20 Banned Wedding Songs: What Couples Usually Ask DJs to Avoid

Let me start by saying there’s no right or wrong here. You might want all 20 of the songs below played at your wedding – and that’s absolutely fine! This list simply highlights the most commonly requested "do not play" songs I’ve come across while DJing weddings.

You might be wondering, “Why do these songs end up on the banned list so often?” Well, for many couples, it’s because they’ve heard them over and over again at every wedding they’ve been to. By the time their wedding day arrives, they just don’t want to hear them again – which is completely understandable!

Gone are the days of traditional or cliché wedding music. More and more couples want to hear songs that reflect their tastes – whether that’s throwbacks to their clubbing days or just fresher tracks that break the mould.

Cake By The Ocean (DNCE)

Can't Stop The Feeling (Justin Timberlake)

Come On Eileen (Dexy's Midnight Runners)

Dance Monkey (Tones and I)

Don't Stop Believin' (Journey)

Happy (Pharrell Williams)

Hold My Hand (Jess Glynne)

I'm Gonna Be 500 Miles (The Proclaimers)

I've Got A Feeling (Black Eyed Peas)

Moves Like Jagger (Maroon 5)

Mr Brightside (The Killers)

Poker Face (Lady Gaga)

Shut Up and Dance (Walk The Moon)

Single Ladies (Beyonce)

Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)

Uptown Funk (Bruno Mars)

Anything by ABBA

Probably the most controversial on this list. But often I find it in the "do not play" section! I think it's a bit of a marmite artist - you either love them or hate them!

Anything by Ed Sheeran

Anything by Taylor Swift

Action Songs (YMCA, Gangnam Style, Cha Cha Slide, Oops Upside Your Head etc.)

Probably the most obvious on this list...Action songs (songs which accompanies moves/actions).

If you're getting married and want a DJ for your party, feel free to check my wedding package out!

- DJ James Stephens