Just because everyone else throws Daddy-Daughter Dances where the daughters wear semi-formal dresses and the dads wear a shirt and tie doesn't mean you have to follow suit. We say, have FUN!

Below, we've selected some popular themes for parties that could easily be used for your dance. Whether you're a park district, school, church, or community group, these ideas easily fit within even tight budgets.

And we're just going to throw it out there, but a photo booth would be such a fun addition to any theme for a Daddy Daughter Dance. We always recommend hiring a pro (their expertise helps make your event run nice and smooth), but if you take the DIY approach, you can use a photo booth app or—if you have some photography expertise—you can set up your own photo booth.

But you're here for theme ideas for a Daddy Daughter Dance, so let's go!

Princess

This one might be the most used, but sometimes girls like getting dressed up like a fairy tale princess, or even their favorite Disney princess. Here are some tips to planning a princess-themed Daddy Daughter Dance:

  • Attire: Girls in princess attire (from any story, TV show, movie, or make-believe). Dads can wear a coordinating shirt color. Bonus points if they match the tie or bow tie!
  • Games: If the event is in a gym with climbing ropes, dads race to see who can climb Rapunzel's hair the fastest. Daughters can have horse races (on stick horses, perhaps), or maybe a coloring contest.
  • Booths: Face painting! Be sure to let the kids choose the art that is painted on their dad's face. If a face painter is out of the budget, consider a tattoo station with an assortment of temporary tattoos like these glitter princess temporary tattoos or Disney princess temporary tattoos.

RECOMMENDED PHOTO FOLDER:

Princess Crown Daddy Daughter Dance Photo Folder

This one was designed with a princess theme in mind! Complete with a little pink and gold crown, this design would complement the princess party theme perfectly.

Learn more about this photo folder ➜

Pink Princess Photo Folder for Daddy Daughter Dance Event

Sports

Second to the princess theme is a sports-themed Daddy Daughter Dance event. Why? Dad either likes watching sports or played sports as a kid, and his daughter probably plays sports or at least likes catching a ball or playing soccer with dad. So really, this one makes a lot of sense!

  • Attire: Professional sports team jerseys, or even your own sports uniform! If some guests aren't into sports, give them some other attire ideas, like sweats or leggings, plus a comfy t-shirt and tennis shoes.
  • Games: If the girls are old enough, you could have a friendly game of dodgeball (dads throw underhand). If you can plan an event outside, here are some outdoor kid-friendly sports-themed games you could plan.
  • Food: Pretend you're at the ballpark and serve hot dogs, nachos, chips, and popcorn.

RECOMMENDED PICTURE FRAME:

Sports Fuji Instax Paper Picture Frame

Know someone with a Fuji Instax camera? DIY your event photos and slip them in this cute little frame so that precious prints make it home safe and sound.

Learn more about this picture frame ➜

Sports-Themed Paper Picture Frame for Daddy Daughter Dance Event

Fantasy & Wizards

Let's face it—Harry Potter and Percy Jackson will never really go out of style. The magic of some book series just seem to endure, so why not center your theme around that?

While not every girl might have read the most popular fantasy series, she probably has friends who has. And if dad hasn't read them, he's probably at least familiar with them.

  • Attire:Encourage dads and wizards daughters to dress in their best wizard or fantasy apparel. Dads could dress as knights, a prince, a wizard, or even a court jester. Girls could be a wizard, princess, or even the one and only Hermione Granger.
  • Games: Do a "Wingardium Leviosa" game. Give all the girls wands (just go on a hunt in your backyard for some nice sticks), and have them point it at dad and say, "Wingardium Leviosa!" When she says it, dad jumps! Measure the height of the jump. The most powerful wizard (and "levitating" dad) wins.

Country Western Hoedown

Well, yee-haw! Whether you live in a dense urban environment or you can hear roosters crowing out the front door, some rustic country flair is always a fun party theme. Whether you call it a Hoedown or a Buckeroo Ball, this one will be fun.

Here's how to make a country-themed Daddy Daughter Dance work:

  • Attire: Plaid , checker print, boots, denim, flannel, bibs (or "bibbers," if you prefer)… you get the idea. Need some inspiration? Think Dorothy and her aunt and uncle from The Wizard of Oz.
  • Décor: If you can find it (and the venue allows), add some straw bales for some casual seating. Just be sure to throw a blanket over the top—straw can be itchy!
  • Activities: For an easy ice breaker, have an event leader teach everyone a simple line dance. Some country karaoke would also be fun.

