Ten Songs to Avoid Playing at Your Wedding Reception

I am not a wedding crasher. But having been to my fair share - including my own - I have concluded that some songs are better left in the CD case. There are those that alter the mood to a mind altering numbness and there are others that are played at every wedding to the point that they are cliched and boring. At all costs - threaten to withhold a tip from your DJ if you must - avoid playing these songs at your reception.

10. The Thrill is Gone by B.B. King. The title says enough. I was at a wedding where the DJ actually played this because someone - as a joke - had written it down on the request list. Apparently, the DJ had no common sense.

9. Promises by Eric Clapton. This is a great song, but it is about the end of love, not the beginning. The chorus, in part, goes "We made a vow we'd always be friends/How could we know that promises end?" I have a friend so devoted to Eric Clapton and his music that we named his CD player "The Clapton" because that was all he ever played. This song was on his play list at his wedding.

8. I'll Be by Edwin McCain. Not a bad song by any means. But it is way overplayed. Chances are if you hire a band instead of a DJ, the band will take a stab at this song. It's so popular that every half-baked wedding band in the country has it in the repertoire.

7. Every Breath You Take by the Police. This is about a stalker. If you want to creep people out, then play it. Otherwise, leave it alone.

6. Celebration by Kool and the Gang. Another good song that has been played at nearly every wedding in the past 25 years.

5. Love Stinks by the J. Geils Band. I have never heard this song at a wedding. But, it was part of the Adam Sandler movie "The Wedding Singer." Needless to say, this will kill the party.

4. The Macarena by Los Del Rio. Ultra-catchy and it had its moment in the sun. That moment is over. Let it rest in peace.

3. YMCA by The Village People. Good grief. Enough of this song already.