The Top 11 Most Requested “Do Not Play” Songs at Weddings

One's taste in music is subjective, it's not black and white. But the reality of what people enjoy (or don’t enjoy) on the dance floor is objective.

From a DJ’s perspective, we notice trends repeat over time: some songs light up a crowd instantly, while others clear the dance floor faster than you’d think. And when couples fill out their planning forms, they’re often very clear about which songs they don’t want to hear on their big day.

That’s what makes this list interesting. It’s not about hating on songs or artists (some are great in the right context). It’s about recognizing that certain tracks have been overplayed, feel outdated, or just don’t fit the vibe modern couples want for their weddings. And trust me—after years of reading “Do Not Play” lists and watching how crowds react, these patterns are hard to ignore.

1. The Chicken Dance

The all-time champion of the “No List.” Fun at kids’ parties, sure, but most couples don’t want it defining their wedding reception. That said, it was requested at a recent wedding, the bride and groom were cool with it, and it lit up the dance floor. Will it make a comeback?!

2. YMCA – The Village People

I actually still like YMCA, lol. Played at the right time, it can still be a ton of fun. But many couples consider it too cheesy or overplayed, so it ends up banned. Straight to jail!

3. “I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock and Roll)” – Nick Lowe/Dave Edmunds

Highly requested by guests, but brides themselves often specifically forbid it. For many, it feels outdated or patronizing. I get the bride's perspective. Totally understanable to put this one on the do-not-play.

4. Bruno Mars (in general)

This one surprises people—he’s incredibly talented as a singer and dancer. But after years of being blasted at every wedding throughout the 2010s, couples now often write: “Please, no Bruno Mars.” It’s not about quality—it’s about fatigue. I am sure his music will make a comeback at some point.

5. “I Gotta Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas

One of the most overplayed wedding songs ever. Guests either love it or roll their eyes. The buildup takes a really long time. Many couples are firmly in the “no thanks” camp...for now.

6. Beyoncé – “Crazy in Love” & “Single Ladies”

These songs had their moment—no doubt about it. But after years of heavy play, a lot of couples are sick of them. My guess? They’ll probably make a comeback one day, but for now, they’re on the bench.

7. The Macarena – Los Del Río

A dance-floor classic from the ’90s, which I still personally love, but only if my clients love it too. It's all up to you, we can put this one in the time for at your wedding.

8. Taylor Swift (in general)

I know, I know—for many people, Taylor Swift as a must play. But she’s divisive, like country music: you either love it or you hate it. Almost as often as I see her on the “must play” list, she also shows up on the “do not play” list.

9. “Cha Cha Slide” – DJ Casper

This one’s polarizing. Some crowds still love it, but many couples find it too cheesy or overdone. It usually gets cut unless it’s a specific request from the couple or family.

10. “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke

A catchy beat, for sure sure—but its lyrics and reputation have aged poorly. Many couples now avoid it completely, seeing it as dated or awkward for a wedding setting. But this song was played in the first hour at almost every wedding in the 2010s, believe me.

11. “Cotton-Eyed Joe” – Rednex

Literally everyone would agree that this song is ridiculous—but guess what...I love it. It can absolutely get the whole dance floor fired up. It's cheesy, it's corny, but it's so over the top and unanimously recognizable that it often works wonders, with the right crowd. That said, many couples specifically ask me to not play this song, and of course, I follow their direction!

Final Thoughts

Every wedding is different. Some of these tracks can still work if the crowd is right.

That’s why we always include a Do Not Play section in our Wedding DJ Planning Form—so couples can draw the line on what they don’t want to hear, and focus on the songs that do make the night unforgettable.

I also believe that some of these songs will make a comeback, and a few of them still light up the dance floor when the timing is right. Like I said, it’s subjective—but a lot of brides and grooms are asking me to skip these tracks, and that’s totally fine. You’re the boss, it’s your day, and you should have it exactly your way.