30 Apr 2015 Admin

How to Build a Wedding Do-Not-Play List


Choosing a playlist for your wedding day may seem overwhelming at first. You’d have to select the music to walk down the aisle to, first-dance songs, tunes to get guests dancing - the list goes on. 

Finding professional music vendors can be the first step towards creating the playlist of your dreams. However, you still need to let them know what songs you don’t want to hear on your big day. A wedding do-not-play list avoids awkward and embarrassing moments. After all, there are songs that you can enjoy with your friends at a bar or alone in your room and those that should be nowhere near your wedding.


No two couples are the same, so there are no exact rules on what songs not to include. But if you’re looking for general tips to consider when building your wedding do not play list, read on.

Stay away from tired and cheesy songs

These are the songs you have involuntarily memorized. They are not exactly meaningful to you but the tune and the words are etched in your brain. While you may have rocked out to ‘Baby One More Time’, can demonstrate all the letters to YMCA and possess muscle memory to one little two little three ‘Macarena’, these tunes still have no place at an elegant wedding. Tired and cheesy songs do two things to your wedding. It makes it seem tired and cheesy.

Don’t play break up songs

They may carry some romantic melodies but break up songs are inappropriate for weddings. Although ‘Somebody that I Used to Know’, ‘Just Give Me a Reason’ and most songs from Taylor Swift have topped the charts, you have to pay attention to what the songs are saying before including them in your wedding playlist. The last thing you want to do on your wedding is dig up old heartbreaks.

Avoid songs about cheating

It will not make sense to celebrate love and faithfulness with songs about cheating. ‘The Boy is Mine’ and ‘Saving All My Love For You’ will remind you and your guests of the 90s but it will not help in setting the right mood for the celebration.

No mood killers

Mood killers are songs that steer your mood away from celebrating. There are songs that generally convey emotions of loneliness, anger and regret. Even if they are your favorite songs, stay away from them during your wedding. Songs like ‘Alone’ and ‘My Heart Will Go On’ both convey very strong emotions that are not aligned with the celebration.

Don’t play songs you don’t want your parents to listen to

A lot of the songs you hear on the radio may have content that your parents will not approve. Songs like ‘My Humps’ or ‘Like a Virgin’ may not be the best choices for an elegant affair. This does not mean that you have to be uptight about every word in songs played on your wedding but keep an open eye for those that may get eyebrow raises from your older guests. Your wedding is your day but won’t be as fun when a song is getting people uncomfortable.

It is important to keep an open mind when completing your wedding playlist but make sure you choose your songs well. See through the melody and pay attention to the words of the songs. 

Get in touch with Music For Scotland



Don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions. If you need an expert to help you choose what and what not to include on your wedding song playlist, we would be happy to give you suggestions. Our  roster of experienced professionals can share the latest trends in wedding music and give you the perfect playlist for your special day.

Contact us today!