Choosing the perfect song for the mother-son dance is a significant part of any wedding celebration.
While planning the ceremony, some lean toward timeless classics or modern hits to capture the emotional essence of the special moment.
Dominic Fournier, a co-founder of the Wedding Duo and a wedding DJ of more than 15 years, told Newsweek that finding the perfect song for the mother-son dance is no easy feat. He recommended that those choosing the song ask themselves a few questions to help point them in the right direction.
Fournier, who runs his wedding business with wife, Serena, said, “If you’re into country music, I’m not going to suggest a pop song.”
For sons who have close relationships with their mothers, there are songs that may evoke an emotional reaction in the guests, Fournier said. But if they aren’t close, a more generic song would be a better choice.
“If the groom’s mother is the one picking the song, she might want a female artist singing about her relationship to her son. But if the groom is tasked with the song selection, he may want a song from his perspective,” he added.
Newsweek Illustration/Canva
The Most Popular Mother-Son Wedding Dance Songs
- “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins
- “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney
- “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
- “Boy” by Lee Brice
- “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
- “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
- “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
- “Her Little Man” by Jami Grooms
- “Mother” by Michael Bublé
- “Never Alone” by Jim Brickman featuring Lady A
Unique Songs for a Mother-Son Wedding Dance
Rachel Marturello, the owner of Good Times Styled Events and its lead planner, told Newsweek that the mother-son dance is often an overlooked part of the wedding.
She said: “We reflect on the tradition of giving the bride away but lose sight of the fact that a mother is also giving her son away.
“For me, this is such a touching moment, and one that I believe does not receive enough gratitude or care in many wedding ceremonies.”
Here are some unique song choices for a mother-son dance that Marturello has heard:
- “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
- “Mama” by Spice Girls
- “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard
- “Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith
- “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5
- “Mom” by Earth, Wind & Fire
- “The Perfect Fan” by Backstreet Boys
- “You Are My Sunshine” by Johnny Cash
- “Dear Mama” by 2Pac
- “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars
“I tend to see the mother of the groom choosing the song for the mother-and-son dance. I always tell my grooms to take his mother out to dinner and take the time to choose a song together that reflects their unique relationship,” Marturello said.
Recommended Mother-Son Wedding Dance Songs, From a Wedding DJ
Fournier said the mother and son didn’t need to worry about the length of the song: “Some people don’t like the spotlight or want to be on the dance floor for four and a half minutes with everyone staring at them.”
“I hear couples tell me about a song they would like to use in their wedding, but [they think] it’s too long,” he added.
Fournier recommended picking a song and telling the DJ to look for a spot in the music to fade out.
For a mother-son dance, Fournier recommended using a classic song. Here are 10 of his favorites:
- “In My Life” by the Beatles
- “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty
- “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
- “Into the Mystic” by Van Morrison
- “Have I Told You Lately (Unplugged Version)” by Rod Stewart
- “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole
The perfect mother-son dance song can set the tone for a memorable and touching moment during a wedding reception. Whether it’s a timeless classic or modern hit, the song should reflect the unique relationship between the groom and his mom.