Getting engaged

Rings

Proposals

Wedding planning 101

Real weddings

Creating a budget

Wedding websites

Legal

Wedding planning tools

Wedding planning questions

Wedding decorations

Wedding day

Destination weddings

Wedding trends

First Look Reports

Venues & vendors

Wedding venues

Photos & video

Food & catering

Florists & flowers

Bands, DJs & music

Cakes & desserts

Bar & beverages

Invites & paper

Save the dates

Invitations

Day-of paper

Registry & gifts

Wedding registry basics

Wedding gifts

Parties & events

Engagement party

Wedding shower

Bachelorette party

Bachelor party

Fashion & beauty

Wedding Hair & makeup

Wedding dresses

Shoes & accessories

Wedding attire

Honeymoons

Honeymoon planning

Honeymoon destinations

Relationship advice

Dating

Newly engaged couples

Newlywed couples

Anniversaries

News & culture

Zola behind the scenes

Sweepstakes

Inside Zola

300 Best Wedding Songs for Each Moment of your Wedding Day

Your guide to wedding bands, DJs and music. Find the perfects tunes for every moment of your wedding from entrance songs to the last-dance. Whether you hire a live band or have a family member DJ, we help you get everything in order to dance the night away!

Newlyweds dancing inside of their wedding reception venue with bride wearing flower crown

188 Best Wedding Party Entrance Songs to Get the Party Started

Wedding reception entertainment comes in all shapes and sizes, but a DJ is one of the more modern options available that has become an increasingly popular choice over live music. That said, not all DJs will be suitable for wedding receptions. And the ones that are might not be suitable for your wedding reception. So, let’s break down how to narrow down your wedding DJ options to one—plus, get into the top [questions you should be asking](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/questions-to-ask-wedding-dj). Consider this your [wedding DJ checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-dj-checklist). 

## Reasons to Hire a Wedding DJ
Typically couples choose between DJs or live entertainment like a band. You can also forgo both options and [DJ your own wedding](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-dj-your-own-wedding) (an ambitious choice!) or figure out some combination of the two. If you’re on the fence, here are some benefits of a wedding DJ.

__- It’s cost effective.__ [Compared to a live band](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-does-a-live-wedding-band-cost) (or other live entertainment), DJs typically boast lower rates. This isn’t always true, but generally speaking, DJs require less housekeeping costs. Bands require more man power and potentially more travel costs because of their equipment. 

__- Hear your favorite music—the way you remember it.__ Don’t get us wrong: We love a [wedding band](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/choose-wedding-band-or-dj). That said, if you chose Elton John’s “The Way You Look Tonight” as your [first dance song](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-first-dance-songs) because it conjures a specific romantic moment for you, it’s nice to know it will sound the same way as the time you fell in love with it. The same can be said when it comes to listening to any of your wedding songs post-celebration.

__- DJs can read the crowd.__ All performers should have some ability to read the room, but DJs have the unique ability to be able to shift musical direction with just a few key mixing elements. Bands, on the other hand, will typically have to finish out a song even if the crowd doesn’t seem to enjoy it. Bands also tend to have a set lineup that they stick to for formal events.

![Eli3Photos InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2eHdVJRJudGGcyodUU3FKJ/b8d78372d59b4795b4fe9d821d39b697/Eli3Photos_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Eli3 Photography

## 30 Questions to Ask Wedding DJs and Bands
At this point, you’ve likely already booked your wedding venue, caterer, and perhaps officiant. In that case, we’re sure you’re well-versed in the process of researching and narrowing down your potential vendors to a few options.

Once you’ve chosen your top three DJ options, contact them to make sure they’re available on your wedding day first. If so, schedule a call, in-person meeting, or even FaceTime appointment to talk. These meetings are your opportunity to get all of the intel you need to choose your wedding DJ. Here is a list of questions you want to ask:

### The Basics
Before diving into the details, it’s paramount that you start with the basics. These important questions will inform you of a DJ’s availability and experience, as well as give you an idea of their schedule.

- __Are you available for my wedding date__? As with all wedding vendors, this should be your first question. Ensure that a DJ available for your wedding before taking the time to speak or meet with one-another.

- __How long have you been DJing__? Right away, you want to get an idea of how much experience this vendor has. Make sure this potential DJ is seasoned and prepared to work professionally.

- __How many weddings have you worked__? There’s a difference between DJing at a music venue and for a wedding reception. Inquire about how much wedding experience this DJ has under their belt.

- __How many weddings do you perform at per weekend__? Do you perform at multiple events in one day? Get an idea of how busy (read: potentially overwhelmed or tired) this wedding reception DJ may be on your weeding day or weekend.

