Wedding Reception Do-Not-Play Lists: What SONGS Couples in STL & KC Are SkippinG in 2025

When it comes to planning your wedding playlist, knowing what not to play can be just as important as picking your favorite songs. At our DJ company, we’ve helped hundreds of couples in St. Louis and Kansas City create the perfect vibe for their big day—and we’ve seen some pretty consistent trends when it comes to the “Do Not Play” list.

Whether it’s cheesy group dances, overplayed pop hits, or songs that just don’t match the couple’s vibe, here’s a look at what modern Midwest couples are asking us to leave off the setlist.

🎶 Most Common Do-Not-Play Songs for STL & KC Weddings

Group Dance Songs: The “Hard Pass” Category

• Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper

• Cupid Shuffle – Cupid

• Macarena – Los Del Rio

• Chicken Dance

• YMCA – Village People

“Please, no group dances. We want people on the dance floor, but not doing synchronized line dances from 2002.”

Overplayed Pop Anthems

• Happy – Pharrell Williams

• Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

• Single Ladies – Beyoncé

• September – Earth, Wind & Fire

• Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake

“Everyone’s heard them a million times. We want music that feels personal, not like a corporate party.”

Artist-Specific Bans

• Taylor Swift (Yes, really. Some couples specifically say: “No T-Swift, no exceptions.”)

• Beyoncé (Usually just specific songs like “Single Ladies,” but occasionally all tracks.)

Songs with the Wrong Vibe

• Pumped Up Kicks – Foster the People

  “Not really the energy we’re going for at our wedding...”

  
  

🙅‍♀️ “No Guest Requests, Please”

This is becoming increasingly common in St. Louis and Kansas City weddings:

“Guests had the opportunity to request songs with their RSVPs. We’ve done our best to accommodate them, but we don’t want the DJ taking requests during the event.”

Couples are curating their playlists with more intention than ever, and they want to make sure the music flows with their style — not Uncle Bob’s.

💡 What This Tells Us

Today’s couples want:

• Music that reflects them, not just crowd-pleasers

• A polished, modern vibe (not cheesy or overdone)

• Control over the tone and energy of the night

• A DJ who understands their vision—and sticks to it

As DJs, we work closely with each couple to craft a playlist that feels custom, intentional, and 100% you — while still keeping the dance floor packed.

✅ Bonus Tip: What to Do Instead of Group Dances

If you want a packed dance floor without the hokey line dances, here’s what works well:

• 90s and 2000s throwbacks

• Motown or funk classics with energy

• Remixes of well-known hits (adds freshness)

• Crowd reads: the right song at the right time = magic

Planning a wedding in St. Louis or Kansas City? Let’s build a playlist you love—and skip the songs you don’t. We’ll make sure your reception soundtrack is memorable for all the right reasons.