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35 Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs For Your Wedding Playlist

03 April 2018

You know it's been a while since I talked about the father - daughter dance at Charleston weddings. As the years go by, tastes have a tendency to change as well as the choice of songs and genres. More often than not, the first man in a bride's life is going to be her father. While the year has changed and the music on the charts change, one thing that remains the same is that tender love between a father and her daughter during their dance at her wedding reception.  Depending upon the desired timeline of the bride and groom, the father - daughter dance usually occurs right after the first dance.  Doing the father - dance right after the first dance is a perfect time because ALL eyes are on the bride at this time. Your Charleston Wedding DJ will gracefully fade down your first dance and professionally fade in and announce everyone that a special moment is about ready to happen between the bride and her father.   

This song is a truly beautiful way for the bride to express her gratitude to the first man in her life.  Choosing the right song will be an excellent gift and make him feel like the most important guy that he is.  Be sure to take some time to think about a song, and if you need to get together to practice your wedding dance, please do so. Some of the songs on this list are very popular choices, but some of the songs are more modern and more "2018-ish".  Put some thought into the song you choose and if you need any more help, let's set up a time to talk soon. 

Thanks again for finding me. I sure appreciate your interest.  In a very crowded of wedding DJs, it's been my goal to separate myself from all the other DJs in Charleston by providing top notch content and help modern brides and grooms pick and choose the best music for their big day.  You can find all the songs inside this post on Spotify. All you need to do is search for DJ Mike Bills. If Spotify is not your thing, you can just review and listen to all the songs in this post by clicking the links in each song title.

"Daddy" | Beyonce | 2003
Everyone always thinks about "Crazy In Love" when they think about Beyonce's first album "Dangerously In Love" back in 2003.  It was released to ITunes in the summer of 2003. Take a listen by clicking the link in the song title.  You can put this song into the modern and (less popular) father - daughter dance song category.

"My Little Girl" | Tim McGraw | 2006
This classic by Tim McGraw could be one of the top 5 most popular songs at Charleston weddings. It was featured on the movie soundtrack "My Friend Flicka". Released back in the summer of 2006, "My Little Girl" went all the way to #3 on the Hot Country songs charts and is still a popular favorite for the modern bride who is into her country music.

"Wildflowers" | Tom Petty | 1994
This classic from the late Tom Petty is commonly used for both father / daughter dance, as well the mother / son dance. It's a beautiful song, and it pains me to think that Tom Petty has left us. "Wildflowers" was the title track of the album released back in the fall of 1994, and peaked on #16 on the Hot Rock Songs list.

"My Girl" | The Temptations | 1965
"My Girl" by the Temptations is about as "American" as apple pie on the 4th of July and very "Charleston".  It's a song that brides and their fathers like to rehearse a dance to as well. The song was released at the end of the 1964 and would go all the way to Number 1 on the Hot 100 and R&B chart and is still one of the most requested at a lot of my weddings.

Elayna & Her Father Dance At Goldbug Island - July 2017
Photo Credit: McKeely Creative

"I Loved Her First" | Heartland | 2006
The title track to their 2006 album has become one of the most popular "country" father - daughter dance songs to be requested at Charleston weddings.  It went all the way to Number 1 on the Hot Country charts in the summer and fall of 2006.

"Daughters" | John Mayer | 2004
The 3rd song to break from his album "Heavier Things" in 2003 was released in the fall of 2004. It would go all the way to Number 1 on the adult contemporary charts and become a popular father - daughter dance song in the years that followed.

"One Call Away" | Charlie Puth | 2015
This was the follow-up to his first single "Marvin Gaye" in the fall of 2015.  It went all the way to Number 12 on the Billboard charts. 

"What A Wonderful World" | Louis Armstrong | 1967
One of the Top 5 most popular choices for father - daughter dance at Charleston weddings. Louis Armstrong's version of this song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. 

Katie And Her Father Dance Wedding

"My Father's Eyes" | Eric Clapton | 1998
I actually just blogged about Eric Clapton last week for his 73rd birthday, so this song is still fresh in my mind. From his album "Pilgrim",  it would be a Top 20 hit in the summer of 1998

"Lullabye, GoodNight My Angel" | Billy Joel | 1993
This was the4th single to break off Billy Joel's album "River Of Dreams" in the winter and spring of 1994. It was written about his lovely daughter Alexa Joel. The song would be in heavy rotation on adult contemporary radio and make it all the way to #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

"You Are The Sunshine Of My Life" | Stevie Wonder | 1973
The 3rd song of Stevie Wonder's career to make it all the way to Number 1 would become quite a popular father - daughter dance song at Charleston weddings. Even if you pass on it for your father - daughter dance, it's an excellent song for dinner or cocktail hour.

"That's How Strong My Love Is" | Otis Redding | 1965
Originally recorded in 1964, the great Otis Redding would record this song in 1965 The song would peak at #18 on the Billboard R&B chart, and can be found on Redding's album "The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads.

Father Daughter Dance Songs

"My Darling" | Wilco | 1999
A great alternative selection from Wilco for your father - daughter song.  It was from their 3rd album "Summerteeth" back in 1999.

"Forever Young" | Rod Stewart | 1988
This was a Top 20 song for Rod Stewart back in the fall of 1988, and is perfect for a Charleston bride and her father to dance to.

"Father And Daughter" | Paul Simon | 2006
You might remember this song from the movie in 2002 "The Wild Thornberrys Movie". Paul Simon actually wrote this song about his daughter. It would be released on his 2006 solo album "Surprise". The song would not chart in America, but would peak at #31 on the UK charts.

"Daughter" | Loudon Wainwright | 1995

There might not be anything more beautiful than a father singing to his daughter. Be sure to listen to this song and you'll probably get a little tear in your eye.