- __Will you or someone on your team be the day-of DJ__? Some DJs run their own businesses featuring solely themselves. Other companies have a lineup of DJs available. Ask if the person you’re speaking with would be the one at your wedding and, if not, if you could at at a point get in contact with who will be.

- __How do you get a shy crowd moving__? Not all crowds are quick to rush the dance floor. One major perk of hiring a DJ is that they know how to get (and keep) a party going. Ask how they handle a situation in which the crowd is slow to get started.

- __Do you have references I can reach out to__? The biggest reassurance you can get about a wedding vendor will come from their past clients. Ask if they have references you can reach out to that will recommend them and speak to you about their work.

### Music
Chances are you got a feel for this DJ’s music style via their website or social media. Even so, it’s important that you learn more about their catalogue and style so you aren’t met with any surprises.

- __How would you describe your style?__ House, Top 40, country, classics—plenty of DJs specialize in a specific type of music. Make sure yours aligns with the kind of music you want played on your big day.

- __How often do you update your music catalogue?__ If you’re looking for more current music, it’s crucial to know how often a DJ updates their music collection. You don’t want to run into a situation where you’re looking forward to hearing last month’s hit radio song, only to find out that your DJ’s music library isn’t that up-to-date.

- __Do you use a predetermined set list?__ Many DJs will have a pre-made setlist they can play or that you can build off of.

- __Can we make the playlist?__ Say you know your musical taste—and the taste of your guests—incredibly well. Ask if it’s possible that you and your partner curate a list of songs—as well as a do not play list.

- __Do you have any samples of your work?__ If you can’t find samples on their website, ask if you can be sent some via email.

- __How do you handle song requests?__ Odds are, at least a few of your guests will approach your DJ with song requests. Inquire about how they handle these, if they take them at all.

- __Will you also act as emcee?__ From your wedding party’s entrance, to your father-daughter dance, to toasts, you may have a lot of announcement that need to be made throughout your reception. These are typically made by the DJ, but you’ll need to make sure this is the case.

### Logistics
These details might not be as exciting to discuss at the music itself, but they’re equally—if not more—important to your wedding planning.

- __How much equipment do you require?__ Be aware of the DJ equipment they’ll need/will bring on your wedding day to get an idea of the set-up.

- __Would we need to provide any separate equipment?__ It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes there will be a type of equipment that you need to provide, yourself. Ask if they’ll need a microphone, cables, or other tech equipment.

- __How do you handle equipment malfunctions?__ Will you have backup equipment? Ideally, nothing will go wrong during your wedding celebration. However, sometimes things happen. Be aware of what this DJ will do if a piece of their equipment malfunctions mid-reception.

- __Can you provide wireless mics for the wedding ceremony?__ It’s easier for everyone if you stick to one sound system throughout the day. If you don’t need to rent out a microphone from elsewhere, that’s a nice plus.

- __Are you familiar with our reception space?__ Ask if they’ve worked at your reception location before. If not, they may need to show up earlier to figure out how to set-up.

- __Do you plan to use lighting or special effects?__ Strobe lights, video screens, sparklers, projectors—many DJs have special effects set-ups that can be included in a music package.

- __Do you handle set-up and break-down?__ Ensure that the DJ and/or their team will handle the setting up and breaking down of their equipment.

- __What will you wear?__ Wedding themes and formalities varying greatly. For that reason, your DJ should wear something that won’t make them look out of place.

- __If you’re unable to perform on the day of, do you have a backup plan?__ Most wedding vendors have a backup employee or contact they can reach out to in the event that they can’t make it to your wedding last-minute.

- __Can you provide us with a full itinerary for the reception?__ If you have a wedding planner, chances are you’ll create an itinerary with them. If not, however, it may come down to you and your DJ.

### Pricing
The bottom line is usually one of the biggest factors when it comes to deciding on wedding music. However, it isn’t as simple as asking what they charge. Discuss all potential fees and every option available to you.

- __What are your rates?__ Do you charge by hours, packages, or both? Inquire about how this DJ charges their clients. They may set prices for different packages or change by the hours that they set-up and are playing music.

- __Do you have packages available?__ What is included? Packages make it easy to see what all a DJ can offer you—and for what price. Ask for a detailed breakdown of each package available.

- __Do you have payment plans?__ Some vendors will allow you to pay in installments, while others will require a down payment, then a final payment.

- __Do you have an overtime fee?__ Often, couples will get to the end of their wedding reception and ask the venue if they can extend their hours. In this event, make sure you’re aware of your DJ’s overtime fees.

- __Will there be additional fees?__ Transportation, parking, etc.? Get an outline of every item you can be potentially charged for or are expected to pay.

