Father Daughter wedding dance

The father-daughter dance is a sentimental wedding tradition that symbolizes the love, guidance, and support a father has given his daughter throughout her life. It’s a way to honor their relationship and mark the transition from one stage of life to another.

Some key reasons couples include this dance:

Emotional Significance – It’s a heartfelt moment that celebrates the bond between a father and his daughter.
Symbolic Transition – It acknowledges the father’s role in raising his daughter and "giving her away" to her new life partner.
Tradition & Family Values – Many families uphold this tradition as a meaningful way to include parents in the wedding.
Photo & Video Opportunity – It creates a beautiful, emotional memory captured in wedding photography and videography.
Special Moment of Gratitude – It’s an opportunity for the bride to express appreciation for her father or father figure.

Some couples modify or skip this tradition, especially if circumstances make it difficult (such as the absence of a father). In such cases, alternatives like a dance with a mother, sibling, or other significant figure are often chosen. Are you planning to include this in your wedding?

If you are going 'traditional wedding' you might be thinking about a Father- Daughter dance (if you are lucky enough to still have your Dad with you), and if so - what song?! I selected a song that was sentimental for my Dad and I that dated back to a special road trip he and I took when I was 17 - it was Frankie Valli and the Four Season's 'December 1963 (Oh What a Night)', I surprised him with it and he loved it!

So have a think back on any special songs you might have with your Dad or have a look at these lists to see if any jump out at you and enjoy the very special dance with your Dad!