The father-daughter dance has been a custom for decades and may be one of the most common traditions you will see at a wedding. In history, the dance symbolized the father’s approval of the marriage, and ended with handing the bride off to her new husband throughout the course of the song. Though traditions are important and should be cherished, there is nothing wrong with getting a little creative and possibly starting a new tradition- remember, traditions only became ones because others loved the idea and chose to follow!
We came up with a list of a variety of different fun, sweet and tear jerking ideas that hopefully will appeal to all brides. Regardless of the reason of wanting to come up with an alternative to a father daughter dance, hopefully you will find something that inspires you for your special day!
1. For the brides or father’s that may have two left feet, dedicating a song to your father through-out the course of the night is both simple and sentimental. We would recommend Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, we promise there won’t be a dry eye in the house! (it’s a old classic, a little cheesy, but hey!)
2. For the brides and father’s who have rhythm (or believe they do!) cutting into a choreographed dance half way through a seemingly traditional father-daughter dance is always fun -mostly for your guests! It’s a great way to share a laugh or two with your father on your wedding day, and who knows, maybe you will learn a dance move or two?
3. Another great idea is toasting your father, and surprising him with a sentimental gift to honor him. Of course this could be done in public or private depending on preferences, but I ensure you it will mean greatly to him.
4. For the brides that aren’t afraid of their awkward teenage years being exposed to their entire wedding list, a fun slide show comprised of photos of you and your father as you grew up will both be sentimental and fun, and may provide your new husband with a laugh or two!
5. This one is for the bride or father who is musically inclined… what better way to spend a special moment with your father then by singing and or playing yourselves! If both father and daughter are blessed with the rhythmic gene, a duet would not only be perfect, but something your guests wouldn’t stop talking about!
6. A lot of brides not only want to honour their father, but their mother too! A great way to honour both parents and show the love and respect you have for them is to give the dance floor to them, and surprise them by playing their wedding song.
7. Finally, our last idea involves a little bit of competition! How fun would it be to watch your father and your new husband join into some fun and humorous rivalry! You could have a quiz about the bride, an arm wrestle or even a race… but just remember to cue the father in that he can’t win… the winner gets the bride!
Hope you enjoyed some of these ideas, but don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with one of your own!
(If you are still wanting to do the Father Daughter Dance, here are the top 20 songs from Bridal Musings)
I’d love to hear more ideas to include fathers with physical disabilities, men who physically cannot dance.
Hi Marie! Thank you for the comment. We’re always working on our blog posts and added to them as we find even more ideas we find are helpful. I hope to have better more accessible (personal) options added soon.