- __What is your cancellation policy?__ In the event that you need to cancel or postpone your wedding, don’t get caught with surprise rules. Ask what cancellation, reschedule, and refund policies they have in place.

- __Do you have the required insurance?__ Liability insurance is a must. Be sure that your DJ has it, plus any insurance that is required by your city or venue.

- __When can we expect a quote and/or written contract?__ When you’ve discussed all of the above and are ready to sign on the dotted line, ask when you can expect to receive a full contract.

# How to Choose Your Wedding DJ

## Start your search early.
While choosing your wedding DJ doesn’t have to be the very first thing on your [wedding checklist](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/checklist/your-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist), it shouldn’t be one of the last either. Once you [choose your wedding venue](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-a-wedding-venue), make wedding entertainment your next focus. Like venues, sought-after DJs book up quickly. So, don’t hesitate to start your search, especially if your top choices are popular in your area. 

## Consider your style.
Like we said, not all DJs are meant to be wedding DJs—it’s a broad title. Wedding DJs are specific experts in how receptions flow and how to choose music that suits many demographics. Be sure to immediately cross off any DJs without wedding-specific experience (unless you’re having an unconventional reception or if you’re asking a friend to DJ, of course).

Wedding DJ can still mean a lot of different things. So, it’s important to keep your style and wedding vision top of mind. If you’re more old school and a fan of music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, for example, pursue a DJ who specializes in music from those decades. If you’re more into rap or pop or other more modern genres, you want to find a DJ who’s well-versed on the top of the charts.

## Ask around for recommendations.
The easiest way to narrow down any vendor search: word of mouth recommendations. Ask your family, friends, colleagues, whoever if they hired a DJ they loved. Even if they’re not engaged or married, they may have recently attended a wedding with a DJ that really wowed. 

Of course you can also always trust the Internet to help you start your search, too. We recommend starting with a vendor search from a reputable wedding source. We’re biased but Zola makes the [vendor search process](https://www.zola.com/inspire/search) basically seamless. You can read reviews from real couples, find out what services each DJ specifically offers, and more. It’s an easy way to taper your search to at least a handful of options.

As you conduct your Internet search, pay special attention to any trends you see in reviews. For example, look out for any mentions of tardiness—you don’t want anything to hold up your reception once you’re ready to party. 

![PineappleSunrisePhotography InlineImage 1080x720](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/74IYZz9UxZh1n1HYmuGhKs/e89519c6c36dd3b07d6af70832f6f463/PineappleSunrisePhotography_InlineImage_1080x720.jpg)
*Photo Credit* // Pineapple Sunrise Photography

## Get everything in writing.
Before you solidify your wedding DJ, be sure to get hammer out all of these details in writing. Be sure to include any notes on special requests, including certain song recommendations, exact start and end times, who will actually DJ day-of, etc.

Once you choose your DJ, you’ll likely be tasked with coming up with a list of must-hear songs, another list of absolutely-do-not-play songs, and a list of nice-to-hear-but-not-necessary songs. After that, your DJ will take it from there.

Just like that, the search for your [wedding DJ](https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-to-choose-your-wedding-dj) is on. Now that you’re prepared with the right information and know what to ask a wedding DJ, you’re ready to hire the vendor that’s going to help create the best wedding for you. However, if you do need some help with how to find a wedding DJ, start with our database of [bands, DJ, and musicians](https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-bands-djs).

How to Choose Your Wedding DJ

Two lesbian brides hold hands while walking in a flower field.

77 Unique Wedding Ideas to Make Your Day Unforgettable

Wedding entertainment is an obvious place for couples to cut wedding costs. Why pay for a pricey DJ (or an even more expensive wedding band) when all the songs you could possibly want are right at your fingertips? 

Thanks to the easy proliferation of mp3 files, music-streaming services, and the advanced sound quality available in small, affordable speakers these days, DIYing your own wedding music seems fairly doable—easy, even. But there are some major considerations you should keep in mind when deciding to DJ your own wedding, not to mention some guidelines to follow to make sure the experience is harmonious for everyone (see what we did there?). 

Read on for our expert tips for how to DJ your own wedding that will have you and your guests keeping the beat all night long.   

## Pros and Cons of DJing Your Own Wedding 
Before you start shopping the aisles of Best Buy, take some time to really consider whether DJing your own wedding is the right move for you. Here are some pros and cons of being your own wedding DJ:  

__Pros:__
- Saves a lot of money.
- Offers ultimate control over your ceremony, cocktail, dinner, and dancing playlists.
- Allows you to control the mood and vibe (and avoid cheesy DJ antics).

