Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law Dance Songs 2022

Updated on June 8, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell

Everyone knows about the special dances between a bride and her father and the dance between a groom and his mother.

These are the more popular parent dances at a wedding reception.

Why not include your father and mother-in-law in the dance spotlight?

What is an in-law dance at a wedding?

Special dances between a bride and her father-in-law or the groom and his mother-in-law make each side of the wedding couple feel honored and included. These dances between a wedding couple and their spouses’ parents are perfect for any wedding — traditional or not.

Blended families, step-parents, and same-sex couples can all incorporate their in-laws at their wedding.

It is up to you, as the wedding couple, how much attention to focus on these dances but we’d like to inspire you to think beyond tradition.

Methodology

We’ve talked to couples through social groups and analyzed hundreds of wedding DJs’ playlists across the U.S. that provide reception music. We selected a list just for you of the most popular and unique in-law dance songs.

Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected in-law dance songs that include many different genres.

 

 

Our Top 10 In-Law Dance Songs

1. “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
2. “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
3. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
4. “Family Affair” by Mary J Blige
5. “’ll Be There” by Jackson 5
6. “The Good Ones” by Gabby Barret
7. “Call My Name” by Lukas Graham
8. “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders
9. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womac
10. “On Me” by Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Ava Max

Listen to In-Law Dance Songs

The Best Bride/Father-In-Law & Groom/Mother-In-Law Dance Songs

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Rock In-Law Dance Songs

Welcome To This Day – Reprise – Josh Kelley and Melissa Etheridge
2016, Rock

Welcome sweet sun ray
Love is no secret,
Look all around you
Welcome to this day

Use Somebody – Kings Of Leon
2008, Rock

You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you

Life Is Wonderful – Jason Mraz
2005, Rock

And it takes some loss before you found me
And it takes a road to go nowhere
It takes a toll to make you care
It takes a hole to make a mountain
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful

Little Wonders – Rob Thomas
2005, Rock

Time falls away
But these small hours
These small hours
Still remain

Beautiful Day – U2
2000, Rock

You love this town
Even if that doesn’t ring true
You’ve been all over
And it’s been all over you
It’s a beautiful day

Days Like This – Van Morrison
2005, Rock

When people understand what I mean there’ll be days like this
When you ring out the changes of how everything is
Well my mama told me there’ll be days like this

Hold My Hand – Hootie & The Blowfish
1994, Rock

Hold my hand
Want you to hold my hand
Hold my hand
I’ll take you to the promised land

I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders
1994, Rock

I’ll stand by you
Won’t let nobody hurt you
I’ll stand by you

Wildflowers – Tom Petty
1994, Rock

You belong among the wildflowers
You belong somewhere close to me
Far away from your trouble and worries

Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart
1991, Rock

You fill my heart with gladness
Take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles, that’s what you do

Forever Young – Rod Stewart
1988, Rock

For all the wisdom of a lifetime, no one can ever tell
But whatever road you choose, I’m right behind you win or lose

Family Man – Fleetwood Mac
1988, Rock

But I do know what’s right
I am what I am
A family man

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
1987, Rock

Where as a child I’d hide
And pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me by
Whoa, oh, oh
Sweet child o’ mine

Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
1982, Rock

Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry
On a mountain high

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
1981, Rock

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to the feelin’

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – The Police
1981, Rock

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she do just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for her goes on

Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
1977, Rock

We go to a party
And every one turns to see
This beautiful lady
Who’s walking around with me

Somebody To Love – Queen
1976, Rock

I ain’t gonna face no defeat (yeah yeah)
I just gotta get out of this prison cell
One day (someday) I’m gonna be free, Lord!

Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
1975, Rock

But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
1975, Rock

With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotion
I want to stop and thank you

You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
1974, Rock

You’re everything I hoped for
Everything I need
You are so beautiful
To me

You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
1971, Rock

If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep your head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you’ll hear me knockin’ at your door

Kooks – David Bowie
1971, Rock

‘Cause we believe in you
Soon you’ll grow, so take a chance
With a couple of kooks hung up on romancing

Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
1970, Rock

And teach your parents well
Their children’s hell will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick’s the one you’ll know by

Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
1969, Rock

Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun

Sunshine Of Your Love – Cream
1967, Rock

I’ve been waiting so long
To be where I’m going
In the sunshine of your love

In My Life – The Beatles
1965, Rock

With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I’ve loved them all

I’m Happy Just To Dance With You – The Beatles
1964, Rock

Before this dance is through
I think I’ll love you, too
I’m so happy when you dance with me

Take Good Care Of My Baby – Bobby Vee
1962, Rock

Take good care of my baby
Please don’t ever make her blue
Just tell her that you love her

Country In-Law Dance Songs

Tell Me Twice – Chayce Beckham
2022, Country

I’ve learned a hell of a lot from taking good advice
But a whole lot more just from living life
You don’t got to tell me twice

The Good Ones – Gabby Barrett
2020, Country

Anybody can be good once
But he’s good all the time
He’s one of the good ones

You Are My Sunshine – Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton
2016, Country

You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey

Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw
2016, Country

When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind

Family Is Family – Kacey Musgraves
2015, Country

Can’t live with or without ’em, you might talk about ’em
But if someone else does, well, then you’ll knock ’em out ’cause
When it’s all said and done, they’re the only ones that you got

Meanwhile Back At Mama’s – Tim McGraw
2014, Country

‘Cause meanwhile back at Mama’s
The porch lights on, come on in if you wanna
Suppers on the stove, and beer’s in the fridge

Like Jesus Does – Eric Church
2011, Country

She forgives me when I can’t
And the devil, man, no, he don’t have a prayer
‘Cause she loves me like Jesus does

Don’t Blink – Kenny Chesney
2007, Country

Don’t blink, you just might miss
Your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads

My Wish – Rascal Flatts
2006, Country

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold

There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
2001, Country

Your love made me make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me

I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
2000, Country

Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

Treat Her Right – Sawyer Brown
1995, Country

She’s your best friend and your lover
So if you want to keep her
Take good care of her

I Just Want To Dance With You – George Strait
1994, Country

So let it show, let it shine
If we have a chance to make one heart of two
I just wanna dance with you

Family – Dolly Parton
1991, Country

Some are lucky, others ain’t
Some are fighters, others faint
Winners, losers, sinners, saints
It’s all family

Love Can Build A Bridge – The Judds
1990, Country

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge

Family Tradition – Hank Williams, Jr.
1979, Country

Try to put yourself in my unique position
If I get stoned and sing all night long
It’s a family tradition

Let Your Love Flow – Bellamy Brothers
1976, Country

Just let your love flow like a mountain stream
And let your love grow with the smallest of dreams
And let your love show and you’ll know what I mean
It’s the season

Wildfire – Michael Martin Murphey
1975, Country

We’re gonna leave sodbustin’ behind
Get these hard times right on out of our minds
Riding Wildfire

Daddy Sang Bass – Johnny Cash
1968, Country

Daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
Me and little brother would join right in there
‘Cause singin’ seems to help a troubled soul

Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison
1964, Country

Pretty woman, won’t you pardon me?
Pretty woman, I couldn’t help but see
Pretty woman, that you look lovely as can be

R&B In-Law Dance Songs

Chosen Family – Rina Sawayama
2020, R&B

We been going through the sam? thing, yeah
You are, you are
My chosen, chosen family

Blended Family (What You Do For Love) – Alicia Keys feat. A$AP Rocky
2016, R&B

This blended family, but baby
That’s what you do, what you do, what you do
What you do for love

Keep The Family Close – Drake
2016, R&B

All of my “let’s just be friends”
Are friends I don’t have anymore
Guess it’s what they say you need family for
‘Cause I can’t depend on you anymore

Remedy – Adele
2015, R&B

When the world seems so cruel
And your heart makes you feel like a fool
I promise you will see
That I will be, I will be your remedy

Happy – Pharrell Williams
2013, R&B

Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
(Because I’m happy)
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
(Because I’m happy)

