Parent Song Dance Ideas

Carolyn and Brian's Wedding
Photo courtesy of 217 Photography

After much research, it's dawned on me that song selections for parent dances can be hard to pin down. There are a slew of sentimental songs out there that immediately come to mind, but most couples want to find a song that's unique to their special day; a song that holds meaning to their relationship with their parent. 

Consulting a list takes most of the individuality out of the selection process, but hopefully the suggestions compiled below will strike a cord. The tough part is finding that fits you and your parent's personality. Here are few songs that I've stumbled upon over the years. 

For the Father/Daughter 

Daughter by Loudon Wainwright III

Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Greg Laswell

My Girl by The Temptations

Daughters by John Mayer

Dream by Priscilla Ahn

The Way You Look Tonight by Fred Astaire

Sweet Pea by Amos Lee

For the Mother/Son

Holding Out for a Hero by Ella Mae Bowen

I'll Always Love My Mama by The Intruders

Pink Moon by Nick Drake

I'll Stand By You by The Pretenders

God Only Knows by The Beach Boys

Sea of Love by Cat Power

I'll Be There by Jackson Five

For Both

Twisting the Night Away by Sam Cooke

Make Somebody Happy by Jimmy Durante

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker

Sweet Child of Mine by Sheryl Crowe

Young at Heart by Frank Sinatra

These Are the Days by Jamie Cullum

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da by The Beatles

Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

You're My Best Friend by Queen

You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne

First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes

You've Got a Friend by Carole King

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamikawiwo'ole

Do You Realize by The Flaming Lips

Nothing beats the versions you've come to know and love, but if you opt to have a live band at your wedding, be sure to check in first on your parent dance song choices before the big day. Live covers can lead to great reinterpretations, but if your heart is set on the original, have it handy the day of. 

No matter what, choose a song that is representative of both you and your parent. Deciding to break out in a choreographed dance, to a medley of upbeat music could be epic. However, don't wait until your wedding day to step out of your comfort zone or guilt your parent into making a fool out of themselves. As much as it's your day to shine, your parent should also feel at ease on the dance floor alongside you. If you're on the fence, go for the more traditional slow dance. Just be sure to add your own bit of flair with the music you pick. 

-Melanie