fantastic Version of G n’ R Sweet Child of Mine
This thread was so helpful! My dad and I decided to do the father/daughter dance to “angie” – rolling stones simply because it’s my name. we figured an anti mushy route would be best. this way my dad isn’t hurt by the idea of not dancing at all.
Me and my daddy have always loved dancing together..One that I can remember since I was really young is “I wanna dance with somebody” by Whitney Houston. I think that’ll be my choice =)
I have gone back and forth between alot of these songs listed but I had two that really stuck out. “Hold my Hand” by Hootie and the Blowfish and “What a Wonderful World” by Luis Armstrong
My dad has blared Led Zeppelin since I can remember. I think we might dance to “Thank you” by LZ. It’s sweet but a bit casual for our unique relationship. I’m still looking for other options though. Any suggestions?
I am planning on using Nickel Creek’s “When You Come Back Down”, nice tune , nice message. I had the hardest time with planning this and my ceremony processional (Apocalyptica’s version of “Nothing Else Matters”) since the I am trying to blend our taste in music with what won’t scare the elderly at our wedding.
My dad loves old country music!…Ever since I was little, we always listened to Daddy’s Girl by Red Sovine…It is REALLY twangy…but its our song!
My mom and dad divorced when I was 2. He and I have had a VERY strained relationship my whole life. He is not walking me down the aisle or giving me away but I feel like the dance might be a nice gesture. What the heck can we dance to? I am just lost. HELP!
My dad and I have always been a huge Muppets fans, so I am thinking Rainbow Connection by Kermit the Frog.
Hello everyone! I’m a lover of song lyrics so I’ve noticed that a lot of recommended “father/daughter dance songs” on all wedding type sites have lyrics that pertain to romantic love as opposed to family love. I find this a little creepy! My suggestion is to look up the lyrics to a song you’re thinking about before finalizing any plans. Your list will be shorter, but less weird as well! 🙂
well i’m not getting married, but I AM trying to put together a CD for my father for father’s day.
so far i’m definitely using:
Daughter – Loudon Wainwright
In My Life – Beatles
Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
Fleetwood Mac – Landslide
Old Man – Neil Young
Father and Daughter – Paul Simon.
I’m also thinking of using Teach your Children Well, They Don’t Make Em Like my Daddy Anymore, John Mayer’s Daughters, and Here Comes the Sun.
My dad’s not a sappy music kinda guy. and since it’s a CD i’m giving him, I want it to be meaningful AND I want him to be able to enjoy the songs. so far i’ve hit a dead end. ):
I am dancing with my step-dad to “To sir with love” by LuLu and with my dad to “I loved her first” by Heartland. Both have individual messages that I can convey
I’m sorry, but who keep saying that “I Lover Her First” belongs on a non-sappy list?! If I played that at my wedding, my dad and I would both need to be carried out of there. Nice song and all, but absolutely DOES NOT belong on a post of non-sappy songs. I know it’s up the individuals but holy hell, you’ve got to be kidding me with that one.
I know it is sappy, but how’s about, (You Are My) Special Angel by Bobby Helms? My mom used to sing that to me when I was little… when I got married, I got married at a Baptist church, so no dancing allowed. If it had been, song with my stepdad would have either been “My Girl” by the Temptations or Sha-Boom! LOL
Just a heads up on little Miss Magic by Jimmy Buffet if you have divorced parents…I LOVED the song and thought for sure it was going to be the song for the father daughter dance then I played it for my mom. She told me it made her very uncomfortable since my father and her are divorced and remarried and he sings the line “your mother’s still the only other woman for me” over and over again. So there goes that idea.
My dad and I are definitely doing a polka– he loves to dance, and thinks it’d be way more fun than a slow song. Now it’s just a matter of whether we do the Beer Barrel Polka or the one that goes “I don’t want her, you can have her, she’s too fat for me!”
