by Stephanie Padovani
The DJ Solution
I always say picking the music is one of the fun parts of planning your wedding. But sometimes the Parent Dance songs make a liar out of me. You want something that fits your relationship…something different…but not too different. The perfect Mother Son Dance is sentimental without being sappy…short…easy to dance to…and preferably something he doesn’t have to pick.
When it comes to picking parent dance songs for your wedding, it’s the guys who seem to have the most trouble. I’m guessing it’s because he feels a little uncomfortable with all that emotion. He wants to make Mom happy without spending four painfully long minutes in the spotlight with her sobbing over his shoulder. Here are a few tips before you start beating your head against the wall in frustration over finding the “perfect” parent dance song:
*Ask your mom or dad if they have a particular song in mind. If they come up with a song that’s special for them, it’s one less thing you have to worry about. Job done!
*Think back to your childhood. Is there any song or artist who makes you think of your dad? Does he have a favorite singer? If so, this could point you to the right song for your parent dance together.
*Don’t over-analyze the lyrics. (Most people don’t listen that closely anyway.) If you find a song that’s meaningful to you, it doesn’t matter if it’s an “official” parent dance song. You and your dad will get it.
*If you do choose a less traditional song for your parent dance, ask your entertainer to provide a simple explanation for your audience. For example, “Jennifer chose ‘Sittin’ On the Dock Of the Bay’ for her special dance with her father because he sang it to her when she was a little girl.” Instantly an unusual parent dance choice becomes perfect.
Some of My Favorite Specific Mother Son Wedding Dance Songs:
“Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)” by the Dixie Chicks – If you fancy a sweet, country tune, this is it. ‘Course, you’re gonna want tissues handy for mom. If my step-son gets married I am lobbying for this one.
“Mama” by Il Divo – I heard this one for the first time in 2008. A bit operatic (think Josh Groban) with great lyrics for a mother son dance.
“My Mother Said” by Mr. Heath – Okay, this one is a little outside the box, but I love it. I dug this one up for a groom who wanted a “goofy, silly” song to dance with his mother. It is totally silly, but still sweet. Steph gives it two thumbs up.
I didn’t have a dance with my father at my wedding. Since it was rather non-traditional (Jeff and I had our dance on our backyard patio just after the ceremony) we decided to skip the formalities. But now, years later, I wish I’d had that dance with him. I know just what song I’d pick: “Daddy’s Home” by Shep and the Limelites, the song my father sang to me when he came home from work every night.
The father and daughter dance is a special moment and one I recommend (from hard earned experience) that you take advantage of. I mean, how many times will you dance with your father in your lifetime? If you don’t have a song that reminds you of your dad, try these on for size.
Some of My Favorite Father and Daughter Dance Songs:
“Daddy” by Kendall Payne – This one is a definite tear-jerker. A sweeter than honey voice with heart-felt delivery and piano accompaniment. Great lyrics!
“Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III – A bit more light hearted, a sweet and true bluegrass tune. Sung from a devoted father’s point of view.
“My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw – Country fave Tim McGraw sings straight from the heart, there’s no denying. It gets me every time.
Still stuck on a song? Visit www.WedAlert.com for a long list of Parent Dance Song suggestions, along with audio samples so you can actually listen to them. Ask your entertainer for suggestions and throw in a personal dedication to make it the perfect fit your relationship. I promise it will be a moment you’ll remember forever.