__Cons:__
- Might have to “work” at your own wedding.
- Potential poor sound quality or lack of amplification.
- Guest might want to overtake (or offer lots of feedback on) the playlist.
- There’s no professional to deal with any technical difficulties. 
- Must know how to build a good wedding playlist that flows, encourages dancing, and matches the right moods.

## What You’ll Need to DJ Your Own Wedding
While you don’t need a truckload of professional A/V equipment to DJ your own wedding, don’t think that you can just plug your phone into a speaker on the day of your wedding and be ready to roll. As with any DIY wedding project, the more preparation you put into it, the better the results. Once you decide to self-DJ, visit or talk to your wedding venue to find out more about their setup for playing music: 
- Do they have a fully equipped system for playing and amplifying music already on-site, or will you need to bring one (or parts of one) in? 
- Can someone walk you through the locations of equipment, cables, outlets, and other considerations so you will know exactly how to set up on your own? 

If you will be providing your own equipment, consider renting professional-quality amplification. One of the biggest DIY DJ missteps is not realizing how much volume you’ll need: while your bluetooth speaker sounds plenty loud in your home, you’ll need powerful amplification in order to project sound over hundreds of bodies, their chatter, and general party din. Plus, nothing makes it harder to pack the dance floor than music that just isn’t loud enough. Renting a basic set of speakers and an amp will cost you $75-100; adding a mixer and a wireless microphone will add another $100-$200.  

Here’s the list of necessary equipment you’ll need to buy, borrow, or rent to successfully DJ your own wedding:
- An iPod, laptop, or other digital music player
- A good speaker system, including: 
- (2) 12-15” speakers with stands
- Subwoofer (optional)
- A mixing console 
- A cable to connect the player to the mixer (most likely a mini-stereo to a male dual RCA)
- A microphone, either wireless or with a very long cable

## DIY Wedding DJ Gameplan
Follow these steps to smoothly pull off the perfect evening of curated, meaningful, and crowd-pleasing tunes. 

### 1. Gather Your Equipment
Check out the list above, and go about buying or sourcing all of the gear you’ll need to self-DJ like a pro. Check with your venue to see if they have any of the necessary items already on site.  

### 2. Rent Amplification
We’ve already mentioned this, but powerful speakers can make or break your party—look into renting a set of speakers, an amp, and possible a subwoofer and a mixer from a local music or A/V shop. It will set you back much less than hiring a professional DJ, and is well worth the investment so you and your guests can actually hear your finely crafted playlist.

### 3. Build Your Playlists
Sit down with your partner and start making a list of your favorite tunes. Throw everything on the list at first, and whittle down later. Think about the songs that are meaningful to you as a couple, songs that you love to dance to, and songs that you know will please your crowd. You can purchase new music from iTunes, or build playlists from streaming music sites like Spotify or Apple Music. Just be sure to download your playlists to your computer so that you can create multiple copies, and so you’re not relying on a wifi connection for access. 

While you might be laser-focused on the dance party, there is more to your wedding day music than just the reception. We recommend that you make separate playlists for each part of the day, which will make it easier for whomever is helping to hit the play button at the right time. Here are suggestions for the different wedding playlists you should craft: 
- __Pre-Ceremony:__ For when guests are arriving and finding their seats.
- __Ceremony:__ Include (and clearly label) the processional song, the bride’s processional song (if different), any songs that appear in the service itself, and the recessional song. 
- __Cocktails:__ You want some ambient music to be playing during your cocktail hour, but nothing that overwhelms the room or inhibits people from conversing. Think upbeat, light tunes in such genres as jazz, bluegrass, classical, standards, and folk. 
- __Reception Introductions:__ You may want some fun music to escort you and/or your wedding party as you’re introduced into the reception. 
- __Dinner:__ Similarly to cocktail hour, your dinner playlist should mainly focus on pleasant background music that’s easy to talk over. Start building towards more upbeat, danceable tunes towards the end to get folks in the mood for what’s to come. 
- __Special Dances:__ These include specially chosen songs for the first dance, the father/daughter dance, and the mother/son dance. Clearly label and order each of these according to where they appear in the event timeline. 
- __Dance Party:__ The bulk of your focus, the dance party playlist is where the wedding music really needs to shine. Play a variety of songs that will please all of your wedding guests, from young to old, but that also suits the tastes of you and your partner.
- __After-Party:__ If you’re having an after-party that will involve dancing, keep the good times rolling with lots of deep, dancing cuts. You can skew the playlist to the younger crowd here, as most older folks will have gone home. 

### 4. Ask for Guest Input
A laptop or iPod sitting by itself tends to invite certain “empowered” guests to become hands-on and change up the song choice. One way to avoid this unwanted participation to allow guests to recommend songs or submit preferences ahead of time. The easiest way to do this is through your [wedding website](https://www.zola.com/wedding-planning/website), and it can actually be a fun way to get guests invested in and excited for your upcoming celebration. 

