Updated March 13, 2024 | Author: Matthew Campbell
After years of DJing weddings, I assembled a list of the best songs to play for dancing with your in-laws at your wedding. Why not include your father and mother-in-law in the dance spotlight?
When picking out the song to dance with your in-laws, you must consider the following 3 factors: 1. Does the song have a special meaning to both of you?Quick Tips
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 an in-law dance. Songs are selected by the meaning of the song and popular hits by today’s couples. Additional lists are grouped by genre to match your taste in music.
Trending In-Law Dance Songs
- “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
- “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
- “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw
- “Family Affair” by Mary J Blige
- “I’ll Be There” by Jackson 5
- “The Good Ones” by Gabby Barrett
- “Call My Name” by Lukas Graham
- “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders
- “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
- “On Me” by Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Ava Max
MIL & FIL Wedding Songs by Genre
Rock
Life Is Wonderful – Jason Mraz
The song reminds us that without pain we would not appreciate happiness and treasure every moment and enjoy what life brings.
Little Wonders – Rob Thomas
A reminder that our lives consist of little moments. If something bad or good happens it is only for a moment. Brush off the bad and cherish the good.
Beautiful Day – U2
A song reminding us all that there is joy in everything and you should be thankful to be alive.
Days Like This – Van Morrison
A song that reminds us that we all have bad days and to forget them and appreciate the good days.
Hold My Hand – Hootie & The Blowfish
A song about being there for someone through life’s struggles.
I’ll Stand By You – The Pretenders
A song about being there for someone through their darkest times to help them through.
Wildflowers – Tom Petty
The song could be interpreted as a parent and child relationship and wishing them the best as they go out on their own and are free to explore the world.
Forever Young – Rod Stewart
A song dedication from a parent to their child that they hope they find love and happiness.
Family Man – Fleetwood Mac
A song about a man who puts his family first and when he gets knocked down he knows he will get back up and knows what’s the right thing to do – taking care of his family.
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
Even though the song is about a lover’s relationship, it is commonly played for parent and child dances for hard rock fans.
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
A song that represents that we are all going through life on our own motions and we all need some excitement to feel alive.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – The Police
A song about a guy who is twitterpated with a girl but is too shy to approach her.
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
A song about a couple getting ready for a night out on the town and he is letting her know that she looks wonderful.
Somebody To Love – Queen
A song about a guy asking God why he can’t find someone to love. However, the wedding couple did and their in-laws gave them love too.
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
A song about the fear of your life falling apart and whether or not you can keep on keeping on. Your in-laws will be there to help you through.
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
A song about being thankful for the people or someone that loves you.
You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
A song that is meant as a reminder that friends and family are there when you need a helping hand.
Kooks – David Bowie
A song about family members being a little crazy.
Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
A song about accepting people for who they are even though they are from different generations.
In My Life – The Beatles
A song that represents all of the people that you have met throughout your life and has made you who you are today.
I’m Happy Just To Dance With You – The Beatles
A song that represents being happy to dance with someone without romantic gestures.
Tip If you are planning a dance with your in-laws, don’t forget about your parents. See our lists of father-daughter dance song ideas and mother-son dance songs.
Country
Rich Man – Little Big Town
A song about a family man living a rich life full of love and happiness – and feeling blessed for such a life.
The Good Ones – Gabby Barrett
A song giving thanks for finding a lover that loves you the way you should and they do it all the time.
You Are My Sunshine – Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton
The song represents a state of commitment to another and never letting go.
Humble and Kind – Tim McGraw
This song is an inspirational message from a parent to a child. The parent is hoping their child becomes a good person.
Family Is Family – Kacey Musgraves
A song about family members being there for you no matter what – so much more than any friend would do. You can’t pick them but they love you unconditionally.
Like Jesus Does – Eric Church
Even though the song is about a wife accepting her husband for his past transgressions and loving him unconditionally. The same could be said for a parent and child relationship.
My Wish – Rascal Flatts
This could be translated as a special wish from a parent to a child that they hope they have a life full of happiness and love.
There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
A song about losing someone but they are always there with you in spirit.
I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack
This song is a message from a parent to a child that they hope that they take a chance on love and faith to live a fulfilled life.
Treat Her Right – Sawyer Brown
The song heeds a warning that a couple needs to treat each other right so that the relationship will stand the test of time.
I Just Want To Dance With You – George Strait
The song signifies dancing with each other is a way to express your love for each other.
Family – Dolly Parton
A song that represents never giving up on or turning away anyone that is your family – even new members.
Love Can Build A Bridge – The Judds
This is a song that reminds us all that love can conquer all. It builds community and relationships.
Family Tradition – Hank Williams, Jr.
The song pays homage to family traditions no matter if they are positive or unfavorable. They are still your family traditions.
Wildfire – Michael Martin Murphey
A song that represents being a free spirit – just being who you are and like a wild horse can never be tamed.
Oh, Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison
A song letting a woman know that you think she is pretty.
Tip If your father is not in your life or if you don’t have a close relationship, you can always have a mother-daughter dance or a sister and brother song for a special bond or songs about sisterhood and friendship for a dance or dedication.