My Dad and I danced to Perfect by Fairground Attraction. We spent the whole song singing it to each other!
It was fitting considering his disapproval of my ex, and the mess of a relationship that was for me; and how I came to a much better relationship with my husband where we are both incredibly happy and everyone can see that!
I am dancing with my grandfather to “Zoe Jane” by Staind. He is the only father figure I have ever known so I thought it was appropriate.
My dad and I really deliberated about our dance and decided on Apocalyptica’s cover of Nothing Else Matters — it’s a beautiful song that starts slow and then breaks loose in the middle. It was fantastic; I’m so happy we did that and we had a great time. It’s a love song, but we circumvented that awkwardness by the sheer force of cellos.
THANK YOU APRIL (#100) and Michelle (#115)! If I read one more girl who thinks John Mayer’s “Daughter” or “brown-eyed girl” is a good song to dance to with her dad I’m gonna throw my computer out the window…Listen to the lyrics PLEASE! The John Mayer song is a cautinary tale warning parents to be good to their kids because he once dated a girl and the r1elationship was ruined because of all her daddy issues. I don’t see any part of a wedding when this song would be a good idea. And “brown-eyed girl” when he talking about “behind the stadium with you” he is NOT talking about a fatherly hug or go-get-’em-champ moment he is talking about having SEX behind the stadium with his “brown-eyed-girl.” HELLO! Unless you and your dad are doing the dirty I would suggest finding another song. And I would also NOT use it as a first dance with you husband either, it’s not appropriate, have some class ladies, if you MUST have this song do it later in the night when everyone is happy and sauced and singing along merrily!
i am thinking of ‘oh how happy’ by shades of blue. overall i like the mood of the song.. its nice and short, up tempo and mostly just says ‘oh how happy you have made me.’ the only really weird lyric is ‘i’ve kissed your lips a thousand times, and more times than i can count i’ve called you mine’. i mean, my dad has kissed me a million times.. do you think thats too creepy though?
here is a link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnNfpvGzIeA
I just got married last weekend, actually – and, I danced with my Dad to that (very short!) song by the Beatles, “I Will.” And, my new husband and I danced to the Beatles, “Ob-la-dee, ob-la-da” song. 🙂 We had no idea what we were doing, but b/c it was a more up-tempo song, somehow people thought that we practiced. So, take note: you can pretty much make it up as you go if the song is upbeat!
i got engaged two days ago, and me and my dad are trying to pick a song. somebody said “winter” by tori amos, who i LOVE. i’m crying my face off listening to it. i think it would be perfect – let’s hope i keep it together better than this 🙂
As an independent baker, I’ve done a lot of weddings, and the most unique Father/Daughter dance I’ve ever seen was Bob Seeger’s “Like a Rock” … I would have never thought of it, but the DJ suggested beforehand that the audience listen to the lyrics and it really seemed to fit.
My father and I are REALLY heavy into 60’s/70’s/80’s rock. We both love stuff like deep Purple and Alice Cooper. I’m having a lot of trouble figuring out a song to dance to. We’re both very picky about our music(no bob seger or rod stewart), so it’s twice as hard to find a song. I thought about Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” because I can remember my dad singing that all the time when I was little, but the lyrics just don’t seem to fit the father/daughter thing. I’d really appreciate some input.
*oh, by the way, I really wouldn’t recommend “sweet child o’mine” by Guns N’ Roses. Axl wrote that song about his girlfriend at the time. It’s an incredible song..one of my faves, but unless you want that incestuous vibe going on… I’d steer clear.
My dad and I did not have a very close relationship growing up – but now we are in a good place and I’m dancing with him to “Square One” by Tom Petty.
“Square One my slate is clear, rest your head on me my dear. It took a world of trouble, took a world of tears, it took a long time to get back here”
My dad and I will either be dancing to “Somebody’s Baby” by Jackson Browne or “Celluloid Heros” by the Kinks. The lyrics to “Somebody’s Baby” are probably a little creepy if you really get into analyzing it, but I’m not that worried, it’s a cool song. And we both just really like the song “Celluloid Heroes.”
