
Music is an integral part of weddings, with songs for the couple's first dance, parent dances, and other family dances. The most common family dances are the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance, but there are many other fun options, such as a sibling dance, step-parent dance, or grandparent dance. When choosing songs for these dances, it's important to consider the dance styles of the family members involved and select a song that suits their groove. Sentimental and emotional songs like I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton or Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler are popular choices, as are upbeat and fun songs like Twist and Shout. Couples may also want to consider including a mix of oldies and modern hits to cater to different generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dance type | First dance, Father-daughter dance, Mother-son dance, Step-parent dance, Grandparent dance, Sibling dance |
| Dance style | Slow, Fast, Upbeat and fun, Sentimental, Emotional |
| Song type | Timeless classics, Chart-topping hits, Country classics, Jazz and swing |
| Song characteristics | Love songs, Songs with special meaning, Songs from childhood |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Popular mother-son dance songs
Planning a wedding reception is almost as much work as planning the wedding ceremony itself. From catering to music selection and dancing, there are many factors to consider. One way to spotlight special people amid the festivities is to include a mother-son dance. This can be a fun and heartfelt addition to the reception, honouring the relationship between the groom and his mother.
The most important part of the dance is selecting a song that is meaningful to both the mother and her son. It should speak to the quality of their bond and can be a unique song or one that they both love. The song can be classic or non-traditional, slow or fast, and country, rock, or modern. It can be a tune that evokes fond childhood memories, holds special meaning, or captures their relationship.
- "I'll Be" by Reba McEntire
- "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts
- "You'll Be in My Heart" by Phil Collins
- "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
- "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
- "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton
- "Could I Have This Dance" by Anne Murray
- "Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis
- "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
- "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
- "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
- "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
A Mexican Wedding: Traditions and Customs
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Father-daughter dance songs
The father-daughter dance at a wedding is a very special moment and it's up to you to make it fun, sentimental, or a combination of both. The dance usually takes place immediately following the couple's first dance. It is a time-honored tradition and a way to pay homage to the families that supported the new spouses on their journey.
The song you choose for the father-daughter dance can be anything from a timeless classic to a chart-topping hit, an upbeat tune, or a sentimental ballad. You can also consider your parent's dance style and choose a song that suits their groove. If you're looking for a sweet serenade, consider "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton, "Could I Have This Dance" by Anne Murray, or "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder. For a more timeless, storytelling feel, "I Cross My Heart" by Randy Travis or "The Way You Look Tonight" are great options. "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler and "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong are also popular choices that will tug at the heartstrings.
If you're looking for something more upbeat and fun, consider "Twist and Shout" or "Happy." You can even put a unique spin on the dance with a sibling, step-parent, or grandparent. For a Disney-themed wedding, "You'll Be in My Heart" from The Lion King or the theme from Tarzan are charming choices that express familial love.
Remember, the length of the song is also important. Parental dances are usually slow numbers that last 3-5 minutes, giving you a chance to talk quietly and share advice or favorite moments. If you prefer something faster, you can prepare some dance moves to wow the crowd and show off your skills!
A Wiccan Wedding: Rituals and Magic
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Sentimental and emotional songs
When it comes to weddings, there are many traditions and special dances to consider, from the first dance to parent-child dances. The parent-child dance is a time-honoured wedding tradition and a beautiful way to express familial love and pay homage to the families that supported the new spouses on their journey.
Parental dances are usually slow numbers lasting 2-5 minutes, providing an opportunity for quiet conversation or the sharing of advice and favourite memories. However, a faster song with prepared dance moves can also be a fun and impressive choice. Sentimental and emotional songs that are perfect for parent-child dances include:
- "I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton
- "Could I Have This Dance" by Anne Murray
- "Forever and Ever, Amen" by Randy Travis
- "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
- "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler
- "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra
- "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
- "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
- "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder
For step-parents, it can be a challenge to find a song that fits both a boy and a girl without sounding like a couple's love song. "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts is a great option with its universal message of love and care, reminding children that your wish for them is to live a life full of joy and laughter. "I'll Be" by Reba McEntire is another beautiful choice, conveying a message of unwavering support and love.
Additionally, songs from beloved Disney films like "You'll Be in My Heart" from The Lion King and "Stand by Me" can be a lovely way to express familial love and signify the moment your family truly becomes one.
Joc's Wedding: Chaos and Confusion
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$23.99 $25.99

Upbeat and fun songs
A fun, upbeat song can also be a good choice for the traditional first dance, which is usually a romantic song with special meaning to the couple. If you don't have a song in mind, an upbeat number can be a great alternative and a chance to be creative.
For parents and children, a fun song can be a great way to make the dance floor a memorable and enjoyable experience, especially if it's a song from your childhood. For instance, did your mom always play '80s power ballads? Or did your dad secretly love disco? These songs can be a fun way to honour your parents and let them loose on the dance floor.
Some examples of fun, upbeat songs that can be great for weddings include "Twist and Shout", "Happy", "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts, and "You'll Be in My Heart" from Disney's The Lion King. These songs can bring a lot of energy to the dance floor and create a joyful atmosphere.
So, whether it's for the couple's first dance or a special parent-child moment, upbeat and fun songs are a fantastic choice to get everyone involved and create lasting memories.
First Wedding Night: Indian Traditions
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Songs for large blended families
A wedding is not just about the joining of two hearts, but also the joining of two families. This is especially true for large blended families. One way to shine a light on the children is to create a moment or a dance that's just for them.
If you're looking for a song that fits the bill, consider "I'll Be" by Reba McEntire, which is about being a constant source of support and love for someone. "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts is another great option, with its universal message of love and care. "You'll Be in My Heart" from Disney's The Lion King is also a charming choice, as it can be interpreted as a love song to a romantic partner or to children.
For large blended families, it may be a good idea to include all family members with more people joining the dance floor over time. You can also formally change partners at the end of a song, change mid-song, or have the couple swap parental figures mid-dance, creating a lovely sentiment of opening up to include each other's families.
When choosing a song, consider your family's dance styles and comfort levels. You want them to feel confident, not like they're auditioning for a talent show! Ask your family about their favourite songs, and you might just uncover some hidden gems.
Stedman's Seat: Oprah's Plus-One at the Royal Wedding
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Here are some popular options for family dances at weddings:
- "My Wish"
- "You'll Be in My Heart"
- "Wind Beneath My Wings"
- "Stand by Me"
- "Could I Have This Dance"
- "I Will Always Love You"
- "Unchained Melody"
- "What a Wonderful World"
- "In My Daughter's Eyes"
- "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You"
A good amount of time for a parent dance is between 2 to 4 minutes, but some sources say parental dances usually last 3-5 minutes.
If you're struggling to choose a song, consider asking your parents about their favourite songs. You could also think about their dance style and choose a song that suits this—it's important that they feel comfortable. If you're choosing a song for a dance with your mother or father, consider a tune by their favourite artist or a song you listened to together when you were little.





























