1. Can DJs take the vocal tracks out of songs? Mine is currently out of town and I don't really want to be that person, pestering him while he's trying to relax or something. I've done a bit of googling, so I might attempt a DIY. I guess my other option is to find a poor college student and pay him to learn some Decemberists songs really quickly. And then hope he actually shows up and everything.
2a. Is Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight inappropriate as a father-daughter dance song? I realize that it's about love, but um, most songs are. It has childhood sentiment on its side.
2b. Are there other father-daughter appropriate songs* I should be considering? This is tougher than I expected.
* If you suggest Butterfly Kisses, I will cut you. Seriously, don't.
I danced with my dad to Cat Stevens's "Wild World," which kind of made sense when you think of it. Then my dad got insanely drunk and made us do a second father/daughter dance to that "Yellow" song, and it lasted approximately one million hours. Good luck with the selection!
ReplyDeleteI plan on doing a slower Elvis song, maybe even a gospel one even though we aren't religious. It's his favorite.
ReplyDeleteMy dad and I danced to 'Unforgettable' (the version with Natalie Cole singing alongside her dad, Nat King Cole). I liked it because it was classic, not too long, and had sentimental value for me (I remember growing up listening to my Dad sing the song).
ReplyDelete1. I feel like maybe not? I'd check Spotify though to see if you can find something.
ReplyDelete2a. If childhood sentiment is on your side, go for it.
2b. I really wanted Louden Wainwright's "Daughter" but my dad was adamant about selecting the song as a SURPRISE (whoa, trust). He went with Isn't She Lovely and we had a. lot. of. fun...
3. I really need to get moving on starting/publishing my blog so I can stop being such a creepy lurker!
1. Your DJ can TOTALLY edit music! Mine edited our processional music and it came out brilliantly.
ReplyDelete2. Don't worry about anyone but you and your dad. Do you love the song? Does he? Go with it.
3. My father and I danced to Billy Joel's Lullabye. It was so hard to select one though, I will agree!
1. I would assume so (my husband has an array of instrumentals in his music library). If DIY isn't too time consuming, try that first before resorting to being that bride. Man, I wish I had thought of this when me and husband chose Norah Jones' Nearness of You.
ReplyDelete2. Do it!! Besides being a beautiful song, it also has sentimental value to you. It's not like you chose the song based on it's title (I once went to a wedding where the bride danced with a loved one to Pearl Jam's Better Man. Awkward.)
1. No idea.
ReplyDelete2a. I think it's very pretty. You want the dance to be short and sweet.
2b. My sister and dad danced to Stevie Wonder's "You are the Sunshine of My Life".
Her husband and his mom danced to Iz's "Somewhere over the Rainbow". I think Elton John's "Your Song" works too. It's really hard to find a good song that has the right sentiment.
I don't think that DJs can take the vocal tracks out of music.- It seems like it would be messing with the artist's work- If the song was released as a single, they sometimes come with instrumental versions (I'm thinking of vinyl records mostly, but CD singles too).
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the Father-daughter dance song! I'm having the same problem, but leaning towards Bread "Everything I own"- but I think the song is about someone who you loved who is dead. hoo boy
I think you should dance to whatever song you have sentimental attachment to with your dad. If my dad were alive for my wedding I would have dance to either Elvis' "Love Me Tender" (he used to sing it as a lullaby) or Lou Rawls "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" (he used to dance around with me to that song when I was little.) Both songs have nothing to do with fathers and daughters but they meant something to us.
ReplyDeleteAll that is to say, you should dance to something that means something to you...I don't think anyone is going to be weirded out by what the song is really, really about, because they are all going to be focused on you and your dad, not the song lyrics.
I used "What a Wonderful World", by Louis Armstrong - I wanted something sort of 'generically happy.'
ReplyDeleteI also really love "The Way You Look Tonight", which seems like such a perfect dad/daughter song.
Good luck...this stuff really is harder than it looks!