My dad got really into the whole father-daughter dance song thing and made me a mix CD of all the songs he thought would be good for it. It’s definitely my favorite wedding-related gift so far.
I’m thinking possibly Out of This World by The Cure
My dad always used to play Red Sovine “Daddy’s Girl” in the car while we were fishing. We will be dancing to that. It is very childlike, sweet, lighthearted, and definately not sappy.
I am thinking about Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel) for my father and then I didn’t want to go all sappy with my stepdad so I was thinking My Wish by Rascal Flatts
I think Lullaby by the Dixie chicks is great for a dance with dad or your new husband. It could also be easily learned by a band ifyou’re having one..
Thanks for the Neil Young suggestions!! I am shocked that I am not the only girl w/ a Neil obsessed father!!
Hi All, I’m looking for a song to dance with my two daughters too. I’m getting remarried and I have two daughters from a previous marriage that are 10 & 11 and I want to dance with them. I’m wondering if a “father/daughter” dance song is appropriate in this situation or if anyone has suggestions. Thanks
I think Singalong Junk by Paul McCartney is a nice instrumental. Plus it’s short & sweet at two and a half minutes!
“My Girl” by the Temptations is totally non-sappy and something you would never think of as a father-daughter first dance song. My daughter had this as her first song and everyone loved it – its just a great timeless song.
My dad and I danced to “I love you more today than yesterday”. It was upbeat and fun, and before it was over, everyone was joining in!
my friend danced to 100 years by five for fighting.
My mother passed away a few years ago, actually soon after my friends wedding, and every time I hear the song it makes me cry. But I think the sentiment for living for the moment works well
My dad and I’s song is “The House on Pooh Corner” by Kenny Loggins. As a kid he always called me his ‘Pooh Bear.’ It turned into ‘Pookie’ after awhile. It fits and I plan on dancing with him to it next spring!!
Remember, it doesn’t have to be sappy or lovey-dovey.. it just has to represent the two of you and what makes your bond special and unique. Dont dance to Butterfly kisses JUST BECAUSE its a daddy-daughter song =]
be creative!!!!!
If you’re squeamish about dancing with Pops to Guns ‘n’ Roses, bear in mind that Sheryl Crow covered “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and it’s totally wedding appropriate.
Another one nobody’s mentioned yet is Madeleine Peyroux’s cover of Bob Dylan’s “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go.” Nice shuffle beat, Maddie sounds just like Billie Holliday, and the lyrics work for a dad watching his baby girl go off into the world.
I will probably go with the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows”. I still like the somewhat sappy lyric of “God only knows what I’d be without you”, and the “I may not always love you/but long as there are stars above you/you never need to doubt it/I’ll make you so sure about it” opening line. Plus, the music itself is just really lovely.
I’m still not sure what song to dance with my dad to, but this post has certainly helped me out! If nothing else I’ve got the piece of mind that comes with knowing I’m not the only one who has faced this dilemma!
Sheryl Crow’s version of Sweet Child of Mine is kick ass!! I also like Baby Love by The Supremes…. Dancing in the Moonlight…. Here Comes the Sun… Time after time- i heard this version by some random band(who i later found out is called Spoken) its pretty cool, God Only Knows- Beach Boys(if youre really close to your dad)… There’s a punk cover of Stand by Me(originally by The Temptations)… Bittersweet Symphony by Verve… What a Wonderful World covered by The Ramones
If you’ve never heard of Fyder and Everhardt, you’re normal. They’re a teeny two-man band who graced the Ely, MN Blueberry Festival with their music for many summers. I’ve considered doing my wedding dance with my dad to a Bob Dylan tune because he’s a rabid fan, but he also has all of Fyder and Everhadrt’s CDs and wants to dance to “Dancing With My Daughter”, about rocking his baby back to sleep. Very sentimental, very personal for us, incest-free.
