Music Options For Your Father-Daughter Dance

The father-daughter dance is a time honored tradition at many weddings. And in recent years, two songs have stood out as standards for this dance: “Butterfly Kisses” and “Daddy’s Little Girl”.

But let’s say you’d like to take this in another direction. You have a lot of possibilities. If you’re a country music fan, Tim McGraw’s “My Little Girl” may be the obvious choice.

[embed] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I5UV4VWCSk [/embed]

Then again, you may prefer “I Loved Her First” by Heartland (as seen during an actual wedding father-daughter dance).

[embed] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFs27zxSk7k [/embed]

Here are three options from New York / New Jersey artists:
First, Bruce Springsteen’s “When You Need Me.”

[embed] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pff-JpajjyQ [/embed]

“Father And Daughter” from Paul Simon, shown here with lyrics.

[embed] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtT3xSSKmMQ [/embed]

And here’s a Cyndi Lauper classic from the eighties with a timeless message.

[embed] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVS5rS_da9E [/embed]

A more recent possibility is “Forever” from Dropkick Murphys.

[embed] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNdl2-wrsvM [/embed]

Finally, there’s always Stevie Wonder’s father-daughter classic.

[embed] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVvkjuEAwgU [/embed]

Of course, you may have some great ideas of your own. At Excel Entertainment, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all wedding. We’ll work with you to find the very best fit for your special dance. For more information, please call Excel’s Jason Frankel at (973) 320-3241.

Create a special song for your groom

Here at Excel Entertainment we can customize the reception on your big day so that it feels just right for you and your groom.



We'll create the mood you're looking for with lighting and music and we'll even bring along a photo booth so you don't have to remember the event - you'll have it sitting right there in front of you whenever you bring out your album.

One way of really making your groom feel special at the reception is to get a song specially written for him. Or even make up the lyrics yourself (well, you'll know him better than anyone). Once you've done that and got someone to put it to music (or listen to tunes and find one that fits your lyrics) then bring it along to us and we'll happily play it on the day. His face will be a picture!

For more wedding entertainment ideas call or come and have a chat to us here in New Jersey

Is the traditional First Dance on its way out in 2013?

Have you noticed recently how more and more couples are turning their First Dance into on-stage entertainment for laughs and to get the guests excited?  What fun!



There was a time when the First Dance meant doing a slow foxtrot or a romantic waltz around the floor. Now, more often than not, the couple bursts into a disco number - or some other fantastic dance routine - half way through, taking the audience by surprise and lifting the mood.  Its nice to see the fresh ideas couples come up with.  But many still prefer the old fashioned First Dance as well.

Whether you're into the classic slow dance or surprising your guests with a few snazzy moves, we're here to support you.  If you need some ideas, here are a few popular classics for traditional first dances, or to start out your dance before you burst into your new moves.  These are included in the top First Dance songs for 2013 that have been listed by Music n Films:

• Something About the Way You Look Tonight - Elton John


• At Last - Etta James


• What a Wonderful World - Louie Armstrong


• All the Way - Frank Sinatra/Celine Dion


• The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Houston


• It had to be you - Frank Sinatra


• Grow Old With Me - John Lennon/Mary Chapin Carpenter


• Forever and For Always - Shania Twain


• Everything I Do, (I Do it for You) - Bryan Adams


• Unforgettable - Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole

How about you? What are you planning for your First Dance number? We'd love to hear!

For help with planning a music or entertainment list for your forthcoming wedding in the New Jersey area please contact us.

How to Set a Wedding No-play List

At many weddings, the main focus for the bride and groom is to figure out what songs they want played during their big day. One thing that they don’t give much thought to is a “no-play” list. This is just as important for your event.

This doesn't have to be an exhaustive list of songs, of course. It can be specific genres or artists that you don’t want played. Whether it’s because you don’t like the music, or you just don’t think it’s in keeping with your wedding’s theme, it’s a good guide to give your wedding entertainment.

When we play at a wedding or other event, we often get requests from the guests during the night. In most cases, we’ll try to oblige. If you don’t want this, it’s best to let us know ahead of time. We’re used to handling requests, and can also handle refusing them if we need to.

Whatever your music choice, we’d love to work with you to provide the perfect soundtrack for your big day.