The Father/Daughter dance is a classic wedding tradition that can squeeze a tear out of even the most stoic of wedding guests. The best picks skip the cheese for songs dads actually know, like Bruce Springsteen’s “When You Need Me”, Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend”, The Temptations’ “My Girl” and Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young”. It’s also a chance for dads to showcase their smoothest (or perhaps, most unconventional) dance moves (read: dad moves), while daughters roll their eyes and secretly love it.
But let’s face it, not every dad is made for the dance floor. Some may rely on the classic “sway and shuffle,” while others might surprise everyone with unexpected dips and twirls. Or perhaps you’re planning a choreographed number? Regardless of their skill level (or yours!), it’s really all about the song.
If you’re looking to break free from the tired old sentimental tunes, we’ve got you covered. Ditch the “Butterfly Kisses” and embrace these 51 fresh, non-traditional Father/Daughter dance songs that will have everyone smiling, tapping their feet, and maybe even busting out some dad dance moves of their own.
This song is a promise of unwavering support and love, perfect for reminding your dad that even though you’re all grown up, you’ll always be his little girl (who might still need help opening a jar of pickles now and then, or changing your car tyre).
This one is for all the Queen fans! This upbeat song is perfect for those who want a fun and lively dance filled with silliness and maybe even a few air guitar solos.
This rock anthem, with its surprisingly tender lyrics about a father’s love for his daughter, is a unique and unexpected choice that’s sure to get the crowd headbanging. It’s definitely a scene stealer!
A poignant song about a father’s love and paternal protection, this song is a down-to-earth reflection of the father-daughter relationship–perfect for a slow dance and a few heartfelt hugs (and look, maybe some tears as well).
Amy Winehouse was a goddess and dancing to any of her ballads for a father/daughter dance is sure to be a winner.
Cyndi Lauper released the original in 1986, and Eva Cassidy’s gentle acoustic cover slows it right down for a dance. Either version works as a warm, heartfelt backdrop to your father/daughter dance.
With its folksy charm and sweet lyrics about finding home in loved ones, this song is perfect for a father and daughter who prefer to sing along at the top of their lungs while “dancing”.
This reflective song about a father’s hopes and dreams for his daughter is a pretty cool choice for a wedding dance. That is, if you can forgive John after he broke up with Taylor Swift.
Show us a dad that doesn’t love Billy Joel! *crickets* Exactly. You’d be hardpressed to find a Billy Joel tune that even dads with two left feet would say no to!
This timeless ballad, with its soaring harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, is a lovely expression of a father’s love for his daughter, perfect for a romantic slow dance.
A quiet Carole King song from her 1970 debut album, written as a parent’s promise to a child. Its gentle piano suits a slow, unhurried dance.
Written by Carole King and made famous by James Taylor, it is a simple promise to always show up, which is exactly what a dad wants to say on the day.
Christine McVie at her most tender. Short, and it will quiet a room.
Sixties optimism, brass and all. Almost impossible to stand still to.
About showing up reliably, which is the right subject and rarely the one chosen.
Elvis at his warmest. There is a decent chance your dad's dad owned this record.
Sam Cooke’s easy, swaying soul classic about a love that distance can’t touch. It is short, sweet and simple to dance to.
About letting someone go somewhere you cannot follow. On the nose, in the best way.
The one song here written more or less for the occasion, and it says so without tipping into schmaltz.
Everyone in the room knows where it goes. On a dance floor that familiarity is the point.
The most openly sentimental thing on this list. It stays because some fathers want exactly that, and you know whether yours does.
Natalie Merchant on time passing. Gentle, and it will get somebody.
For the dad whose record collection has opinions. Loose, joyful and not remotely a wedding cliche.
The list has grown. Below are twenty-seven more, folded in from two older roundups of ours, and held to exactly the same test: if it would make you wince at somebody else's wedding, it is not here. Which is why you will not find Butterfly Kisses down here either.
The newest song here and the one most likely to surprise a room that came expecting Sinatra.
Gentle without being sentimental. It is a song about wanting someone to be free, which is the whole point of the dance.
Barely two minutes long, which is exactly right if your dad is not a dancer.
Big and sweeping. Good if you want the room to go quiet.
Soft enough to talk over, which some fathers and daughters will want.
Usually filed under love songs. Works better here.
For the dad who has opinions about records.
The standard, rebuilt. Keeps the melody everyone knows and loses the schmaltz.
Written for his daughter, and one of the few songs in this genre that is actually funny in places.
Upbeat, brief, and impossible to feel awkward to.
About her mother rather than her father, but the sentiment transfers and half the room will know every word.
From Tarzan. If you grew up on it, it will do something to you that a more sophisticated pick will not.
Cheerful and uncomplicated. A good choice if the ceremony was heavy.
Hard to be sad to. Sometimes that is the requirement.
The one your dad will already know the words to.
Getting older is the whole subject. Handle with care if either of you cries easily.
Warm, mid-tempo, and it actually moves. Easier to dance to than most of this list.
Toy Story. Play it knowingly and it lands, play it earnestly and it still lands.
Optimistic rather than nostalgic, which is rarer here than it should be.
Everybody knows it and nobody is sick of it.
The default, and the default for a reason. If you want the classic done properly, this is it.
Short, and it fills a room without asking anything of the dancers.
Written about his newborn daughter, which makes it the most literally on-theme song here.
Impossible to sulk through. Good for a dad who would rather be anywhere else.
Check the second verse against your own comfort level first, then enjoy it.
For a wedding abroad, or a father who will pretend he understands the French.
The closest thing to a father's blessing set to music, and it earns it.
Released as “I’ll Be Your Man (Song for a Daughter)”, this country ballad is a father’s song for his daughter, from the band’s 2015 album Jekyll + Hyde. It suits a slow, steady dance and a dad who means every word.
Feature image from Siempre Weddings.
Once you have your song, tell your DJ when to cue it and whether to fade it early. Browse our wedding DJ listings in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, or ask Wedded Concierge to plan the music for the whole reception.
Still choosing the rest of the soundtrack? See our first dance songs and the father of the bride speech guide.
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