Mother Daughter Songs: An Unforgettable Wedding Dance Moment
Updated March 26, 2024 | Author: Matthew Campbell
Know popular songs that celebrate a relationship between a Mom and Daughter.
Mother-daughter songs are special songs between a daughter and her mother – this includes a bride and her mother. Brides can celebrate their mothers on their wedding day in the form of a dedication or dance during the wedding reception.
Quick Tips
When picking out the song to dance the mother-daughter wedding dance, you must consider the following 3 factors:
1. Does the song have a special meaning to both of you?
2. Does the song’s meaning describe your relationship?
3. What is the tempo of the song (fast or slow) to determine the style of dance that fits best?
As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of songs for the mother-daughter dance. Songs are selected by the meaning of the song and popular hits by today’s brides. Besides the relationship type between the mother and bride, additional lists are grouped by genre to match your taste in music.
Trending Mother And Daughter Dance Songs
This list highlights some of the hottest trends in mother-daughter wedding songs, offering a mix of music genres. Get ready to find the perfect song that celebrates your one-of-a-kind relationship and makes your special dance or dedication truly unforgettable.
“When God Made You My Mother” by Riley Roth
(Country – 2021)
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and emotional resonance beautifully sum up the special bond between a mother and daughter. The song’s message expresses gratitude and appreciation for the love, support, and guidance that your mother has provided throughout your life.
“Mom” by Meghan Trainor feat. Kelli Trainor
(Pop – 2016)
An upbeat track that celebrates the unique bond between a mother and daughter. The song’s joyful and uplifting tone captures the essence of your relationship, highlighting moments of love, support, and shared memories. By dancing to this song with your mother, you can express your appreciation and gratitude for all the sacrifices and love your mother has shown throughout her life.
“Slow Down” by Nichole Nordeman
(Christian – 2015)
The lyrics express a mother’s bittersweet joy in watching her child grow up. You might choose it to celebrate the special bond you share and acknowledge your mother’s feelings of both pride and sadness as you move on.
“Like My Mother Does” by Lauren Alaina
(Country – 2011)
The song celebrates a strong female role model and expresses your desire to emulate your mother’s strength, love, and approach to life. It’s a sweet way to thank your mom and show how much you admire her.
“Mama” by Spice Girls
(Pop – 1996)
The song emphasizes the deep emotional connection between mothers and daughters, with lyrics about a mother’s unwavering support through thick and thin. “Mama” is a ballad with a positive and energetic vibe. You might choose it for a more lighthearted and fun dance with your mom.
“A Mother’s Prayer” by Celine Dion
(Pop – 2004)
The lyrics express a mother’s love and desire for her daughter’s safety and happiness. It can be a touching way for you to acknowledge your mother’s unwavering support and well wishes. If the song holds special meaning for your relationship, it can create a very intimate moment for a dance.
“Never Grow Up” by Taylor Swift
(Country – 2010)
The song reflects on childhood memories and cherishing simpler times. It creates a sentimental atmosphere for the dance, allowing you to reminisce about your younger years. While originally written from a child’s viewpoint, you can interpret it from your mother’s perspective. It becomes a way to thank your mom for nurturing your childhood and acknowledge the bittersweet emotions of letting go.
“Mama’s Hand” by Queen Naija
(R&B – 2018)
The song celebrates a mother’s unwavering support and guidance. You might choose it to express gratitude for your mother’s role in shaping you into the woman you are today. It offers a more contemporary R&B vibe compared to traditional ballads too.
“A Mother Like You” by JJ Heller
(Singer-Songwriter – 2019)
The song is sung from the daughter’s perspective, directly expressing gratitude and appreciation for the unique qualities that make her mother special. This heartfelt song creates a warm and intimate atmosphere for a dance or dedication, allowing you to celebrate your special bond.
“Shiny” by Sara Bareilles
(Folk – 2019)
The lyrics celebrate finding your own light and potential but also acknowledge your mother’s influence. It allows you to express gratitude for your mother’s support while embracing her own journey.
New Mother-Daughter Songs
“On Purpose (For My Future Daughter) ” by Bellah Mae
(Pop – 2023)
The song is written from a mother’s perspective to her future daughter. However, you could interpret it to be about your mother’s hopes and dreams as a reflection of her own upbringing. It becomes a way to thank your mom for raising you with love and purpose.