My dad and I danced to "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac. Bonus, some interviews with Stevie Nicks say she wrote the song thinking of her dad. Others say it was about her and Lindsey, but I ignored those. ;)
ReplyDeleteI let my dad pick our song. To my surprise, he picked I hope you dance by Lee Ann Womack. It was wonderful, even though neither of us are country music people. It was also very appropriate to both our relationship, me, and the occasion. In other words: try trusting your dad.
ReplyDeleteI selected Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" for our father-daughter dance!
ReplyDelete1. Yes. And if you can't DIY it, send it my way and I'll give it a shot.
ReplyDelete2. Definitely. It's really all about you and your dad. We danced to Werewolves of London, because it used to mysteriously come on the radio everytime we got into the car together, so it was like our little inside joke.
You will be a stunning bride, and it will all come together beautifully.
At my sisters wedding, my dad and her danced to 'My Girl'. It was such a sweet reminder of when we were children and he would constantly play that song for us. At my wedding however, he has stipulated that our father/daughter dance has to be 'American Pie' because apparently that was the song he used to sing to me when I was a baby and as I grew up, that was the one song he made me learn to sing.
ReplyDeleteIt will all come together and you will be perfect.
My dad & I danced to a song only half the guests could understand. I can't remember which song it was right now, but it's possible the lyrics are not father/daughter appropriate. So you could always pick something in a foreign language. ;)
ReplyDelete1. Pretty sure they can edit.
2a. If that's the song you want, go for it.
2b. I will also cut anyone who suggests that song. Excuse me while I go throw up just at the thought of it...
I grew up listening to about 8 hours of Simon & Garfunkel a day due to my parent's taste in music. It only seemed fitting to dance to Paul Simon's "Father and Daughter". It's pretty sweet but not too saccharine.
ReplyDelete"Daughter"recorded by Loudin Wainwright. Yes, the title is obvious, but the lyrics are sweet...
ReplyDelete1) The boyfriend (who is a DJ), says yes. But depending on the DJ, software, etc, it can sound pretty bad (or pretty good). He said a DJ can also buy the instrumental version of a track sometimes, so it doesn't hurt to ask.
ReplyDelete2a) Anything that means something is appropriate! My sister chose a love song, but it was my Dad's favorite band, hence a song we grew up listening to. Which made it extra beautiful (especially to my Dad).
1. Yes, and 2. Echoing everyone's sentiment here, go for a song that has meaning to you. Forget about the words or the supposed original intent of it. I'm getting excited for you! I kinda wish I could have my wedding all over again. :-)
ReplyDeleteChoose whatever song you like because no one (other than you) will be dissecting the words! :)
ReplyDeleteI chose Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper) because, even though it's a love song, it too has childhood sentiment.
Good luck!
PS I totally LOLed at your Butterfly Kisses threat.
If it means something to you, go for it. My dad and I danced to Thank You by Natalie Merchant, sung by the maid of honor.
ReplyDeletei think you should go with "wonderful tonight."
ReplyDeletei didn't dance with my dad at my wedding at all - we didn't have formal dances - but i did meet him for secret father-daughter coffee that morning. walking and drinking coffee and bullshitting is how we dance. if there had been a song for that, it would've been "here comes the sun."
If you want to mess around with the songs while your DJ is on vacation, then you'll need to download Audacity (Audio Editor -- Free) and a vocal remover plugin (also Free).
ReplyDeleteThis site will detail how to do it.
http://wiki.audacityteam.org/index.php?title=Vocal_Removal
I'm not one to talk, as we didn't do the parent dances, but I think "You Make Me Feel So Young" would be lovely. Sinatra is a pretty safe bet.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine danced to "Fields of Gold" by Eva Cassidy (covering Sting) with her dad and it was lovely.
ReplyDelete"Isn't She Lovely" was actually written for a daughter, so that would be a nice one... I love the suggestion of "What A Wonderful World" above!
ReplyDeleteIt'll be gorgeous no matter what.
