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Bride Refuses To Let Grandparents-In-Law Ruin Her Wedding With Their ‘Special’ Moment, Gets A Reality Check
Elderly couple holding hands closely, illustrating a special moment contrasted with a brideu2019s wedding plans.

Bride Refuses To Let Grandparents-In-Law Ruin Her Wedding With Their ‘Special’ Moment, Gets A Reality Check

Interview With Expert

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A woman’s grandparents-in-law hated that she decided to have fast paced music at her wedding and tried to make the DJ play something they liked. So she asked the internet if she was wrong for telling them that she is in charge of the music after drama ensued.

Scroll down to find the full story and a conversation with wedding and event lead planner Kathleen Swift and wedding DJ Matthew Reate, who kindly agreed to tell us more about song requests at special celebrations.

RELATED:

    Couples may consider allowing song requests at their wedding. However, this bride was completely against it

    Image credits: RDNE Stock project (not the actual photo)

    The moment her perfect wedding playlist was disturbed by a slow song, she came rushing to shut it down

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    Image credits: Sarah Noltner (not the actual photo)

    Most couples want more control over their music

    To learn more about the music scene at weddings, Bored Panda reached out to wedding and event lead planner Kathleen Swift and wedding DJ Matthew Reate. According to Reate, allowing guests to request songs depends on the couple. “Some don’t mind at all, while others, especially in NYC with high-earning clients, can be quite particular. They often have a “do not play” list, which is crucial for me to follow. I’m there to balance their needs with the vibe of the party, using my judgment as needed.”

    Meanwhile, Swift says, “Requesting a song is usually fine at weddings, as long as guests are respectful! Some couples will even ask guests for their song requests on the invitation or through their wedding website to ensure everyone has something fun to dance to.

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    Whether the couple asks or not, it’s generally ok for guests to request a song from the DJ once the dance floor is open. As a guest, you know the couple pretty well if you’re invited to the wedding, so use your best judgment if you think this would bother them. If I were a plus one for a wedding where I did not personally know the couple, I would refrain from requesting a song in that case.”

    Now, to have a no-song request policy at such a celebration, the bride and groom really have to know their guests as well as their musical tastes. If they decide on a playlist that the guests will appreciate, then there’s really nothing wrong with that, as everyone will likely have an opportunity to get on the dance floor at some point or another. 

    However, when this isn’t the case, guests may be more eager to take their suggestions to the DJ, which may clash with the preferences of the couple and stir up some unwanted disagreements. 

    Image credits: Thomas AE (not the actual photo)

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    There are a few things  wedding guests should know before requesting a song

    In cases where guests do have the liberty of expressing their musical preferences, they might want to know a couple of things before anyone finds their requests infuriating or rude. 

    If you wish to hear your own special or wedding track, Reate recommends checking in with the couple first, as these suggestions are usually very specific. Meanwhile, Swift says, “If it is a song that holds a special memory for you or is an inside joke, it should only be requested if the couple is part of that memory/joke and there are enough other guests involved that it won’t empty the dance floor.”

    However, she emphasizes, “Never request a song that is going to focus attention on yourself or someone other than the couple. The goal of the night is to celebrate the two people who just got married, so any song requests should be something that they enjoy! Never embarrass the couple or try to upstage them.”

    To remain on the DJ’s good side, you may also want to be flexible and understanding. Reate notes, “A request doesn’t always mean it will be played. Between keeping the event on schedule and managing moments like the cake-cutting, it’s easy to miss some. The main focus is on the flow of the event and the guests’ enjoyment.

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    Swift also reminds guests to respect the person playing the music. “Only request a song once. If your song isn’t played after that, drop it. As a guest, you don’t know what instructions the couple gave the DJ. They may want to stick with a certain vibe or have a list of “Do Not Play” songs that the DJ is following.

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    You can be sure that the couple hired a professional they trust, so the DJ has the final say on the songs, and you can trust that they have a reason for playing or not playing each song. Please do not harass them if they are not playing your song request!”

    She concludes by saying, “The DJ has put a lot of time into curating a playlist based on the couple’s preferences, so spend some time on the dance floor enjoying yourself!”

    Image credits: Mitchell Orr (not the actual photo)

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    Commenters saw the bride as the one who was in the wrong

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    Later, the author provided an update

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    Image credits: itwasmywedding

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    Poll Question

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    Justin Sandberg

    Justin Sandberg

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I am a writer at Bored Panda. Despite being born in the US, I ended up spending most of my life in Europe, from Latvia, Austria, and Georgia to finally settling in Lithuania. At Bored Panda, you’ll find me covering topics ranging from the cat meme of the day to red flags in the workplace and really anything else. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, beating other people at board games, cooking, good books, and bad films.

    Read less »
    Justin Sandberg

    Justin Sandberg

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    I am a writer at Bored Panda. Despite being born in the US, I ended up spending most of my life in Europe, from Latvia, Austria, and Georgia to finally settling in Lithuania. At Bored Panda, you’ll find me covering topics ranging from the cat meme of the day to red flags in the workplace and really anything else. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, beating other people at board games, cooking, good books, and bad films.

