I love to dance at weddings.
Weddings play a significant role in the New Testament, symbolizing divine love and the relationship between Christ and the Church. Jesus begins his public ministry at a wedding in Cana, where he performs his first miracle by turning water into wine. At the Last Supper, Jesus uses wedding imagery to describe his relationship with his followers.
Paul expands on this metaphor in his letters, especially in Ephesians, where he describes the Church as the Bride of Christ. Revelation culminates with the vision of the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Therefore, weddings have great meaning and symbolism, and I choose to dance in celebration of both the happy couple and Jesus’ coming return for his bride. I especially enjoy dancing with my young daughters at these events.
A key element of a wedding is the father-daughter dance, followed by the mother-son dance, showing how parents leave a legacy and foundation for the new marriage. Choosing the songs for these dances becomes important to symbolize this moment.
Here are 5 father-daughter and 5 mother-son dances popular at Christian weddings.
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1. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
“Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle is a beloved choice for father-daughter dances due to its touching portrayal of a father’s love. Released in 1997, Carlisle co-wrote the song with Randy Thomas. The lyrics capture the tender moments shared between a father and his daughter as she grows up, emphasizing the enduring bond and the precious memories they create together.
The song’s popularity stems from its heartfelt narrative, which resonates deeply with many families. It describes the milestones in a daughter’s life, from childhood to her wedding day, all seen through the loving eyes of her father. This emotional journey and Carlisle’s soulful delivery make “Butterfly Kisses” a powerful tribute to the father-daughter relationship.
The song’s love, faith, and gratitude themes align perfectly with Christian values, making it especially fitting for Christian weddings. One of the best lines, “With all that I’ve done wrong, I must have done something right to deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night,” reflects the grace and blessings that come from living a life guided by faith.
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2. “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
“I Loved Her First” by Heartland has become a cherished song for father-daughter dances based on its poignant lyrics and emotional depth. Released in 2006, Walt Aldridge and Elliott Park wrote the song. It beautifully captures a father’s feelings as he watches his daughter embark on a new journey with her husband, making it a perfect choice for weddings.
The song’s popularity lies in its heartfelt story, which speaks directly to the bond between a father and his daughter. The lyrics convey a father’s pride and bittersweet emotions as he reflects on the love and care he has given her since birth. The line “But I loved her first, I held her first” resonates deeply with many fathers, evoking memories of their daughter’s childhood and the special moments they shared while giving her away to her husband.
“I Loved Her First” connects with Christian values like family, love, and the enduring bond between parent and child. The song's emotional appeal and its ability to articulate a father’s love and protection make it a fitting choice for Christian weddings.
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3. “Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman
“Cinderella” by famous Contemporary Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman is a popular choice for father-daughter dances at Christian weddings. Released in 2008, Chapman wrote the song, drawing inspiration from his experiences as a father. The song captures the fleeting nature of childhood and the precious moments shared between a father and his daughter.
The song’s storyline, which resonates deeply with many families, makes this a touching and popular choice. The lyrics describe a father’s journey as he watches his daughter grow up, from playing dress-up to preparing for her wedding day. The recurring theme of “Cinderella” underscores the beauty and brevity of these moments, proving it a fitting tribute to the father-daughter bond.
“Cinderella” emphasizes themes of love, gratitude, and the importance of cherishing family relationships. The song’s emotional depth and Chapman's sincere delivery make it a powerful and moving choice for Christian weddings.
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4. “Find Your Wings” by Mark Harris
“Find Your Wings” is a prominent choice for father-daughter due to its uplifting message. Released in 2005, Mark Harris wrote and sang the song, drawing inspiration from parents' hopes and prayers for their children’s future. The song’s tender lyrics and inspirational theme make it ideal for celebrating the father-daughter relationship.
The words express a father's dreams for his daughter as she embarks on her journey into adulthood. It expresses the importance of faith, love, and guidance, making it especially meaningful in the context of a Christian wedding. The recurring theme of “finding your wings” communicates the father’s wish for his daughter to soar in life, supported by the values and love instilled in her. The song’s emotional depth and Harris’s voice make it a powerful and moving wedding choice. The sentiment of a father imparting wisdom and blessings to his daughter is beautifully captured.
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5. “Lead Me” by Sanctus Real
“Lead Me” by Christian artist Sanctus Real is a trendy choice for father-daughter dances at Christian weddings due to its profound melody and lyrics. Released in 2010, the song was written by Matt Hammitt, Chris Rohman, and Jason Ingram. It addresses the themes of guidance, strength, and the importance of a father’s role in leading his family with faith and love.
The song’s powerful lyrics resonate deeply with many Christian families. “Lead Me” describes a father’s commitment to be a strong, loving leader for his wife and children, a message that aligns seamlessly with Christian values. The words, “Lead me with strong hands, stand up when I can't,” emphasize the role of a father as a protector and spiritual guide, making it a poignant choice for weddings.
