The Tunes You Don't Want To Hear On The Dance Floor  

Music plays a big role on your wedding day, from the first dance to the late-night reception. It’s a balancing act of music you enjoy and pleasing your guests of mixed ages. Despite that every song choice won’t impress Grandma, some music is certainly inappropriate for the occasion. Nevertheless, say “I do not” to these songs at your wedding.  

Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

1. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police

If you don’t listen carefully you may not realize that this love song has “stage 5 clinger” status. The lyrics could’ve been written by a stalker and come across as obsessive–– not a good influence on relationships.  

Someone Not Awful on Wikimedia

2. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

This song might be fun to dance to but its lyrics will kill the romance. This song is about living independently after a breakup–– don’t let it survive on your playlist.   

Rob Mieremet / Anefo on Wikimedia

3. "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" by Tammy Wynette

We don’t have to spell it out for you–– the reason this song is highly inappropriate for a wedding is pretty self-explanatory. Let’s replace this one with “L-O-V-E” by Nat “King” Cole.

Hubert Long (manager)/Epic Records on Wikimedia

4. "I Hate Everything About You" by Three Days Grace

Well if this were true, you probably wouldn’t be getting married. It’s not the best song to motivate you on your next chapter together. Hate doesn’t belong on the dance floor!

Sven Mandel on Wikimedia

5. "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi

This one is a banger but it’s no good for a celebration of love. Poor Bon Jovi sings about his toxic relationship full of betrayal and anger. If this loveless song ends up on the wedding playlist, you’re to blame.   

slgckgc on Wikimedia

6. "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell

You’ve got to run away from this song–– it will taint your opinion about love. The lyrics narrate a loving relationship that was torn apart by corruption and manipulation. Frankly, we don’t think that’s the vibe you’re going for.    

Sire Records on Wikimedia

7. "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood

Don’t seek revenge on us for convincing you to take this song off your playlist. It’s a fabulous ballad for a night of karaoke but it won’t set your marriage off on the right foot.   

Matthew Wittkopp on Wikimedia

8. "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" by Paul Simon

Do we need to say more? Even though it’s clever and catchy, the title is reason enough not to play this tune at the reception. Sound like a plan, Stan? 

Harry Chase, Los Angeles Times on Wikimedia

9. "Suspicious Minds" by Elvis Presley

A song about distrust and jealousy is not something to celebrate. The king of rock n’ roll has other love songs you can request from the DJ to please the crowd. 

Uncredited on Wikimedia

10. "Unfaithful" by Rihanna

The chorus proclaims, “I don’t wanna be a murderer”, referring to killing a relationship. “Bad Girl RiRi” wrote this sad song about being an unfaithful partner–– it’s a bad song for a wedding. 

Eva Rinaldi on Wikimedia

11. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2

A song about dissatisfaction with life is not the best choice after saying your “I do’s” at the altar. We’re pretty sure U2 isn’t short of albums to find the songs you’re looking for. 

Petr (Happy24) on Wikimedia

12. "Used to Love Her" by Guns N' Roses

We used to love this song but we have to kill it off your playlist. Let’s not be reminded of love’s past and let's focus on your relationship prospering as you grow old together. 

Raph_PH on Wikimedia

13. "Yesterday" by The Beatles

Leave this song behind–– it’s a downer. Do you want to listen to a song about regret and struggles on your big day? Save the crying for happy tears. 

United Press International on Wikimedia

14. "All My Ex's Live in Texas" by George Strait

Well, that’s awkward! We don’t recommend bringing up your exes in the speeches or on the dance floor. Unless you’re throwing a hoe-down, maybe skip this one.   

Bede735c on Wikimedia

15. "Love Stinks" by The J. Geils Band

This one doesn’t really set the tone for a romantic evening. This song doesn’t speak highly of love and shouldn’t be played during love’s largest event. 

Marcel Antonisse (ANEFO) on Wikimedia

16. "Gold Digger" by Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx

We all like to drop to this beat but it’s not exactly wedding material. Gold digging is a derogative term and the language used throughout the song is inappropriate. They literally shout, “We want prenup!”–– need we say more?

   Jason Persse

17. "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen

This is a groovy song but its morbid lyrics make it unsettling for a couple entering a new era. The night should be about celebration and living happily ever after.  

Christopher Hopper on Wikimedia

18. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" by Taylor Swift

For obvious reasons, we suggest you never ever play this song at your wedding. In general, break-up songs aren’t recommended. Instead, tune into “Lover”, a song Swift wrote about her joy of being in a lifelong commitment.  

jazills on Wikimedia

19. "Goodbye My Lover" by James Blunt

You can say “goodbye” to your guests as they leave the dance floor from this buzz-killer. This song is the Debbie Downer you don’t want at your party. 

Dani Dapena on Wikimedia

20. “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang

This song made the list for different reasons than the rest. Despite its name, lyrics, and popularity at weddings, can we start a new trend that removes this song from the list? It’s cheesy and overplayed at every celebration–– c’mon!

De-Lite Records / PolyGram on Wikimedia