Today we're talking music again!
(If you haven't discovered our wedding music posts or our free playlists on Spotify yet then get to it!)
Last time DJ John from Aria Melody DJ shared one of his awesome playlists on Bridal Musings – 13 Alternatives Songs For Your Walk Down The Aisle – it got such a great reaction from you lovely lot.
We LOVED reading your comments about the songs you were walking down the aisle to. Lots of you were looking for something a little different to the average, overplayed wedding songs – we hear ya!
So I'm thrilled to welcome John back – this time he's sharing suggestions for alternative father / daughter dance songs.
Looking for mother-son songs too?
Be sure to check out this post with 20 awesome ideas for mother/groom dance songs.
Photo by Mary Margaret Smith Photography via Bridal Musings
Father – Daughter Dance Songs
It's tough to find that perfect song to dance with Dad – you want something special, touching, meaningful…but not romantic. Often, there's a song that's almost perfect — then there's that one verse that makes it borderline creepy. Ask your DJ to edit it out. Frank Sinatra's “I Wish You Love” is a great suggestion — if the first 30 seconds are cut.
Over the years, I've compiled some of my favorite father/daughter dance suggestions from my library, blogs and client playlists.
My new favorite is Nancy Sinatra's “It's For My Dad.” It captures the sentiment perfectly.
Maybe there's a favorite childhood memory? Heather (January 2012 bride) has seen Les Miserables with her dad 10 times so they danced to “Master of the House.” Perfect.
20 Of The Best Father / Daughter Dance Songs
Just click the ‘play' buttons on each of the videos to listen to them right here on the page.
1. Bruce Springsteen – “When You Need Me”
2. Tom Petty – “Wildflowers”
3. Ben Folds – “Gracie”
4. Wilco – “My Darling”
5. Natalie Merchant – “Kind and Generous”
6. Loudon Wainwright – “Daughter”
7. Paul Simon – “Father and Daughter”
8. The Temptations – “My Girl”
9. Stevie Wonder – “Isn't She Lovely”
10. Ray Charles – “Ain't That Love”
11. Lulu – “To Sir With Love”
12. Nancy Sinatra – “It's For My Dad”
13. Bob Marley – “Three Little Birds”
14. Heartland – “I Loved Her First”
15. Rascal Flatts – “My Wish”
16. Frank Sinatra – “I Wish You Love”
17. Billy Joel – “Just the Way You Are”
18. Beyonce – “Daddy”
19. Edwin McCain – “Walk With You”
20. Michael Buble – “Daddy's Little Girl”
Photo by Three Nails Photography via Style Me Pretty
Why I Regret Not Dancing With My Dad At My Wedding
You see I didn't dance with my dad at my wedding.
As I was listening to these songs, it made me realise that I missed out on a special moment which, at the time, I thought that I didn't need or want.
My mum and dad are divorced and as wonderful as my dad is (because he really is wonderful and I love him dearly) I've never felt very close to him. Not like I do with my mum. Which makes me sad. But if I could do it all again, I think I'd dance with him. I bet he could have shown me a few new moves!
And I'd make sure Zee shared a special mother/son dance with his mum too ~ more for his mum's sake rather than Zee's, I'm sure she would have loved it.
It's three special minutes where you can thank your dad or mum for everything, they can share advice, you can both share memories, laugh together or simply move together in sync. I'd urge you to err on the side of caution and include any traditions or moments in your wedding that you're seriously umming and ahhing about because you can never get those moments back.
After I had my little cry, I thought about all the precious moments my dad and I have shared over the years. I'm lucky to have him in my life so there's no need for regrets!
Photo by Clarence Chan Photography via Bridal Musings
But What If Your Dad Can't Be There?
For those of you reading whose dads have passed away or are not in your life anymore, I'm truly, truly sorry for your loss.
It must be unbelievably hard tackling these wedding traditions. You might choose to dance with your step-dad, mum, grandfather, uncle or friend instead or you could always simply share a first dance with your new husband/wife and then get down to the partying!
That's what we did and no one batted an eyelid, I'm sure they were happy to get back to the bar and start busting their own moves on the dancefloor!
This bride danced with her brothers, grandfather and father-in-law to Butterfly Kisses (a song that didn't make this list but is a super popular choice – see comments below!) and it was truly beautiful. Just make sure you have Kleenex to hand when you watch it!
Photo by Rebecca Wagler, Wee Three Sparrows via Bridal Musings
Our Favourite Bridal Musings Spotify Playlists
Follow us on Spotify so you never miss a new playlist, and if you need help making one of your own, we’d love to hear your wedding music requests in the comments below. Before you do though, check out some of our favourite Spotify Playlists so far…
– The Ultimate Bachelorette Party Playlist
– The Most Romantic Songs For Your Wedding
