Creating the Perfect Father-Daughter Moment
This dance often becomes the wedding's emotional pinnacle. Forum discussions reveal daughters agonising over song choice more than any other musical decision. Here's what works.
The Timeless Classics
Songs that never go out of style: - "Isn't She Lovely" - Stevie Wonder - "Unforgettable" - Nat King Cole - "What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong - "The Way You Look Tonight" - Frank Sinatra - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
Country Choices Dominating
Country music owns this category: - "I Loved Her First" - Heartland - "My Little Girl" - Tim McGraw - "Butterfly Kisses" - Bob Carlisle - "It Won't Be Like This for Long" - Darius Rucker - "Daddy's Hands" - Holly Dunn
Contemporary Favourites
Modern songs gaining traction: - "Daughters" - John Mayer - "Father and Daughter" - Paul Simon - "Dance with My Father" - Luther Vandross - "Daddy" - Beyoncé - "Father's Eyes" - Amy Grant
The Unexpected Choices
Songs that shouldn't work but do: - "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses (acoustic version) - "Brown Eyed Girl" - Van Morrison - "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles - "Your Song" - Elton John - "God Only Knows" - Beach Boys
The Irish Connection
Brides choosing Irish heritage: - "Carrickfergus" - Celtic Woman version - "She Moved Through the Fair" - instrumental - "Danny Boy" - if you can handle emotions - "Black Velvet Band" - for fun-loving dads - Any Christy Moore song dad loves
Managing the Emotions
Forum advice for tearful brides: - Practice dancing to the song beforehand - Choose upbeat over ballad if you're worried - Have tissues discretely available - Remember: tears are okay and expected - Consider waterproof mascara (seriously)
The Fun Alternative
Some daughters choose humour: - Started with "I Loved Her First" then switched to "Footloose" - Choreographed routine to "Twist and Shout" - Surprise mashup of dad's favourite songs - "Sweet Caroline" with all guests joining in
Length Strategies
Managing the dance duration: - Invite all couples halfway through - Pre-arrange a fade-out time - Choose radio edit versions - Create a 2-minute custom edit
Special Circumstances
Forum wisdom for unique situations: - Stepfathers: "Because You Loved Me" acknowledges the choice to parent - Both fathers: Split one song or do sequential dances - Deceased fathers: Display photos while siblings or mother dance - Absent fathers: Dance with whoever filled that role
The Question Nobody Asks
Does dad actually want to dance? Many fathers feel uncomfortable being the centre of attention. Some alternatives: - Short symbolic dance then open floor - Father gives a speech instead - Photo slideshow during the song - Seated "dance" for less mobile fathers
Real Story
"My dad has Parkinson's. We knew a traditional dance wasn't possible. Instead, we sat together while 'What a Wonderful World' played and looked through a photo album of my childhood. The photographer captured everything. It was perfect for us." - Emma, 2024