50 Best Father & Mother-In-Law Dance Songs
Updated on January 6, 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.
Table of Contents:
- In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- Rock In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- Country In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- R&B In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- Reggae In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- Pop In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- Jazz In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- Folk In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- New Age In-Law Dance Wedding Songs
- In-Law Dance Wedding Songs Spotify Playlist
- Questions about In-Law Dances
50 Best Bride/Father-In-Law And Groom/Mother-In-Law Wedding Dance Songs
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Rock In-Law Dance Songs
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
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
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
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’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
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
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
Country In-Law Dance Songs
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
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
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
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
R&B In-Law Dance Songs
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 to invite everyone to join in with their dance(s).
Similar song lists for further reading:
What if I Don’t Want an Extra Dance with My In-Laws?
The bride’s father-in-law dance and 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.
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.
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My fiancé’s mother died a few years ago to cancer. He is choosing to dance with my mom. We are looking for a song that isn’t romantic like. Open to all genres, not super upbeat songs. They are pretty close. But can’t seem to figure out the best song
Hi Jae. One of my favorites right now for this scenario is “The Good Ones” by Gabby Barrett. Hope this helps!
What is a good song I can with my mother law and she means the world to me lol
Hi Tyler. I always tell Goorms to first select a song that means something to both of you. IT does not have to be a “wedding song”. Second, it all depends on your preferred style of music. A popular song is “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
I’m looking for an eagles song or Garth brooks song to dance to with my future mother in law. Any ideas? Having the most difficult time! Those are her favorite songs.
Hi Devin. Being only Garth Brooks or Eagles is very specific. I would recommend you check out “The River” by Garth. The Eagles are a bit more difficult. I would suggest a faster song such as “Take It Easy”. Just make sure you stay away from “Witchy Woman”. LOL
To lessen the amount of specialized dances, my fiancé and I have decided to blend the in-law dances. Me dancing with my FIL and my fiancé dancing with MIL. Can you think of a song?
Hello. Most of the above songs will fit. However, one of our favorites is Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”.
Is there an upbeat song that 3 mother in-laws could sing together? We all love our daughter (mine and the exes new wife) and son (the son’s momma). Nothing sappy – just light and funny and melodic.
Thank you,
Natasha
Hi Natasha. Thanks for your question. In your scenario, I really like the song I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash or Lovely Day by Bill Withers.
Are there any songs like “I loved her first” but from the mothers point of view instead of the fathers?
Hi Tina. Thanks for reaching out. Instead of this list, I would recommend reviewing our Mother-Daughter song list. You have better choices there.
Hi there, my future FIL had asked to do a song at our wedding before we were ever engaged. I’m trying to find an appropriate song, he’s 76 so nothing really fast but not anything lovey to make it awkward. We like country, and old country is fine like Hank Williams Jr, Conway Twitty, etc. I was thinking of “I just want to dance with you”- George Strait but some other ideas would be helpful! Thank you
Hi Alle. My favorite song for an occasion such as your dance with your FIL is the George Strait song you mentioned. However, here are are a couple of other suggestions: Family Tradition – Hank Williams, Jr., Let Your Love Flow – Bellamy Brothers, and Wildfire – Michael Martin Murphey.
Hi, my father has passed and I’m doing a dance with my father n law. I don’t want uncomfortable references in the song that would go with a DIL and father n law dance. He loves jimmy buffet and I enjoy all types of music but would like to keep it upbeat. Are theme is tropical and at beach. Can you help?
Hi Brandie. Thanks for the question. I know you requested a more upbeat song but I think the song that most fits the situation meeting your requirements would be Jimmy Buffett – Oldest Surfer on the Beach. Hope this helps!
My dad is deceased and I’m looking for a song to dedicate to my fil for a wedding dance but want it to be from me to him, not sound like it’s to me from him. Do you have any ideas, prefer country if possible
Hi Sarah, sorry for your loss. Here are a couple of Country suggestions for you to review: The Bones – Maren Morris, Faith Hill – There You’ll Be, Love and Theft – Love Wins. Please do let us know what song you choose.
Hello! I am afraid that my future daughter-in-law’s parents are going to be stuck in China and miss the wedding because of the corona virus and restrictions. Nothing can ever take the place of dancing with your father but I was trying to think of a song that my husband could dance to with her that tells her how much we love her and welcome her into the family?
Hi Audrey. Sorry to hear your story. The song choice depends on the theme you want to have. Because her Dad cannot make it, you could play Don’t Worry, Be Happy to lighten up the mood. You could also play I’ll Be There by Mariah Carey to offer comfort and love. Hope this helps with your song selection.
Any suggestions of a song for daddy daughter mother and son to dance to all together
Hi Jeanelle, many couples select non-parent-specific songs like I Melt, What A Wonderful World, etc.
My soon to be son in law lost his mom and I have also lost my son. Our dance will be very special. Any song suggestions?
Hi Lelie, I am not sure as to the style of music you like. However, what about the song Alison Krauss & Union Station – The Lucky One https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcRZ_J_VgNc
My son does not have a very good relationship with his mom, but I have talked him into doing the dance out of respect. He wants a short country song that isn’t all mushy on a mother’s love. Any suggestions?
Hi Mike and great question that actually gets asked many times. First, talk with your DJ as many professional DJs can create a short version of popular songs so that it doesn’t sound like it is cutoff. They can make them around 2 minutes which is a perfect length to prevent awkwardness in the dance. My favorite for your situation is Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw. Hope this helps!