“Mama’s Do ” by The Dryes
(Country – 2023)
The song’s lighthearted tone and quirky lyrics about a mother’s quirks and habits could resonate with you who has a fun and playful relationship with your mom. Despite the lightheartedness, the song acknowledges the love and support a mother provides.
“Mama’s Eyes” by Tenille Arts
(Country – 2023)
The song explores wanting to see your accomplishments through your mother’s love. The lyrics touch on the idea of a mother’s influence being passed down. You might choose it to acknowledge the bond you share and how your mother has shaped who you are.
“Girls” by Rachel Platten
(Pop – 2023)
The song celebrates the strength and resilience of women. You might choose it to highlight the special bond with your mother, seeing her not just as a parent but as a fellow woman embarking on new chapters. “Girls” is a catchy and energetic anthem too.
“Everything Was For Love” by Carla Morrison
(Soundtrack – 2023)
The song reflects on the bittersweet passage of time and the sacrifices a mother makes for her child. You might choose it to express gratitude for your mother’s love and acknowledge the changing dynamic of your relationship.
“She’s Superman” by Taylor Austin Dye
(Country – 2023)
Its touching lyrics celebrate the strength, love, and resilience of your bond. The song’s message portrays your mother as a hero figure, embodying unwavering support and guidance through life’s challenges.
“Light On In The Kitchen” by Ashley McBryde
(Country – 2023)
The song celebrates the wisdom and strength passed down from your mother to you. The lyrics focus on the little pieces of advice and everyday moments that shape who you are, making it a sweet tribute to your mother’s influence.
“superhuman” by Bishop Briggs
(Pop – 2022)
While the song is about strength and perseverance, it leans more towards overcoming personal challenges than a specific relationship. For a mother-daughter dance, you might focus on the bond between you.
“Hey Ma I Made It” by Ella Langley
(Country – 2022)
The song’s uplifting lyrics and celebratory tone perfectly capture the sense of accomplishment and gratitude that comes with reaching significant milestones. By dancing to this song with your mother, you can express your appreciation for the unwavering love and guidance that has helped you succeed.
“Mamas” by Anne Wilson, Hillary Scott
(Country – 2022)
The song celebrates your mother’s unwavering love and support, a perfect sentiment for you to express gratitude on your wedding day. It resonates especially if you share a close bond with your mom.
“Child of Mine” by Michaela Anne
(Folk – 2022)
The lyrics express a mother’s pride in her daughter’s independence and growth, while still offering unwavering support. This symbolizes a bride’s transition into a new chapter while cherishing the mother-daughter bond.
“My Mother’s Hand” by Jill Barber
(American – 2022)
The song reflects on a mother’s constant presence and influence, even as the daughter builds her own life. This could be a beautiful way for you to acknowledge your mother’s role and express gratitude as you start your own family.
“Cover Me In Sunshine” by P!nk, Willow Sage Hart
(Pop – 2021)
The lyrics express a desire for warmth, love, and positivity. The song’s melody and heartfelt message convey a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the supportive and nurturing relationship between a mother and daughter. By dancing to this song together, you can symbolize the enduring bond and connection you share with your mother, while also celebrating the joy and happiness that your relationship brings into your life.
“Morning” by Sarah Jarosz
(Pop – 2021)
The song’s vibe is tender and celebrates growth and new beginnings. It could represent your mother watching you blossom and enter a new chapter in life, while still cherishing the memories you’ve shared.
“You Will Always Be (My Baby Girl)” by Angel Sessions
(R&B – 2021)
The lyrics beautifully capture the enduring love and affection between a mother and her daughter. The song’s emotional resonance and tender melody evoke a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the special bond you share. By dancing to this song together, you can express your gratitude for your mother’s unwavering support, guidance, and unconditional love.
