Weddings are a time for celebration and the Mother Son Dance is no exception! The Mother Son Dance is a time for just the two of you to slow down, talk and laugh. It’s also a time to cherish memories and make new ones. Whether you choose a slow song or a fast song, this is such an important part of the day for the mother of the groom. But what songs are best for a Mother Son Dance? We have all the ideas you need below!
{top photo by Gabriel Conover}
What is the Mother-Son dance?
Traditionally, the Mother Son Dance is the dance between the mother of the groom and her son. It comes after the Father Daughter Dance in the wedding reception timeline. It is a heartfelt moment during the wedding reception. Most likely, it will be filmed and photographed, so be sure to choose a special song for the two of you.
Some wedding couples combine the father daughter dance with the mother son dance (for a parent dance) or maybe one of your parents is not able to attend or has passed. If that is the case, often a sibling, friend, or another parent can fill in as a replacement, so that is an option as well! For this one, both couples dance to the same song. A few songs we love for this include: “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts, “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole, “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, or “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders.
How do you choose a Mother-Son dance song?
If you don’t know where to start, pick a genre you both love and there’s bound to be a song in that genre that works for you both! And there are no rules that say it has to be a slow song! You do the two of you!! It should be your special moment, so choose a song that has personal meaning to you.
To help you choose the perfect song for your special moment with Mom, we’ve compiled 70 of the best Mother-Son dance songs out there – with big thanks to lots of input from past and current GWS couples! – and we organized them into genres.
And the best way to decide if you aren’t familiar with the songs? Check out our Spotify playlists – preferably with your Mom and a glass of wine!
{photo by Magnolia + Ember}
Ready for the Best Mother-Son Dance Songs?
Slow Mother-Son Dance Songs
Looking for a slow song to dance to? You can’t go wrong with any of these beautiful songs…
- “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra
- “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
- “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
- “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole
- “Do I make you proud” by Taylor Hicks
- “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
- “Hey, Ma” by Bon Iver
- “Time After Time” by Iron and Wine
- “A Mother’s Song” by Daniel Kirkley
- “Here Comes the Sun Again” by M. Ward
- “All My Tomorrows” by Frank Sinatra
Upbeat + Fun Mother-Son Dance Songs
We totally get that sweet and slow songs don’t work for every relationship! Whether you want to bust a move with Mom or just rock back and forth to a fun beat, this list is for you!
- “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
- “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
- “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by Marvin Gaye
- “Home” by Phillip Phillips
- “I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin
- “One Love / People Get Ready” by Bob Marley
- “Rainbow Connection” by The Muppets
- “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders
- “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars
- “We are Family” by Sister Sledge
{photo by 5ive15ifteen}
Pop/Modern Mother-Son Dance Songs
So many recommended songs are either classics or country, so this list is for those of you looking for something a bit more current!
- “Sweetest Devotion” by Adele
- “Mom” by Meghan Trainor
- “Hey Mama” by Kanye West
- “I’ll Be There” by Mac Miller ft. Phonte
- “Letter to My Mother” by Edwin McCain
- “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
- “Beautiful Boy” by Ben Harper
- “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
- “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
- “Love Of My Life” by Carly Simon
- “Love is a Verb” by John Mayer
- “The One Thing” by Shakira
- “Thank You Mom” by Good Charlotte
- “93 Million Miles” by Jason Mraz
- “Everything” by Matthew John
- “Go On” by Jack Johnson
- “She’s Got a Way” by Billy Joel
- “House of Gold” by 21 Pilots
Rock Mother-Son Dance Songs
You both love belting out classic rock songs, so why not have one of those for your first dance!
- “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Have I Told You Lately” by Van Morrison
- “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
- “Thank You For Loving Me” by Bon Jovi
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- “Mother” by Pink Floyd
- “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
{photo by Steve Soares}
R&B Mother-Son Dance Songs
There are so many good R&B options for your dance…we’ve got a nice mix of old and new school for you.
- “You are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
- “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men
- “Mama Hold My Hand” by Aloe Blacc
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
- “Hero” by Mariah Carey
- “I Got You” by Ciara
- “River,” by Leon Bridges
- “I’ll Be There” by Mac Miller ft. Phonte
Country Mother-Son Dance Songs
Love country music? There are SO many options in this genre! Whether it’s a song written for their own mother or their son, there are lots to choose from!
- “Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry
- “Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina
- “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
- “Mama Said” by Lukas Graham
- “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
- “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood
- “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- “Sweet Child of Mine” by Sheryl Crow
- “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
- “He Gets That From Me” by Reba McEntire
- “Mother” by Sugarland
- “Landslide” by The Chicks
- “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
- “Never Alone” by Lady and Jim Brickman
Pin the photo above to save for your wedding.
Still undecided? Ask family and friends if they have any ideas or read some of the lyrics closer and you might be inspired by the words. Any songs we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Love the picture by Steve Soares!