Make You Feel My Love – Adele
2008, R&B

But I will never do you wrong
I’ve known it from the moment that we met
No doubt in my mind where you belong

Family Affair – Mary J Blige
2001, R&B

Don’t need no hateration
Holleration in this dancery
Let’s get it percolatin’, while you’re waiting
So just dance for me

Count On Me – Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans
1996, R&B

Call on me, I will be there
Don’t be afraid
Please believe me when I say
Count on me

I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey
1992, R&B

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well it’s all I’m after
Just call my name, and I’ll be there

Lean On Me – Club Nouveau
1986, R&B

Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on

I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
1980, R&B

And oh, I’ll be there to comfort you
Build my world of dreams around you
I’m so glad that I found you
I’ll be there with a love that’s strong
I’ll be your strength
I’ll keep holdin’ on

We Are Family – Sister Sledge
1979, R&B

We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing

Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
1976, R&B

Isn’t she pretty?
Truly the angel’s best
Boy, I’m so happy
We have been Heaven-blessed

Lean on Me – Bill Withers
1972, R&B

Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on

Ain’t That Love – Ray Charles
1962, R&B

Ain’t that love? Oh now
Ain’t that love? Baby
That I feel in my heart for you

Stand By Me – Ben E. King
1961, R&B

Oh, stand by me
Woah, stand now
Stand by me, stand by me

Smile – Nat King Cole
1954, R&B

Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Reggae In-Law Dance Songs

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
1977, Reggae

Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singing sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Saying, “This is my message to you”
Singing, don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right

I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
1972, Reggae

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day

Pop In-Law Dance Songs

Heroes – Haley Reinhart
2021, Pop

I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing will drive them away
Oh, we can beat them just for one day
We can be us, just for one day

Call My Name – Lukas Graham
2021, Pop

So if you need a friend
Someone to hold your hand
Call my name

I’ll Stand by You – Josh Groban, Helene Fischer
2021, Pop

When you’re standing at the crossroads
Don’t know which path to choose
Let me come along
‘Cause even if you’re wrong
I’ll stand by you

On Me – Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Ava Max
2020, Pop

You could fall, you could fall on me (On me)
And if you want to, tell me what you gon’ do
You could put it all, put it all on me

Sugar – Maroon 5
2014, Pop

I’m right here, ’cause I need
Little love, a little sympathy
Yeah you show me good loving, make it alright

Smile – Uncle Kracker
2009, Pop

You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

Ordinary Miracle – Sarah McLachlan
2006, Pop

Isn’t it remarkable?
Like every time a rain drop falls
It’s just another ordinary miracle today

Seasons Of Love – Cast Of Rent
2005, Pop

How about love?
Measuring love
Seasons of love

You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
2003, Pop

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders

Family Portrait – P!nk
2001, Pop

Never knowin what love could be, you’ll see
I don’t want love to destroy me like it has done
My family

You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
1999, Pop

My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can’t be broken

You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman
1995, Pop

We stick together and see it through
‘Cause you’ve got a friend in me
You’ve got a friend in me

Blessed – Elton John
1995, Pop

I’ll pick a star from the sky
Pull your name from a hat
I promise you that, promise you that
Promise you that you’ll be blessed

Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John
1994, Pop

And can you feel the love tonight
How it’s laid to rest?
It’s enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best

I Wish You Love – Natalie Cole
1993, Pop

I wish you shelter from the storm
A cozy fire to keep you warm
But most of all when snowflakes fall
I wish you love

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
1993, Pop

I’m the one who wants to love you more
You will see I can give you
Everything you need
Let me be the one to love you more

These Are the Days – Van Morrison
1989, Pop

These are the days now that we must savor
And we must enjoy as we can
These are the days that will last forever
You’ve got to hold them in your heart

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
1988, Pop

You’re everything I wish I could be
I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings

Let’s Dance – David Bowie
1983, Pop

Let’s dance
For fear your grace should fall
Let’s dance
For fear tonight is all
Let’s sway

Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
1983, Pop

If you’re lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting
Time after time

