What are examples of songs that can be deemed a bit cliché or inappropriate for a wedding?
- Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers)
- From this Moment on (Shania Twain)
- My Heart Will Go on (Celine Dion)
- Every Breath You Take (The Police)
- I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston)
- Amazed (Lonestar)
- How Do I Live (LeAnn Rimes)
- Macarena (Los Del Rio)
- I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor)
- Single Ladies (Beyonce)
- If You Wanna Be Happy (Jimmy Soul)
- All of Me (John Legend)
- Love Story (Taylor Swift)
Wedding music helps set the mood during the said event. It’s a given that there are classic wedding songs for you to choose from, though that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t go modern on your playlist; however, as you get on with your nuptial plans like the guest list, decoration, and which restaurant or caterer to contact for your wedding catering in the Philippines, steer clear of the following music selections, which have already become overdone as the steak you probably had during your pre-nuptial taste test:
Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers
Although associated with the 1990 film Ghost starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, this song was originally written for a little-known prison film entitled Unchained. The song was all about a man who yearned for his true love and was played during the iconic pottery scene between Moore and Swayze. As romantic as it can be, the song’s overused already and it’s a little creepy to play a song associated with a sex scene in front of the bride’s parents.
From This Moment On by Shania Twain
It’s just appropriate that the newlyweds would do their first dance as husband and wife to the song “From This Moment On”. Props to Ms. Twain though: the song’s lyrics is almost the same as reciting wedding vows to each other all over again. But please, this song is already as cliché as it is romantic.
My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
This classic love song was associated with the film Titanic and is about the power of undying love. But still, this song is linked to a woman who woes over her lover who froze to death. Get it? He froze to death. Please don’t play any sad songs during your wedding.
Every Breath You Take by The Police
At first, this song sounds like a very powerful love song where the guy is being protective of the girl. But on second or third time listening, the song presents the idea of rape, stalking, murder and obsession, something that you most definitely should not play during the wedding.
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
Again, another love song that can set the wrong mood during the wedding. This song is about saying goodbye to a lover. Although it is a touching and powerful song, it’s overused already and it’s sad. You are newlyweds; don’t play something that can make your guests cry on their pillows.
Amazed by Lonestar
This country song has been played in weddings throughout the years. While this song may have expressed the “I-want-you-to-stay-beside-me-forever” kind of feeling with great accuracy, it is cliché enough to be played on your wedding. So please, just don’t.
How Do I Live by Leann Rimes
Some songs ought to be melodic and somewhat soothing because the singer sang it that way, however, the lyrics itself can be a little bit different. An instance of which is Leann Rime’s How Do I Live, it has been sung in such a soothing manner that you’ll definitely want it for your first dance while you’re in the arms of your beloved spouse. We hate to break it up to you but: it is a break up song. Sadly.
Macarena by Los Del Rio
Macarena may be a fun song to dance to especially during a party, but during a wedding? Your guests will definitely find the song awkward and too silly that they’ll most likely leave the dance floor than continue dancing.
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
This song has been played not only in one or two weddings, but in millions of weddings, and still counting. While it may be fun playing it while the girls are on it for the bouquet toss moment, don’t do it. Why? Because it’s all about surviving a breakup! You would not want to talk about breakup on your own wedding day, would you?
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it) by Beyonce
This song can be an alternative background music for your bouquet toss, however, it can be as cliché as it would sound. Beyoncé is among the singers that has been singing around on weddings, and if you’d want to mark every moment of your wedding to be different, pick another song. We love Beyoncé, though.
If You Wanna Be Happy by Jimmy Soul
Regardless of the song being funny and catchy, this song shouldn’t be played at any wedding – ever. Certainly, your wife and her family wouldn’t be happy hearing, “Saw your wife the other day/ Yeah?/ Yeah, she’s ugly.” More so, you could be holding the title of the “Fastest Divorced Man” by the end of the song.
All of Me by John Legend
“’Cause all of me/ Loves all of you/ Love your curves and all your edges/ All your perfect imperfections,” – truly these lines sounded both romantic and soothing. It’s a song about appreciating everything of Legend’s wife, but, it’s been in almost every wedding possible since 2013. Not to mention you’ll hear it every now and then in the radio, the grocery store, or almost everywhere.
Love Story by Taylor Swift
While this may seem a perfect match to your generation, and you may have liked Tay-Tay, the concept just doesn’t fit a wedding. The song itself is based on Romeo and Juliet’s story, would you want that? If you’re not familiar of them, well here’s the thing: they’re two star-crossed lovers who went against family conflicts and then a lot of things happen. Then they die. It isn’t cute as the song has been sung.
Key Takeaway
It doesn’t hurt to research on potential wedding day songs. There are so many love songs being produced each year so try not to include these in your playlist. Spare the awkwardness and ‘here we go again’ looks from your guests. I
f you’re daring enough, feel free to compose your own. Not only will you wow your guests with your song-making skills, your partner will definitely appreciate the sweet gesture, especially if you are the one performing it.