Choose wisely, I was at a weding where the bride and her dad danced to “nights in white satin” by the moody blues, and it was really creepy.
Are there any danceable versions of “Charlie on the MTA” (aka “The MTA Song”) out there? My dad sang this to me at bedtime when I was a kid, and I’d love to use it, but I can’t find any versions with the right tempo. Thanks!
Everyone needs to check out Vitamin String Quartet. If you (and dad) have a favorite song that just wouldn’t be appropriate due to genre or lyrics they just might have your song. They take pop/punk/oldies/heavy metal, pretty much everything, and play it on quartet instruments, no vocals. I was looking for something fun for my cocktail hour so I will be using their music. If you don’t pay attention its just classical instruments and music, but if you stop to listen, you realize you know the song, and could even sing along. It’s great. Just remember, though you might not hear the lyrics, a lot of people might know what they are anyway. But I figure its better than blaring sexual inuendos during a father song, or any other dance for that matter.
My dad and I are dancing to “Crazy” by Patsy Cline. We sang it together at a karaoke party once and now, every time I hear it, I think of him.
I’m thinking of “For Bobby” by John Denver for my father, and “Innocent When You Dream” by Tom Waits for my stepfather.
like most of the other women who have commented, i am totally creeped out by the daddy’s little princess type of songs. i’m going to do bob dylan’s slower version of “forever young”. my dad’s not a big music guy but, it’s from his era and i heart bob dylan forever. i was going to finagle him into the first dances one way or the other.
Me and the fiancee are getting married in about 2 weeks, and this has been a dilemma for me and my dad too. I’m currently pushing for Wilco’s “My Darling”. It is super sweet and obviously about his kid. And as someone else mentioned above, the joey ramone cover of “what a wonderful world” is pretty dope.
My dad is a HUGE Aerosmith and Patsy Cline fan. I know this combination is wierd, but I need to find a song from either of the two thats not
A) Creepy and I really read into lyrics so it cant be one of those songs that doesnt sound creepy untill you read the words.
B) Don’t wanna miss a thing…I hate that song, and my dad was more of an early Aerosmith fan anyways!
Thanks!
We’re dancing to Al Green’s cover of ‘To Sir, With Love.’ I love that movie, the music is upbeat, and the lyrics are sweet without being creepy.
I know it’s trendy and been done to death at this point, but I’m a fan of the father/daughter dances that start off with some sapfest of a song, but then turn into ‘Soulja Boy’ or something equally ridiculous. It’s nice to see dads acting goofy.
I was so happy to see Jimmy Buffett suggestions! I grew up listening to Jimmy Buffett with my dad, and I’ve always loved “Little Miss Magic.” There is the line “your mother’s still the only other woman for me” so if that’s a concern, but I love it! I also love his song “Delaney Talks to Statues” – it’ll come down to those two songs for me & my dad!
A good one is Dar Williams’ “The One Who Knows” from her Beauty of the Rain album. It works for a groom-mother of the groom dance, too.
“Before the mountains call to you
Before you leave this home
I want to teach your heart to trust
As I will teach my own
But sometimes I will ask the moon
Where it shined upon you last
And shake my head and laugh and say
It all went by so fast”
It’s just great.
“Teach Your Children” by Crosby Stills Nash and Young.
I’m getting remarried this Halloween, (I was widowed quite young.) I’m doing a rather sophisticated but still laid back masquerade cocktail reception. The music is sort of anything goes. It is Halloween after all, but I’m having a dreadful time coming up with a song to dance with my father to. We never had a mainstream song to speak of… we used to belt out stuff like “John Henry” and “The Battle of New Orleans!” So, I think I’m going as non-traditional as you can get. Our favorite song was “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” by Ray Stevens.
