The Dubsdread Catering Event Team weigh in with professional advice for this often-asked question. 

After the first dance as a newly married couple, the second most memorable dances at weddings today are the Father-Daughter and Mother-Son dances. These are often just as full of love and can leave everyone crying and, or, laughing a little. Whether you decide to go the traditional route or choose to create some fun choreography, these dances are a staple for receptions and photographs. To learn more about the history of the dances, visit our blog: History Of Wedding Traditions: Father-Daughter and Mother-Son Dances

Some families already have songs that are meaningful to their relationships and families that they absolutely already know they will play.

But what if you don’t? What if your taste in music and your father’s or mother’s is completely different? What’s appropriate for all types of guests? What works for time? No worries!

For either dance, have a discussion with your father, or mother, and figure out if you want a nice and slow song or something more upbeat. It is nice to use a song that can bring you both back to a moment, but it can simply be something that you both recognize and enjoy. Or, if you do not even want to stress about picking a song, no worries! There are plenty of instrumental songs that can just act as background music while the two of you are dancing.

Whether you are keeping it traditional, doing something fun, or looking for a good background instrumental, we’re here to give you some song options for each dance to help you pick the perfect song for this special occasion.

Father/ Daughter Dance Song Ideas:

• Father’s Eyes by Amy Grant
• Times of Your Life by Paul Anka
• Father and Daughter by Pail Simon
• Forever Young by Rod Stewart
• You are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
• Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III
• My Girl by The Temptations
• I Loved Her First by Heartland
• Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses
• When My Little Girl is Smiling by The Drifters
• Dance with My Father by Luther Vandross
• My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
• There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney
• When You Need Me by Brue Springsteen
• Always in All Ways by Kenny Loggins
• Dream Big by Ryan Shupe
• Hero by Mariah Carey
• My Wish by Rascal Flatts
• Daddy’s Little Girl by The Shires
• Dance with My Daughter by Jason Blaine
• Butterfly Fly Away by Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus
• First Man by Camila Cabello
• Don’t Blink by Kenny Chesney

Mother/Son Dance Song Ideas:

• Mama Hold My Hand by Aloe Blacc
• God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
• Home by Jack Johnson
• You’ll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins
• The Wish by Bruce Springsteen
• I’ll Stand by You by The Pretenders
• Thank You Mom by Good Charlotte
• Sweet Pea by Amos Lee
• Take Your Mama by Scissor Sisters
• The Best Day by Taylor Swift
• My Mother’s Eyes by Frankie Valli
• The Baby by Blake Shelton
• The Man I Want to Be by Chris Young
• A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
• Sweet Joy of Mine by Jow Williams
• My Wish by Rascal Flatts
• Hey, Ma by Bon Iver
• Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
• Only One by Kanye West ft. Paul McCartney
• Do I Make You Proud by Taylor Hicks
• Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart
• Mama Said by The Shirelles
• Close Your Eyes by Michael Bublé

A few songs on both lists can be used for either dance, so feel free to experiment with a few! Also, your DJ, Band, or Entertainment vendor may have additional selections that they know will work with your other music choices.

No wedding tradition is a one-size-fits-all, and it is good to know your other options. It is important to acknowledge that some brides and grooms may not have a relationship with their parents, or they may sadly no longer have them in their lives. The bride can choose to dance with a father-figure such as an uncle or brother, or even her mother. While the son can also choose to dance with a mother-figure such as an aunt, grandma, or sister. Or don’t even include the tradition at all, it is your night to create your own traditions. At the end of the day, do what works best for you and your partner.

Photos courtesy of: Steven Miller Photography; Amy Slogar Photography, Live Happy Studios; Rachel Doyle Photography.