If you’re at the point in the wedding planning process where you’re starting to think about what songs to play at your reception, it’s safe to assume that you’ve booked the venue, planned the menu, and picked out the flowers. But now it’s time to hammer out those little details. What song will you dance your first tune to as a married couple? What song will the bride dance to with her dad? What song represents the special bond the groom shares with his mother? Not to worry—we’ve compiled a list of 30 mother son dance songs that are perfect for grooms and moms of all types.

Jessica Ranae Photography

30 Mother-Son Dance Songs for Your Wedding Reception

Brides, Choose Your Battles Wisely

Finding it difficult to come up with the perfect mother-son dance song? The first thing you should realize is that the only people who should truly have a say in this choice are the groom and his mother. Brides, don’t step on any toes here. Even if his mother loves you like her own daughter, it’s likely to be an emotional day for her. She may be viewing this wedding as though she’s gaining a daughter rather than losing a son. But the truth is that you, as the bride, are the focal point of the day. Let his mother have this special moment with her son, and when they agree on a tune they want to dance to together, keep quiet and just let it be (even if it’s an overplayed hit that makes you squirm and cringe).

Find the Song That Best Represents the Relationship

Before you settle on a mother-son dance song, we suggest Googling the lyrics. Make sure that the message of the lyrics is actually the message you think it is. It should come as no surprise that many of us sing the wrong song lyrics—even to the classics that we’ve heard our entire lives. So take the extra minute to read the lyrics to make sure the song you think is endearing actually is representative of the mother-son relationship you share.

Laura Lee Photography

Don’t Be Afraid to Buck All the Trends

There’s no rule that says your mother-son dance song has to be a slow jam. If there’s a special tune that means something to the two of you and it requires an all-out choreographed number or the display of both of your best (or worst) dance moves, go for it. No one will care about this moment as much as you two. It should be your special moment, so choose a tune that has personal meaning to you.

30 Songs That Might be Perfect for You

Everyone has their own taste in music, so we’ve put together a list of 30 great options and organized them by categories and genres so that you can easily find your special song.

The Classics:

“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton

“Stand By Me” by Ben E. King

“Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole

“Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra

“You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor

If you’re a lover of classic rock or want to choose a song that everyone at your reception will know, these five timeless choices are simply perfect for any wedding celebration. With lyrics such as “Oh I won’t be afraid just as long as you stand by me,” Ben E. King’s classic is a time-honored favorite that everyone knows and everyone can relate to. It’s one of our personal favorites on this list and even though it’s a classic, it’s not necessarily an obvious choice.

Eric Vest Photography

Popular:

“Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart

“Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel

“She’s Got a Way” by Billy Joel

“Thank You For Loving Me” by Bon Jovi

“Love Of My Life” by Carly Simon

It’s hard not to categorize Billy Joel’s greatest hits as classics, but his pop success is undeniable. With the lyric “she’s got a smile that heals me,” Joel’s much-loved “She’s Got A Way” is one mother-son dance song that never goes out of style.

Upbeat:

“Loves Me Like a Rock” by Paul Simon

“How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor

“I’ll Always Love My Mama” by the Intruders

“God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys

Not in the mood to slow dance with your mama? Pick a song with an upbeat tempo and a dance-worthy beat. “I’ll Always Love My Mama” lets you get your groove on and get down with your mom in a way that’s sure to entertain your guests and bring a smile to the bride’s face. With the lyric “she’s my favorite girl, you only get one, you only get one,” it’s a surefire mom-pleaser, especially if early ‘70s style is her favorite music era.

Brian Bossany Photography

Country/Southern Rock:

“My Wish” by Rascal Flatts

“Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney

“Then They Do” by Trace Adkins

“He Gets That From Me” by Reba McEntire

“Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood

“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

There are so many country tunes with sentimental lyrics that this list could have easily included 30 songs of its own. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts takes our top spot as our favorite country mother-son dance song, mostly for the endearing lyric “my wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to.”

R&B:

“A Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men

“Hero” by Mariah Carey

“Hey Mama” by Kanye West

“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack

Kanye West’s “Hey Mama” may not be an obvious choice, but this mother-son dance song delights with the lyrics “come on mommy just dance wit me, let the whole world see your dancing feet.” It’s the perfect choice for any mom and groom who wants to break tradition and create their own set of rules.

One One Photography

Acoustic:

“Love Is a Verb” by John Mayer

“Go On” by Jack Johnson

“Wildflowers” by Tom Petty

“In My Life” by The Beatles

“Teach Your Children” by Crosby Stills & Nash

“1, 2, 3, 4” by Plain White T’s

If you want a soft acoustic tune, all of these are great choices, but Jack Johnson’s “Go On” always gets us with its tender lyric “I see you slowly swim away, cause the light is leaving town, to a place that I can’t be.” If you want a tearjerker that doesn’t sound like one, this is the tune for you.

Brian Bossany Photography

Whether you’re a hipster, a hip hop fan, a country music fanatic, or a classic rock aficionado, this list just may help you to find that perfect song for the mother-son dance at your wedding reception. Remember, this tender and special moment is one in a lifetime and the only people that should make this decision are the groom and his mom. Do your own thing and share this moment with a tune that means something to you. If you don’t have a special tune or a favorite anthem that you and mom share, take some time out before the wedding to spend an afternoon with your mom. Listen to a few of each other’s favorite tunes and pick the ones that mean the most to you. You just might find that the time spent making the selection together may end up to be one of the most special moments that the two of your share together before the big day.

You may also like…