Avoiding a Reception Music Fiasco

Yesterday theknot.com featured an article called: 8 Wedding Songs to Skip

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

I want to add to this list the Casper Slide Part 2... Nothing makes my skin crawl at a wedding more than that song, actually nothing makes my skin crawl ever like that song. I decided the first time a heard the Casper Slide at a high school dance I would never play that at my wedding and I'd refuse to pay a DJ who did, despite my objections.

A good DJ will stick to your Do Not Play List. A Great DJ will ask you to make a list of You HAVE to Play! songs and If I hear that at my wedding reception I'll rip my hair out! songs. I strongly recommend taking some time and making these list so your DJ knows what you do and don't want to hear and dance to.

What if he does play from you Do Not Play List? Well not paying isn't really an option, the DJ provided the services and fulfilled the contractual duties (unless they didn't but that's another post for another day). I recommend letting your displeasure reflect in your tip and your review of the company (which you should always do good, bad, or indifferent so future brides know what they're getting into).

Reflect before condemning though. Did your groomsmen know the Casper Slide grates on your nerves so they badgered the poor man into playing the song? Or did he just play it because he thought the crowd would like it despite your stated distain?

This is a perfect time to envoke the Diet Coke rule. Take some time to reflect and calm down. Don't review while your still steaming! Once that feeling passes write the review so you can calmly and rationally express your feeling, rather leaving a mad rant.

Most importantly don't let it ruin your night! Its 3 minutes out of the happiest night of your life. Grab a glass of champagne, run to the bathroom, and jump back in to having a blast with your guest when the next track comes on!