### 5. Edit and Fine-Tune 
Once you have your playlists put together, take the time to listen through them carefully and make revisions as necessary. Listen for the general flow of the energy, particularly for the dancing playlist: you’ll want to have some quiet and romantic moments, some more energetic moments, and to build to a crescendo as the dance party culminates. Weed out any songs that feel jarring or out of place, and reposition songs to create harmonious transitions. 

We also highly suggest you trim down the length of songs to around 2-3 minutes, and cut out any long introductions or dragging moments, which you can do in iTunes. Be sure to also apply the cross-fading function to your playlists, which will automatically ease the transition between songs for you. 

### 6. Test It Out 
Running multiple tests prior to the big day is imperative to avoid regretting your self-DJing efforts. Try out your playlists on your equipment at your venue and check for any audio feedback, poor sound quality, and the overall volume. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, test your setup in both the outdoor locations and the rain-plan locations just in case there’s inclement weather. 

### 7. Assign Music Captain/Emcee
There’s a difference between DIYing your wedding music, and actually being your own DJ. Save yourself from having to think about musical logistics (when you should be focused on the joy of getting married) by recruiting a “music captain.” On the day of your wedding, this person will be responsible for: 
- Ensuring the sound equipment is ready to go.
- Relocating the sound equipment throughout the event as necessary.
- Queing up your various playlists and hitting play, stop, and skip as necessary.
- Guarding the playing device from rogue guest DJs throughout the evening.
- It’s ideal if your music captain is tech-savvy and/or has a good working knowledge of music and sound technology. 

Even better, if this person is up to the task, have him or her act as emcee for the night. This involves using a microphone to announce when special dances or moments (such as toasts, cake cutting, bouquet toss, or shuttle departures) are taking place throughout the celebration, and making sure the microphone winds up in the right hands at the right moment. The emcee should have a copy of the event timeline and be familiar with it ahead of time. 

If your music captain isn’t a good candidate for emcee, there’s no harm in having two people serve in these roles. They will work in tandem to make sure your wedding sounds great and flows beautifully. 

### 8. Have a Backup Plan
All good wedding DIY projects have a backup plan, and wedding DJing is no exception. Even the best-laid musical plans might fail: perhaps bad weather interferes, or your devices batteries aren’t fully charged, or something falls and breaks. Have a backup plan in place for peace of mind that hopefully you won’t have to use, such as the number of a local professional you can call last-minute. It’s also a good idea to write down the locations of a few nearby electronic stores in case you need to send someone for emergency purchases. 

### 9. Do a Final Sound Check
Because you can never be too prepared, you or your sound captain should try to get to the venue early on the day-of just to do one final sound check before guests arrive. Once it’s go-time, it will be hard to adjust the equipment’s location or settings without disrupting the party flow. 

## Tips for Being Your Own Wedding DJ
### 1. Think Through The Whole Day
Wedding music is necessary for other parts of your wedding day beyond the reception. If you’re going to provide your own music for your ceremony and/or cocktail hour, make sure you have a plan in place for what you need in each location, who will set up and operate the sound equipment in each location, and who will move the equipment to the next location (if necessary). Make sure to test out your playlists and equipment in all locations ahead of time. 

## 2. Play Dance Hits
If you want your guests to get up on the floor and bust a move, be sure you craft a reception playlist that touches upon many classic dance songs that your guests know and love. Think about weddings where the dance floor was packed and you had a blast dancing: what were the hits? We’re not saying you need to play the “The Electric Slide” or the chicken dance, but be sure to throw in enough crowd-pleasers.

### 3. Play a Variety
Similarly, if you want everyone from your little cousin to your grandmother to enjoy the music, consider playing a variety of songs from different genres and time periods. While you might listen exclusively to ‘90s hip hop, EDM, and obscure indie bands, chances are most of your wedding guests won’t share your eclectic musical tastes. Play a variety of popular songs that build in energy and chronology, including some classic, slow-dance ballads, some danceable funk or Motown tunes, and some contemporary pop hits that you can get behind. 

### 4. Do a Trial Run
We already mentioned this, but we’ll say it again to hammer it home: make sure you test out your equipment and do a trial run of your most important playlists at your venue. You don’t want any surprises on your wedding day. 

### 5. Don’t Rely on The Internet
Be sure you have your playlists downloaded to your music player so that you’re not relying on a wifi connection to play them. While streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music are awesome for general use, your wedding music should be saved (and backed up) on your devices so you can access it regardless of the internet. 