    What do you think ?
    Ginky
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Zero lessons learned.

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And I hope the “bridezilla” shoe fits, ‘cause she’s wearing it!

    Load More Replies...
    Paul C
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, the YTAs make sense today. Is it April 1st already? I can only hope the groom comes to his senses soon, before children are involved. When total strangers hear only her side yet explain what an AH she was, she still can't see it. There's no hope for someone like that.

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bridezilla is neither sexist nor outdated, it is, however, accurate

    James016
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone who says "MY wedding" when it's not only yours is automatically an a**e.

    Luke || Kira (he/she)
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As soon as I saw "MY wedding" in the title I was certain we're in for a solid bridezilla, and I wasn't wrong 😅 A piece of work who throws terms like "gaslighting", "sexist" and "narcissist" without having the slightest idea about their true meaning.

    Load More Replies...
    R Dennis
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. Not only is she TA... she's also a raging b***h. Hopefully the husband extricates himself from that narcissistic pos.

    Sparkle
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It always baffles me when people ask if there the jerk and when they get told yes try and push back and still blame others. Don't ask the question if you won't accept the criticism!

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another example of the profound narcissism that weddings can engender. This woman is obviously way too immature for an adult relationship. I doubt this marriage will last.

    Apatheist
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True Love Ways is a beautiful song. Also worth remembering that older people can't do fast dances all night - it's sensible to have a slower song every now and then so people can have a rest. It's akin to having only meat on the menu because that's what you like, and not accounting for vegetarians.

    Donna Harris
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The comment about the grandson letting the GPS at his next wedding made me laugh. Not only an AH, but just a s****y unkind person. What a fool.

    Ronja Oksanen
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get that in the moment when you're buzzing and dancing with your friends and it s***s a lot if someone ruins the vibe suddenly and are not doing what they are instructed to do BUT afterwards when you are not in the moment you should feel selfish and bad for behaving like that!

    Sparky Hughes
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She obviously went there for validation instead of judgement. She refused to take it and only agreed with the probably very few that “understood” her. It’s always highly amusing when narcissists claim others are narcissists for calling out their appalling behavior. Psychological armchair diagnosis is so en vogue these days. True narcissist a***e usually hurts the victims. This chick is self-centered and very selfish. They view themselves as the center of the world vs being a part of the world. The absolute best weddings I’ve been too was where it was a party for all vs being the “bride” show. The brides were relaxed in these scenarios had blast with all their guests. in one, he B&G and their wedding parties went around and asked older people in the family to dance. It was the sweetest moment. I literally teared up.

    Jo Firth
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She asked for opinions and then when she got them, they were wrong apparently. Sounds like an absolute delight and I await a post from her in 12 months advising her husband has been 'forced' by his parents to divorce her.

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This isn't about the music: this is about OP and her in-laws on a much broader scale. She says it herself: her husband's family tries to beat him into submission as they always do. So, it's a power-struggle. Not a good way to begin a life together.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WOW that update 😂😂😂what a totally entitled bridezilla selfish biatch op is, why even invite old people if your refusing to even play one bloody slower song ffs one can only hope her husband had made her his EXwife now !! she’s insufferable!, OP YTA human up princess .

    T Hammock
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do young people not realize that a wedding is where you host your guests and treat them to a good time? Where did this whole MY DAY thing even come from? It’s vile. Most the people in these wedding posts do not seem mature enough to even be getting married.

    KatSaidThat
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Most of you think IATA" - no hon, EVERYONE thinks YTA - because you really are.

    Veronica Velazquez
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So she danced to EVERY SINGLE SONG? Entitled behavior. 1 song made her turn wacky. The booze are not to blame and her husband is no better

    Brenda Knapp
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did she look in the mirror? She was horrible to not allow a special moment for her new husbands grand parents, that won't be around forever. YES YOU ARE THE A$$HOLE!

    Jeff
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meanwhile I'm just floored that the DJ, or any employee, listens to anyone without clearing it with the bride or groom first.

    Saber4
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Their wedding, their day. Should be cleared with the bride and groom.

    Load More Replies...
    Fellfromthemoon
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    IMHO, the wedding is not strictly about the new couple, but that is the first occasion when the two families can merge. Essentially, the very reason wedding receptions exist is to allow the new in-laws to get acquainted. Getting married is the couple's moment. Everybody can deviate from the tradition, anybody may decide to not invite some relatives, of course. But if the couple decides to go for a wedding reception/party, they need to organize suitable circumstances for the guests to mingle and start some conversation. And I'm sure no close family member of the bride or groom wants to spend those few hours by second-hand (or even direct) embarrassment.

    GatorGran
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. OP is definitely the AH! To deny an elderly couple three minutes of happiness is beyond reprehensible. Did it physically hurt you to see them happy? At their age they might not live long enough to see another wedding or anniversary. Well, Karma is a b***h and hopefully it will come your way sooner rather than later! 😡

    Ginky
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Zero lessons learned.

