10 Songs That Belong on Your "Do Not Play" List

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Jon Blak, whose client list includes Beyonce, Jay Z, Jermaine Dupri and Ryan Leslie. He describes his style as "retro/future”, a seamless blend of old and new that translates well to wedding guests of all ages. "I love the challenge of crossing genres and generations and playing a diverse mix that's totally seamless. At the end a wedding, I'd like the bride and the groom to be exhausted from dancing!" Jon is known infusing any event with energy and cool, while always keeping the client's musical preferences front and center in his music selection.

Photo Credit: Jayd Gardina Photography

Weddings are a time to revel in the celebration of newly sealed nuptials. No couple wants this mood interrupted by a cheesy wedding song. These songs can disrupt the flow of the dance floor or, even worse, completely empty it.

Throughout my experience as a DJ, I’ve learned that no two weddings are the same, and this is even more evident in the "Do Not Play List." No two couples ever request the same songs for this list. And like mom, a DJ knows best! Here are my choices for songs that belong on a “Do Not Play” List.

1. Heavy Metal
Although this genre maybe splendid for your workouts, it doesn't cater to guests who want to enjoy a night of celebration.

2. Gansta Rap
I started out as a hip hop DJ, but a reception could get awkward if I played some "N.W.A." Trust me when I say that aunts, uncles, and parents may not appreciate Dr. Dre’s and TuPac's early work.  

3. "Mambo No. 5" -  Lou Bega
Many couples consider this late 90's Latin pop record overly cheesy. Although its uptempo melody and radio-friendly chorus lends to a celebratory mood, once Radio Disney started to re-mix it, its stock fell.

4. "The Chicken Dance" 
For obvious reasons.

5. "YMCA"  - The Village People
You might think that this '70s classic warrants a spin at each and every wedding, most couples dislike organized dances. It feels forced upon loved ones, and most couples opt out of playing it altogether.

6. "I Want It That Way" - Backstreet Boys 
Although a pop classic, this should remain in the vault of lost boy bands... and stay there.

7.  "Achy Breaky Heart" - Billy Ray Cyrus
No one wants to do a country line dance in a tuxedo or gown. Also, the sentiment is totally inappropriate for a wedding.

8. "I Touch Myself" - Divinyls
This '90s pop hit is way too awkward for any reception dance floor.

9. All Dave Matthews Band Songs
Many couples love DMB, just not for their wedding.

10. "Macarena" - Los Del Rio
This mid-'90s Latin pop hit has lost its luster at weddings, and the song can make any wedding feel dated. Once everyone mastered this rump-shaking dance, the fad soon passed.

Agreed? Disagree? Sound off below, and tell us what else you'd add to this list to avoid an empty dance floor!

Photo Credit: David Schwartz Photography