Your “Do Not Play” Music Playlist: Songs to Avoid at Your Wedding

What elements come together to create the ideal wedding reception? Is it the venue? The cuisine? Or perhaps the music?

Actually, it’s the music that truly sets the tone for this momentous occasion. Wedding music acts as the soundtrack to your ceremony, creating a romantic ambiance and inviting guests to share in the celebration of your union.

Without music or with an ill-fitting playlist, guests are likely to depart soon after the meal.

Here are the top songs you should avoid playing at your wedding reception.

Quick Tips:

• Cheesy Wedding Songs: Avoid cheesy wedding songs such as the “Chicken Dance” or the “Macarena” unless they hold significant meaning to you and your partner.
• Divisive Songs: Avoid songs that could potentially divide or offend your guests. This includes songs with explicit lyrics or songs that may be offensive to certain cultures or religions.
• Exes’ Favorite Songs: Avoid playing songs that were once significant to an ex-partner, as it may bring up unpleasant memories or create an awkward situation.
• Overplayed Songs: Avoid songs that are overplayed or have been played at many weddings, such as “YMCA” or “Celebration.”
• Any Songs You Don’t Like: It’s your wedding day, so feel free to include any songs that you simply do not like or that do not fit with the overall theme and vibe of your wedding.

Your “Do Not Play” List for the Wedding DJ

• “Love Stinks” by The J. Geils Band
• “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (It’s a breakup song)
• “Gold Digger” by Kanye West
• “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
• “Every Breath You Take” by The Police (It’s actually about stalking)
• “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi
• “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
• “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor (It can come off as bitter)
• “Hit the Road Jack” by Ray Charles
• “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” by Neil Sedaka
• “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake (It’s a revenge song)
• “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion (It’s a sad song about loss)
• “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith (It’s about fearing loss and separation)
• “The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry
• “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” by Tammy Wynette
• “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Joy Division
• “I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan (It’s a sad song about memories)
• “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
• “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” by The Righteous Brothers
• “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers (It’s a song about missing someone who is gone)
• “Goodbye Earl” by Dixie Chicks (It’s about murder)
• “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse (It’s about addiction and loss)
• “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” by Diana Ross & The Supremes and The Temptations (It can come off as desperate)
• “Love Hurts” by Nazareth
• “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
• “White Wedding” by Billy Idol (It’s about rebellion and defiance)
• “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones
• “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon
• “Love Bites” by Def Leppard
• “The Thrill is Gone” by B.B. King
• “Stay” by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko (It’s a song about an unhealthy relationship)
• “One More Minute” by “Weird Al” Yankovic (It’s a parody song about a breakup)
• “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers (It’s a sad song about missing someone who’s gone)
• “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis (It’s about a painful and tumultuous relationship)
• “Better Man” by Pearl Jam (It’s about someone trying to be a better partner but ultimately failing)
• “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift
• “Someone Like You” by Adele (It’s a sad song about a past relationship)
• “Yesterday” by The Beatles (It’s a song about longing for a past love)
• “Creep” by Radiohead (It’s about feeling like an outsider and unrequited love)
• “We Found Love” by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris (It’s a song about a toxic and tumultuous relationship)

Tips & Notes

• Communicate your DO NOT Play list with your DJ or band well in advance to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Consider the age range and demographics of your guests when creating your playlist. You’ll want to include songs that appeal to all ages and backgrounds.
• Remember to include a variety of genres and styles in your playlist to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
• Above all, remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to your partner. Don’t let any musical mishaps ruin your special day, and enjoy your time with your loved ones.

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Reference Links:

• https://www.brides.com/worst-wedding-songs-5077247
• https://www.myweddingsongs.com/wedding-song-lists/songs-not-to-play-at-weddings/
• https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-songs-to-skip