Beautiful Songs For The Mother-Son Dance At Your Wedding
A wedding is often filled with emotional moments, like the first dance or saing your vows, but one of the biggiest is the mother-son dance at the reception. In this article, we’re sharing some beautiful songs for this very special dance.
What is a mother-son dance?
At a wedding reception which follows the wedding breakfast (the first meal as a married couple), the newlyweds will usually kick off proceedings with their first dance. This will often be followed by a father-daughter dance and a mother-son dance – both of which signify the bride / groom’s new life as a married person.
Due to the sentimental nature of these dances, it’s important to choose a song or piece of music which reflects the significance of the moment; whether it’s a song which is particularly special to you or one whose lyrics encapsulate your feelings.
Beautiful songs for the mother-son dance at your wedding
Many couples struggle when it comes to choosing songs for their weddings and so, in this section, we’re sharing some suggestions of songs for mother son dances to make this moment sing:
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life – Stevie Wonder
This 1973 smash hit lends itself perfectly to a mother-son dance due to the fact that the lyrics, while sentimental, are not overly “romantic”. For example, the line “You are the apple of my eye, forever I’ll stay around”, depicts a loving relationship but not necessarily one between romantic partners.
Additionally, the mid-tempo pace of the song is perfect for the kind of traditional steps which are usually associated with a mother-son dance.
The Best Day – Taylor Swift
The biggest pop star on the planet right now has always been vocal about her love and affection for her mother and this is very much reflected in the lyric, “And now I know why all the trees change in the fall. I know you were on my side. Even when I was wrong. And I love you for giving me your eyes. Staying back and watching me shine”.
With a great tempo and Ms Swift’s distinctive voice, this one is sure to tug at the heartstrings while getting your guest’s toes tapping ready to hit the dancefloor.
God Only knows – The Beach Boys
In the 1960s, The Beach Boys were known for their sunny, bouncy pop songs, making them one of the most popular bands of all time. In contrast, God Only Knows is a gentler, more introspective song and the simple line “God only knows what I’d be without you” perfectly sums up the vibe of a mother-son dance.
The tempo of this song is on the gentle side and is ideal for a Slow Waltz or a Nightclub Two Step.
Mother – Ashanti
New Yorker, Ashanti, has sold almost 30 million records worldwide and this song’s heartfelt lyric of “You taught me strength and you gave me guidance / Whenever faith was lost, you were there to find it / And all because a mother’s love is unconditional” will resonate with an awful lot of people.
With a slow to mid tempo and a finger clicking beat, Ashanti’s Mother is a great choice for yours during this special dance.
He Gets It From Me – Reba McIntyre
Country music fans will probably already be familiar with this sweet song from one of country’s favourite daughters.
The line “And cracks a joke at the perfect time, / Makes me laugh when I want to cry, / That boy is everything to me” will resonate with mothers everywhere and the gentle pace of the song makes it easy to dance to – even for absolute beginners.
Hero – Mariah Carey
While Mariah Carey may be best known for her diva antics and her festive smash hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, her song “Hero” is something of an anthem for many and lends itself perfectly for a mother-son dance.
While Hero is a ballad, it holds enough momentum to lend itself to a dance and contains the perfect mother-son lyric of “And then a hero comes along / With the strength to carry on / And you cast your fears aside / And you know you can survive.”
Turn To You – Justin Bieber
Popular heartthrob Justin Bieber recently tied the knot himself to Hailey Baldwin (daughter of Hollywood A lister, Stephen Baldwin), making this song which Justin dedicates to his mother, Patti, extremely appropriate.
There won’t be a dry eye in the house with the line “Mom, you were so brave / There was nothing gonna stop or get in our way / And I know you will always be there for me” and, with a boppy summer feel, this is a great song to help get your wedding party started.
A song in your heart (and on the dancefloor)
The mother-son dance is a really special moment in any wedding and allows the groom to show off the first special lady in his life. For this reason, it’s important to choose your song carefully.
While some mothers and sons choose to take lessons and / or rehearse their dance, this is not essential as your guests are there to appreciate the sentiment – not your dance moves.