The Top 10 Father-Daughter Dance Songs

After filming hundreds of weddings, we can tell you a secret: the father-daughter dance is often the most emotional two minutes of the entire day. Guests cry at this dance more than at the vows. As Chicago wedding videographers, we always keep one camera on the dad’s face, because that expression is irreplaceable. Here are the ten songs we have seen work best, including several we have filmed ourselves.

1. “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw

Written for the film “Flicka,” this one is practically the modern standard. We filmed Kaitlyn and her father Scott dancing to it at their wedding at The Langham Chicago, and there was not a dry eye in the ballroom.

2. “Days Like This” by Van Morrison

Warm, unhurried, and quietly joyful. Madelyn and her father chose it at their Glen View Club wedding, and it matched the autumn evening perfectly.

3. “I’ll Be Around” by The Spinners

A soul classic that swaps sentimentality for groove. Michele and her father Scott danced to it at their black-tie Peninsula wedding, and it brought smiles instead of tears, which some dads much prefer.

4. “There She Goes” by The La’s

An unexpected, upbeat pick that says everything in the title. Alexandra and her father Bob chose it for their Winter Garden reception, and it turned the dance into pure joy.

5. “My Girl” by The Temptations

The eternal crowd-pleaser. Guests inevitably sing along to the chorus, which gives a wedding film a wonderful wide shot of the whole room joining in.

6. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder

Written by Stevie Wonder for his newborn daughter, which makes it one of the most literal and touching choices possible. Bright, danceable, and impossible not to smile through.

7. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

Armstrong’s voice gives even a simple swaying dance the weight of a lifetime of memories. A beautiful choice for fathers who are not dancers.

8. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

For classic Chicago ballrooms, nothing fits better than Sinatra. If your band has a crooner, request it live; it transforms the moment.

9. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland

The country ballad written precisely for this dance. If you want the room in tears, this is the one.

10. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

Tender and reflective, about time passing and holding on. It works equally beautifully as a mother-son or mother-daughter dance; we have filmed it both ways.

Three Tips from Behind the Camera

First, consider a shortened cut: 90 seconds to 2 minutes is the sweet spot before a dance starts to feel long for the dancers, and your DJ or band can fade any song gracefully. Second, if you have a live band, ask whether they can perform the song; live versions read beautifully on film. Third, tell your videographer the song in advance. When we know the lyrics, we know exactly when the emotional peak is coming, and we make sure both faces are in frame for it.

Still planning the ceremony? See our guide to wedding processional music for the walk down the aisle.

Capturing the Moment with 312FILMS

The father-daughter dance lasts two minutes, and the film of it lasts forever. Our team films it with two cameras, one on you, one on him, so nothing is lost. See how these moments look in our wedding films, and if you are still building your soundtrack, browse our Top 10 Wedding Songs of All Time.

Planning your Chicago wedding? Contact 312FILMS to check your date.