Popular Mom and Daughter Hits
Pop
- superhuman – Bishop Briggs
- You’ll Be in My Heart – Brent Morgan
- My Hero – Westlife
- Cover Me In Sunshine – P!nk, Willow Sage Hart
- Morning – Sarah Jarosz
- Her – Anne-Marie
- Shiny – Sara Bareilles
- Little Girl – Christina Grimmie
- Mom – Meghan Trainor feat. Kelli Trainor
- Sweetest Devotion – Adele
- Blue – Beyoncé
- In My Life – Chantal Kreviazuk
- Little Things – One Direction
- Every Mother’s Dream – Teresa James
- Count on Me – Bruno Mars
- Always There – Canadian Tenors
- Oh Mother – Christina Aguilera
- A Mother’s Prayer – Celine Dion
- Mama – Il Divo
- You Don’t Have To Let Go – Jessica Simpson
- Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word) – Celine Dion
- I’m Blessed to Call You Mother – Molly Pasutti
- My Baby You – Marc Anthony
- I Turn To You – Christina Aguilera
- My Mother’s Eyes – Bette Midler
- Mama – Spice Girls
- Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
- Hero – Mariah Carey
- Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
- Slipping Through My Fingers – ABBA
- You and Me Against the World – Helen Reddy
- What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- God Only Knows – Beach Boys
- Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera) – Doris Day
Tip
Another popular way to honor your mother is to have a mom-son dance for your wedding.
R&B
- You Will Always Be (My Baby Girl) – Angel Sessions
- Stand – Haley Smalls
- My Song – H.E.R.
- Mama’s Hand – Queen Naija
- Right By You (for Luna) – John Legend
- Promises – Jhene Aiko feat. NAMIKO & Miyagi
- Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys
- Mother’s Love – KEM
- Mother – Ashanti
- By Your Side – Sade
- I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey feat. Trey Lorenz
- Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
- You Are the Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
- I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
- My Girl – Temptations
Tip
If you have a stepmother, see our list of stepmom songs for a dance or dedication.
Country
- Hey Ma I Made It – Ella Langley
- Mamas – Anne Wilson, Hillary Scott
- When God Made You My Mother – Riley Roth
- Hey Mama – Britnee Kellogg
- Lady – Brett Young
- Mother – Sugarland
- If It Wasn’t for a Woman – Kellie Pickler
- Mother Like Mine – Band Perry
- Like My Mother Does – Lauren Alaina
- Teenage Daughters – Martina McBride
- Mama’s Song – Carrie Underwood
- Never Grow Up – Taylor Swift
- The Best Day – Taylor Swift
- My Wish – Rascal Flatts
- Somebody’s Hero – Jamie O’Neal
- You’re Gonna Be – Reba McEntire
- Baby Girl – Sugarland
- In My Daughter’s Eyes – Martina McBride
- There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
- I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
- I’ll Be – Reba McEntire
- 26 (Cents Sign) – Wilkinsons
- You Can’t Lose Me – Faith Hill
- Letting Go – Suzy Bogguss
- Love Can Build a Bridge – The Judds
- Mama He’s Crazy – The Judds
Tip
If you want to dance with your mother-in-law, see our list of mother-in-law songs for a dance or dedication.
Christian
- Slow Down – Nichole Nordeman
- Barbie Bandaids – Isaacs
- How You Live (Turn Up the Music) – Point of Grace
- I Believe in You – Steven Curtis Chapman
- I Will Be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman
- Oh How The Years Go By – Amy Grant
Tip
If you wish to save time and highlight your parents with a single dance, plan a wedding dance with both parents.
Rock
- utopia – Lykke Li
- Promise – Tori Amos
- I Love You Because – Elvis & Lisa Marie Presley
- Thank You Mom – Good Charlotte
- My Darling – Wilco
- Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John
- Wildflowers – Tom Petty
- Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart
- Forever Young – Rod Stewart
- You’re My Best Friend – Queen
- Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Tip
Another special moment at receptions, if you have siblings, is to have a sister wedding songs and/or song for a sister to dedicate to a brother.
Indie
- I Get To Be The One – JJ Heller
- A Mother Like You – JJ Heller
- Where You Lead, I Will Follow – Carole King
- You’ve Got A Friend – Carole King
Misc
- My Mother’s Hand – Jill Barber
- Child of Mine – Michaela Anne
- Lay of the Heartland – Rose Rock Daughters
- You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
- Sunrise, Sunset – Cast from Fiddler On The Roof
My mother and daughter’s Spotify playlist has more than 5,000 likes!
Tip
Just like mothers and daughters have a close relationship, so do fathers and sons. See a list of songs about a father son relationship.
