Want to bring tears to the eyes of all the guests at your wedding reception? Find a sentimental song for the father daughter dance. This dance traditionally follows the bride and groom's romantic first dance together and is often followed by a mother-son dance. But what song should you play for a father-daughter dance? The problem is, there aren't all that many songs written about fathers and daughters. There are many appropriate romantic love songs for the first dance, and lots of awesome reception dance songs, but father daughter dance songs are more of a challenge to find.
Here are some traditional and unusual choices for you to consider.
1) Songs About Fathers and Daughters or Parents and Children. Some of these songs are used frequently, so they might be a little cliche or sappy.. However, weddings are all about tradition and sentimentality, so if you love one of these songs, don't worry about if others have used this song before.
- Trace Adkins-- And Then They Do
- Bob Carlisle-- Butterfly Kisses
- Kenny Chesney-- There Goes My Life
- Marc Cohn-- The Things We've Handed Down
- Holly Dunn-- Daddy's Hands
- Fiddler on the Roof Soundtrack-- Sunrise, Sunset
- Amy Grant--- Father's Eyes
- Carole King-- Child of Mine
- Billy Joel-- Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)
- Elton John-- Blessed
- Elton John-- Circle of Life
- Al Martino-- Daddy's Little Girl
- John Mayers-- Daughters
- Martina McBride-- In My Daughter's Eyes
- Joni Mitchell-- Circle Game
- Paul Simon-- Father and Daughter
- Red Sovine-- Daddy's Girl
2) Songs About Admiration, Heroism, and Thanks. The father-daughter song is all about honoring the special relationship between these two people. Songs that say, "You're my hero and you mean so much to me," are appropriate and sweet. Here are some suggestions.
- Ashanti-- Thank You
- Mariah Carey-- Hero
- Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole-- Unforgettable
- Celine Dion-- Because You Loved Me
- Natalie Grant-- I'll Always Be Your Baby
- Josh Groban-- You Raise Me Up
- Bette Midler-- Wind Beneath My Wings
- Kenny Rogers-- You Decorated My Life
3) Songs About Saying Goodbye. This may be especially appropriate if the bride is young or if the bride and groom are about to move a fair distance away. Songs that say, "This is goodbye, but not forever,' or "I'll always be with you," will draw a few tears. Try these out:
- Dido-- Here With Me
- Amy Grant-- I Will Remember You
- Faith Hill-- There You'll Be
- Ben E. King-- Stand By Me
- Madonna-- I'll Remember
- Simon and Garfunkel-- Bridge Over Troubled Waters
- Simple Minds-- Don't You Forget About Me
- Carrie Underwood-- Whenever You Remember
- James Taylor-- You've Got a Friend
- Lee Ann Wolmak-- I Hope You Dance
