Music is a crucial part of your wedding, and if you’ve started planning even a few things, you already know there are quite a few decisions to make in the music category alone. From the song you choose to walk down the aisle, to that first dance with your new husband, and of course, a crowd favorite, the traditional Father-Daughter dance, not only will you need a killer playlist, but you’ll also need a selection of songs that get the point across without seeming overly sentimental.

The best advice we can offer when it comes to your moment in the spotlight with your dad is to choose a song that represents your relationship with each other, as opposed to something that’s either an older tried and true favorite or a newer song that’s trending.

Also, you really should ask your dad for suggestions. He may have been dreaming of this moment since the day you were born and already have a song he wants to do with you.

Regardless of the nature of your relationship, though, we’ve got a few suggestions to help guide you in choosing the perfect song for this lovely sentimental moment in the spotlight with the man who loved you first.

Classic Oldies with a Twist

These songs are a little less conventional, but if you’re not the traditional Daddy’s Little Girl, and if your dad is on board with a more upbeat tune—especially if he likes to dance and is good at it—one of these songs may be perfect:

1, In My Life by The Beatles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKQpRgxyyqo

2. You Are My Sunshine Of My Life by Stevie Wonder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZXjFV8nT4E

3. What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3yCcXgbKrE

4. Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgiQD56eWDk

Memoirs of Dad

If you or your dad would like something more traditional in the way of lyrics, these songs will make everyone’s heart beat a little faster:

1. A Song for My Daughter by Ray Allaire

By the way, Allaire is a national recording artist who sang this song for his daughter on her wedding day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzyzaQkAWsk

2. Dance With My Father Again by Luther Vandross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmDxJrggie8

Contemporary Tip: Jessica Sanchez, the runner-up in American Idol’s Season 11, does a lovely rendition of this song if you want a newer twist that not everyone’s heard. Here’s the studio version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojB5VstJKN0

3. Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVvkjuEAwgU

21st Century Dance Numbers

By nature, Father-Daughter dances can be a little sappy, but that doesn’t mean you need to choose a predictable song that your guests have probably already heard at a dozen other weddings. Here are 5 more current suggestions, still perfect for your special moment:

1. Daughters by John Mayer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZLbUIa7exE

2. Daddy by Beyonce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL6DeCSICBc&spfreload=10

3. Wide Open Spaces by The Dixie Chics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dom7VlltBUc

4. Make You Feel My Love by Adele

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0put0_a–Ng

5. I Turn To You by Christina Aguilera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4q05resEvc

One Last Note

Whichever song you choose, make sure your dad likes it, too. Give him a chance to listen to the lyrics of the newer songs if he’s not familiar, but also, if he really wants one of the classic oldies, go with it. After all, he’s your dad and even though this is another chance for you to shine on your wedding day, it’s your dad’s only chance to spend a few minutes in the spotlight with the original girl of his dreams—his daughter!