You must listen to King of the World by Point of Grace! It is an awesome father/daughter dance song. Good luck picking!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG_9V8iCjX4
Can Lauren make a blog out of just her comments on other blogs? The good suggestions are endless.
ReplyDeleteMy dad asked for "Forever Young." We didn't have dancing at our wedding reception, but we did at a second reception--we travelled to see my grandparents and other friends and family because they couldn't travel to our wedding.
ReplyDeleteThere were definitely tears involved. Not mine. It was sweet, because I'd been married a few weeks by then.
I'll Follow the Sun by The Beatles :D
ReplyDeletewe danced to "God Only Knows" by the Beach Boys - grew up listening to them as a kid and loved the message.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel -
ReplyDeleteI got married just over a year ago, and remember the last few weeks of CRAZINESS quite well! I totally empathize with all the stress. Hang in there, remember that your wedding will be awesome no matter what, and look forward to being MARRIED! Congrats and enjoy. Here was our short list (we chose the classic Louis Armstrong):
- Sweet Pea by Amos Lee
- Sunshine of my Life by Stevie Wonder
- Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
- In my Life by JT or The Beatles
- Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder
- Secret of Life by James Taylor
- Something in the Way She Moves by James Taylor
- You’ve Got a Friend by James Taylor
- Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks
- To Sir with Love – Al Green
go with your first instinct, and then don't overthink it!!! i danced with my dad to My Girl. it just seemed to fit the mood. that song makes me cry now :/
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've told him yet, but my dad and I will be dancing to I Love, by Tom T. Hall. It's short (like 2 minutes), has an easy beat to dance to, and is about just loving the other person. I picked it out a long time ago, and now, when I listen to it on the computer or in the car, I can't sing along for too long before it chokes me up. My dad does not like to dance, but this one is short and sweet. Go with your gut, like everybody has already said. It'll come to you. Best wishes on the last few weeks of planning! Hope you have an amazing wedding day!!!
ReplyDeleteI definitely think Wonderful Tonight is a good choice.
ReplyDeleteI danced to My Girl with my dad. Mostly because I love the scenes in Father of the Bride where they used that song.
I danced to Dar Williams "The One Who Knows" with my dad. My sister had used that song as well, and she had called my mom and little sister and me to let us know that's what she was going to use as we were standing in line to get into a Dar concert. It was off her new CD, so Dar played it during the show and my mom and sister and I all teared up. I also suggested that song for my friend Katie and she loved it, but her DJ didn't have it and didn't let her know until two days before the wedding, so we were searching frantically in a Sam Goody in Shreveport for a copy of a new folk album. Ended up having to download it from iTunes for the wedding, heh.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8P-8B39pMg
two words: Lost Together (Blue Rodeo)
ReplyDeleteMy dad and I are going to dance to "My Girl" by The Temptations (same wedding as you!). We have a band, so I was super excited to see this one on their song list. Neither my dad nor I are into the slow-dance-mushy-stuff so this is perfect - upbeat and fun.
ReplyDeleteI danced with my dad to "Isn't She Lovely." "Wonderful Tonight" is nice, and if it's sentimental to you, that's perfect! "In My Life" by the Beatles is a good one, too. :) Good luck! So many details, huh?
ReplyDelete1. Should be able to... but not that experienced.
ReplyDelete2. I danced a waltz with my Dad (no words...) on Amelie Poulain theme tune (La Valse d'Amelie) by Yann Tiersen. Worked really well, with limited training (as in the night before the wedding).
I say dance to whatever you want. I personally hate the traditional processional music so my Dad and I walked down to Tom Waits' cover of Young at Heart. Then, to come full circle, our father-daughter dance was to Tom Waits. I'm also the world's biggest Waits fan, so it made sense for us.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for a Waits tune to fit the bill. This may be it... if the band can pull it off.
DeleteWhat song did you dance to for your father-daughter dance?
DeleteMy father and I are going to dance to "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You". Could also be interpreted as a romantic love song, but it has some childhood significance to us and I love it!