My dad passed away and my fiance has a complicated relationship with his mom, so we are going to do one song where I dance with his father and he dances with my mother. Right now the only song I’m considering is “Teach Your Children” – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I’ve been reading through some other suggestions below and some of them start off great but end up with more “romantic” lyrics than I’m looking for (i.e. falling in love, kissing, etc.) which I do not think would be appropriate. Any other suggestions for a simultaneous dance like this? Thanks!
Hi Erin. First, sorry for your loss. I love the Teach Your Children song too and would be very appropriate. A couple of other offbeat suggestions would be The Best Is Yet To Come by Michael Buble, Three Little Birds by Bob Marley, Home by Edward Sharpe, Let’s Dance by David Bowie and Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles.
Hi there. My step-daughter is getting married. Her father and I have been married for almost 16 years but she has never really liked me (she is a little less than 10 years younger than me and she was 21 when we got married) although we get along pretty good now. Her and her mother has already planned a MIL/SIL dance but I would like to dance with the new SIL too (although I am not sure I am going to say anything). In this circumstance do you have any song recommendations?
Hi Christina. Thank you for submitting your question. Situations like this happen more than you would think. I would recommend a song that doesn’t signify the love bond between a mom and her son. Rather, I would select a song that either tells a story, or wishes him well in his new life. A couple selections include My Wish – Rascal Flatts, The Beatles – I’m Happy Just To Dance With You, George Strait – I Just Want To Dance With You, The Beatles – Here Comes The Sun and Tim McGraw – Meanwhile Back At Mama’s. Hope this helps.
Both of my parents are deceased as well as my fiance’s mother.
Any suggestions for songs I could dance to with my father in law?
Also any suggestions on what song and with whom my fiance could dance with for the mother/son dance? My step mother won’t be there.
Hi Amy. First, the song with your FIL depends on your relationship. If you are close, the maybe He Didn’t Have To Be. If not, pick a more uptempo song like My Girl. As for your fiance, he doesn’t have to have a dance or you could have him cut in during the middle of the dance with your FULL to I Loved Her First. Hope this helps.
I am looking for a song for the brides father and the grooms mother r to dance to. Any suggestions?
Hi Naketa. I would suggest keeping it a bit more lively and upbeat. I would not do a lovey song as it may create an awkward moment. What about Happy Together by The Turtles?
My fiances parents aren’t together. He has a step dad and his dad has a girlfriend of ten years. We want to do a dance where I dance with his step dad and he dances with his dads girlfriend but not sure on song. Any suggestions?
Hi Shuri. Thank you for the question. Here a few suggestions in different music styles:
Love Will Always Win – Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood
I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
Little Wonders – Rob Thomas
The Best Is Yet To Come – Michael Buble
Hope this helps!
Somewhere in the World by Wayne Watson might be a song to consider in some circumstances.
Thank you Autumn. We will add it to the list.
My soon to be father in law lost his only daughter a few years back. He calls me his “Mija” and I know it would mean so much to him if I had a dance with him since he won’t get that chance to have a dad/daughter dance. Any suggestions specifically for this situation? Thank in advance!
Hi. I think it is great that you want to do such a dance. It will be a very special moment for your FIL. Here are a few suggestions. More upbeat and uplifting – Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo?ole. In remembrance – Angel – Sarah Mclachlan. Father Daughter remembrance – Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross. Hope this helps!
My fiance parents are dead can I do a mother in law dance instead
Hi Lisa. Absolutely. Just choose a song that represents your relationship.
Hi, we wanted to have both sets of parents dance to a song right after the bride/father and the son/mother dances. What songs would you recommend for those dances? Thank you! The Brides parents are “still” married, but the (us) groom’s parents are divorced. But we wanted one song together to reflect on our lives together as parents. Suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Marvae. Great question. Having both sets of parents on the dance floor could create some awkwardness. You may think about joining them on the dance floor mid-way through the song. A couple song suggestions include Blessed – Elton John, I Wish You Love – Natalie Cole, Through The Years – Kenny Rogers and Love Can Build A Bridge – Judds.
Hi I’m wanting to do a special song from both sets of parents at my son and his new brides wedding in December … It will be a surprise but want it to reflect both families our love and wishes… Please help
Hi Darlene. Many of the above songs fit the bill. I would just check these out first.
Since my mother in law is almost 100 and will not make our reception /1 year anniversary cocktail party….. My husband and I have an idea of a Groom and mother in law (my mom) dance…. Would anyone have any suggestions on a song for them to dance to?
2 of our favorites are My Wish by Rascal Flatts and What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.
Hi, so my dad is not a part of my life, and I plan on having my uncle walk me down the aisle, but have my new father-in-law do the father daughter dance with me. The dance is a surprise, so I want the song to be a really good one but I have no idea which to chose. Help please!!
Hi Sabrina. We recommend I’ll Be There by Jackson 5 or Maria Carey.
The man I am about to get married to mother is not going to be at our wedding and I wanted to do a mother son song with my mom and him because they are so close. Any recommendations?
Hi Tabby. I would not do a slow song but more upbeat that has less to do with love and more about family. A newer song for an example would be Meanwhile Back At Mama’s by Tim McGraw.
Never heard of any of those songs. I really like Carrie Underwood steven Curtis chapman. And my temptations. Which would you reccommend?
All 3 are great artists. I like I Will Be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman. Carrie Underwood’s Don’t Forget To Remember Me would be good too.
Sounds great. Thanks for answering my questions
I want to have a father in law and daughter dance. What song would you recommend?
Hi Emily. It really depends on the style of music you like and the desired tempo. I have always liked Stand By Me, Family and I’ll Be There as Father-in-law and daughter songs.