I’m trying to decide between 2 songs (both not typical):
*Nick Cave – Into My Arms
*Suede – Positivity
Both are beautiful lyrically, which drew me to them. 🙂
My daughter is getting married soon and she was wanting to pick a song for our dance as well. I suggested that maybe it should be my song to choose for our dance. I have been searching as well for the song with the right words.
My wife made a suggestion that I have not seen anywhere that I am seriously considering,
My Wish, by Rascal Flatts. Has a nice message.
Maybe you girls should give your Dad the option to choose a song for your dance, he might have something he would like dance to with you.
Good luck everyone!
My first dance was with my hubby, then my dad, then hubby again–we danced to “Time After Time,” the Cyndi Lauper song, but the Eva Cassidy version. It’s a bluesy, soft, bittersweet tune and it fit us perfectly.
i wanted a non sappy song so i picked “landslide” by fleetwood mac the live version its an amazing song. and in the beginning she says “this is for you daddy” and its just an all around great song,
I’m at a complete loss! I went with Mark’s suggestion (#163), but my father said it was up to me. Hardy har har. He’s a die-hard Stones fan, which I then became. There’s nothing by them that’s remotely F/D! A lot of the posts here talk about when they were little. Besides the Stones, my father and I were die-hard Flintstone’s fans too! I used to watch it with him all the time when I was little. But, I don’t think the theme song would work. When I was a kid there was a song that all my cousins used. It’s in Italian and is called “Ornella”, but that was when people had bands so the band would change the name of the girl in the song to the brides name. We’re having a DJ, so that’s out. He did the sappy dance with my sister as she is the girly one. I’ve always been a tom-boy. HELP!
I realllly wanted to dance to Amos Lee’s Sweet Pea, but my Dad wants something more traditional. Any suggestions?
These are all great suggestions…my sister got married before me and she picked ALlman Brothers “Soulshine”,
it was perfect for her and my father because they have gone to numerous Allmans concerts together, but it is an amazing song.
I am getting married in October and stuck on a bunch of songs! I am really in between Landslide and Daughter by loudon wainwright, i dont want to go too slow
I just got married eighteen days ago (ha, yeah, not counting or anything!) and my father was a ballroom dance teacher, so he taught me a rhumba and we danced to Michael Buble’s “Save The Last Dance For Me.” I don’t have the video online yet, but it was really cool.
Maybe you could find someone to teach you a simple ballroom dance? Rhumba is a little more funky than your traditional waltz, and it’s something you’ll learn together and always remember. 🙂
I have chose “Look to the Rainbow” as sung by Astrud Gilberto. It’s precious but isn’t typical. nothing like a little samba!
“The Part Where You Let Go” by Hem. Lyrics are simple and sweet, “and I don’t know–is this the part where you let go, and tumbling out of a window, is this the part where you find out I’m there for you…”
I grew up with the Beatles and I have very fond memories of my whole family crammed into the car listening to Breakfast With the Beatles on the radio on the way to and from church every Sunday morning. I just can’t find a song that truely works for this though. I’ve seen some Beatles suggestions, but there’s always some line about “kissing your lips” or “holding you tight” which just doesn’t work for a father/daughter dance (for us). So, I came here in search of different ideas and I came across a post that suggested “I Love You Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel. I read the lyrics over (just to double check the creepiness level) and it doesn’t seem too inappropriate for the occasion. What do you think?
The reason this song would be SSOOO awesome for me: Back in 1979 (5 years before I was even born) my parents were in a cover band and I’m lucky to hold a copy of a live recording of one of their shows. So “I Love You Just the Way You Are” would be sung by none other than my mom who passed away in 2004. I thought this would be a great way to make her part of my day (even though I know she’ll be there in spirit). It is one of the most beautiful versions that I have ever heard and I’m sure my dad and I won’t be the only ones tearing up. She was loved by so very many of the guests that will be there.