FAQs
Why trust
?DJ, Author, Music Lover
Matthew (Matt) Campbell is the founder/editor of My Wedding Songs from his experience as a wedding DJ. He is the author of two wedding planners: ‘Wedding Songs Planner’ and ‘The Wedding Music Toolkit’. Matt is the host of the ‘Wedding Songs Podcast’. He shares music inspiration in his weekly newsletter the ‘Wedding MusicLetter’. His articles have been published on Rolling Stone, DJ Life Magazine, and DJ Times. Matt resides in the wedding capital of the world – Las Vegas.
this is a really amazing list of songs! The mother-daughter dance is such a special moment – thanks for sharing this :)
Thank you. Glad it helped you out.
My daughter is getting married in March 2021. I want to surprise her by signing a song dedicated to her and our forever bond! What is the best song for this occasion
Congratulations! This is a tough one to answer as I do not know the type of relationship you have. However, If you want to sing a song at your daughter’s wedding, check out Love You True by Lydia Luce. It was sung for sister and her new husband but you could change the words to fit your relationship.
“Mama,” by Boyz II Men
Hi Brianna. Thank you for sharing. We have “A Song for Mama” on our Mother-Son song list but have not added it yet to this list. Thanks, we will add it today.
My daughter is getting married in the fall and Butterfly kisses has always been our song. Has there ever been a female artist that recorded it?
Hi Chris. Thanks for reaching out. Yes, a female has recorded this song. Check out Butterfly Kisses by Lauryn Evans.
Ed Sheeran’s ‘Small Bump’ is about a pregnancy loss. Might want to remove it from this list…
Thank you, Leigh. Someone else recommended it and I forgot to review the lyrics. Thanks for the tip as it has been removed.
How do I get the songs to be played at my daughters 18th birthday having a meal out
HI Sue. Thanks for reaching out. You can download the songs from Amazon and play the songs through your phone. You can also play the songs from our Spotify playlist.
My daughter is getting married and she said I sung a song to her a few times years ago. We can’t remember but she said it was something about “remembering you”. Can you help me please? Thank you
Was it Remembering You by Stephen Chapman Curtis?
For the life of me, I can’t remember a song that touched my heart a long time ago. It was about a mother and daughter from the mother’s point of view and had 3 life sections…one as a her daughter was a little girl and then one when the daughter was getting married and then one when the mom was elderly and the daughter took care of her. I seem to think it was country but not for sure. Can anyone help me remember???
Patty loveless how can I help you say goodbye?
Thank you Kelly for the suggestion.
Check the list above. It’s called hero by a singer with the last name of O’neel.
Thanks Rebecca!
Hi my daughter is getting married in oct of this yr. I’m trying to find I loved her first song by a female to play as a first dance with my new son but I can’t find it. I know it exists I heard i I just didn’t catch her name. Can anyone help please?????
Hi Jill, here is a beautiful female cover of I Loved Her First – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUz0LbNKTdA
Heartland sings it.
I’m trying to find a song that I literally only remember a few details about. Female voice, country; and a scene where a woman gets dropped off to the hospital in a cab, she waddles inside, has a contraction and collapses, knocking over a medical tray in the process.
It’s been years since I heard it. But I remember that scene and the soft music so clearly.
Hi Jenna. Sorry, I am not familiar with the song you are referring to. However, maybe one of our readers will know.
It’s Reba McEntire, you’re gonna be.
Trying to find a play list of songs cd to give personal to my daughter from me divorced parent daughter getting married . No male vocalists or father to daughter tracks please
Hi Rose. That is a tough one because CDs just aren’t as common as they use to be. I would recommend buying the songs you like in digital format and then giving your daughter a flash drive of the songs.
Hello, do you have any suggestions for a mother’s 75th birthday celebration?
Hi Elaine, depends on your Mom’s likes of music. Maybe check out our music lists from the 50s and 60s. https://www.myweddingsongs.com/wedding-song-lists/best-1950s-music/ and https://www.myweddingsongs.com/wedding-song-lists/best-1960s-music/
Also Canadian Tenors with “always there”….it’s beautiful!!
Thank you, Kathy. Great suggestion and we will add it to the list.
Taylor Swift’s “Never Grow Up” is definitely a good one, “Small Bump” by Ed Sheeran is also good, though may not fit the tone.
Thanks Claire. We’ll look at adding each song.
I am after a female vocalist that sings “I loved her First ” there are plenty of male versions father to daughter but I would like mother to daughter .
Hi Mary. Here is a version sung by a female artist found on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLPB-D6wurE
Promises by jhene aiko is a good song makes me tear up all the time the lyrics are so meaningful
Thanks Bri for the suggestion. We will definitely add it to the list.
