Father Daughter Dance Songs

Butterfly Kisses

This Bob Carlisle song can bring tears to just about anyone: those whose children are growing up and those whose parents are watching them grow.

All the precious time
Like the wind, the years go by.
Precious butterfly.
Spread your wings and fly.
She’ll change her name today.
She’ll make a promise and I’ll give her away.
Standing in the bride-room just staring at her…

Life is full of milestone moments – birthdays, graduations, retirements. Perhaps none is more cherished or planned for than a wedding. And weddings are FULL of emotion. There is excitement, sentimentality, nerves, often a healthy dose of family drama… and love. Of course, a wedding generally celebrates the love of the soon-to-be spouses, but the love of the family and friends celebrating this day cannot be overlooked! Another thing that weddings are full of is tradition. Most people have probably heard “something borrowed, something blue” (the rhyme finishes with “something old, something new, and a sixpence in her shoe”). This, of course, refers to the items a brides needs in her wedding attire in order to have good luck going into her marriage.

Isn’t She Lovely? The Tradition of Father Daughter Dance and Song

Another common American wedding tradition is the father-daughter dance. While it is occasionally combined with the mother-son dance, this tradition likely has origins from the times of arranged marriages. It may have started with the father and daughter dancing, and then the bride being “handed off” to her new husband. In modern day, it is a time during the wedding celebrations that the bride honors her father for his love and guidance, leading to this new phase in her life.

There are many ideas to consider if you are incorporating the father daughter dance and song tradition into your celebration. When should it happen? Historically, it was the first dance (remember the origins of “giving” the daughter to the new man in her life); but in many contemporary celebrations, it is the second, taking place after the couple has their first dance. Of course, with same sex marriages, there is an opportunity for mother-son and/or father-daughter dance. Consider asking your guests to join in the dance after the couple has some time on the dance floor.

How to choose your father daughter dance song

When My Little Girl Is Smiling

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges of the father-daughter dance is what song to use! You can go traditional: Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle), Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler), The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra), What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), My Girl (The Temptations), or Unforgettable (Nat King Cole). You can go a little outside of the box: Sweet Child of Mine (Guns N’ Roses), Teach Your Children (Crosby Stills Nash & Young), or You’re My Best Friend (Queen). There are countless lists online that provide ideas for potential songs. So consider, what message do you wish to say to your dad or to your guests about your dad? A sentimental thank you, or a reminder of a silly dance you did with him when you were younger?

So much of the flow and feel of your reception will depend on the band, wedding orchestra, or DJ that you hire. With limitless possibilities for mood and vibe, choosing a band or DJ who can go with your vision is important. It is not just the father-daughter dance song that they will provide, so work closely with your band or DJ to ensure a celebration that will be perfect for your perfect day! If using a band, imagine the variety of music from someone like us. Moments Notice & Company has over 1,500 songs ready to perform – from the last 100 years through today. Yes, you read that right: 1,500! In the past few weeks alone, we have added another dozen songs to our repertoire so that we are always staying current with what is trending NOW for weddings (and all celebrations), yet we can still provide all of your favorites from the last 100 years! If your great grandmother wants to boogie down to her favorite high schools tunes, we’re on it. But your teenage cousins will be out of their seats dancing, too!

There are a million little details that go into the planning of your wedding day. The father-daughter dance song is just one opportunity to put your special take on tradition on display for those who are most important in your life. We’re excited to help you do it your way!

Sources: Father-Daughter Dance | Father-Daughter Tradition