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

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.

Leaving in the middle (1–10)

Memories are beautifulAimer

Aimer “Memories Are Beautiful” Father’s Day edit (5th albums “Sun Dance” and “Penny Rain” to be released simultaneously on Wednesday, 2019/04/10)
Memories are beautifulAimer

A moving ballad that recounts deep love for a father and cherished memories.

The lyrics vividly portray everyday moments from childhood.

It’s a song that conveys a father’s kindness and strength, and the warmth of family bonds.

Included on Aimer’s 15th single, “Black Bird/Tiny Dancers/Omoide wa Kirei de.” It expresses gratitude to one’s father and a renewed desire to cherish the present.

A perfect song to play during the recessional with your father.

For a couple who values family ties, this is a track you’ll definitely want to consider.

HappinessChe’Nelle

Many people choose Che’Nelle’s songs as background music for weddings.

Her track “Happiness” was also used as the theme song for the TV drama “Dear Sister,” starring Nao Matsushita and Satomi Ishihara.

The song expresses the dilemma and feelings of loving someone dearly—someone who means more than anything—yet being unable to express emotions well because of one’s own personality.

If you usually struggle to be open about your feelings or feel too shy to express gratitude face-to-face, how about conveying them through this song?

Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

DISH// – Sweet Daphne [Official Video]
Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//

This song by DISH// is perfect for the brief intermission during a wedding! The lyrics are filled with words of gratitude and the courage to move forward, making it an encouraging anthem that gently supports the bride and groom as they embark on a new chapter.

The warm pop-rock sound radiates a happy aura that envelops the venue.

With lyrics that beautifully express appreciation, it’s an ideal choice for the interlude with parents or grandparents.

Letterback number

back number – Letter (full)
Letterback number

This song is a straightforward expression of gratitude to one’s parents, filled with warm affection.

Released in August 2015 and featured in an NTT Docomo commercial, it carefully portrays how the singer continues to feel the same parental love from childhood memories to adulthood.

The music video features Kanna Mori, and its depiction of the bond between mother and child also drew attention.

It’s a perfect choice for moments that celebrate family love, such as during a wedding reception intermission or scenes expressing thanks to parents.

Make it into a bouquet.wacci

wacci “Make It a Bouquet” Music Video
Make it into a bouquet.wacci

This song, included on the 3rd album “Gunjou Refrain,” is moving in the way it directly expresses deep gratitude and love for someone important.

Wacci’s signature warm melody and delicate vocals gently sink into the listener’s heart.

I’ve heard it was made for Mother’s Day, so it’s perfect for leaving the reception together with your mother at a wedding.

Since the lyrics don’t explicitly state that the message is to a mother, it can also be used when stepping out with your father or grandparents who raised you in a parental role.

Life Is BeautifulKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Life Is Beautiful”
Life Is BeautifulKetsumeishi

A powerful song by Ketsumeishi that celebrates the beauty of life.

Its piano and string arrangements leave a strong impression, offering courage and hope to overcome hardships.

Released in August 2007 on the album “Ketsuno-Polis 5,” it was also used as the ending theme for the PlayStation 3 title “Ryu ga Gotoku Kenzan!” It’s a track we recommend to anyone who has experienced parting or setbacks, or who stands at a crossroads in life.

Perfect for life’s milestones such as weddings and graduations.

How about playing it during a brief intermission with friends you’ve shared time with?

Outfit-change entrance (11–20)

With a different vibe from the initial entrance!

This is the scene where the bride and groom change outfits and make their second entrance. To match the outfit change, it’s best to choose an entrance song with a different vibe from the first one so it stands out more. For example, if the first entrance featured a glamorous song, you could choose a calm and elegant song for the outfit-change entrance. Coordinate the overall image in line with the content of the performances in the first and second halves of the reception.

Dress-change entrance (1–10)

DEAR MY LOVERHey! Say! JUMP

Hey! Say! JUMP – DEAR MY LOVER [Official Music Video YouTube ver.]
DEAR MY LOVERHey! Say! JUMP

It’s a refreshing and warm love song that’s very Hey! Say! JUMP.

Tied in with the TBS drama “Ousama ni Sasagu Kusuriyubi” starring Ryosuke Yamada, it also drew attention as the show’s theme song.

The track shines with a sparkle that resonates across generations.

Released in May 2023 as one of the songs on a double A-side single, it garnered significant attention.

The lyrics—filled with feelings of caring for each other and a resolve to walk toward the future together—leave a strong impression.

It’s a perfect choice to celebrate a couple’s new beginning, such as for the re-entry scene after a costume change at a wedding.