You forgot Sade “By your side “
Thanks for the suggestions Rosa. We will add it to the list.
My father was never around, so I’m having my mother walk me down the aisle and we are doing a mother daughter dance. What kind of song or should I just let my mother pick
Hi Liz. Many of the songs above are good. What about Carole King – Where You Lead, I Will Follow for your situation?
So me and my mom have been through a lot together. She was shot when I was a little girl. She was shot by my father at that!! She survived and I have been by her side since then as not just a best friend but as her daughter. She over came all that divorced him and is now ready to get married after9 long years of being alone and not dating. She’s getting married in January and I wanna sing her a song that will make her cry with happy tears. I keep getting the same answers which are wind beneath my wings, I hope you dance, because you loved me.. None of them really fit. I need a song to sing to my mom on my moms wedding day.. PLEASE help its coming faster then we expect!! Running out ta time.
Samantha. Instead of someone trying to tell you what is a good song for you. Why don’t you select a song that means a lot between you and your Mom already. Was there ever a song that has special meaning between both of you? It would mean more than trying to “pick one”.
Your gonna be by reba McEntire or I’ll be by reba also both excellent songs made my daughter cry. Good luck
how about Slipping through my Fingers by abba… why its not on the list? what can you say about the song..? id like to hear from you
Thank you Chielo. We will add it to the list!
Hello again. Sorry to be a nuisance …. we like the song little things by one direction…. we both have daddy issues our fathers want nothing to do with us… so maybe something that relates to our relationships and our love for each other… I’m her number one… before the rest of the kids… so special..
Xx mikayla
My mom is getting married and im 14.. she has been through alot and i want to suprise her with a mother daughter dance ideas please ?
Hi Mikayla. First we would suggest to pick a special song between you and your Mom. It does not have to be a slow song. Then, select a song that describes your relationship. Another approach would be Count On Me by Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans. Congrats to your Mom.
My mother is getting married and i want to sing her a song and surprise her at her wedding with it! Any good ones to sing to just my mother?
Hi Stephanie. I would first select a song that means lots to you and your Mom. A good song could be Mother’s Love by KEM.
My daughter is getting married in a couple months. She is only 25 and she lost her daddy at 22. She is having a very difficult time as you could imagine with all the things that her daddy should be here for. I am surprising her with the mother daughter dance but I am struggling for the words for that moment when we are in her dressing room alone and the only thing I can see in her eyes is that she wishes her daddy was here!
How about “I’ll Be” by Reba. My dad bought me that single when I was young, and often played it for my sister and I, as we grew up. We lost him last October. He was the center of my universe, and I miss him so much
Hi Kelly. Thanks for the message. It is already on the list.
You didn’t mention the two songs that my daughter and I have as “our” songs. Promise by Tori Amos and They Can’t Take That Away From Me by Ella Fitzgerald
Thanks for sharing Liss
My son is getting married next month to a wonderful girl. Her parents and siblings have disowned her but I live her like she is my own daughter can you send me some songs for her and I to dance at the wedding
Hi Maria. You may consider I’ll Be There by Jackson 5 or Maria Carey.
My mother and I have a very special song and whenever we miss each other this is what we listen to. My mother being a major survivor of stomach, throat and breast cancer, she is truly my hero. Please listen to 26 cents by the Wilkinson’s. Its beautiful. Also like my mother does by Loren Alaina.
What a wonderful world
Have I told you lately?
Rod Stewart
me and my mother are having one of those.
A great song for a mom to dance with her daughter or even son at the wedding is,” Sunrise Sunset” from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. (Is this the little girl I carried, Is this the little boy at play, I don’t remember getting older when did they.
Thank you for sharing Sue.
Should have read the lyrics better… John Mayer’s “Daughters” is about women with daddy issues….
So sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you are going through.
Hi today is my daughters birthday Raquel would be 32 . She took her own life last year:( I’m wanting to have some songs for her today . What do you suggest? Thanks so much.
Hi Sylvia, sorry for your loss. Please see our Memorial songs list. There are many good songs to remember your daughter like My Heart Will Go On and Angels In Waiting.
I know I’m late on this but for any other times you are thinking about your daughter…For Always by Josh Groban. It always helps me when I am feeling the pain of missing loved ones who have passed. I am so truly sorry for your loss…