Music is an integral part of every wedding. It sets the mood and tone for the event. When it comes to choosing what music to play, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
Some people say that there are certain songs that should never be played at a wedding, such as “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn and “Here Comes the Bride” by Wagner. However, if you are planning on playing these songs in your ceremony, it is important to know why they are not appropriate for weddings.
Here are some tips on what not to play at a wedding, as well as some suggestions for songs to include in your wedding playlist.
We will provide you with an extensive list of songs that are sure to be a hit at any wedding reception.
1) What Not To Play At A Wedding
- Bad Reception Songs
- Easy Listening Songs
- Country Songs
- Classic Hits & Singles
- Dance / Disco Songs
- Rock / Pop Music
2) Don’t Play These 14 Bad Wedding Songs
The following is a list of 14 songs that you should avoid playing at your wedding.
1. "The Night Chicago Died" - Paper Lace
The song was written by Paper Lace and released in 1974.
In the song, the singer is a criminal who has just been released from prison and is looking for revenge on his former partner in crime.
The song's lyrics are about how he wants to kill his former partner because he feels betrayed. The singer also mentions that he plans on going to Chicago and "killing the mayor" before returning to New York City.
2. "My Neck, My Back (Lick It)" - Khia
Some people might think that Khia’s song is a perfect choice for their wedding. But it’s not. The lyrics are explicit and vulgar. It will make the day seem less romantic and more like a porno scene.
I would advise you not to play “My Neck, My Back (Lick It)” on your wedding day, unless you want to have your guests feeling uncomfortable throughout the ceremony.
3. "YMCA" - Village People
One of the most common wedding songs is “YMCA” by the Village People. While it’s a great song, and many people have fond memories of it, there are some reasons why you should not play this song at your wedding.
This song has been around since 1978, so if you are having a modern or contemporary themed wedding, it might not be the best choice for your first dance or professional. It also has lyrics that might not be appropriate for a family-friendly event.
The lyrics are about living in a gay lifestyle and going to an all-male gymnasium, which could make some people uncomfortable. It also mentions “the girls in their tight skirts” which may be offensive to some women.
4. "Stayin' Alive" - Bee Gees
The Bee Gees song is a disco anthem that was released in 1977. But it’s not the best song for a wedding.
The lyrics of the song are about death and dying, which can be an upsetting thing to hear on your wedding day. The lyrics also contain phrases like “I’ve got to get myself back to reality”, which can make some people feel sad and depressed before they even walk down the aisle.
5. "Love Shack" - The B-52s
The B-52s’ song “Love Shack” is a classic, and it is usually played at weddings. However, there are many reasons why this song should not be played at your wedding.
First of all, the lyrics are often considered too risqué to be played at a wedding reception. Plus, the song has been licensed so many times that it is difficult to find an original version of it.
Lastly, the song doesn't have a happy ending and that may not be what you want for your wedding day.
6. "You're the One That I Want" - Grease (1978)
The song "You're the One That I Want" from Grease is a perfect example of a song that is not appropriate to play on your wedding. The lyrics are not romantic and the song has no love story. It is better to avoid it if you want to have a perfect wedding.
The song "You're the One That I Want" from Grease has been played at countless weddings, but it does not mean that this is an appropriate choice for your special day. If you want to have an unforgettable wedding, then you should avoid this song and choose something more romantic and loving.
7. "The Power of Love" - Huey Lewis & The News
wedding venues are often filled with songs of love, but don't play this particular song. Given its lyrics and the title, you may think that it is all about love. However, the truth is that this song is about a man who kills his lover for betraying him. Playing this song will not only be inappropriate for your wedding setting and may ruin the mood of your guests who are enjoying themselves but could also be against the law.This song may not be appropriate for your wedding guests because it has violent lyrics and a title that can imply that the bride is cheating on her husband.
8. "The Fox" - Ylvis
This song is not something you want to play at your wedding. This song is about a man who falls in love with a woman, but she dies. He then falls in love with another woman, and the cycle repeats itself. It's not the type of song that you want to play when celebrating your love for someone.
9. "Poker Face" - Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s song “Poker Face” is about a woman who is trying to hide her emotions from her lover. The lyrics tell us that she does not want him to know what she is feeling because he would use it against her.
Yet, if you are planning on getting married, don't play poker face with your groom on the big day. The key to a successful marriage is being able to talk about your feelings and work things out together.
10. "You Spin Me Round" - Dead or Alive
This song may be catchy, but it's not appropriate to play at your wedding. It's a song that was written by Pete Burns and Mike Stock, a British production duo. The lyrics are about how the singer is feeling after being drugged and raped.
11. "Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and the Waves
It is not a good idea to play the “walking on sunshine” song at your wedding. It is a happy song, and it does not fit with the mood of the wedding.
The lyrics are about someone who is walking in the sunshine, which is not going to happen at your wedding. The lyrics also talk about being happy and carefree, which are feelings that you may not be feeling at your wedding.
12. "We Built This City" - Starship (1985)
The song is about the music industry and specifically about the band Starship. The song is a ballad that talks about how they’ve made their way to the top of the industry, and they’re now looking back on how they built this city.
This song has been played at many weddings, but it's not a great fit for them. It's not a happy enough song, it doesn't have any lyrics that are appropriate for wedding vows or toasts, and it doesn't have any lyrics that might be fitting for a wedding dance.
13. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" - Whitney Houston
It is a common practice to play Whitney Houston’s song "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" at the wedding reception. But there are reasons why this song should not be played at a wedding.
The first reason is that the lyrics of the song are not appropriate for weddings. The lyrics talk about being alone and wanting someone to dance with. It also talks about how one can find love when they least expect it, which goes against the traditional idea of finding love through family connections or arranged marriage.
The second reason is that it is a sad song, which doesn't go well with the happy mood of weddings.
14. "Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke ft. T.I., Pharrell Williams
Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” has been a controversial song for many years. It is often played at parties, clubs, and even as background music at some weddings. But why not play this song?
The lyrics of the song are about having sex with someone who is too drunk to consent. The video shows men with their hands all over three women who are barely conscious and wearing only underwear. They make jokes about the women being drunk and then show them in a row on the ground, passed out or asleep. This video sends an extremely dangerous message that it's okay to take advantage of someone if they're too drunk to consent.
Many people have criticized this song for its misogynistic lyrics and degrading portrayal of women as sexual objects without any agency or character development.