ReplyDeleteMy dad chose our father/daughter song, which was such a sweet surprise. He picked "Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart and it was a song I never would've come up with on my own - but it was so meaningful and I tear up every time I hear it now :)
ReplyDeleteMy dad and I danced to "I loved Her First" by Heartland. It was such a fitting song and totally made me cry, but I loved that it was a truly appropriate father/daughter dance song.
ReplyDelete- Julie
My father and sister danced to "In My Life" by the Beatles. My sister chose it and when my father listened to it he couldn't help but cry. It was the perfect song.
ReplyDelete-Kim
we are doing the hawaiian version of somewhere over the rainbow. totally common, but that song gives me goosebumps. we are doing the father/daughter and mother/son dance all at once. it was hard to find a song that worked for all of us!
ReplyDeleteI think Wonderful Tonight would be perfect, it has childhood sentiment and I think love songs are just love songs-the subject can be any two people. My Dad and I danced to Stand By Me (my brother surprised us by singing it-actually surprised himself too since it was unplanned) but we were originally going to go with an Elvis Costello song that he had chosen. I love how Stand by Me worked out and Mike danced with his sisters while I danced with my Dad, the song just felt right. And even though I know you don't have time to watch random videos on youtube, I'm feeling mushy and including the video of us all:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8WjJxPxjEI
"Love," by Nancy Adams, but you should dance to whatever song is important to you!
ReplyDeleteI went with "Isn't She Lovely?" and it was great. Since it's a little bit livelier than some of the other slower songs, my dad and I had a blast dancing around.
ReplyDeleteMy father-daughter dance at my wedding next month is going to be wonderful tonight! So reminds me of riding in the back of my dad's car .
ReplyDeletehow about butterfly kisses?
ReplyDeleteJOKES! honestly, i can't really answer this one because my dad passed away when i was a little baby. i just wanted to read all the comments, and lauren's TOTALLY MADE ME CRY. anyway, i'd go with your gut on this one. and if that's "wonderful tonight", then so be it.
My wedding is next week and I chose "Daughters" by John Mayer to dance with my father. Good Luck!
ReplyDeletePaul Simon's "Father & Daughter" would be my recommendation. In England we don't really do the Father/Daughter dance thing (well I didn't at my wedding anyway!) but my dad did work the lyrics of this song into his speech causing lots of teary eyed smiles in the room from all the other fathers.
ReplyDeleteMy dad and I danced to "You've got a friend" by James Taylor and I thought it was really cute; we used to listen to his Greatest Hits tape on our drives up to camp when I was little. We both sang along and it was perfect.
ReplyDeleteI danced with my dad to James Taylor's "How Sweet It Is (To be Loved by You)" and it's along the same lines as "Wonderful Tonight" - more about being in love then father/daughter love. But if that's the song that fits & feels the best for you and your dad, then that's all that matters! I was feeling the same way about the song I chose, but in the end all our guests loved that we chose a less expected song.
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for someone to record one for you and send it your way - send me an email. I happen to live with a very cute musician who could help you out :)
ReplyDeleteD
My dad and I danced to Nat King Cole's "I wish you LOVE" it was fantastic. It was what my mom's friend sang at their wedding.
ReplyDeleteMy dad and I danced to Teach Your Children by Crosby Stills Nash and Young (just 11 days ago). I think it was perfect. Cute, not too cheesy, east to move around too. And honestly, we just ended up chatting half the time about how weird it was to have everyone staring at us.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in high school I sang at a lot of talent shows (yeah...) and djs/studio guys can lower the voice on a song if it's distinct enough, but they can't completely remove it unless they have the original file with the tracks separate. But you'd be surprised at how many terrible karaoke versions are out there! (don't do that.) I have a collection of terrible karaoke cds from my singing days. Ooof.
