When planning their wedding reception music, many couples concentrate on the “Must Play” list. I believe what’s more important is the “Do NOT Play” list.
These are songs that DJ’s tend to play at weddings, but are really dreadful. I know some of them are meant to get people up and dancing. But really … there are better alternatives.
Here are some obvious choices for the “Do Not Play” List:
“Cha Cha Slide”
“Chicken Dance”
“Macarena”
“YMCA”
I would also add “Hokey Pokey” to the list. But if you have a lot of kids at your reception, it could be cute for them.
Some other songs that are often played at wedding receptions, but really shouldn’t be, include the following:
“Every Breath You Take” (Sting) – Too stalker-ish
“My Heart Will Go On” (Celine Dion) - Umm… she’s singing about her dead husband
“I Will Always Love You” (Whitney Houston) - It’s a breakup song
“White Wedding” (Billy Idol) - He’s singing about hating his sister’s fiancé
What songs are “musts” for your wedding reception? What others have you included on your “do not play” list?
Photo credit: © Bill McCullough
November 26, 2007
I think there should always be a father-daughter dance at the reception (except, of course, if you have a good reason not to). It’s just something sentimental I think is really appropriate considering the occasion. There are a lot of really good songs I’ve heard that go along with that.
November 27, 2007
Yes, definitely a father daughter dance, also the Electric Slide is a must! It’s always fun, and really easy to pick up
Totally agree with the “My Heart Will Go On” I CAN’T STAND THAT SONG!!!! that was on our “Don’t play” list
May 11, 2008
Always must be a father daughter dance.I myself like the song UNFORGETTABLE - Nat King Cole.
June 16, 2008
“Mony, Mony” by Billy Idol will sometimes get the nod as a “Do Not Play” song. Not because the song is necessarily flawed, but because the dancers tend to insert x-rated shout lines during the song.