Mother Son Dance Songs for Your Wedding Reception

There are plenty of details to consider when planning your wedding day. The big day is all about you and your significant other, filled with moments to last a lifetime. When it comes to your wedding reception, laughter and joy will come most from the dancing. Although song selection may not make it to the top of your to-do list, it’s important to pick out a meaningful soundtrack for your wedding celebration.

Aside from selecting from the best first dance wedding songs, you can also make this moment special for your parents too, especially mom. Traditionally, the dancing portion of the wedding reception is kicked off with the newlyweds first dance and the parent-child dances. Although the father-daughter dance may get more attention, the mother-son first dance is just as special and is the best way to make mom feel important.

Selecting a song just for her is the perfect way to honor your relationship and the special bond the two of you share. So, how do you pick just one? Put a smile on her face to the lyrics of Eric Clapton’s ballad, “Wonderful Tonight.” Use James Taylor to tell Mom how sweet it is to be loved by her or thank her for all she has done by taking her hand to the sound of “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder. Use the steps below to help you pick the perfect song and inspire your selection. 

How to Pick a Mother and Son First Dance Song?

Before selecting a mother and son first dance song, take a few moments to think about what you want the song to express. You’ll want the lyrics and the music to be heartfelt and reflect your relationship with mom. The mother son wedding dance is a bittersweet moment in the evening when a mother witnesses her son becoming a husband. There are plenty of songs that will help you express this feeling and bring on the tears so it’s important to pick one that’s unique. That’s why we’ve listed the four steps below that will help you pick the best song for the mother and son first dance:

1. Think about your unique relationship. Your mom is surely one-of-a-kind and you’ll want your first dance song to reflect that relationship. You’ll also want to pick a sentimental tune that will allow her to feel appreciated for all of her love and help over the years.
2. Think about a certain decade or genre the two of you may prefer. This is the perfect way to narrow down a long list of songs and streamline your options. Find the perfect decade and genre that the two of you like and go from there.
3. Consider if you’d like a slow song or something more upbeat. Although the mother-son first dance song is something more emotional with a slow tempo, there is nothing stopping you from picking an upbeat tune that is lighthearted and dance worthy. Just be sure it is something your mom will absolutely love and your guests will enjoy watching.
4. Have fun with your song selection and honor the special relationship you have with your mom! No matter which song you end up selecting, your mom will feel loved and remember this moment forever. So the both of you should remember to soak it in. 

Who Chooses the Mother Son Wedding Dance Song?

The groom is usually the one who chooses the mother son wedding dance song. Seeing as the dance serves as a tribute to your mom, it can be a nice touch for you to surprise her with a song selection with heartwarming lyrics that are just for her. You can certainly ask Mom for her nod of approval once you have narrowed down your selection or have found the perfect one. On the other hand, parents may also enjoy being included in the first dance song selection and if you are picking out the song together, it can serve as bonding time with mom before the wedding. Ultimately, the choice of who picks the mother/groom first dance song is up to your personal preference as long as it’s special and meaningful.

When is the Mother Son Dance?

The mother son dance takes place after the newlywed’s first dance and after the father daughter first dance. Since the newlywed’s first dance is most commonly the one that kicks off the reception portion of the night, it is tradition to have the parent’s first dances follow right after. When it comes to wedding first dances, traditionally speaking, Mom gets honored after the bride and her dad have their special moment. It is becoming more common though for bride and grooms to combine both the father daughter dance and the mother son dance, to take place after the bride and groom’s first dance as husband and wife.

Whether you choose a classic track or an artist’s cover, your mom will appreciate the gesture and your dance will serve as a memory she will never forget. Use our list of mother-son wedding dance songs, separated by genre, to help you find the perfect tune.

Ballad Mother Son Dance Songs

Oldies Mother Son Dance Songs

Country Mother Son Dance Songs

Now that you’ve got your first dance songs selected, make sure you don’t miss out on any of our other helpful wedding ideas and tips along the way. Between looking your best, getting your bridesmaids and groomsmen on the same page, and sending out wedding thank you cards after the big day, don’t forget to cherish these more simple wedding tasks such as choosing a song. The mother-son dance is one of the most photographed moments at your wedding reception, so don’t forget to explore custom wall art options after the big day. If you plan these special moments in advance, you can make sure you enjoy them without any second thoughts.