ReplyDeletemy dad picked our song, which is already on this rather lengthy list - "I loved her first" by Heartland. he made me listen to it long before the wedding and I sort of hated it, but then my mom told me he'd had it picked out as our first dance song ever since he first heard it. hearing that made me realize it was more about him than me, so we went with it and now I find it extremely sentimental (even though I still don't do country music)
ReplyDeletelong story short - have your dad help you pick. if "wonderful tonight" is your guys' song, it will definitely work
Hahahaha my boyfriend and I always sing Butterfly Kisses to each other whenever there's a cheesy moment between us or something.
ReplyDeleteAs far as actual suggestions, working with your dad sounds like a good idea.
"My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw --Alyssa
ReplyDelete1. It's pretty difficult to remove the lyrics without destroying the song.
ReplyDelete2. You could pay someone to create a MIDI version of the song you want without lyrics instead of having someone play.
Let me know if you need help with the MIDI version.
I'm from Texas so my brother's wife and her dad danced to In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride and I've also had a friend that danced with her dad to I Cross My Heart by George Strait.
ReplyDeleteMy suggestions for you though is a good Elvis Costello or Dean Marine song (my mom and brother danced to one at his wedding and it was like a scene from an old movie.
However, the song I've just about set my heart on for my dad and me at my wedding is a slow Ozzy Osbourne song that he loves and so so do I.
It's your wedding, so make you both happy and the song will be perfect.
I meant Dean Martin of course. Autocorrect strikes again. Lol
ReplyDeleteWe danced to "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder because that's what my dad sang to my mom and I when I was born. *tear* :)
ReplyDeleteno comment on the father daughter dance suggestions, other than I'm sure whatever you feel will be best will work out :)
ReplyDeleteHOWEVER, I would like to say that your blog makes me smile and laugh all at the same time, so thanks.
"I Loved Her First" by Heartland!!! And I don't even like country music!!! I actually LOATHE it, but this one song touches me like no other!
ReplyDeletemichi
Nothing to do with Father Daughter sentiment, but my dad and I danced to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.
ReplyDeletep.s. I just found your blog, through the link in Cupcakes and Cashmere - I love it!
found you through cupcakes and cashmere, so exciting that you are getting married, my husband is a DJ and could help you out with anything you need ... and for father daughter songs I am sure he would have a ton, but the ones I really like are all country .. Randy Travis has a great one called "daddies little girl" and Tim McGraw has one too
ReplyDeletejess
www.jesscauseblog.blogspot.com
Hi! I just wanted to tell you that my dad and I danced to Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight at my wedding! It meant a lot to me and it was to the perfect tempo that my dad had secretly been taking dance lessons for! Best of luck to you for your wedding! I enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteErin
Some Van Morrison could be sweet. Something like "Tupelo Honey" or "Warm Love." Both beautiful songs.
ReplyDelete"What a Wonderful World," while popular is classic and simple. And beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe got married a few months ago in LA and really wanted a string trio, but were our budget didn't allow for much in the ceremony music department.
The UCLA music department will let you post a wanted sign for interested students. It worked great! We got three lovely PhD students who played all our unconventional instrumental requests, like Arcade Fire and Snow Patrol. ;) Worked perfectly.
And anyone who would suggest Butterfly Kisses would be dead to me. (Vomit.)
ReplyDeleteMy dad and I danced to "How Sweet it is" the Marvin Gaye version. . . a friend recently danced to The Beach Boys "Surfer Girl" with her dad and it was SO cute!
ReplyDeleteMy dad and I danced to "Daughter" as well, and my husband and his mom danced to "In my life" by the Beatles, which could work for father/daughter too. If you're looking for more wedding songs, I did a blog post with recommendations a few months ago!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dianamaireblog.com/2011/03/sweet-wedding-jams.html
My dad + I danced to "My Girl" last weekend for my wedding and it was upbeat/fun enough that I didn't get teary eyed. Bonus.
ReplyDeleteWe also considered "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" and "For Once in my Life" - both by Stevie Wonder. Upbeat gems.