R&B
Chosen Family – Rina Sawayama
A song that is interpreted as being a song about not being accepted by your natural family but then picking a chosen family that accepts you
Blended Family (What You Do For Love) – Alicia Keys feat. A$AP Rocky
A song that portrays a parent who is not your birth parent but has accepted you as one of their own.
Keep The Family Close – Drake
The song is a reminder to keep in touch with your family and don’t let pride get in the way.
Remedy – Adele
The song is not about a romantic relationship but rather a relationship of loving someone and being there for them.
Happy – Pharrell Williams
The song’s message is a reminder to always be happy and stay positive when facing adversity.
Family Affair – Mary J Blige
The song is about making people feel good, having a good time, and partying with family and friends.
Count On Me – Whitney Houston & CeCe Winans
An uplifting song about leaning on a friend for support when needed.
I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey
The song is about offering someone unconditional love and always being there for them no matter what.
Lean On Me – Club Nouveau
A remake of the Bill Withers song. It is a reminder that life is difficult sometimes and if you need an ear to listen to or a shoulder to cry on, I will be there.
I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
The song is a reminder to an old friend or someone special that you will always be there to support them.
We Are Family – Sister Sledge
This is an anthem for sisterhood, not giving up, and having a good time.
Lean on Me – Bill Withers
A song about helping others in a time of need and being there for them.
Ain’t That Love – Ray Charles
A song about the feeling you get when someone you care about feels down or sad and you feel the same way too and you want to help them.
Stand By Me – Ben E. King
The song is a tribute to the one who stands by you to help you overcome any obstacle and appreciate them.
Smile – Nat King Cole
The song is a reminder that no matter how difficult a situation you are in remember to smile through it.
Reggae
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
A song that reminds you not to worry too much about your troubles and that tomorrow is a new day to start anew.
I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
The song is about having hope and courage for those experiencing adversity in their lives. You shall overcome it!
Tip One of the most romantic parts of your reception is your first dance. Pick a fast or slow first dance song for your wedding that means something to you whether it is slow or upbeat.
Pop
Heroes – Haley Reinhart
The song is about a couple who wants to be together against all odds even though outside forces prevent them from being together.
Call My Name – Lukas Graham
A message of helping others to those who are in need and being there for them.
I’ll Stand by You – Josh Groban, Helene Fischer
A song about pledging your faithful love through the darkest of times.
On Me – Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Ava Max
The song lets someone know that you are there to support them through anything that happens in life.
Smile – Uncle Kracker
The song tells somebody how much they are appreciated in your life and that they make you smile and happy.
Ordinary Miracle – Sarah McLachlan
The song is about appreciating life and appreciating all of the little things such as sunrises and sunsets.
Seasons Of Love – Cast Of Rent
The song asks the question of what the proper way is to quantify the value of a year and the value of love.
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
The song has a message of faith in God and the power and strength through faith and what it gives you.
Family Portrait – P!nk
The song is about the wanting of her parents to NOT split up/divorce and how they may look happy in their family portrait.
You’ll Be In My Heart – Phil Collins
The song is a message of not worrying or being afraid as I will be with you through the good and bad times.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Randy Newman
The song is about a very special friendship and being there for each other.
Blessed – Elton John
A song about feeling blessed to have children in your life.
I Wish You Love – Natalie Cole
Even though it is a breakup song, it can be intended as wishing the wedding couple love in their new life together.
These Are the Days – Van Morrison
A song about how every day will not be perfect but to focus on the good days. It was first released by Van Morrison.
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Even though the song was intended for one lover to another, it has taken on many more meanings such as always being there and guiding your child through life and giving thanks for them.
Let’s Dance – David Bowie
The song is a metaphor for dancing through life whether you are dancing the night away or dancing the blues.
Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
A song about leaving your lover to be with and take care of your mother in a time of need.
Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
A song about a girl who wants to go out and live her life with lots of hope for what may come.
What A Wonderful – Louis Armstrong
The song is about appreciating the beauty and good people of the world.
Tip After all of the formal dances, you can have a wedding party dance to get the party started and fill the dance floor with you and your guests.
Jazz
The Best Is Yet To Come – Michael Buble
The song represents a new journey that has only just begun and it will only get better.
A Wink And A Smile – Harry Connick Jr.
I think the song represents a lasting relationship that gets pleasure and goes together like something as simple as a wink and a smile.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
A song with a message that no matter how bad things get in your life do not worry because everything will be OK.
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
The song is about a lady who charmed her way into the heart of a guy and he will never forget the way she looked that night.
Tip If you have step-parents, select a song just for your relationship! Have a dance to a stepmom and stepson song and a stepdad and stepdaughter song.
Folk
Family – Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
A song that was written to reflect on the beauty, chaos, dysfunction, and hilarity that family can be.
Forever Young – Andrea von Kampen
The song was written by Stewart as a dedication to his kids by wanting to help them grow up to be better people when they are adults.
Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
The song is a reminder that home is not a place but wherever we are together.
Home – Phillip Phillips
The song lets you know that your home is anywhere as long as you have people and things you care about. You can make any place your home.
Tip In order to shorten the time for your formal dances, you can choose to have a combined parent wedding dance.
FAQs
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 weddings.
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.
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 of 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 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.
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 of 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 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.
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. I 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).
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 the 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.
Why trustMatthew Campbell?
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.
