Alternative Song Ideas for Parent Dances at Weddings

Not every couple wants to stick with tradition when it comes to wedding music. But when it comes to those emotional “parent dances” — whether that’s a mother and son, father and daughter, chosen family, or anyone who’s held you through the big stuff — music can really set the tone. I'm here to reassure you that there are alternative song ideas for parent dances at weddings!

For queer or alternative couples especially, it’s not always about Mum and Dad in the classic sense. You might want to honour the parent who raised you, the aunty who always showed up, the big sister who held it together, or the best friend who feels like family. These dances are a beautiful way to say “thank you” to whoever shaped you.

Slow Dancing at Amy & Michaels Wedding - Photo credit: Amanda Alessi

Here are two playlists I've put together for ya'll!

Mother & Son (or Mother figure & Child) Dance Songs

• To Love Somebody – Nina Simone

• Mama - The Spice Girls

• Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac

• God only Knows - The Beach Boys

• Days Like This – Van Morrison

• You’re All I Need to Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

• What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

• Sweet Thing – Rufus & Chaka Khan

• Forever Young – Alphaville

• Always - Bon Jovi

• The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – Roberta Flack

• Where you Lead - Carole King

• If not for you - George Harrison

• Because you Loved me - Celine Dion

• River - Leon Bridges

• How Long will I Love you - Ellie Goulding

• Don’t Know Why – Norah Jones

• Both Sides Now – Joni Mitchell

Father & Daughter (or Father figure & Child) Dance Songs

• Be My Baby – The Ronettes

• Stand by Me – Ben E. King

• Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones

• Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli

• Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

• Have I told you Lately - Rod Stewart

• How Sweet it is to be Loved by you - James Taylor

• Warm Love - Van Morrison

• Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder

• My Girl - The Temptations

• Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

• Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton

• That’s How Strong My Love Is – Otis Redding

• Call It Dreaming – Iron & Wine

• Sweet Pea – Amos Lee

• The Way You Look Tonight – Billie Holiday

• Heroes – David Bowie

✨ Tip for the Vinyl kids: Dig through your own record collections. Sometimes the best dance song is the one your parent used to play on Sunday mornings, or the track that takes you straight back to road trips as a kid. If it makes you feel loved and connected — that’s the one.

Because I'm feeling extra Generous, Here's the Spotify playlist links for both. Happy planning, babes!

Mother & Son (or Mother figure & Child) Dance Songs

Father & Daughter (or Father figure & Child) Dance Songs