At our wedding, my dad and I danced to my parents song that they danced to at their wedding which was "The Rainbow Connection' originally sung by Kermit the frog :) But I found a wonderful version by Sarah McLachlen and it was perfect! An appropriate song for a father/daughter, but also very sentimental. Not a dry eye in the house!
ReplyDeleteAlison
I always said that I'll dance with my dad to To Sir With Love. Such a great song.
ReplyDeletewww.hightopsandlace.com
How about John Mayer's "Daughters", I think that would be fitting.
ReplyDeleteI danced to Heartland's "I loved her first" with my Dad. My cousin danced to Rascal Flatt's "My Wish." Both made me cry. I have to agree with most of the commenters...do what is going to make the both of you happy. It's a wonderful moment you'll never forget.
ReplyDeleteHow about a song from Father of the Bride the movie? I like your pick too :)
ReplyDeleteSara Campbell Blog
I think you should go with what makes you think of your dad & your relationship. If not here are my thoughts.
ReplyDelete1)James Taylor, "How Sweet it is to be love by u"
2)Lionel Richie, "It's she lovely"
3)Billy Joel, "Just the way you are"
4)Billy Joel, "She's got a way"
Have fun deciding =)
~Amanda
Just went to my neice's wedding--when they danced to "Sweet Child of Mine", but without words, using violins, we were all delighted, because we all know her Dad loves that song. That made it special.
ReplyDeleteGina in RI
if i remember correctly, "you look wonderful tonight" is actually about him feeling impatient about his lovely leading lady taking forever to get ready...however, it's your wedding & I say go for it if it's sentimental !
ReplyDeleteYou've probably never heard it, but "House of Memories" by Ten Shekel Shirt is amazing. And I'm a sucker for "The Best Day" by Taylor Swift.
ReplyDeleteSteven Curtis Chapman- Cinderella. most beautiful daddy-daughter song in the world. I cry every time I listen
ReplyDelete"In My Life" The Beatles. Have to agree with everyone else that suggested it. It is about love but does not specify romantic love and about how life changes- perfect!
ReplyDeleteOh no...I don't have a wedding to plan yet, but I already know there is no way I can stop the Butterfly Kisses segment. Ever since that song came out, my dad has regularly reminded me that that song is coming one day. Oh boy...
ReplyDeleteI'm using Loggins and Messina "House at Pooh Corner". My father used to sing this to me when I was younger and it still makes me feel like a kid and makes me cry! :)
ReplyDeletebecause of very sad interpersonal problems, i couldn't have a father-daughter dance at my wedding this spring, but i would have danced to Will Hoge's "Baby Girl." Even if you've chosen a song, look this one up. it's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteJimmy Buffett- Little Miss Magic
ReplyDeleteIf there's any way you can get live musicians for the processional/recessional instead of using something pre-recorded, DO IT. A recording can't anticipate the inevitable fits and starts and bumps and pauses (obviously). It just keeps on playing no matter what. That's why musicals use live musicians.....
ReplyDelete♥
ReplyDeleteMy dad and I danced to Frank Sinatra's The Way You Look Tonight. I was just at a really sweet wedding in which the bride and father danced to Stevie Wonder's Isn't She Lovely, and it was really cute!
ReplyDeleteWell Hello! Just discovered this blog thanks to cupcakes...
ReplyDeleteMy father and I danced to the the BeeGees; How Deep is Your Love... a very, very large sentimental factor.. but I also told him he could choose the song leaving all portion of control up to him... :)
I. Bawled. Like. A. Baby. My dad decided that his goal for the evening would be to make me do the ugly face cry and he succeeded. I don't even remember what song I danced to I just know that it was one of the moments that I will always cherish...and really one of the main reasons as to why we didn't just elope.
ReplyDeleteI support all the votes for "Isn't She Lovely" since Stevie wrote it for his daughter. No weirdness at all. And I've sat through some weird father-daughter dances.
ReplyDeleteCheck out Your Joy by Chrisette Michele. Let me know what you think.
ReplyDelete