
The mother-son dance is a highly honoured tradition at wedding receptions, and What a Wonderful World is a popular choice for this special moment. The song, made famous by Louis Armstrong, evokes a nostalgic and jazz-filled atmosphere. It is one of many songs that reflect the deep connection between a mother and her son, with other popular choices including Stand by Me by Ben E. King, My Wish by Rascal Flatts, and 93 Million Miles for a more modern acoustic feel. These songs provide the perfect opportunity for the mother of the groom to express her love and appreciation for her son on his wedding day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Folk, Country, Jazz |
| Performer | Louis Armstrong |
| Lyrics | "It's only natural that the hyper-optimistic 'What a Wonderful World' be played at celebrations of love" |
| Popularity | One of the most overplayed wedding songs, according to TIME |
| Alternatives | "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King, "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts, "93 Million Miles" (acoustic), "Then They Do" (country) |
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What You'll Learn
- Nostalgic and jazz songs, such as What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
- Folk and country songs, like My Wish by Rascal Flatts
- Acoustic songs, including 93 Million Miles
- Classic rock songs, such as You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
- Romantic love songs, like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack

Nostalgic and jazz songs, such as What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Jazz songs are a fantastic way to add a touch of timeless elegance to your wedding. Whether you're looking for a soulful ballad or an upbeat tune, jazz has something for everyone. Here are some ideas for nostalgic and jazz songs that will create a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere on your special day:
"What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
This iconic song is a beautiful choice for a wedding. With its uplifting lyrics and smooth melody, it captures the joy and optimism of the occasion. Louis Armstrong's distinctive gravelly voice adds a touch of nostalgia, making it a heartwarming choice for a father-son dance or as the newlyweds enter the reception.
Frank Sinatra
Sinatra's smooth vocals and timeless classics like "My Way" and "Fly Me to the Moon" evoke a sense of old-school glamour and romance. His songs are perfect for a sophisticated wedding, whether played during an elegant sit-down dinner or as the backdrop to your first dance. "The Way You Look Tonight," with its heartfelt lyrics, is a wonderful choice for a couple's first dance as husband and wife.
Nat King Cole
With his rich, velvety voice, Nat King Cole is another artist whose songs evoke a sense of nostalgia and classic romance. "L-O-V-E" and "When I Fall in Love" are two of his most beloved songs that celebrate the joy and passion of love, perfect for a wedding celebration.
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
The duet "Cheek to Cheek" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong is a delightful choice for a wedding. With its playful lyrics and upbeat rhythm, it will have your guests tapping their feet and feeling the love. This song is ideal for the first dance or as a fun interlude during the reception.
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday's distinctive voice and soulful ballads will add a touch of emotion to your wedding. "I'll Be Seeing You" and "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" are two of her most memorable songs that convey the depth of love and the magic of a moonlit wedding night.
Michael Bublé
For a more modern take on jazz, Michael Bublé's songs are a wonderful choice. His smooth renditions of classics like "Everything" and "Haven't Met You Yet" bring a touch of sophistication and romance, perfect for a wedding.
Including jazz and nostalgic songs in your wedding creates an elegant and timeless atmosphere. Whether you choose soulful ballads or upbeat jazz standards, your guests will be treated to a sophisticated and romantic celebration.
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Folk and country songs, like My Wish by Rascal Flatts
Folk and country songs are a popular choice for weddings, with their heartfelt lyrics and intimate melodies. "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts is a beloved example, offering a beautiful expression of love and encouragement. If you're a fan of this song, there are several similar folk and country options that could be perfect for your special day.
The House That Built Me by Miranda Lambert
This country song by Miranda Lambert is a powerful ballad that reflects on the comfort and strength derived from home. With its nostalgic lyrics and emotional melody, it captures the essence of finding solace in familiar places and people, making it a perfect choice for a wedding, especially if you're returning to your hometown or a place of significance for the celebration.
Heartbeat by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood's "Heartbeat" is an uplifting and romantic country song. With its lively rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, it celebrates the joy and excitement of being with the one you love. The song is ideal for setting a cheerful and enthusiastic tone during the reception or even as a fun twist during the ceremony.
You and Tequila (feat. Grace Potter)
This country duet by Grace Potter and Kenny Chesney is a captivating choice. With its playful lyrics and catchy melody, it adds a touch of humour and lightheartedness to the celebration. The song is perfect for a fun moment during the reception, such as the cake-cutting or the couple's grand entrance.
Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
Another beautiful option by Rascal Flatts, "Bless the Broken Road," narrates the unexpected journey of finding true love. With its heartfelt lyrics, the song is ideal for couples who have experienced their fair share of twists and turns before finding each other. It's a perfect choice for the first dance, capturing the joy and gratitude of finally being together.
Stand by Rascal Flatts
"Stand" by Rascal Flatts is an uplifting and inspiring anthem. With its powerful lyrics, the song celebrates the resilience and unity that love brings. It's perfect for making a grand entrance or even as a final song to close out the night, leaving your guests with a sense of hope and determination.
