From walking down the aisle all the way to your spectacular reception exit, there are lots of moments where having the perfect song is key. While selecting songs for different wedding day moments, make sure you pick something with meaning. There are plenty of songs that sound beautiful, but behind the lyrics, they’re simply inappropriate and not quite right for your Big Day. We’ve created a list of inappropriate songs to avoid for your wedding!
Now, we’re not talking about songs that get played while guests are eating or even while they’re dancing. This is more about what you play during the really special moments on your Big Day; while you’re walking down the aisle or during your first dance. You’ll probably find that most of your guests won’t notice the lyrics, but once you glance at them, you’ll know why they’re on the list…
Related: Our List of The Happiest Wedding Songs
All of Me – John Legend
Inappropriate lyrics: “You’re my downfall, you’re my muse. My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues.”
Yup, we’re kicking off with a controversial one! Everybody loves this song because of the hook, “All of me loves all of you”. Still, it’s hard to hear that part of the song without realising that he’s incapable of complimenting somebody without first insulting her. Ouch.
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Inappropriate lyrics: “I don’t think you’re right for him, look at what it might’ve been.”
Don’t be distracted by “I belong with you, you belong with me, my sweetheart”. If you really listen to the lyrics, you can tell that this is a story about somebody being asked to leave their partner.
God Only Knows – The Beach Boys
Inappropriate lyrics: “I may not always love you… If you should ever leave me.”
It’s best to avoid any references to breaking up!
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Inappropriate lyrics: “When everything feels like the movies, yeah, you bleed just to know, you’re alive.”
Have you ever noticed how depressing this song is? It may be slow and feel romantic, but the lyrics are really just about a guy who feels sorry for himself.
Skinny Love – Bon Iver
Inappropriate lyrics: “And now all your love is wasted, and then who the hell was I?”
This song really has no place at a wedding. It may have ‘love’ in the title, but it’s really about a painful breakup.
I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton / Whitney Houston
Inappropriate lyrics: “If I should stay, well I would only be in your way.”
Look at the lyrics a little closer and you’ll spot a pretty somber tone. This song is actually about a girl realising she’ll never be with the man of her dreams.
My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
Inappropriate lyrics: “You are safe in my heart and my heart will go on and on.”
This song is really a ‘right person, wrong time’ song. Not wedding-appropriate at all! Your guests will struggle to hear this song without picturing the heartbreaking scene with Jack and Rose, so it’s best to avoid this one.
Marry Me – Thomas Rhett
Inappropriate lyrics: “Yeah, she wanna get married, but she don’t wanna marry me.”
Sure, somebody’s getting married, but it’s not the songwriter. He’s singing about a man who shows up to a wedding knowing his one true love is about to marry someone else.
Rewrite the Stars – The Greatest Showman
Inappropriate lyrics: “But I can’t have you, we’re bound to break and my hands are tied.”
Listen, I love this song just as much as the next person. But I can’t get over that last line!
You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
Inappropriate lyrics: “It’s time to face the truth, I will never be with you.”
It’s a popular ballad that most of your guests will know the lyrics to, but it’s anything but romantic. The song is actually about two strangers who catch each other’s eye, knowing it’ll never turn into anything.
Stay With Me – Sam Smith
Inappropriate lyrics: “This ain’t love, it’s clear to see, but, darling, stay with me.”
While this song is incredibly beautiful, it’s not romantic at all. It’s actually about a one night stand.
I Think I Wanna Marry You – Bruno Mars
Inappropriate lyrics: “We’re looking for something dumb to do, hey baby, I think I wanna marry you.”
There’s nothing dumb about marriage, so on your wedding night, you’ll want to avoid alluding to yours being a mistake.
Is there anything you’d add to this list?
