Cheesy Wedding Songs Not To Play (Corny To Overplayed)
When thinking of cheesy wedding songs, particular songs will always come to mind. The issue is that the meaning of cheesy means different things to different people.
When most people think of cheesy songs, they think about how the songs make them do stupid things like the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance.
While others love the group interaction and the fun created when the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance are played. Therefore, the issue is this.
If you want to see a complete list of songs to avoid, see our list of songs to avoid playing at your wedding.
Spotify Cheesy Wedding Playlist
Cheesy Wedding Songs List
Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On
Released in 1995
This song is well-overplayed and about living without a loved one that passed on.
Song lyrics everyone knows:
Love was when I loved you
One true time I’d hold to
In my life, we’ll always go on
Baha Men – Who Let The Dogs Out
Released in 2000
This song falls under being corny and inappropriate for a wedding.
Song lyrics everyone knows:
Who let the dogs out?
Who, who, who, who, who?
Who let the dogs out?
Who, who, who, who, who?
Village People – Y.M.C.A.
Released in 1978
The song has been played everywhere for every sporting event. There are plenty of new dance songs to fill the dance floor.
Song lyrics everyone knows:
They have everything for you men to enjoy
You can hang out with all the boys
It’s fun to stay at the YMCA
The spotlight should be on the bride and groom throughout their wedding. However, do you want the spotlight on you while performing these children’s songs?
The Emeralds – The Chicken Dance (Bird Dance)
Released in 1982
The song is considered children’s music. However, the song could get all of the kids to the dance floor if many are in attendance.
Instrumental Polka
Ray Anthony – The Hokey Pokey
Released in 1953
Another children’s song that some couples may want to avoid on their wedding day.
Song lyrics everyone knows:
Now put your right foot in
Your right foot out
Right foot in
Then you shake it all about
Los Del Rio – The Macarena
Released in 1993
The pitfall of the Macarena was the sheer amount of times played on the radio and at every public event just to get public participation.
Song lyrics everyone knows:
Dale a tu cuerpo alegrÃa Macarena
Hey Macarena
Brooks & Dunn – Boot Scootin’ Boogie
Released in 1991
Most people who know how to line dance learned from this song while practicing over and over. The same goes for the song being played at weddings.
Song lyrics everyone knows:
Oh Cadillac black Jack baby meet me outback we’re gonna boogie
Oh get down turn around go to town boot scootin’ boogie
Gloria Gaynor – I Will Survive
Released in 1978
Part of being cheesy is being fake. I will survive is about surviving after a breakup. No better example of a fake wedding song.
Song lyrics everyone knows:
I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made you leave your key
If I’d known for just one second you’d be back to bother me
Jive Bunny – Swing The Mood
(and Grease Megamix)
Released in 1989
This song has been played at many and many weddings throughout the nineties. If you want a quick mix of classic rock hits, then this hits the mark.
Milli Vanilli – Girl You Know It’s True
Released in 1989
Milli Vanilli was discovered as a fake artist as they are not the ones actually singing their music.
Song lyrics everyone knows:
Yes, you know it’s true
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you
Any pre-recorded live music played at a wedding should be played by the band or music performers. Live pre-recorded songs should never be played at a wedding. You are not a concert and to do so would be cheesy.
Jazz music is great for background music for weddings. However, true Jazz fans do not consider Kenny G as a true Jazz artist but rather new age. So if you are looking for jazz music, you may skip Kenny.
Staying away from hardcore rock and hardcore hip hop would also be a good idea. Try not to stray away too far from popular music. The worst wedding songs are the ones no one knows and will be seen as cheesy.
What makes a song cheesy?
According to the Urban Dictionary, cheesy is trying too hard, unsubtle, and inauthentic. Basically, songs that make you do actions that you do not want to do can be portrayed as being cheesy. Cliche songs are also seen as being cheesy due to them being overplayed at most weddings.
Songs that reflect a fake emotion are also determined to be cheesy. As a result, cheesy is in the eye of the beholder.
Now what?
Discuss with your band or DJ what music makes you cringe so that the music is not played. However, keep in mind your guests too. If there is a song that will pack the dance floor (even the Chicken Dance) let the DJ play the song and guests will remember they had a great time at your wedding.