RECOMMENDED PHOTO FOLDER:

Country Western Printed Photo Folder

This one looks great as shown, but you could add your event name to the front cover. Want a more country-looking font for your personalization than what we offer? Just ask! Our design team is more than happy to help.

Learn more about this photo folder ➜

Country-Western Paper Picture Frame for Daddy Daughter Dance Event

Luau / Tropical Beach

Take a trip to the beach! Well, at least pretend you are. Whether you build your own sand pit, or just have some kinetic sand for daughters (and dads) to play with, a beach-themed Daddy Daughter event is a fun idea—and a great reprieve from cold weather if your event is in the winter.

Here are some ideas for planning a beach-themed party:

  • Attire: Swimsuits might be out of the question if it's winter, but encourage dads and daughters to wear bright colors, tropical patterns, Hawaiian Luau shirts, sunglasses, and beach hats. For an inexpensive giveaway, consider giving them leis when they arrive at the dance.
  • Games & Activities: Make colorful sand art in jars, make your own leis, or create a mini beach! Fill a kiddie pool with some sand, and add some beach toys. This would be a great activity for younger kids.
  • Music: Consider hiring a Hawaiian band to play at your tropical event, or at least a wandering ukulele player to entertain guests for a bit.

RECOMMENDED PHOTO FOLDER:

Beach-Themed Photo Folders & Picture Frames

So many beach themes! Choose a luau-inspired picture frame, or a tropical beach photo holder. Personalization on most frames is FREE!

Learn more about these photo folders ➜

Beach-Themed Paper Picture Frames for Daddy Daughter Dance Event

Superhero

Who's the superhero… dad or daughter? Or both? Whatever the answer, this one is sure to pack a punch with both the dads and their little girls. Whether they want to dress up with the big "S" for Superman or don Wonder Woman's outfit, girls are sure to love this fun party theme for their Daddy Daughter Dance. We're pretty sure it'll be a hit with dads, too.

  • Attire: Superhero shirts or costumes. Be sure to check with your venue to see if costume accessories are allowed.
  • Activities: Create your own superhero! Kind of like a cut-out doll, but provide a table with the all the accessories (capes, masks, outfits, etc.), and let them go to town. You can make these out of paper, felt, fabric, or a variety of materials. Decorate with markers, paint, or—if you're feeling brave—glitter.
  • Décor: Print out or draw icons of popular superheroes to hang on the walls: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman, Captain America. Have an artistic event volunteer? Have them create a superhero icon unique to your event!

RECOMMENDED PHOTO FOLDER:

Comic Book Photo Folder

POW! This is a folder that even Superman would approve of. Designed in a colorful comic book-style theme, this folder would look great with your Daddy Daughter Dance photos.

Learn more about these photo folders ➜

Comic Book Paper Photo Folders for Daddy Daughter Dance Event

Hollywood / Red Carpet

Treat those girls and their dads like the stars they are! Roll out the red carpet for this Hollywood-inspired theme. Great for girls of any age.

To make it more "authentic," set up your photo booth (or just have someone take pictures) when they walk in on the red carpet. Add a backdrop or your choosing. While you could find one online or at a craft store, a DIY photo booth backdrop can be a lot of fun to make.

  • Attire: Let them dress like their favorite actor or actress, or make it a black tie event.
  • Food & Drink: While champagne is really out of the question here, why not serve sparkling apple juice or sparkling grape juice? And if you haven't heard, there is such a thing as gold sugar sprinkles. The perfect topping for cupcakes!

RECOMMENDED PHOTO FOLDERS:

Red Carpet & Hollywood Star Photo Folders

The red carpet party theme is SO popular, we dedicated an entire line to it! Choose an actual red carpet, go black tie, or throw in a little Hollywood art deco.

See our red carpet photo folder collection ➜

Red Carpet Paper Photo Folders for Daddy Daughter Dance Event

More theme ideas for your event

  • Cinderella
  • Candy Land
  • Pretty in Pink
  • A Night in Paris
  • Butterfly Kisses
  • Circus
  • Sock Hop
  • Sparkle and Shine
  • Ties & Tiaras
  • Under the Sea

What to do if dad can't make it to the Daddy Daughter Dance

If you aren't sure if dad can make it, be sure to extend the invitation to other adult important to the daughter, including grandfathers, uncles, brothers, or even a close family friend. Scheduling events can be hard on parents, so be sure to let them know it isn't exclusive to just dads.

What themes have you used?

Daddy Daughter Dances don't all have to be the same. Add a fun event theme to make it a truly memorable event for dads and daughters.

Have you planned a Daddy Daughter Dance with a unique theme? We'd love to hear about it! Let us know in the comments below, or chat with us on Facebook.