[Wedding Ceremony & Reception BGM] Recommended Songs and How to Choose Them by Scene!

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

There are countless decisions that brides and grooms need to make as they prepare for their wedding and reception.

Background music is one of them!

With so much to get ready, many couples may find they just can’t get around to choosing songs.

However, music plays a crucial role in the reception, and the atmosphere of the venue can change dramatically depending on the tracks you choose!

In this article, we’ll highlight recommended songs—focusing on tracks that are actually popular at receptions—and share tips for selecting music for each scene.

We’ve arranged everything in the order of a typical reception schedule, so please read along while imagining the flow of the day.

Cake cutting (1–10)

Ever Ever AfterCarrie Underwood

Verwünscht – Ever Ever After – Music Video – Carrie Underwood

Ever Ever AfterCarrie Underwood

This is the song chosen as the theme for the Disney film Enchanted.

Its fantastical melody and Carrie Underwood’s soaring vocals suit glamorous scenes perfectly.

If you time the chorus to the cake-cutting moment, it will make the happy atmosphere even more moving.

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ButterflyKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “Butterfly” [short ver.]

ButterflyKimura Kaera

Used in a Zexy commercial and becoming a major hit, it later turned into a wedding staple.

Originally, Kaela wrote it as a surprise song for her best friend’s wedding.

A classic you’ll want to sing to celebrate a dear friend’s new beginning.

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Cake cutting (11–20)

Amazing Graceamerika min’yō

André Rieu – Amazing Grace (4K)

Amazing Graceamerika min'yō

A hymn inspired by salvation through God’s grace and filled with gratitude was composed in 1779 by a British clergyman.

Created by an author who transformed his life from a slave ship captain to a pastor, it conveys profound repentance.

With a simple yet moving melody, it has won love far beyond the realm of hymns.

It is performed in various styles, such as on bagpipes or a cappella, and in 2006 it was used as the theme song for a film depicting the author’s life.

It is popular at weddings and receptions as a fitting piece for solemn entrances and emotionally moving moments.

With its simple melody and deep spirituality, this work makes the important milestones of life all the more meaningful.

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Leaving midway (11–20)

The intermission scene can turn moving or exciting depending on the song you choose!

At the end of the first half of the program, the bride and groom leave the reception once at the midway point (the “nakaza”) for an outfit change. Since the bride and groom exit separately, you’ll need two songs. And don’t forget the escort for the nakaza. Choosing a song that holds memories with your escort is sure to be moving! On the other hand, because you can pick any song you like for the nakaza, choosing a track by your favorite artist that you usually listen to will definitely boost the excitement.

Leaving in the middle (1–10)

cute personUrufuruzu

Ulfuls – Kawaii Hito (Cute Person)

cute personUrufuruzu

This song by Ulfuls is a warm piece that expresses gratitude and love for mothers.

With the emotionally rich delivery and moving melodies characteristic of their music, it sings a message themed around the bond between parent and child.

It’s a perfect track to use when leaving the reception floor with your mother or grandmother during a wedding banquet.

It’ll surely create a touching scene.

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Motherkariyushi 58

Kariyushi58 “Anma”

Motherkariyushi 58

This is a song that honestly expresses feelings toward one’s mother.

It’s a track that can bring you to tears even during a casual listen, and it’s perfect for weddings.

If you play it during the send-off/intermission—a high-energy moment in the ceremony—it will quickly sweep the entire venue into a wave of emotion.

Beyond the intermission, it also works well for scenes like the bride’s letter or the bouquet presentation.

Just be careful: if you play it out of the blue, not only the bride and groom but everyone might end up in tears…!

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signpostFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Michishirube (Fukuyama ☆ Great Summer Enterprise Festival 2015, Inasayama)

signpostFukuyama Masaharu

If you’re looking for a deeply moving song to express gratitude to your parents, how about Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Michishirube” (Signpost)? Released in 2009 as the B-side to the single “Keshin,” it was written as the ending theme for the TV program “NEWS ZERO.” The song conveys Fukuyama’s feelings toward his grandmother, and many listeners will likely feel the same way about their parents—making it a relatable track that radiates profound love.

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Circle of Thanksayaka

Ayaka / “The Circle of Thanks” Music Video (Short Ver.)

Circle of Thanksayaka

This is a song from a daughter to her mother.

No matter how close a parent and child are, daughters go through a rebellious phase.

‘Arigatou no Wa’ is a song that expresses gratitude to a mother who has always been on her side.

It’s a recommended choice for brides who will leave the reception briefly with their mothers.

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