Songs You Should NOT Play at Your Wedding

During a wedding, almost anyone’s favorite part is the reception. Specifically, when the DJ starts playing songs and the dance floor is open. However, there is a list of songs you should NOT play at your wedding, and we have that list for you!

The Overplayed

Songs that are overplayed usually don’t make people want to get up and dance. They most likely will annoy them into leaving. So make sure to avoid this set of songs:

  • Single Ladies by Beyonce | This is also another classic and people love Beyonce but it is just a tired song for wedding receptions now.
  • Y.M.C.A. by Village People |  Of course this song is a classic, however it has been overplayed so many times at weddings. It is time to give this song back to the last century.
  • Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke | It is time for this song to retire, it is catchy, but not catchy enough to continue to be played at weddings past 2020.
  • My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion | Unless you are having a Titanic themed wedding, it is best to do what Rose did and let go.
  • Marry You by Bruno Mars | Who doesn’t love Bruno Mars? He has so many wonderful songs to choose from, so don’t get caught up on this one.

Too Cheesy

These are the songs that are just too cheesy to be played at a wedding.

  • Cha Cha Slide by Mr.s C | This is almost always played at a wedding, and it’s great for kids, but it is so cheesy that it hurts.
  • Macarena by Los Del Rio | This song has been around for half a century and it is just as cheesy as the day it had first come out.
  • Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry | If you didn’t just sing along in your head as you read that title then you are too young because I can feel the cheese from here.
  • The Chicken Dance by The Tweets | No explanation needed.
  • Stayin’ Alive by the Bees Gees | It almost hurts to put this one on the list because of how many movie soundtracks this song is on but it must be done. It is too cheesy to be played at a wedding.

Inappropriate Songs

Even though this is now the time for celebrating love, songs that are overly sexual are not good choices to play at your wedding . . . where everyone will remember. 

  • Tainted Love by Soft Cell | The Lyrics say it all . . . in fact they may say too much.
  • Gold Digger by Kanye West | The title seems reason enough not to play it at a wedding.
  • Baby Got Back by Sir Mix- a-lot | It is definitely an older song, but that doesn’t mean older generations will appreciate listening to it at your wedding.
  • My Humps by Black Eyed Peas | It is a very explicit song that probably isn’t suited for a wedding.
  • Lyin Eyes by The Eagles | Its a classic, wonderful song, great beat, but the lyrics just aren’t appropriate for a reception.

Negative Messages about Love 

Negative messages about love isn’t the best way to start off a marriage listening too. These songs range from stalking to negative stereotypes.

  • Every Breath You Take by The Police | There are now tons of parodies of this song, but it is best to avoid playing at your wedding.
  • Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood | It is a negative way to start out your marriage.
  • It Wasn’t Me by Shaggy | Who doesn’t love this catchy song? It is so catchy, but it is another song about cheating and shouldn’t be played at your wedding
  • If You Wanna Be Happy by Jimmy Soul | This song is about marrying someone who is ugly then she will never cheat on you. I don’t know about you, but this shouldn’t be an ideal when going into a marriage.
  • Love The Way You Lie by Eninem | A hit song that has been around since the early 2010’s, and you should leave it out of your wedding playlist.

Most importantly, Do Not Play Songs About Breakups

Playing a break up song at a wedding is basically taboo. If you play a break up song at your wedding it’s almost like dooming your marriage from the start! Plus it definitely puts a damper on the mood.

  • Make You Feel My Love by Adele | We all love Adele, but it is best not to play this song on what is supposed to be the happiest day of your life.
  • I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor | Another classic, however this song was written about a relationship that soured.
  • Your Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi | There are tons of classic rock fans, but a song that involves negativity about love should be avoided on your wedding day.
  • The Scientist by Coldplay | Coldplay is a great band, but this is another song about a breakup that shouldn’t be played at your reception.
  • Let It Go by James Bay | It is a fantastic song that I am sure almost everyone knows the lyrics too, however it will definitely bring down the mood on the dance floor.