A close friend of a friend of a cousin’s friend (I’m not kidding.lol) and her dad absolutely love Sweet Child of Mine by Gunz N’ Roses but they figured it would be a little too fast, so they had some friends of theirs rewrite it a little slower and perform it live at the reception. It was beautiful.
My dad & I danced to Zoe Jane by Aaron Lewis which was perfect for us. I didn’t think it was very sappy and alot of our guests loved the song!
Im in a weird situation, my father is not invited as I haven’t spoken to him in 3 years, my grandfather who raised me and was going to give me away and do the “father daughter dance” with me to “I just called tos ay I love you” passed away 6 months ago so now I am doing the father daughter dance with my step father, hes only been my step father for a little over a year but he has shown me more love and respect and treats me as his own than my real father ever has, but I don’t want a song to imply that I am his natural daughter. I found that song “When I needed you most” but found that the singer can’t sing… suggestiuons?
hillary, when you say “the singer can’t sing”, you must be getting a band? in which case most bands should be able to hook up an ipod to their sound system. i have been to weddings with bands where a song has been played via CD or ipod…ask the band how this can happen, is my suggestion.
My Dad was my softball coach growing up and we’ve always been big into sports (go Bears! go Cubs!) So now I’m thinking about dancing with him to “The Hey Song,” (you know it: “Na na na na na, HEY!”)
Non-sappy, brings back tons of memories, easy to dance to and all about US.
My dad is a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. Any suggestions?
A good idea is to make numerous suggestions and give them to your father. You want him to be comfortable, too. And maybe he had a song in mind…you never know. 🙂
what about “she’s not the little girl I once knew” by the Beach Boys. I’m a huge beach boys fan, so for anyone else out there who is looking for a fun, summery sounding song, this one is cute and boisterous. NOT SAPPY.
My dad and I were not close at all for most of my life, and are somewhat closer now, but for me the memories of an abusive childhood are still strong. I’m helping my sister find a song for her and our dad to dance to (she’s in a similar situation as me, in terms of emotional connection) and I found some of the suggestions here very helpful.
The ones I’m considering for me when the day comes are:
Drift Away by Dobie Gray (Uncle Kracker did a more recent version too) and
Slip Slidin’ Away by Paul Simon. Both of these songs were popular when I was a toddler, and my dad said that I used to sing along with him when he’d listen to the radio in his truck.
hi I just wanted to let everyone one know that this was very helpful
I don’t have a good relationship with my dad he’s more of a holiday dad i only see him on special occasions and he left my mom 4 days b4 i was born so… but i think i will dance with him to willie nelson’s you were always on my mind!!
thanx for the help!!!
We weren’t going to do a father-daughter dance (somehow didn’t seem appropriate for a lesbian wedding…), but then my father-in-law pulled my new sister aside and said, “So I don’t get to dance with my daughter on her wedding day?”
So we quickly arranged a joint dance with our dads, v. impromptu, to ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” (my dad loves ZZ Top, ha!) while we danced with each others’ dads, and then the DJ switched it halfway through to “My Girl” (that oldies song) and we danced with our own dads. It was sweet, until my dad dipped me and my right boob fell out of my dress. I’m so glad we share a great sense of humor, haha.
“Re: Your Brains” by Jonathan Coulton. The zombie song. My dad’s a nerd too.
I am having a hard time too..my dad is the typical Harley rider Classic Rock person. Here is what I have come up with so far:
WITH ARMS WIDE OPEN…CREED
…he wrote for his son put that can get transended to your husband.
HEAVEN…WARRANT…I am ify on this..it could be taken creepy, but I love the part “Don’t have to be King of the world as long as I’m a Hero to my Lit-tle girl”
WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE…BAD ENGLISH
I hope this helps. I am still looking though, I am going to ask my day what he thinks before I choose a song.
To Kerri-Lynn:
Anything by Carlos Santana will Please. Or even Sideways by Citizen Cope- Great song and it will please both sides.