"Wind Beneath My Wings" | Bette Midler | 1989
From the soundtrack of the movie "Beaches" back in 1989, Bette Midler releases this song and it becomes the Number 1 song in the country by that spring. 

Daddy Daughter Dance Song Ideas

"Forever Now" | Michael Buble | 2018
Back in 2018, Michael Buble releases the album "Love" and thus a new, modern father / daughter dance song is also born. Take a listen down below and you'll see exactly what I mean.

"You're My Best Friend" | Queen | 1976
You can find this song on the classic album "A Night At The Opera", which also features another popular wedding classic, "Bohemian Rhapsody". The song would break into the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1976.

"Because You Loved Me" | Celine Dion | 1996
Back in the mid 1990s, you couldn't turn the radio without hearing Celine Dion. "Because You Loved Me" was featured in the movie "Up Close And Personal" and can be found on her album "Falling Into You".  The song would reach Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

"There Goes My Life" | Kenny Chesney | 2004
This song has been a very popular choice over the years for this special moment. Listen to the very meaningful lyrics. You can find the song on the album, "When The Sun Goes Down". 

 "Walk With You" | Edwin McCain | 2009
"I'll take this slow, sweet walk with you........" Your father has been there for you always. This beautiful song by Edwin McCain is the perfect reminder. Take a listen to this song by clicking the link in the title of song and be prepared to have some Kleenex nearby.
Father And Daughter Dance At Wedding

"Daddy" | Abby Anderson | 2014
Quite possibly one of the most beautiful modern father / daughter dance songs released over the past decade.  Watch the music video for the song and see if you don't get a little choked up.

"In My Life" | The Beatles | 1965
You can find this classic Beatles song on their "Rubber Soul" album.  I really love the lyrics, "For people and things that went before,  I know I'll often stop and think about them, In my life I'll love you more".

"It Won't Be Like This For Long" | Darius Rucker| 2008
The pride of Charleston, SC, Darius Rucker has morphed into an incredible country singer. Released off of his first country effort in 2008, this song will cause lots of tears among your guests. Be sure to listen to the song and shed some tears. Are you a big Hootie & The Blowfish fan? Be sure to check out this very popular post about top Hootie and Darius songs that brides and grooms have requested over the years at my weddings.

"Landslide" | Fleetwood Mac | 1975
This is a beautiful song choice for your father / daughter dance. Just take a listen to the song and you'll see how Stevie Nicks says "this is for you daddy". The sng was later covered by the Dixie Chicks, as well as the Smashing Pumpkins, but I personally love this version with Stevie Nicks. There is just something about her voice. 

"Daddy Dance With Me" | Krystal Keith | 2013
The things you learn when you are doing song research for your brides and grooms. Krystal Keith is one of Toby Keith's daughters. I had no idea that the musical talent extended to his daughter. She wrote this song for her own wedding.  It's an incredibly emotional and moving song.  Before you watch the video, make sure the Kleenex is nearby.

Blog About Daddy Daughter Dances

"Unforgettable" | Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole | 1991
Originally recorded back in the early 1950s by the late Nat King Cole,  his daughter Natalie Cole did a duet with him through the power of recording technology.  Released in 1991, the song would reach #3 on the adult contemporary charts.

"Anytime You Need A Friend" | Mariah Carey | 1994
"Anytime You Need A Friend" was the last single to be released from Mariah's amazing album "Music Box" in 1994. It was actually the first song not to break into the Top 10 by Mariah Carey.

"Baby Father" | Sade | 2010
It's hard to believe it's been nearly 10 years since the release of Sade's album "Soldier Of Love".  You can find this beautiful father / daughter dance song on it.  You can also see my favorite Sade songs by clicking over to this archived post.

"Sweet Pea" | Amos Pee | 2006
I've actually used this song for a bride and groom's first dance song, but it's also very beautiful for the father / daughter dance. You can find it on the album "Supply & Demand".

"She's Leaving Home" | The Beatles | 1967
You can find this lovely song by The Beatles on their 1967 album Sgt Peppers onely Hearts Club Band.  Take a listen to the song by clicking the link inside the title of the song.

"Never Grow Up" | Taylor Swift | 2010
Love me some T-Swift! - Take a listen to this beautiful country song by Taylor. You can find this beautiful song on her album Speak Now, released back in 2010.

"Dance With My Daughter" | Jason Blaine | 2015
Beautiful song about a father who believes in his daughter and wants to dance with his daughter on the most beautiful day of her life.  You be judge. Go ahead and take a listen.

"How Long Will I Love You" | Ellie Goulding | 2013
From the album "Halcyon Days",  this is an amazing modern father daughter / dance song because you'll always love your dad as long as the stars are above you.

Interested In Talking To Mike About Being Your Wedding DJ?
Hopefully these 15 songs gave you some ideas about what you'd like your father - daughter dance song will be at your upcoming Charleston wedding. While I don't think you should completely overthink what song you'd like it to be, you should put some time into it so it's really special moment for you, as well as for your guests. As a professional wedding DJ who has experienced a lot of these dances, I can tell you that under most circumstances that there is not a dry eye in the reception venue when this dance occurs. So, be sure to pack those Kleenex.  :) Weddings can conjure a full range of emotions. I prefer to think of the song you choose for this dance as one that will bring a tear to your eye, and a smile to your face. :) I wanted to thank you for reaching the end of this post. The fact that you reached the end of this post means that you are enjoying the content on this blog. It's a labor of love in putting these posts together for all the brides and grooms looking for one of the top wedding DJs in Charleston. Feel free to explore all the other content on this blog. Music is a true passion of mine, and I absolutely love to share that with my prospective clients.  If you are recently engaged and are ready to begin the interview process for your wedding DJ, click HERE to tell me a little more about your special day in Charleston.