### 6. Assign a Music Captain
Your music captain will take over some of the musical logistics on your wedding day, freeing you up to be in the moment as much as possible. This person will also offer safeguard against well-meaning, but pesky wedding guests who want to take over the dancing playlist. Entrust this role to someone who’s responsible and ideally both musically and technologically savvy.

### 7. Cross-Fade and Cut Your Songs
The difference between a professional playlist and an obviously DIY playlist can be found in the gaps or awkward moments between songs. Use crossfade functionality to eliminate long transition between songs, and use iTunes to cut songs down to shorter lengths that match dancers’ attention spans—otherwise, your crowd might lose momentum.

### 8. Use a Wedding DJ App
There are several handy apps on the market made specifically for those who want to DJ their own weddings. Check out MyWeddingDJ to see how using the app can streamline your process (and help ease your day-of setup) even further. 

### 9. Read The Room
While other people should not mess with your carefully crafted playlist, you and your partner can. If you feel like the energy needs to shift, or you notice people aren’t dancing to certain genres of music, feel free to skip ahead or change your song order to better match the party vibe. The beauty of DJing your own wedding is the freedom you have to change it up (without obsessing, of course). 

### 10. Pad Your Playlist By 2 Hours
Running out of music is a big no-no, and some portions of the wedding timeline might go on longer than you expect. Be sure you have extra music to fall back on should things run long, if you need to switch up the mood, or if you’re at a venue that will allow you to keep the party going if no one’s ready to call it quits at the appointed end time. 


Wedding DJ playing music at an outdoor evening wedding reception

How to DJ Your Own Wedding

If you and your dad have a special song that you’ve both loved since you were small, choosing a father-daughter dance song may be a no-brainer. If not, it can be a challenge to find the perfect song to dance to. Finding that ideal choice that is meaningful but not too sappy is a task that can take months. To help inspire some ideas we created this list of 105 father-daughter dance songs.

Whether you’re throwing a country bash or a suit and tie soirée, there is sure to be a song that you and your dad can dance the night away to. Check out our Spotify playlist or jump to one of our song sections below:

<a href="#unique">Unique Father-Daughter Dance Songs</a>

<a id="unique"> </a>
<a href="#modern">Modern Father-Daughter Dance Songs</a>

<a href="#upbeat">Upbeat Father-Daughter Dance Songs</a> 

<a href="#country">Country Father-Daughter Dance Songs</a> 

<a href="#rock">Rock Father-Daughter Dance Songs</a> 

<a href="#classic">Classic Father-Daughter Dance Songs</a> 

<a href="#short">Short Father-Daughter Dance Songs </a>

<a href="#playlist">Father-Daughter Dance Song Playlist </a>

## Unique Father-Daughter Dance Songs 

![01-unique-father-daughter-songs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7rPz6YjW5hgTRjT0Nu1vuL/30b1b5fe110abe39e4f5506b731c215c/01-unique-father-daughter-songs.jpg)

If you and your dad want to skip the classics and look for something special, use this list of unique father-daughter dance songs to find something that reflects your relationship. To make your choice easier, look for a song that compliments your <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-your-wedding-style" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-your-wedding-style">wedding style</a>. For example, you are throwing a fancy soiree, choose something like “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.  

1. “Home” by Michael Buble
2. “One Call Away" by Charlie Puth
3. “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay
4. “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
5. “Sunrise, Sunset” by Fiddler on the Roof
6. “Cecilia and the Satellite” by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness 
7. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
8. “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
9. “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke
10. "I Lived" by OneRepublic
11. “My Little Girl” by Jack Johnson

<a id="modern"> </a>
__Our top pick:__ “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke

“If I go a million miles away/I'd write a letter each and every day/'Cause honey, nothin',/Nothin' can ever change this love/I have for you.”

## Modern Father-Daughter Dance Songs 

![02-modern-father-daughter-songs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/2vF6lAlGMgUqjQw9Qfqdro/cd6b9b9d700b318032880c5c5f2319d1/02-modern-father-daughter-songs.jpg)

So many recommended father-daughter dance songs are classics or country. If you’re looking for something modern, choose one of these newer numbers to dance to. For some of the longer or more romantic songs, have your <a href="https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-bands-djs" target="_https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/search/wedding-bands-djs">wedding band or DJ</a> customize a mix. This way you and your dad can dance for the perfect amount of time.

12. "Moon River" by Frank Ocean
13. "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding
14. “Walk With You” by Edwin McCain
15. “Your Joy” by Chrisette Michele
16. “Daughters” by John Mayer 
17. “Love Me Now” by John Legend
18. “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Amy Winehouse 
19. “Emmylou” by Vance Joy 
20. “I Turn to You” by Christina Aguilera
21. “The Best Day” by Taylor Swift
22. “Always Be Your Baby” by Natalie Grant
23. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban

<a id="country"> </a>
__Our top pick:__ "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding

“How long will I love you/As long as stars are above you/And longer if I can.”