“Lead Me” encapsulates the essence of a father’s responsibility to provide spiritual and emotional support to his family. This makes it especially important during a father-daughter dance, where the father reflects on his role in his daughter’s life and her amazing new journey.
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1. “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men
“A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men is a cherished choice for mother-son dances at Christian weddings due to its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melody. The song, released in 1997, was written by renowned producer and songwriter Babyface (Kenneth Edmonds). It celebrates a mother's unwavering love and support, making it a fitting tribute for such a special occasion.
The universal message becomes the basis for the song’s popularity. “A Song for Mama” beautifully captures the essence of a mother’s love, describing her as the guiding light and foundation in her son’s life. The lyrics, “You were there for me to love and care for me when skies were gray,” highlight a mother's nurturing and comforting presence, which aligns well with Christian values of love, sacrifice, and family.
The song’s soulful delivery and the vocal harmonies by Boyz II Men add to its emotional impact, making it a powerful choice for a mother-son dance. The deep appreciation and gratitude expressed in the song resonate with many sons who wish to honor their mothers during this significant moment in their lives.
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2. “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban is a well-known song and beloved choice for mother-son dances at Christian weddings due to its powerful lyrics and uplifting melody. Released in 2003, Brendan Graham and Rolf Lovland penned this song. It captures the essence of support, encouragement, and the transformative power of love, making it a fitting testimony to the special bond between a mother and her son.
The song’s popularity arises from the heartfelt message and religious imagery. “You Raise Me Up” beautifully expresses gratitude for a mother's unwavering support and love. The lyrics, “You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; you raise me up, to walk on stormy seas,” symbolize the strength and confidence a mother instills in her son, allowing him to overcome challenges and achieve great heights.
The song’s spiritual undertones communicate faith, love, and resilience themes. Josh Groban’s soulful, amazing voice adds to the song’s sentiment, making it a memorable and moving choice for a mother-son dance.
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3. “The Perfect Fan” by Backstreet Boys
“The Perfect Fan” by Backstreet Boys is a common pick for mother-son dances at Christian weddings due to its heartfelt lyrics and sincere tribute to a mother's love. Released in 1999, Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell wrote the song with Thomas Smith. It acknowledges the unwavering support and guidance a mother provides, making it an ideal song to honor her during a wedding celebration.
This renowned song connects deeply with many families. “The Perfect Fan” expresses gratitude for a mother’s sacrifices, love, and encouragement. The lyrics, “You showed me how to love, you showed me how to care, and you showed me that you would always be there,” capture the essence of a mother’s role in shaping her son’s character and values.
“The Perfect Fan” celebrates Christian themes of love, respect, and family. The song’s emotional depth and the heartfelt performance by the Backstreet Boys make it a powerful and moving choice for a mother-son dance, reflecting the deep appreciation many men have for their mothers.
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4. “Mother’s Prayer” by Celine Dion
“A Mother’s Prayer” by pop singer Celine Dion is a cherished selection for mother-son dances at Christian weddings due to its words and authentic delivery. Carole Bayer Sayer and accomplished producer David Foster co-wrote this song, released in 2004. It poignantly captures a mother’s hopes and prayers for her child's future, making it a touching and meaningful selection for this special moment.
The song expresses a profound message of love, protection, and faith. “A Mother's Prayer” beautifully conveys a mother’s desire for her son's happiness and safety, asking for God’s guidance and blessings as he embarks on his new journey. The lyrics, “I pray you'll be my eyes, and watch her where she goes, and help her to be wise,” reflect a mother’s heartfelt plea for her child’s well-being and wisdom.
The song’s themes of faith and maternal love portray Christian values, making it a fitting choice for Christian weddings. Celine Dion’s powerful and emotive performance adds to the song’s impact, resonating with listeners and evoking deep emotions.
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5. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
“Humble and Kind” by country artist Tim McGraw is a popular choice for mother-son dances at Christian weddings due to its earnest message and timeless advice. Released in 2016, the song was written by Lori McKenna. It beautifully communicates a mother’s hopes and prayers for her son’s future, making it an ideal choice for such a meaningful occasion.
The song’s universal and profound message makes this a favored choice at weddings. “Humble and Kind” encourages virtues such as humility, kindness, gratitude, and patience. The lyrics, “Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie,” reflect the core values that many mothers wish to instill in their sons. These virtues resonate deeply with Christian teachings, making the song especially fitting for Christian marriage.
Tim McGraw’s delivery enhances the song’s impact, making it a moving choice for a mother-son dance. The song serves as a gentle reminder of the lessons imparted by parents and the importance of carrying those lessons forward into adulthood.
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Originally published Tuesday, 18 June 2024.