In most traditional weddings, the second dance belongs to the father. After the newlyweds share their first dance as husband and wife, the bride makes her way to her dad for one of the more moving moments of the ceremony—the father-daughter dance. While that will probably be a memory you carry around with you forever, don’t let it be the only dance the two of you share together. Give the girls in your life your undivided time and attention by spinning her around the kitchen a time or two. The living room also makes a great dance floor. If your daughter is at that stage when doing anything with you is “uncool,” tell her you are just trying to get in a bit of practice for when her future wedding day comes around. Her helping you out now will make sure you don’t look “uncool” on her big day. If that doesn’t work, threaten to take away her car keys. To help you choose that perfect tune, here are 7 awesome father-daughter dance songs.
1. “Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole.
Not only is this a great father-daughter dance song, but the story behind it speaks to the love between a father and daughter. The song first became a hit in 1951 by Nat King Cole. Years later, after Nat’s death, his daughter, Natalie, dubbed her own vocals into the original song to create a duet and tribute to her father. No, I’m not crying. You’re crying.
2. “My Girl” by The Temptations.
If you’re looking for a great song to dance to, it’s hard to go wrong with The Temptations. While this song may have been played at every wedding ever, it’s for a good reason.
3. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder.
If Stevie’s voice isn’t enough to get you swaying with your baby girl, know that this is a song declaring his astonishment at the little girl he’s been blessed with. What dad can’t relate to that?
4. “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman.
This song winds through the progression of a little girl growing into a woman getting ready for her wedding day. All along the way, Steven talks about taking every opportunity to dance with her because, as her dad, he knows all too soon the clock will strike midnight, and she’ll be gone.
5. “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton.
Not necessarily a song about daughters; it does clearly express the way we view our little girls.
6. “Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift.
It’s by Taylor Swift. That will probably be enough to get your daughter on her feet.
7. “One call away” by Charlie Puth.
On our daughters’ wedding day, we walk her down the aisle and give her away to some guy who doesn’t deserve her. But this doesn’t mean we are no longer part of her life. No matter how big or small her needs may be, we are always just one call away.
You’ll be giving her away.
While these are awesome father-daughter dance songs, the most important thing is the time you spend making your little girl feel special. As her dad, you design the template for how a man is meant to treat her. Take her by the hand, give her a twirl, and hold her close while you still have the chance.
