25 Best Mother and Son Dance Songs for Your Wedding

A mother-son dance is one of the most heartfelt moments at any wedding. It’s a special tradition that highlights the unique bond between mother and son, marking an emotional moment as they share the spotlight together.

This is a really special moment at a wedding, where the mother of the groom gets to share a moment in the spotlight with her son. The mother of the groom doesn’t always have a big role at weddings in the UK, so it’s a nice way to make her feel valued. 

Finding the right song for a mother-son dance can help to make the moment even more memorable - but there's more to it than just that. Browse our ultimate guide to mother-son dances to make sure yours is perfect.

• Best mother-son dance songs
• Tips for a mother-son dance at a wedding
• What is a mother-son dance?
• How to choose a mother-son dance song

The Best Mother-Son Dance Songs for Weddings

Can’t decide what song to have for your mother-son dance at your wedding? These sounds are all perfect for a mother of the groom to dance to with her son at his wedding.

1. Castle on the Hill - Ed Sheeran

A sentimental choice with UK roots, this track evokes nostalgia and would be a great choice for a heartfelt mother-son moment.

2. In My Life - The Beatles

A timeless classic that resonates deeply with generations of UK families. Perfect for a more traditional wedding.

3. Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur

A heartfelt ballad with a gentle vibe, this song has been popular at weddings for its themes of love, commitment, and emotional connection. 

It’s tender, relatable, and would suit a mother-son dance perfectly.

4. Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

A timeless, uplifting song that's full of warmth and positivity, perfect for celebrating the relationship between mother and son. It's about joy and new beginnings.

5. Come On Eileen - Dexy’s Midnight Runners

This is a great choice if you want a more playful, upbeat dance. And bonus points if your mum is actually called Eileen!

6. Stand By Me - Ben E. King

This classic song is about loyalty and support, making it a beautiful choice that carries emotional depth. It’s a great way to highlight the strength of the mother-son relationship.

7. Lean on Me - Bill Withers

This is a great feel-good song about support and togetherness, fitting perfectly for a mother-son dance. It’s heartfelt and speaks to unconditional love and support, without any romantic undertones.

8. You Are My Best Friend - Queen

While it's about friendship, it’s an excellent choice for a mother-son dance. The song expresses love and companionship, but without romantic connotations. 

It’s light-hearted and fun, and could make for a lovely moment.

9. The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack

Although it’s a love song, its lyrics can be interpreted as a mother’s deep affection for her son when taken in the right context. It’s emotionally powerful without being romantic.

10. Fast Car - Tracy Chapman

This song tells a story of escape and new beginnings. It's reflective and carries a lot of emotional weight.

11. Heroes - David Bowie

A perfect choice if you're looking for something a bit more epic. It's about feeling like you’re heroes together, which could perfectly capture the mother-son dynamic.

12. Just the Way You Are - Billy Joel

A great choice to highlight unconditional love and acceptance. It’s an uplifting song that works well for a mother-son dance without feeling romantic.

13. Patience - Take That

One thing a mother has to have is patience, so this boy band anthem could be a great pick. It’s also a nice touch if your mum is a Take That fan. 

14. Your Song - Elton John

A beautiful, heartwarming song that has stood the test of time. It’s both reflective and deeply moving.

15. My Girl - The Temptations

Although traditionally a father-daughter song, this classic Motown hit is full of warmth and affection, making it an ideal choice for a mother-son dance. It’s light-hearted, fun, and full of positivity.

16. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John

A beautiful, reflective song that’s not overly romantic but still full of emotion and meaning. It’s a great choice if you want something more unique with a nostalgic British touch.

17. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers

This fun and energetic song could work brilliantly for a lively, joyful mother-son dance. Its upbeat tempo will get guests smiling and tapping their feet, making it a memorable choice.

18. Lovely Day - Bill Withers

A cheerful, uplifting track that celebrates happiness and positivity. It’s perfect for a mother-son dance as it radiates warmth and optimism without being overly emotional or romantic.

19. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel

This classic hit is full of emotional depth. The lyrics speak of offering support and unconditional love, which is perfect for a mother-son relationship.

20. Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band

For lovers of country music, this song about appreciating the simple things in life can make for an upbeat and cheerful dance.

21. Mother and Child Reunion - Paul Simon

This song has a catchy, upbeat rhythm but with deeper meanings about family and connection. While not overly sentimental, it has a sense of longing and love that fits perfectly for a mother-son moment.

22. I’ll Be There - Jackson 5

A classic soul track about loyalty and support, it’s a timeless, feel-good choice that expresses the unconditional love between a mother and son. Its upbeat vibe makes it fun without being romantic.

23. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac

A heartfelt and reflective song, "Landslide" focuses on life's transitions and the passage of time, making it a perfect fit for a mother-son dance that acknowledges their shared history and growth.

24. The Nights - Avicii

For those with a more modern or upbeat wedding vibe, ‘The Nights’ brings a sense of adventure and the idea of cherishing life’s moments. It’s a great choice for a lively, non-romantic dance.

25. Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

A fun and joyful classic that’s full of energy and nostalgia. It can make for a lively, spirited mother-son dance that’s playful and light-hearted - especially if your mum has brown eyes!

Tips for a Mother-Son Dance

Want to pull off the perfect mother-son dance at your wedding? As well as choosing the right mother-son dance song, you need to think of a few other details. 

Here are our top tips for pulling off the perfect mother and son dance at your wedding:

Choose the Right Song

• Pick a song that reflects your unique relationship, whether it’s emotional, upbeat, or playful.
• Consider songs that have sentimental meaning or reflect themes of love, support, and togetherness, without being overly romantic.

Practice Together

• Rehearse the dance before the big day to feel more comfortable and confident.
• If you're not comfortable with dancing, a simple, slow sway can be just as meaningful.

Incorporate Personal Touches

• If you have a shared hobby or memory, incorporate it into the dance in subtle ways, like wearing something symbolic or using a family tradition.

Consider the Venue and Atmosphere

• Choose a song that fits the vibe of your wedding, whether it's a formal setting or a more laid-back celebration.
• Think about the space you have available for dancing - if it’s small, a slow dance might be better.

Keep It Comfortable

• When choosing your outfit - especially the mother of the groom outfit - consider how easy it is to dance in
• Pay attention to footwear—opt for shoes you can move in, especially if the dance lasts longer than expected.

Don’t Overthink It

• The moment is about the connection, not perfection. Enjoy the experience and embrace the emotions that come with it.
• The most important thing is the emotional bond between mother and son. Focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about flawless choreography.

Involve Your Guests

• If you feel like it, you can invite others to join the dance halfway through, making it a more inclusive family moment.

Consider the Length of the Song

• Pick a song that’s the right length—long enough to be meaningful but not too long to feel awkward.

Plan the Moment

• Make sure to announce the dance or have a moment of silence before it begins to allow guests to focus on the special moment.

What is a Mother-Son Dance at a Wedding?

Traditionally, the mother-son dance follows the father-daughter dance and is often one of the most poignant moments of the evening, giving both the groom and his mother a chance to share the spotlight.

You might even opt for a joint parent dance - having your parents dance together while you dance, or having a mother-son and father-daughter dance. It’s up to the other parents if they want to dance together too while this is taking place!

Choosing the Best Mother and Son Dance Song

Choosing the perfect song for the mother-son dance is about selecting a track that reflects the relationship you share with your mum. 

Whether you go for a classic British ballad or a more contemporary tune, it should be a song that resonates emotionally with both of you and complements the overall vibe of the wedding.

When it comes to choosing the right music for a mother and son dance at your wedding, think about the genre as that will really impact the vibe, for example:

• Indie music is a great choice for a more laidback, fun approach
• Pop music has a huge variety of songs to choose from
• UK soul music is a great choice for a more meaningful dance

Remember, the song doesn’t need to be overly formal. This is a moment to honour your mother-son relationship, so you can choose any song you like to reflect that!

Whether you choose a classic British ballad or a modern hit, the mother-son dance is one of the most meaningful moments of your wedding day. 

It’s a chance to honour the special bond between you and your mum, creating a memory that will last forever.