These songs, similar in style and sentiment to "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts," offer a wonderful selection of folk and country choices for your wedding day. Whether it's for the ceremony, first dance, or reception, these songs will add a touch of heartfelt intimacy and joy to your celebration.
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Acoustic songs, including 93 Million Miles
"What a Wonderful World" is a popular song choice for weddings, often chosen for father-daughter dances. If you're looking for acoustic songs with a similar theme, here are some suggestions, including the requested "93 Million Miles":
93 Million Miles - Jason Mraz
This song, from the album "Love is a Four-Letter Word," has positive lyrics that resonate with the saying, "home is where the heart is." The title refers to the Earth's distance from the sun, emphasizing that no matter where you are, you can call that place home. It's a favorite of Mraz's, who co-wrote it with guitarist Michael Natter, and it's a popular choice for weddings.
How Sweet It Is - James Taylor
A suggestion for mother-son wedding dances, this song by James Taylor is a heartwarming choice. While it may not be acoustic, it can be a good option for a stripped-down, emotional performance.
Lucky - Jason Mraz
Another Jason Mraz song, "Lucky," is a heartwarming acoustic duet with Colbie Caillat. The song celebrates the joy of finding love and the comfort of having someone to share life's experiences with.
Forever Young - Bob Dylan/The Band
With two versions to choose from, this song is a timeless classic. Both the Bob Dylan original and The Band's cover are emotionally charged and perfect for an acoustic performance. The lyrics convey a blessing for a long and fulfilling life, making it a meaningful choice for a wedding.
These acoustic songs, including "93 Million Miles," capture the joy, love, and emotion of a wedding day and can create a heartwarming atmosphere for any son's wedding.
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Classic rock songs, such as You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
"You Raise Me Up" is a song composed by Rolf Løvland, with lyrics by Brendan Graham. It was first recorded by Secret Garden, in collaboration with Brian Kennedy. The song was originally performed at the funeral of Løvland's mother. Although the original version was not a major hit, the song has since been recorded by more than a hundred other artists. The most notable covers include that of American singer Josh Groban in 2003, and Irish group Westlife in 2005.
Groban's version topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts in 2004 and remained there for six weeks. It was his first single to peak at No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was also nominated for a 2005 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Groban performed the song at Super Bowl XXXVIII, in a special NASA commemoration for the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. He also performed it for Oprah Winfrey's 50th birthday, giving the song international prominence.
Westlife's version of "You Raise Me Up" is one of the most successful covers of the song, peaking at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also the band's 13th number-one single and the first single to be released following Brian McFadden's departure from the group.
"You Raise Me Up" is a heartwarming song about finding solace in another person during difficult times. The lyrics are comforting and convey a sense of hope and gratitude. The song has become a popular choice for weddings, especially for parent-child dances, due to its uplifting message and sentimental value.
In addition to "You Raise Me Up", there are several other classic rock songs that are often chosen for weddings. For example, "Across the Universe" by The Beatles, "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)" by The Byrds, and "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan or The Band. These songs offer a beautiful blend of meaningful lyrics and timeless melodies, making them ideal for creating memorable moments on a special day.
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Romantic love songs, like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack
"What a Wonderful World" is a popular song choice for weddings, and there are many other romantic love songs that can evoke similar emotions. Here are some suggestions for romantic wedding songs, similar to "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack:
- "Killing Me Softly With His Song": This soulful ballad by Roberta Flack is a hypnotic and romantic song that showcases her unique, commanding yet understated vocal style.
- "Feel Like Makin' Love": This 1974 hit by Roberta Flack is a dreamy and blissful love song. It has a smooth and slow-burning soul sound that made Flack one of the essential voices of the 1970s.
- "Where Is the Love?: A classic duet by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, this song is a jubilant and uplifting expression of love. It showcases the duo's kindred spirits and unique musical chemistry.
- "Across the Universe" (Naked version) by The Beatles: This stripped-down version of the classic Beatles song is a beautiful choice for a wedding, especially if the mother of the groom is a fan of the band.
- "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor: This song is a sweet and romantic choice for a wedding, with a timeless and classic feel. It is often suggested for mother-son dances.
- "Amazing Grace": While not a traditional wedding song, "Amazing Grace" is a spiritual and uplifting hymn that Roberta Flack herself has praised. It could be a unique and meaningful choice for a couple wanting to add a personal touch to their wedding.
These songs, along with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," capture the essence of romance and love, making them ideal choices for a wedding celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some songs that are perfect for a mother-son wedding dance:
- "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
- "93 Million Miles"
- "Then They Do"
- "Across the Universe" by The Beatles
- "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)" by The Byrds
- "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan or The Band
- "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor
If you're looking for a slower song, try "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban or "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts.
"You've Got a Friend" by Carole King and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack are great choices for expressing a mother's love for her son.
"Stand by Me" by Ben E. King is a classic and sentimental choice for a mother-son wedding dance.
"A Song for Mama" by Boyz II Men has meaningful lyrics that are perfect for a mother-son wedding dance, such as "Whenever I was down, you were always there to comfort me."


































