Everyone knows the basic do’s and don’ts of a wedding: don’t wear a white dress or tux, follow whatever dress code is stipulated in the wedding invitation, and don’t drink too many of the free cocktails and alcoholic beverages. Many people often forget about the more subtle details that may be inappropriate at a wedding, like the music selection.
Playing inappropriate music may be the fault of a DJ or band, or could be at the request of an unthoughtful guest. Whoever the source, you probably want to avoid allowing some of these most inappropriate wedding songs at your or your friend’s upcoming wedding:
Songs about Why They Broke-up
Relationships are popular fuel for musical fire. That being said, many relationships go terribly wrong. Not only do musicians talk about the terrible break-up itself in their songs, but also the hurtful event or series of events that led up to the split.
You might want to listen to the lyrics of these popular hits before you put them on your upcoming wedding’s playlist:
- Billy Idol: “White Wedding” – Idol has made it clear that this song is about hating his sister’s fiancé, so unless you’d like to stir up some familial drama, I’d leave this one off the playlist.
- Celine Dion: “My Heart Will Go On” – Dion is singing this song about her dead boyfriend. Unless you would like to make a rather morbid premonition, no need to play this song at a wedding.
- Eric Clapton: “Tears in Heaven” – Although seemingly rather popular at weddings, this song is quite obviously also about death. Again, lets leave such sad ideas for a different occasion.
- Kanye West: “Gold Digger” – Even if you may have your own opinions about what brought a couple together, best not to make them so obvious with this dancefloor hit about prenuptial agreements and alimony.
- Police: “Every Breath You Take” – Is your spouse your former (or future) stalker? If not, skip this song.
- Rick Springfield: “Jessie’s Girl” – This catchy crowd-pleaser may be fun to dance to, but you might not want to imply that the bride is sleeping around on the big night of their nuptials.
- Soft Cell: “Tainted Love” – The title alone should be enough to stop you from jamming out to this popular tune at your next wedding event.
- The Who: “A Quick One, While He’s Away” – This song paints a clear picture of what could potentially lead to a relationship-ending situation, especially if the groom travels often. Try playing a different song.
Post Break-up Songs
For the thoughtful DJ, it may seem obvious that break-up songs are a no-no at wedding receptions. Despite this common sense, however, many of these songs are often heard at weddings around the world:
- Bonnie Tyler: “Total Eclipse of the Heart” – Tyler was totally in love, and then he wasn’t. Don’t make such dark premonitions at a wedding by playing this crowd-pleaser.
- Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston: “I Will Always Love You” – All this talk about bittersweet memories and longing for old times is a bit premature, don’t you think?
- Gloria Gaynor: “I Will Survive” – This is a great song to get you and your friends totally energized on the dancefloor, but don’t forget that Gaynor is inspiring us all with her survival of a horrible breakup.
- Green Day: “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” – Again, celebrating the freedom felt by those getting out of a dead relationship may give the wrong message at a wedding where two people are promising themselves to one another until the day they die. Best to skip it.
- Joy Division: “Love Will Tear Us Apart” – We have all heard that marriage can lead to monotony and the end of passionate love. Must we really worry about this at a wedding though?
- Tammy Wynette: “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” – Not that getting out of a bad relationship isn’t something to celebrate, but the title of this jam makes it one of the most inappropriate wedding songs around.
With so many great artists and musical genres to choose from, it shouldn’t be hard to avoid these inappropriate wedding songs at your own ceremony or that of a loved one.
Since many of these songs show up on the wedding playlist due primarily to carelessness, take matters into your own hands by making sure none of these songs, or any similar, are blasted at your next wedding event!
