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Along with the couple’s first dance, the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance are some of the most important musical moments of a wedding reception. And moments as big as these call for carefully selected songs.
Wedding music is a personal choice for a couple, but when it comes to the mother-son dance, it’s best to let mom help you make the decision. After all, this special moment is one of mom’s few chances to shine on your big day!
We’re revealing 47 heartwarming mother-son dance songs that might be perfect for your big day. You’ll find oldies that mom sang to you as a kid, tearjerking country ballads, and fun, upbeat tunes that’ll make everyone want to get on the dance floor.
Our Favorite Mother-Son Dance Songs of All Time
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Chicago | Lauren Maloney
For some moms and grooms, selecting a mother-son dance song is a cinch. You have that one tune that you both love, and you’ve known your whole life that this would be your dance song at the wedding. It’s such an easy decision for you that it’s not even on your to-do list.
However, for others, choosing the right mother and groom song can be challenging.
With so many great songs to choose from, many moms and grooms-to-be find it hard to settle on just one. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of our all-time favorite songs for the mother-son moment.
It includes classics you grew up listening to and newer selections that are now mother-son wedding dance favorites.
Songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s:
- • “In My Life” by The Beatles
- • “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- • “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King
Songs from the ‘70s, and ‘80s:
- • “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
- • “I’ll Be There” by Jackson 5
- • “Beautiful Boy” by John Lennon
- • “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- • “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
- • “Your Song” by Elton John
- • “Child of Mine” by Carole King
- • “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You” by James Taylor
Songs from the ‘90s and ‘00s:
- • “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
- • “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
- • “He Gets That from Me” by Reba McEntire
- • “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
- • “Days Like This” by Van Morrison
- • “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
- • “The Wish” by Bruce Springsteen
- • “Letter To My Mother” by Edwin McCain
- • “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
Songs from 2010 to now:
Whether you’re having a traditional wedding day or an unconventional celebration, any one of these songs is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Still deciding on a big day playlist? Check out our other music posts!
Processional Songs | Entrance Songs | First Dance Songs | Exit Songs
Country Songs for a Mother-Son Dance
It doesn’t matter if you’re having a formal wedding in a grand ballroom or planning to say “I do” in cowboy boots on your ranch. A great country music tune can turn a mother-son dance moment into an unforgettable memory.
With sentimental lyrics that tell the story of your relationship, these country songs will bring tears to the eyes of all wedding guests.
- • “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
- • “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
- • “Mother” by Sugarland
- • “Mother Like Mine” by The Band Perry
- • “There You’ll Be” by Faith Hill
- • “Never Alone” by Lady A
- • “Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina
- • “That’s What Mamas Are For” by Chris Lane
If you’re torn between two songs but can’t make a final pick, consider letting mom have the final say!
R&B Songs for a Mother-Son Wedding Dance
Photo: The Knot | Ryan Greenleaf Photography
Much of the R&B musical catalog consists of slow jams that are more appropriate to dance to with your spouse. But there are also plenty of amazing R&B tunes that make for great mother-son dance songs!
From ‘60s classics to ‘90s essentials to more modern selections, these songs are ideal for R&B-loving moms and grooms.
- • “A Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men
- • “Hero” by Mariah Carey
- • “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
- • “I’ll Be There” by Mac Miller
- • “Momma Hold My Hand” by Aloe Blacc
Considering doing grandparent dances as well? These songs make for great groom-grandma dances, too!
Upbeat Mother-Son Wedding Dance Songs
A lot of mother-son dance songs are tearjerkers — but your pick doesn’t have to be. The two of you can create a truly unforgettable moment by choosing a fun, upbeat song that will get everyone toe-tapping along with you.
- • “Loves Me Like a Rock” by Paul Simon
- • “Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson
- • “I’ll Always Love My Mama” by The Intruders
- • “Mom” by Meghan Trainor
If you and mom love old school hip hop, consider these timeless jams for your mother-son dance.
- • “La Di Da Di” by Doug E. Fresh
- • “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock
- • “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool
If you pick an upbeat song to get the crowd on their feet, consider planning your dance moves before the big day. You don’t need to arrange for full choreography, but a few synchronized moves can make the moment lighter and even more lively!
Other Songs We Love for a Mother-Son Wedding Dance
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids | Katie Severein
There’s no shortage of amazing mother-son dance songs to choose from. If you’re still looking for a song that resonates with you, here are a few more options. They include emo, alternative, tropical, and crowd-pleasing rock songs that everyone knows.
- • “Thank You Mom” by Good Charlotte
- • “(They Long to Be) Close To You” by Carpenters
- • “House of Gold” by Twenty One Pilots
- • “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars
- • “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen
Related: Mother of the Groom Dress Ideas
Like all songs on your wedding playlist, your mother-son dance song should reflect who you are as individuals as well as the special relationship that the two of you share.
It can be a song you grew up singing together. It can be a song whose lyrics echo the essence of your unique bond. Or it can be an upbeat dance song where you can get your groove on and get the party started.
No matter what song you choose, one thing is for sure — dancing together at the wedding is a moment you’ll never forget!
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