1. "YMCA" -- Village People
Why to Skip It: The fact that everyone knows the words, everyone knows the dance, and that this song fits lots of occasions -- between innings at a baseball game, for instance -- does not automatically qualify it as a must at your wedding.
2. "Chicken Dance"
Why to Skip It: At a wedding, everyone's dressed to the nines and feeling festive. Is this really the best time to flap your arms like a chicken in front of that cute bridesmaid/groomsman/new spouse? Didn't think so.
3. "Stayin' Alive" -- Bee Gees
Why to Skip It: There aren't too many people who know more than one line and one dance move to this song -- leave "Stayin' Alive" to the Saturday Night Fever reruns.
4. "Every Breath You Take" -- The Police
Why to Skip It: The Police are legendary, but the tune is a little high school dance-ish, and the line "Every move you make…I'll be watching you" is a little stalker-ish.
5. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" -- Bonnie Tyler
Why to Skip It: This song is worth skipping if only to avoid any guest from reenacting the profanity-laced rendition made famous from Will Ferrell's wedding in Old School.
6. "Macarena" -- Los Del Rio
Why to Skip It: You may know how to do the dance -- but do you really want to? Besides, everyone has a few certain relatives they'd rather not see get down with that hip swivel move.
7. "My Heart Will Go On" -- Celine Dion
Why to Skip It: We're not passing judgment on Celine Dion, but Titanic propelled this song into the realm of romance cliche. Besides, remember that Leo died in the movie -- a bit tragic for a wedding.
8. "Mony Mony" -- Billy Idol
Why to Skip It: Not sure what Billy Idol is singing in this song? Most other people don't know, either, and when that's the case, a good 10 percent of sing-alongers will find a way to say something objectionable.
-- Bethany Porter
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Write your own tips and ideas to share with other Knotties.
kikicurlytop
I think every person should play what they want. In the end, the day belongs to the bride and groom, and if the chicken dance makes them happy, then they should play the chicken dance. My cousin is a composer, and she listens only to classical music, so I'm sure her wedding will be filled with it. That does not make it stiff and boring, it makes it hers. I personally love Frank Sinatra, and my fiance loves the theme from "The Godfather" so at our wedding I'm sure that is what we will play.
themusicdoctor1
Hello Ladies. My name is Mike and I am a mobile DJ. I play a progressive style and I do use these songs. They are what we call guest participation music. Your guest will get up and dance. I use these songs so the photographer can get some candid shots of guest of various ages dancing. If you use all your package time at the church...then many of these photographers go to an hour by hour basis. This way hopefully you'll save money. You will have guest there of various ages and musical likes. Variety is always best. If a bride however does not want any of these songs played I have to honor that. But I do agree on at least one song not to be played....Billy Idol unless everyone is wasted.
Waterlilly83
ok so now i HAVE to play all 8 of these songs at my wedding! lol
KaliJoi04
Wow... Some of you ladies are a little harsh on the suggested "Do Not Play" songs in this article. I say calm down and to each their own. I personally don't want anything from the Village People played at my wedding, just because they are a bit over done, as are many of these songs. Plus, I find them to be tacky as well. :-) I won't have any of these songs, and I can guarantee that my wedding reception will be anything but "stiff and boring".
mhbwedding
The chicken dance is something we did in grade school. I never understood why it was a wedding dance.....tacky tacky tacky