The Songs You Should Absolutely Not Play at Your Wedding (But Someone Will Suggest Anyway

Here we are, another week another taboo blog that you probably won't read anywhere else because they have better things to do than write a blog about songs. If there is one thing that has the potential to make or break wedding vibes....its the music. I have seen good DJs and I have seen very very bad DJs.

The right DJ, the right music, and the right vibes will have your guests tearing up during the ceremony and tearing up the dance floor at the reception.

But beware! Somewhere in the planning process, a well-meaning guest (or even your DJ) will suggest a song so wildly inappropriate that it could derail the romance, offend Grandma, or just make everyone very confused.

So, in the spirit of saving you from musical disaster, here’s a list of songs you should absolutely not play at your wedding—no matter how catchy they are.

1. "I Will Always Love You" – Whitney Houston/Dolly Parton

Beautiful? Yes. Romantic? Eh, not quite. This song is about breaking up, not happily-ever-afters. Unless you want guests wondering if you’re having second thoughts at the altar, save this one for karaoke night.

2. "Gold Digger" – Kanye West

We get it. It’s a bop. But unless you’re actively looking to make the in-laws suspicious, maybe don’t blast this one while cutting the cake.

3. "Every Breath You Take" – The Police

It sounds like a love song… until you actually listen to the lyrics. This is a song about obsession and stalking. Not exactly the message you want for your marriage.

4. "Highway to Hell" – AC/DC

A high-energy classic, sure. But maybe not the best choice when celebrating your joyful new journey together. Unless, of course, you’re making a statement about your mother-in-law.

5. "Tears in Heaven" – Eric Clapton

Why? Just… why? Your wedding is not the time for a song about devastating loss. Let’s keep things light and happy, folks!

6. "Before He Cheats" – Carrie Underwood

Nothing says “romantic evening” like a song about keying someone’s car and smashing their headlights. If you don’t want your guests exchanging nervous glances during the first dance, keep the revenge ballads off the playlist.

7. "My Heart Will Go On" – Celine Dion

Unless your wedding theme is Titanic (which… bold choice), avoid this one. It’s about love lost, not love celebrated. Plus, if you play it, someone will attempt to reenact the Jack-and-Rose pose.

8. "Love the Way You Lie" – Eminem & Rihanna

Spoiler alert: This song is about a toxic and abusive relationship. Not exactly the message you want at your wedding. Move along. However. funny story is I know all the words to this one and a couple tequila sodas and I am singing it karaoke.

9. "If You Leave Me Now" – Chicago

Why tempt fate? This song is practically an invitation for someone’s ex to stand up during the ceremony and yell, “I OBJECT!”

10. "Blurred Lines" – Robin Thicke

Do we even need to explain this one? It’s uncomfortable, it’s cringey, and you do not want Grandma googling the lyrics.

Bonus Round: Songs That Will Cause Family Drama

"SexyBack" – Justin Timberlake → Maybe not the best way to announce your new marriage to the older relatives in attendance.
"Baby Got Back" – Sir Mix-a-Lot → It will get people dancing. It will also get side-eyes from your officiant. Recommended for when Grammy leaves.
"WAP" – Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion → If you want to clear the dance floor of all guests over the age of 50, this is the way to do it.
"Sweet Home Alabama" – Lynyrd Skynyrd → It’s a fun song, but if there’s any questionable family history… tread lightly.

Final Thoughts: Play It Safe (But Fun!)

Look, at the end of the day, it’s your wedding. If you and your partner want to make a grand entrance to "The Final Countdown" or slow dance to "The Imperial March," then do it! But if you’d rather avoid cringeworthy moments, song-induced family feuds, or just general confusion, maybe keep this list handy.

And if you need help planning a wedding where the only tears shed are happy ones, Arcadia Academy Weddings has got you covered. From elegant receptions to dance floors where only the best songs are played, we’re here to make your big day perfect—one non-cringey song at a time.

Now, go forth and build that perfect playlist (just, you know… without "Gold Digger").

P.S.

Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.