## Country Father-Daughter Dance Songs 

![03-country-father-daughter-songs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/7r63OeyVW46TlltKasBtgF/6a841007e6cec86670bc0418a60fbe48/03-country-father-daughter-songs.jpg)

For rustic and <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-things-to-know-about-barn-weddings" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/5-things-to-know-about-barn-weddings">barn weddings</a>, a country-themed father-daughter dance song is a perfect choice. If you’re looking for a country or western song, you’re in luck. There are endless options that are ideal for a father-daughter dance. Whether you want a song written to a daughter, or to a father, there is something for everyone.

24. "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney
25. "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton
26. "I Loved Her First" by Heartland
27. "It Won't Be Like This for Long" by Darius Rucker
28. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
29. “He Didn’t Have to Be” by Brad Paisley
30. “There Goes My Life” by Kenny Chesney
31. "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw
32. "Wide Open Spaces" by The Chicks
33. "I'll Be There" by Josh Turner
34. “Little Miss Magic” by Jimmy Buffett
35. “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice 
36. "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift
37. "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks
38. "Just Fishin'" by Trace Adkins
39. “My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band 
40. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
41. “There'll You'll Be” by Faith Hill
42. "I'll Be Your Man" by Zac Brown Band
43. “Through the Years” by Kenney Rogers
44. “Then They Do” by Trace Adkins
45. “All American Girl” by Carrie Underwood 
46. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw 
47. "Daddy Dance With Me" by Krystal Keith
48. "Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn
49. “Dance with My Daughter” by Jason Blaine

<a id="upbeat"> </a>
__Our top pick:__ "I'll Be There" by Josh Turner

“If you need a frown turned to a grin/Or you need a hand just to hold your hand/Need a daddy or you just need a friend/I'll be there.”

## Upbeat Father-Daughter Dance Songs 

![04-upbeat-father-daughter-songs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3awEZL9OqaRDTkRVSVZY2o/4508e0226f98010b0ca40f4cdd19aa42/04-upbeat-father-daughter-songs.jpg)

The sweet and slow father-daughter dance doesn’t fit every family. If you have a fun relationship with your dad and you would rather move and groove instead of sway, choose a funky, upbeat song to dance to. Use your <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-themes">wedding theme</a> to guide your decision if you’re stuck between two choices. 

50. "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor
51. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles 
52. "Dance Like Yo Daddy" by Meghan Trainor
53. "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
54. “You're My Best Friend” by Queen 
55. "Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra
56. “Cinderella” Steven Curtis Chapman
57. “When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen
58. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by James Taylor
59. "Glory" by Jay-Z ft. Blue Ivy

<a id="rock"> </a>
__Our top pick:__ “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by James Taylor

“You just call out my name/And you know wherever I am/I'll come running to see you again, oh baby, don't you know/Winter, spring, summer or fall/Hey now, all you have to do is call/And I'll be there, yes I will.”

## Rock Father-Daughter Dance Songs

![05-rock-father-daughter-songs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/6OEZPZQWfMzyEpBG5wH2Ap/62506ab391e5cdb4b48215aea559555b/05-rock-father-daughter-songs.jpg)

If your childhood is filled with memories of you and your dad belting out the words to “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John or "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison, why not dance to it at your wedding? These classic rock choices are a great way to <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-ceremony-ideas" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-ceremony-ideas">personalize your wedding</a> and honor the memories of your childhood. Plus, these songs are sure to please dads that are classic rock fans.

60. "She's a Rainbow" by The Rolling Stones
61. “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin
62. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
63. “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John 
64. "Wildflowers" by Tom Petty
65. “Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)” by Billy Joel
66. “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison 
67. “I Will Walk With You” by John Fogerty 
68. "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison
69. “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker
70. “My Darling” by Wilco
71. “You Got It ” by Roy Orbison
72. “Hold My Hand” by Hootie and the Blowfish 
73. “She’s Leaving Home” by The Beatles
74. “Here for You” by Neil Young
75. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
76. "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon
77. “I'll Stand By You” by The Pretenders
78. “How You've Grown” by 10,000 Maniacs

<a id="classic"> </a>
__Our top pick:__ "Father and Daughter" by Paul Simon

“I'm gonna watch you shine/Gonna watch you grow/Gonna paint a sign/So you always know/As long as one and one is two/Ooh ooh/There could never be a father/Love his daughter more than I love you”

## Classic Father-Daughter Dance Songs 

![06-classsic-father-daughter-songs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/4gaYS04E6ARHDYgxUiUmtj/555af5ee9fac61e73679099f292ec3c6/06-classsic-father-daughter-songs.jpg)

There is just something magical about a father and daughter swaying to “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, or “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle during their <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/10-things-to-look-for-in-a-wedding-reception-venue" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/10-things-to-look-for-in-a-wedding-reception-venue">wedding reception</a>. These sweet classics are popular for a reason. They do a beautiful job of capturing the love between dad and daughter and provide an excellent backdrop for this special moment. You can’t go wrong with any of these timeless tunes.

79. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
80. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
81. "You Are My Sunshine" by Johnny Cash
82. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
83. “They Can't Take That Away From Me” by Ella Fitzgerald
84. “To Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan
85. “Dance with My Father” by Luther Vandross
86. "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
87. “Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III
88. “Child of Mine” by Carole King
89. “It’s For My Dad” by Nancy Sinatra
90. “Stand By Me” by Ben E King
91. “One in a Million” by Larry Graham
92. “It’s All in the Game” by Tommy Edwards
93. 93. “Kind & Generous” by Natalie Merchant

<a id="short"> </a>
__Our top pick:__ “It's for My Dad” by Nancy Sinatra

“He always was a rock when I needed one/He gave me good advice when I needed some/I want you to know that when It's said and done/He's one of the best friends I ever had.”

## Short Father-Daughter Dance Songs 

![07-short-father-daughter-songs](//images.ctfassets.net/77l22z9el0aa/3HaE1K44ReleMwVXhSqsDj/4f7403bb731bd70a9f79ca0abf85e15d/07-short-father-daughter-songs.jpg)

Sometimes it can feel like the parents’ dances can drag on. If you want to limit your dance, choose one of these songs that pack the sweetest lyrics and beautiful melody all in under two minutes. No matter your wedding theme, there is sure to be one that is meaningful to you and your dad.

94. "Sweet Pea" by Amos Lee
95. "Daddy's Little Girl" by Michael Bolton
96. “Forever ” by The Beach Boys
97. “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
98. “Gracie” by Ben Folds
99. “Stairway to the Stars” by Ella Fitzgerald
100. “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
101. “Ain’t That Love” by Ray Charles
102. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
103. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
104. “It’s All in the Game” by Tommy Edwards
105. "My Girl" by The Temptations

__Our top pick:__ “Ain’t That Love” by Ray Charles

“Now when you walk (when you walk)/I want to walk with you/When you talk (when you talk)/Want to talk some, too/Now, ain't that love? (ain't that love?)/Oh, ain't that love that I feel (that I feel)/In my heart for you.”

The <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-wedding-processional-songs" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-wedding-processional-songs">processional song</a>, <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-wedding-recessional-songs" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-wedding-recessional-songs">recessional song</a>, and <a href="https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-first-dance-songs" target="_https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/top-10-first-dance-songs">first dance song</a> are so meaningful that making the right choice can be difficult. If you’re having a hard time making a decision, use these songs to find inspiration. If you want to take a listen, visit our Spotify playlist below. Listen through some of these modern, unique, and classic songs to choose the perfect option to dance with your dad.

<a id="playlist"> </a>
<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/6yWwhXvoyUuA9W18Bg7rKy" width="400" height="500" frameborder="5" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe>


105 Father-Daughter Dance Songs Ideas for Your Wedding Day 

If you need help choosing a wedding venue or hiring your wedding vendors, you've come to the right place. Find advice and tips on wedding photography and videography, catering and food, bar services and drinks, music and more. We guide you as you create your wedding dream team.

Choosing a wedding venue is an imporant part of planning your wedding-- many other decisions can't be made until you know where you'll say "I do". If you don't know where to start or are having trouble making a decision we have ideas, inspiration, and advice to help you land on the perfect place.

Wedding photography and videography lets you capture the memories for years to come. From engagement photo shoots to choosing the right wedding photographer to social media content curation, find the advice and inspiration you need to document the wedding of your dreams.

Advice and tips to find the perfect food and drinks to serve at your wedding. Whether you're looking for advice on choosing a wedding caterer, crafting a seasonal offering, or budget friendly options, find the inspiration you need to create the perfect menu!

Your guide to wedding florists and flowers. Find inspiration for the perfect bouquet, flower adornments and everything in between. We help you plan and budget for the wedding blooms of your dreams.

Your guide to wedding cake, desserts, and all things sweet. Find advice on choosing the perfect wedding cake, unique wedding dessert table ideas and more tasty inspiration.

Can't decide between an open bar, cash bar, or no host bar? Maybe you're considerig a dry wedding? Find expert-approved guides to bar services for weddings, signature drink ideas, and everything else libations and drinks.