11 Father & Daughter Dance Songs to Make You Cry

There are many special moments during a wedding – the father of the bride giving the bride away, the bride and groom’s first kiss after becoming husband and wife, the best man’s speech – but in my opinion one of the most special moments (and one I just know I’ll cry the whole way through!), is the traditional father and bride dance.
We’ve brought you 6 Romantic Proposal Songs, 10 Popular First Dance Songs, and 11 Alternative First Dance Songs, so now we’re aiming to hit you right in the feels with 11 father and daughter dance songs that are highly likely to make you cry.

Grab some tissues, and enjoy:

1. I Loved Her First – Heartland
A very popular father daughter dance song that literally describes a father giving his daughter away at her wedding. It’s virtually impossible to not tear up at those lyrics.

If you’d prefer a version with a little less country twang, check out this cover version by Northern Irish band, Peach. We’re a fan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2HWSUvqKv0%20
2. I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders
Perhaps not the first song you would think of for a father daughter dance, but if your dad has been your rock throughout your life, you’ll struggle to find song lyrics that fulfil that sentiment better. There are a variety of cover versions to choose from, but this is the one that gives us chills.

3. Daddy’s Angel – T Carter
A much lesser known song, and one that perfectly captures a father’s emotions on the day he gives his daughter away. The tempo is perfect for a simple slow dance that doesn’t require much footwork.

4. Daddy Dance With Me – Anna Halverson
Originally by Krystal Keith, we think this softer cover version (recorded by a bride for her own father daughter dance on her own big day) is a touch more soothing and emotional.

5. Daddy’s Little Girl – The Shires
If you don’t want the guests to be a complete emotional wreck during the dance, this one has amazing lyrics and is beautifully sung, but has a slightly more upbeat and positive tempo.

6. Fathers and Daughters – Michael Bolton
A lot of father and daughter dance songs seem to be from the country genre, if that’s not up your street, this raspy piano ballad might be just the song you’re looking for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXq7WXDcVo0%20
7. Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle
A beautiful song that depicts the growth of a young daughter into an independent woman. If your father daughter relationship has a strong undercurrent of faith and spirituality, this could be the song for you.

8. Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
Often considered a great choice for a couple’s first dance, the lyrics to this song are actually a great representation of a father daughter relationship.

9. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
If you prefer a more modern tune, try this one with Ellie’s beautiful vocals. This song is sure to resonate with strong father daughter relationships.

10. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
For anyone who has ever seen the movie Beaches, this song will likely make you tear up as soon as you hear the opening bars. Perfect for any woman who thinks her dad is her hero.

11. Sunshine Through My Window – Gabrielle
A song I never would have thought of for a father daughter dance. I’ve “borrowed” this one from my sister who had this as her father daughter dance at her wedding. It’s a song that she has a very significant emotional attachment to, which is ultimately what you want when choosing which track to have for your father daughter dance.

By Rachel Doherty, Excalibur Press

SUMMER 2017 EDITION AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE NOW