A father-daughter dance, a mother-son dance, or a special tribute to a parental figure is an important part of your wedding reception. It’s your chance to share a meaningful moment and celebrate the bond you’ve built. But let’s be honest, picking the song can feel like a lot when you’re in the middle of wedding planning. Don't worry! We’ve got some easy tips to help you land on a song choice that feels just right.

Think About Your Relationship

Start by thinking about the vibe you share with your parent. Do you have a best friend relationship full of jokes and laughter? Or, is your bond more on the serious, sentimental side? Maybe it’s a little of both. Your song should reflect that energy. Something fun and upbeat might suit a playful bond, while a slower, emotional ballad could work beautifully for a heartfelt connection.

Look Back on Shared Memories

Music has this amazing way of taking us back to special moments. Think about songs tied to memories you share. The perfect song could be one they always sang around the house, a tune from family road trips, or something they’d dance to while making pancakes. Picking a song with real personal meaning adds that extra layer of magic.

Need help choosing songs for the rest of your big day? Learn how we'll help you create the perfect playlist.

Listen to the Lyrics

This one’s key: make sure the lyrics match the moment. Just because something sounds lovely doesn't mean it's a good song choice. Many slower ballads have romantic undertones - not quite what you want for a parent-child dance. Give the words a read (or a listen with fresh ears) to be sure the message fits your story.

Set the Right Tone

What kind of mood are you going for? A tearjerker that brings everyone to sniffles, or something sweet and breezy that gets smiles all around? The tempo and style of the song will help set that tone. For a timeless pick, something like What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong is always a hit. Prefer something with more bounce? My Girl by The Temptations never disappoints.

Looking for song ideas that celebrate your identity? Dive into our LGBTQ2S+ song selection tips.

Keep Danceability in Mind

Not everyone’s a confident dancer, and that’s totally okay! If you or your parent feels a bit awkward on the dance floor, a slower song might be more comfortable. But if you both have killer dance moves, go ahead and pick something a little more upbeat. The goal is to enjoy the moment, not stress over the steps.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Most parent dances last around two to three minutes. If your favourite song is a bit longer, don’t worry. You can always have your DJ fade it out after a couple of minutes. It keeps the moment sweet and impactful without losing your guests’ attention. If you’re not sure when to fade it out, feel free to mention this during your final meeting with our Client Care Specialist - they’ll help you fine-tune the timing.

Parent Dance Song Ideas

Still searching for you and your parent's dance song? Here are some top choices across different styles:

Classic & Timeless

What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Stand by Me – Ben E. King
You Are the Sunshine of My Life - Stevie Wonder
Father and Daughter - Paul Simon

Heartfelt & Emotional

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler (perfect as a mother-son song)
Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift
I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
Blessed - Elton John
Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon

Upbeat & Fun

My Girl – The Temptations
Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
Sweet Child O’ Mine (Acoustic) – Guns N’ Roses
We Are Family – Sister Sledge

Country & Folk

Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw
I Loved Her First – Heartland (Great for a father-daughter dance)
My Wish – Rascal Flatts
Simple Man – Lynyrd Skynyrd/Shinedown
You’re Gonna Miss This – Trace Adkins
Days Like This - Van Morrison

Modern & Unique

Count on Me – Bruno Mars
Home – Phillip Phillips
First Man – Camila Cabello (Perfect for a father-daughter dance)
Mom – Meghan Trainor
93 Million Miles – Jason Mraz
Daughters - John Mayer

No matter which song you choose, the parent dance is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the love you share on your wedding day. Pick a song that feels right for you and cherish the moment!

When you’re ready to chat about parent dances and all things music for your wedding, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out and book your consultation today

Selecting Parents' Dance Wedding Songs for Your Big Day