    Binky Melnik
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And I hope the “bridezilla” shoe fits, ‘cause she’s wearing it!

    Load More Replies...
    Paul C
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, the YTAs make sense today. Is it April 1st already? I can only hope the groom comes to his senses soon, before children are involved. When total strangers hear only her side yet explain what an AH she was, she still can't see it. There's no hope for someone like that.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bridezilla is neither sexist nor outdated, it is, however, accurate

    James016
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone who says "MY wedding" when it's not only yours is automatically an a**e.

    Luke || Kira (he/she)
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As soon as I saw "MY wedding" in the title I was certain we're in for a solid bridezilla, and I wasn't wrong 😅 A piece of work who throws terms like "gaslighting", "sexist" and "narcissist" without having the slightest idea about their true meaning.

    Load More Replies...
    R Dennis
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. Not only is she TA... she's also a raging b***h. Hopefully the husband extricates himself from that narcissistic pos.

    Sparkle
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It always baffles me when people ask if there the jerk and when they get told yes try and push back and still blame others. Don't ask the question if you won't accept the criticism!

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another example of the profound narcissism that weddings can engender. This woman is obviously way too immature for an adult relationship. I doubt this marriage will last.

    Apatheist
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True Love Ways is a beautiful song. Also worth remembering that older people can't do fast dances all night - it's sensible to have a slower song every now and then so people can have a rest. It's akin to having only meat on the menu because that's what you like, and not accounting for vegetarians.

    Donna Harris
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The comment about the grandson letting the GPS at his next wedding made me laugh. Not only an AH, but just a s****y unkind person. What a fool.

    Ronja Oksanen
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get that in the moment when you're buzzing and dancing with your friends and it s***s a lot if someone ruins the vibe suddenly and are not doing what they are instructed to do BUT afterwards when you are not in the moment you should feel selfish and bad for behaving like that!

    Sparky Hughes
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She obviously went there for validation instead of judgement. She refused to take it and only agreed with the probably very few that “understood” her. It’s always highly amusing when narcissists claim others are narcissists for calling out their appalling behavior. Psychological armchair diagnosis is so en vogue these days. True narcissist a***e usually hurts the victims. This chick is self-centered and very selfish. They view themselves as the center of the world vs being a part of the world. The absolute best weddings I’ve been too was where it was a party for all vs being the “bride” show. The brides were relaxed in these scenarios had blast with all their guests. in one, he B&G and their wedding parties went around and asked older people in the family to dance. It was the sweetest moment. I literally teared up.

    Jo Firth
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She asked for opinions and then when she got them, they were wrong apparently. Sounds like an absolute delight and I await a post from her in 12 months advising her husband has been 'forced' by his parents to divorce her.

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This isn't about the music: this is about OP and her in-laws on a much broader scale. She says it herself: her husband's family tries to beat him into submission as they always do. So, it's a power-struggle. Not a good way to begin a life together.

    Crystalwitch60
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WOW that update 😂😂😂what a totally entitled bridezilla selfish biatch op is, why even invite old people if your refusing to even play one bloody slower song ffs one can only hope her husband had made her his EXwife now !! she’s insufferable!, OP YTA human up princess .

    T Hammock
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do young people not realize that a wedding is where you host your guests and treat them to a good time? Where did this whole MY DAY thing even come from? It’s vile. Most the people in these wedding posts do not seem mature enough to even be getting married.

    KatSaidThat
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Most of you think IATA" - no hon, EVERYONE thinks YTA - because you really are.

    Veronica Velazquez
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So she danced to EVERY SINGLE SONG? Entitled behavior. 1 song made her turn wacky. The booze are not to blame and her husband is no better

    Brenda Knapp
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did she look in the mirror? She was horrible to not allow a special moment for her new husbands grand parents, that won't be around forever. YES YOU ARE THE A$$HOLE!

    Jeff
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meanwhile I'm just floored that the DJ, or any employee, listens to anyone without clearing it with the bride or groom first.

    Saber4
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Their wedding, their day. Should be cleared with the bride and groom.

    Load More Replies...
    Fellfromthemoon
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    IMHO, the wedding is not strictly about the new couple, but that is the first occasion when the two families can merge. Essentially, the very reason wedding receptions exist is to allow the new in-laws to get acquainted. Getting married is the couple's moment. Everybody can deviate from the tradition, anybody may decide to not invite some relatives, of course. But if the couple decides to go for a wedding reception/party, they need to organize suitable circumstances for the guests to mingle and start some conversation. And I'm sure no close family member of the bride or groom wants to spend those few hours by second-hand (or even direct) embarrassment.

    GatorGran
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. OP is definitely the AH! To deny an elderly couple three minutes of happiness is beyond reprehensible. Did it physically hurt you to see them happy? At their age they might not live long enough to see another wedding or anniversary. Well, Karma is a b***h and hopefully it will come your way sooner rather than later! 😡

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