I don’t even want my father at my wedding and I plan to dance with my grandfather. He’s into rock and just about anything else, but the only songs I can really find appropriate are Led Zepplin and I can’t even count how many people will roll their eyes at that one….. I hate these songs that suggest that the bride is really sleeping with her father, gross… so any suggestions?
For me, this was the easiest choice of the wedding. We will be dancing to My Girl by the Temptations. When I was younger, my dad and I did not get along at all. One day, we both ended up on the couch watching a mini-series about the Temptations. It was the first time in ages we could be in the same room without screaming at one another. I knew from that moment that I would surprise him with that. My dad tries so hard to be stoic, so I hope this doesn’t crack him…Wish me luck!
#166, How about Ruby Tuesday by the Stones. Its not super wedding-ey but it could work
My dad is a huge Elvis Presley fan, so I’m choosing “Memories” by Elvis Presley as our father/daughter song. It’s pretty, and not too long or sappy.
i’ve really been thinking…
i like “put it there, pal”
by bing crosby.
it’s funny, but sweet at the same time.
I’ve got a great song – it’s not for fathers/daughters but for husband/wife first dance. It’s a beautiful song.
“Heavenly Day” by Patty Griffin.
Ahh! I’m dying. Sooo do not want a sappy song, and I grew up on the Rolling Stones. My dad would crazy drive us kids around when Paint Black came on. I’d love to find one that would work for a father daughter dance…but they all seem inappropriate in some way.
I’m loathe to put these out there, but chances are, none of you will be at my wedding – and if you read this far, then you deserve to hear them. I have three earmarked for my father daughter dance, all for a bride with a classic rock father:
Not slow:
“You’re my best friend” by Queen. This may sound goofy to you but my dad and I had a thing for Queen.
Slower:
“When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen
Slowest:
“You Can Be Sure” by Peter Frampton – the acoustic version.
As a bonus, all of these songs are under four minutes, and the first and last are under three.
My dad and I aren’t really into slow songs so i’ve picked ‘Daddy Cool’ – Boney M… I haven’t seen anybody else suggest this but its quite a funky song. He seemed quite pleased with my suggestion, now i just have to hope nobody else chooses it before my day!
wow, I’m not even engaged (come on, doofus boyfriend) but found this site after searching ‘blue wedding dress’ and just thinking about all these girls reminiscing with their dads/grandpas is making me feel sappy.
it’s also making me remember the time my dad asked me to dance at a wedding and he stupidly chose ‘stairway to heaven,’ which anyone who attended junior high knows is the longest, worst song to dance to.
p.s. any bluegrass recommendations? My dad listens to it almost exclusively these days…
I’m a southern bride who will be moving 1000 miles away after my DF and I get married. Father/daughter dance will be to “Georgia on my Mind” by Ray Charles.
For JR – check ot Nickel Creek for modern blue grass.
My dad and I danced to “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” by Louis Jordan. It was incredibly fun. We have a great relationship, but I did not want a sappy song. My dad is a great dancer and we tore up the dance floor.
Alright any suggestions for a second marriage I love my daddy but
my Grown son is giving me away
He deserves the son-mommy dance
Any suggestions?
simple man by shine down. My finace and his mom are dancing to it and I sing that song to my son all the time. beautiful song!
My father and I danced to “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” by Eartha Kitt, plenty of entertainment value and we both love 1930’s jazz standards. It was a hoot and everyone thought it was great.
We had much debate on this topic, The songs we chose for those all important special dances were:
1st Dance- Lost in You by Ashton Sheperd.
F&D- Love is Alive- Judds
M&S- My Wish- Rascal Flats*** excellent for any dance!
Married Folks- She Ain’t No Lady, she’s my Wife- Lyle Lovatt
Family Only Dance- Monster Mash! The Wedding was Oct 25!
All worked great and the Monster Mash a hoot!