What A Wonderful – Louis Armstrong
1967, Pop

I hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more
Than I’ll never know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Jazz In-Law Dance Songs

The Best Is Yet To Come – Michael Buble
2007, Jazz

The best is yet to come, and baby won’t it be fine
The best is yet to come, come the day you’re mine

A Wink And A Smile – Harry Connick Jr.
1993, Jazz

Just the sound of your voice
The light in your eyes
You’re so far away from yesterday
Together, with a wink and a smile

Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
1988, Jazz

‘Cause when you worry your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don’t worry, be happy

The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
1941, Jazz

Lovely; never, ever change
Keep that breathless charm
Won’t you please arrange it? Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight

Folk In-Law Dance Songs

Family – Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
2021, Folk

Family, all in this together
Family, we’re taking a chance
Family, like birds of a feather
Family, kick off your shoes and dance

Forever Young – Andrea von Kampen
2019, Folk

May good fortune be with you, may your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven with a prince or a vagabond
And may you never love in vain
And in my heart you will remain

Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
2012, Folk

Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I’m with you
Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I’m with you

Home – Phillip Phillips
2012, Folk

If you get lost, you can always be found
Just know you’re not alone
‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home

New Age In-Law Dance Songs

Only Time – Enya
2000, New Age

Who can say if your love grows
As your heart chose? Only time
And who can say where the road goes?
Where the day flows? Only time

Other In-Law Dance Songs

Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
1990, World

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to

BrOTHERHOOD – Stormzy
2016, Hip Hop

We don’t do friends round here
Round here, it’s brotherhood (brotherhood)

Bride Father-In-Law Songs

Father-In-Law Dance Songs are played at a wedding reception while the bride dances with her new father-in-law. There are many options for the formalities for this dance. Option 1 would be for the bride to dance with her father for the father-daughter dance. Then, have her new father-in-law cut in to finish the song. Option 2 is to have the bride and father-in-law have their own special song to dance. Option 3 is to play a song for both couples to dance – a bride with her father-in-law and the groom with his mother-in-law.

Groom Mother-In-Law Songs

Mother-In-Law Dance Songs are played at a wedding reception while the groom dances with his new mother-in-law. There are many options for the formalities for this dance. Option 1 would be for the groom to dance with his mother for the mother-son dance. Then, have his new mother-in-law cut in to finish the song. Option 2 is to have the groom and mother-in-law have their own special song to dance to. Option 3 is to play a song for both couples to dance – a bride with her father-in-law and the groom with his mother-in-law.

Why would you include wedding dances with the in-laws?

Why include your in-laws? It kind of sucks to be excluded. The mother of the groom gets a special dance and her husband doesn’t. The father of the bride gets a special dance and his wife doesn’t. She just does all of the wedding planning and emotional support.

Including a dance with the in-laws is a way to include both of the bride’s parents and both of the groom’s parents. What if your parents are in a same-sex marriage? How do you honor your parents? What if one of your parents has deceased? Including the in-laws in these special dances is a way to adapt the wedding traditions to our modern families.

When would I dance with my mother-in-law?

The wedding couple can make the in-law dances immediately following the father-daughter and mother-groom dances. Additionally, the in-laws can tap in mid-dance. If you choose this option be sure to coordinate with your professional DJ.

It’s worth noting that the more formal dances you have, the more time guests are waiting to cut loose and dance themselves. We would recommend announcing that the bridal couple has a special song with their in-laws and inviting everyone to join in with their dance(s).

 

What if I don’t want an extra dance with my in-laws?

The bride’s father-in-law dance and the groom’s mother-in-law dances are optional and not common at wedding receptions. Instead of making them into dances, the wedding couple can make the songs into dedications during the wedding reception.

Another reason for the in-law song list is when parents have deceased or there is family estrangement. Let’s face it, that’s a real possibility in today’s modern family. This gives an option to dance with a spouse’s parent for the father-daughter and/or mother groom dance when the designated parent is not able to attend the wedding reception.

Similar song lists for further reading:

• Father-Daughter dance songs
• Monther-Son dance songs
• Wedding Party dance songs

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About Matthew Campbell