The Perfect In-Law Wedding Dance: 50+ Song Ideas for Every Connection

The “Parent Dance” is a wedding staple, but what about the family you’re joining? Whether you are a groom dancing with your new Mother-in-Law or a bride honoring her Father-in-Law, the “In-Law Dance” is a powerful gesture of unity.

As wedding music experts, we’ve curated the ultimate list of in-law songs, categorized by relationship and “vibe”, to help you find the melody that hits the right note.

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Groom & Mother-In-Law Dance Songs

The goal here is gratitude. You are thanking her for raising the person you love.

• The Modern Choice: “Humble and Kind” – Tim McGraw
  • Why it works: It’s a universal message of wisdom and upbringing.
• The Soulful Choice: “A Song For Mama” – Boyz II Men
  • Why it works: Deeply respectful and classic.
• The New Classic: “Chosen Family” – Rina Sawayama
  • Why it works: Perfect for modern, blended, or inclusive families.

More Groom/Mother-in-Law Favorites:

1. “In My Life” – The Beatles
2. “Days Like This” – Van Morrison
3. “Mother” – Sugarland
4. “You’re The Inspiration” – Chicago

Bride & Father-In-Law Dance Songs

This dance symbolizes the father-in-law welcoming a new “daughter” into the fold.

• The Sentimental Choice: “What A Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
• The Country Choice: “My Wish” – Rascal Flatts
• The “Welcome” Song: “Kind & Generous” – Natalie Merchant

Pro Tip: Use this if he has been exceptionally supportive during the planning process.

More Bride/Father-in-Law Favorites:

1. “The Way You Look Tonight” – Frank Sinatra
2. “You’ve Got A Friend” – James Taylor
3. “Father and Daughter” – Paul Simon
4. “I’ll Be There” – The Jackson 5

Non-Traditional & Step-Parent Songs

This dance symbolizes the father-in-law welcoming a new “daughter” into the fold.

• “Step by Step” – Whitney Houston (A fun, upbeat nod to step-parents)
• “Lean on Me” – Bill Withers
• “Stand By Me” – Ben E. King
• “Family” – Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

Veteran Expert Tips for the In-Law Dance

1. Keep it Short: In-law dances should typically be 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Ask your DJ to fade out early.
2. The “Invite” Factor: To avoid awkwardness, have the DJ announce: “At this time, [Name] would like to invite their new [Mother/Father] in-law to the floor for a special dance of welcome.”
3. Check the Lyrics: Avoid overly romantic songs. Stick to themes of friendship, growth, and “the future.”

In-Law Songs by Theme

New In-Law Dance Songs to Know

• He’s My Man – Priscilla Block

Fun & Unexpected

If you want to have a fun upbeat song to dance or dedicate to your new in-laws, check out these hits!

• A Wink And A Smile – Harry Connick Jr.
• Ain’t That Love – Ray Charles
• Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
• Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
• Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – The Police
• Happy – Pharrell Williams
• Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
• Home – Phillip Phillips
• How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
• I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
• Lean On Me – Club Nouveau
• Let’s Dance – David Bowie
• Seasons Of Love – Cast Of Rent
• Smile – Nat King Cole
• Smile – Uncle Kracker
• Somebody To Love – Queen
• The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra

Family Theme

When getting married, not only do the couple become one but so do families join together. These songs celebrate your new family members.

• Blended Family – Alicia Keys, A$AP Rocky
• Chosen Family – Rina Sawayama
• Family – Dolly Parton
• Family – Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
• Family Affair – Mary J Blige
• Family Is Family – Kacey Musgraves
• Family Man – Fleetwood Mac
• Family Portrait – P!nk
• Family Tradition – Hank Williams, Jr.
• Keep The Family Close – Drake
• Kooks – David Bowie
• Love Can Build A Bridge – The Judds
• Rich Man – Little Big Town
• We Are Family – Sister Sledge

Every Type of Relationship

Not every couple is close with their new in-laws at the wedding. These songs still have a nice moment without the lovey-dovey lyrics.

• I Just Want To Dance With You – George Strait
• Only Time – Enya
• Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
• Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
• These Are the Days – Van Morrison
• Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
• What A Wonderful – Louis Armstrong
• Wildfire – Michael Martin Murphey
• Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

Parent-Child Relationship

Just the opposite of the list above this one. These songs celebrate the closeness between the couple and their new in-laws.

• Blessed – Elton John
• Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
• Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
• Like Jesus Does – Eric Church
• Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
• Take Good Care Of My Baby – Bobby Vee
• Tell Me Twice – Chayce Beckham
• The Good Ones – Gabby Barrett
• Treat Her Right – Sawyer Brown
• You Are My Sunshine – Morgane & Chris Stapleton

Being There For Each Other

Here is a list of songs that celebrate being there for each other through thick and thin as the couple starts their new life as a married couple.

• Call My Name – Lukas Graham
• Count On Me – Whitney Houston, CeCe Winans
• Hold My Hand – Hootie & The Blowfish
• I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
• I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey
• I’ll Stand by You – Josh Groban, Helene Fischer
• I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders
• I’m Happy Just To Dance With You – The Beatles
• Lean on Me – Bill Withers
• On Me – Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Ava Max
• Stand By Me – Ben E. King
• There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
• You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
• You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman

Loving Each Other

Are your in-laws seen as parent figures in your life? These songs celebrate your special bond.

• Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
• Can You Feel The Love Tonight – Elton John
• Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart
• Heroes – Haley Reinhart
• In My Life – The Beatles
• Life Is Wonderful – Jason Mraz
• Ordinary Miracle – Sarah McLachlan
• Remedy – Adele
• Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
• You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins

Good Will for the Future

These songs share a feeling of wishing the couple well from the eyes of the parents to the newlyweds.

• Days Like This – Van Morrison
• Forever Young – Andrea von Kampen
• Forever Young – Rod Stewart
• Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw
• I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
• I Wish You Love – Natalie Cole
• Let Your Love Flow – Bellamy Brothers
• Little Wonders – Rob Thomas
• My Wish – Rascal Flatts
• The Best Is Yet To Come – Michael Buble
• Wildflowers – Tom Petty

DJs! Plan an In-Law Dance Song by BPM and Key

(Click on the Song, Artist, Key and BPM table columns for sorting)

*BPM and key pulled from SongData.io

Spotify In-Law Playlist

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