Quick Guide: Ceremony Music Do-Not-Play List (Awkward Song Choices to Avoid for Wisconsin Weddings)

Planning your Wisconsin wedding ceremony? One of the biggest ways to set the tone for your day is through music. But just as important as choosing the right songs for your entrance, processional, and recessional is knowing what not to play. Check our ceremony song hub for some great song ideas for these. Some tracks might feel fun or meaningful in another context, but during your ceremony, they can totally break the mood—or worse, cause confusion or awkward laughs at a moment meant to be heartfelt. Planning your Oshkosh, Appleton, or Green Bay wedding and not sure which ceremony songs to skip? '

Book a consultation with Sound Sensations Entertainment and let us guide you through the best choices (and help you avoid the cringe-worthy ones).  Be sure to check out our deep dive The Ultimate Gen-Z Guide to Planning a Wisconsin Wedding Ceremony

Why a Ceremony Do-Not-Play List Matters

When couples think of a wedding "Do-Not-Play" list, they often picture the reception dance floor. No "Chicken Dance," no "YMCA," no "Baby Shark." But your ceremony needs its own version too.

The songs you play while walking down the aisle, signing your marriage license, or exiting as newlyweds are supposed to highlight love, joy, and meaning. A misplaced lyric, inappropriate vibe, or even a joke song can completely change the energy of the moment.

Think of it this way:

• Your ceremony music creates the first emotional impression of your wedding.
• It sets the stage for your vows and signals to your guests what kind of celebration they’re about to experience.
• The wrong song can distract, confuse, or even offend.

In Northeast Wisconsin venues like Poplar Creek Barn in Oshkosh or The Gibson Social Club downtown, we’ve seen how the right playlist makes ceremonies flow seamlessly. And we’ve also seen how a questionable choice can pull guests out of the moment.

Top Ceremony Songs to Avoid (and Why)

Here’s our quick-hit list of awkward ceremony music choices to keep off your wedding playlist:

1. Songs About Breakups or Heartache

Examples: Someone Like You (Adele), Tears Dry on Their Own (Amy Winehouse), Every Breath You Take (The Police).

• These are amazing songs in other settings but lyrically center on heartbreak, obsession, or loss. Not exactly the message you want while exchanging vows.

2. Inappropriate or Explicit Lyrics

Examples: WAP (Cardi B), Blurred Lines (Robin Thicke), or anything labeled “explicit” on Spotify.

• Even if you love the beat, these tracks could offend family members or older guests, especially during a traditional church or barn ceremony in Wisconsin.

3. Songs That Joke About Marriage

Examples: Another One Bites the Dust (Queen), D-I-V-O-R-C-E (Tammy Wynette).

• They might feel funny at first, but these kinds of ironic “joke” choices usually get more awkward stares than laughs in the middle of your vows.

4. Songs That Don’t Match the Mood

Examples: Highway to Hell (AC/DC), Closing Time (Semisonic).

• Great for the party—but not while you’re walking down the aisle.

5. Songs That Are Too Popular or Overdone

Examples: Canon in D (Pachelbel), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri).

• These are beautiful—but in 2025, many couples in the Fox Cities are looking for more personal and fresh choices. Overused songs can feel cookie-cutter.

6. Inside Joke Songs That Guests Won’t Understand

Maybe you and your partner crack up every time you hear a certain TikTok trend or TV theme song. But if the lyrics or reference doesn’t translate to your guests, it’ll come across as confusing rather than clever.

What to Do Instead: Smart Substitutes

Instead of falling into the awkward song trap, here are some Wisconsin couple-approved ceremony music swaps:

• Instead of Every Breath You Take → Choose Can’t Help Falling in Love (Kina Grannis acoustic cover).
• Instead of Another One Bites the Dust → Try This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole.
• Instead of overplayed Canon in D → Use a modern string cover from Vitamin String Quartet or Brooklyn Duo.

Local couples also love incorporating Midwest artists or unique acoustic versions of favorite songs that feel more personal. Our DJs can even create custom edits of songs to highlight the exact lyrics or moments you want.

Want a tailored do-not-play list and a personalized ceremony playlist?

Schedule a free consultation with Sound Sensations Entertainment and let’s craft the soundtrack for your day.

How to Build Your Do-Not-Play List

1. Start with Your Values: Ask, “Does this song reflect what we want our marriage to stand for?”
2. Consider Your Audience: Think about grandparents, parents, kids in the ceremony—would the lyrics be uncomfortable?
3. Think About Venue Vibe: A rustic barn wedding in the Fox Cities might call for different tones than a formal cathedral ceremony in Green Bay.
4. Work with Your DJ: A professional DJ (like our team at Sound Sensations Entertainment) can filter out awkward suggestions, offer better options, and read the room to keep the vibe right.
5. Make It Clear in Advance: Provide your DJ with a written Do-Not-Play list just like you would for the reception.

FAQs About Ceremony Do-Not-Play Lists

Q: Should I have a separate Do-Not-Play list for my ceremony and reception?
Yes! Ceremony songs should be sacred, emotional, and meaningful. Reception songs can be more fun, danceable, and party-driven.

Q: Can I still include funny or playful songs at my wedding?
Absolutely—but save them for cocktail hour or your reception entrance. They’ll land much better there.

Q: How do I politely tell my DJ I don’t want certain songs?
Easy—just include them on your planning forms. At Sound Sensations Entertainment, we always provide space for a “Do-Not-Play” list so we can respect your wishes.

Q: What if a guest requests a song on my Do-Not-Play list?
Our DJs have your back—we’ll never play something on your list, no matter how many times it’s requested.

Q: Can we still play traditional songs if we want to?
Of course! Your day should reflect you. We just guide you away from songs that might cause unintentional awkwardness.

Local Flavor: Wisconsin Ceremony Music Trends

We’re seeing a shift in Northeast Wisconsin weddings toward:

• Indie acoustic covers instead of mainstream radio ballads.
• Midwest bands and folk influences that tie into barn or outdoor ceremonies.
• Personalized playlists where couples mix modern pop with classical string versions.
• Cultural music that reflects family heritage, blended with modern ceremony structure.

Venues like Poplar Creek Barn (Oshkosh) and The Gibson Social Club (Oshkosh) often have amazing acoustics for live or recorded music—making song choice even more important.

Final Thoughts: Make It Yours (Without the Awkward)

At the end of the day, your ceremony music should reflect your love story. Avoiding certain “Do-Not-Play” songs isn’t about being picky—it’s about making sure the moment feels authentic, seamless, and free of distractions.

Don’t let awkward song choices throw off your Northeast Wisconsin wedding ceremony. Contact Sound Sensations Entertainment today to create your personalized Do-Not-Play list and ceremony playlist. Together, we’ll make your “I do” soundtrack unforgettable.