Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, but few are as impactful as your musical selections. The right songs create unforgettable moments, whilst the wrong ones can bring your celebration to a cringe-worthy halt. We've gathered insights from professional DJs and newlyweds who've witnessed first-hand which tunes should remain firmly off your wedding playlist.

Breakup Anthems to Avoid

These songs might be classics, but their lyrical content about failed relationships hardly sets the right tone for your new beginning:

  1. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston – Despite its beautiful melody, it’s explicitly about loving someone you're leaving.
  2. "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac – The title says it all, doesn’t it?
  3. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor – A powerful anthem, but about thriving after a relationship ends.
  4. "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye – One bride reported mortification when a relative requested this whilst her ex was present.
  5. "Don’t You Want Me" by The Human League – Listen carefully to the controlling undertones.
  6. "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé – "To the left, to the left" isn’t exactly celebrating commitment.
  7. "Yesterday" by The Beatles – A beautiful melody hiding lyrics of regret and lost love.
  8. "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon – The title rather gives this one away.

Inappropriate Party Starters

These might be club favourites, but they can make family members uncomfortable:

  1. "Get Low" by Lil Jon – Do you really want your grandmother hearing those lyrics?
  2. "WAP" by Cardi B – Explicit content that will have some guests heading for the exits.
  3. "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke – Controversial lyrics that might offend many guests.
  4. "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails – The industrial beat might appeal, but the lyrics are decidedly not wedding-appropriate.
  5. "Whistle" by Flo Rida – The innuendo isn’t subtle enough for a family gathering.
  6. "Rude Boy" by Rihanna – Another song where the suggestive content isn’t suitable for mixed company.
  7. "S&M" by Rihanna – The title alone should explain why this belongs at the club, not your wedding.
  8. "Talk Dirty" by Jason Derulo – The international phrases aren’t discussing travel plans.

Overplayed Wedding Clichés

These songs have been played at so many weddings, they've lost their charm:

  1. "Chicken Dance" – Unless you're specifically aiming for a cheesy atmosphere.
  2. "Macarena" – Collective obligation rather than genuine joy often follows.
  3. "YMCA" by Village People – Predictable arm movements included.
  4. "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners – A wedding staple that’s past its prime.
  5. "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang – Ironically, it rarely feels celebratory anymore.
  6. "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge – Too on-the-nose for family-focused events.
  7. "Electric Slide" – The choreographed dancing feels more like a PE lesson than a celebration.
  8. "Cha-Cha Slide" – See above, with added commands.

Emotional Landmines

These songs might trigger powerful, unwanted emotions in key guests:

  1. "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle – Can be devastating for brides without fathers present.
  2. "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross – Beautiful but potentially tearful for the wrong reasons.
  3. "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton – A song about losing a child has no place at a wedding.
  4. "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion – A love song about a relationship that ended in tragic death.
  5. "The Living Years" by Mike + The Mechanics – Focuses on regrets with deceased parents.
  6. "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John – A tribute to those gone too soon.
  7. "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men – Another beautiful song about saying goodbye.
  8. "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – A friendship tribute with mortality themes.

Absolute Mood Killers

These songs send exactly the wrong message at key moments:

  1. "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen – Particularly after any ceremonial moment.
  2. "Gold Digger" by Kanye West – Especially questionable after the first dance.
  3. "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC – One groom recalled this playing after his religious grandmother’s toast.
  4. "All By Myself" by Celine Dion – A song about loneliness at an event celebrating union.
  5. "The End" by The Doors – Rather morbid implications for a beginning.
  6. "Who Let the Dogs Out" by Baha Men – Unless you want your reception to feel like a sporting event.
  7. "It’s the End of the World as We Know It" by R.E.M. – Let’s not tempt fate, shall we?
  8. "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles – Sends the wrong message about commitment.

Recommended Alternatives

Focus on universally appealing classics and contemporary hits with positive messages:

  1. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – Upbeat and widely appealing.
  2. "Let’s Stay Together" by Al Green – Classic celebration of lasting love.
  3. "Higher Love" by Steve Winwood – Positivity with a danceable beat.
  4. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire – Joyful and timeless.
  5. "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" by Stevie Wonder – A classic that actually celebrates commitment.
  6. "Can’t Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake – Family-friendly and upbeat.
  7. "At Last" by Etta James – A romantic classic about finding true love.
  8. "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor – Gentle celebration of love found.

Your wedding music should reflect your personality as a couple whilst keeping your guests entertained. By avoiding these potential playlist pitfalls, you'll ensure your special day remains memorable for all the right reasons!

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