Mike Staff Productions: Father Daughter Dance

It is likely that your father has been looking forward to (and dreading a bit) the father daughter dance at your wedding reception. Here are some tips to make it memorable for both of you.

Practice Dancing. A well practiced dance can build confidence for your father as he escorts you to the dance floor. Many couples take dance lessons and some couples even take dance lessons with their parents. This could be a great activity to help with the blending of your families – and dad won’t be so nervous sharing that special moment with you. At a minimum, have a few practice dances to prepare for your wedding reception.

Song Selection. The song you choose for the father daughter dance will determine the choreography of the dance, as well as the tone of the room. If you and your father are hopeless sentimentals, a slow song would be perfect. But if you enjoy a more humorous relationship, it is perfectly acceptable to pick a faster paced song. The same holds true for your first dance. (For more on wedding reception music, click here.)

Special Circumstances. Unfortunately, circumstances often prevent the bride or groom from sharing a special dance with their parent. In these cases, it’s best to discuss what each of you are comfortable doing. Some options include:

The bride or groom dances with their respective parent without mention of the dance that will not take place.
The bride or groom dances with a sibling, special friend, family member or new in-law.
Neither of you dances with a parent.

If you have a close relationship with both a natural and step-parent you also have a few options to consider. Regardless of the option you choose, you should discuss your plan in advance so that no one is caught off guard at your wedding reception.

Begin the dance with your natural or step-parent and have your wedding DJ introduce the other to cut in mid-dance. This option works best when there is no animosity between parents.
Share an individual dance with both your natural and step parent.
If family dynamics make the decision too emotionally charged, you might consider eliminating this dance from your wedding reception.

The usual order for special wedding dances is as follows: couple’s first dance, father and daughter, and mother and son. If your bridal party will share a dance with you, it typically takes place before the dances with parents. (For more on wedding reception timelines, click here.)