Weddings: Music to Choose and Music to Avoid for the Father/Daughter Dance

Music plays a huge role in weddings. Whether you are going casual or traditional, music sets the tone. The Father/Daughter dance, often referred to nowadays as the Parent Dance, is a time-honored tradition. This article offers the history of the tradition, as well as some suggestions on what to pick and what not to pick for this special dance.

From a tradition standpoint, the father/daughter dance is much like the act of the father giving the bride away to the groom during the ceremony. It signifies that he is giving up his role as protector (although we all know that NEVER really happens) to a new man. As such, these dances can be highly emotional for both the father and the daughter. Tears will be flowing and cameras will be flashing.

A bride can ask her dad which song he prefers. Dads don't often get to be sentimental, so let him have his moment.

Nowadays, some daughters are choosing to have their mothers or a close relative to do this dance. It still signifies the same thing as it is a caregiver turning over the role to another person. It's a dance that's all about transition. Grooms are now choosing songs for their mother as well.

If you've chosen to do a parent/child dance for your wedding, you have lots of old standards, as well as some new songs to choose from. You may want to choose a song that you remember dancing with your dad to as a child. Don't worry if it's silly. It's your day. Here are some suggestions:

Top Ten Father/Daughter Wedding Songs

These were the top songs for 2004 for The Wedding Zone. In keeping with the times, this is often called a "parent" dance now. For more suggestions see The Wedding Zone: http://www.weddingzone.net/p-top50p.htm. You'll find other music suggestions for your wedding at The Wedding Channel, http://weddings.weddingchannel.com.

*An aside: Daddy's Little Girl didn't make the top ten list, and that was the perennial favorite for years.
1. Butterfly Kisses, Bob Carlisle
2. When Angels Fly, COLD
3. My Girl, The Temptations
4. Through the Years, Kenny Rogers
5. Sunrise, Sunset, Topol from Fiddler on the Roof
6. How Sweet it Is (to be Loved by You), Marvin Gaye
7. The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra but covered by a host of modern-day artists.
8. Unforgettable, Nat King Cole. (The version that Natalie Cole put together with her dad's music is definitely appropriate.)
9. Lullabye (Goodnight My Angel), Billy Joel
10. My Father's Eyes, Eric Clapton. (A Clapton tune, Wonderful Tonight made the top ten list for couples songs as well.)

Here are some songs you may want to avoid, and they really don't need explanation:

Papa was a Rolling Stone, The Temptations (who also claim one of the top ten)

Cats in the Cradle, Harry Chapin (a father to a son, but same sentiment)

Papa Don't Preach, Madonna