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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.

Bride's Letter (1–10)

I can’t put it into wordsNEW!Oda Kazumasa

A classic hit by Off Course.

Later, the self-cover version by Kazumasa Oda was used in a Meiji Life Insurance commercial and became a revival hit.

It also appears as an insert song in the film “The Letter,” and thanks to its high recognition, it always goes over great with audiences.

Many artists have covered it, but Oda’s beautiful voice truly stands out.

Alternatively, playing an instrumental version would also be nice.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

Since her debut, Hikaru Utada has continued to bring a fresh breeze to the music scene.

This song was released digitally in April 2016 and was also used as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” It’s a medium-tempo ballad centered on piano and strings, notable for its simple yet deeply expressive emotion.

The warm lyrics—entrusting gratitude to a loved one and complex feelings that can’t be fully conveyed in words to a bouquet—resonate with the heart.

It would also be perfect for creating a moving atmosphere as background music for a bride’s letter at a wedding.

Starring Rin Oikawa Jesus, Joy Of Man’s DesiringQ;indivi

Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring – Q;indivi Starring Rin Oikawa / Album “Celebration”
Starring Rin Oikawa Jesus, Joy Of Man’s DesiringQ;indivi

Q;indivi, highly popular for wedding music, presents this track arranged from the hymn “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” It’s recommended for the letter-to-parents scene.

The sacred hymn’s melody is complemented by a magical music box timbre, and Rin Oikawa’s crystal-clear vocals add a touch of cuteness, creating a beautifully pure piece.

Letter to my parentsGReeeeN

GReeeeN 'Letter to My Parents' Piano (Short Ver.)
Letter to my parentsGReeeeN

This song is a perfect fit for the letter-to-parents scene included on GReeeeN’s album “Ii ne! (´・ω・`)☆.” It was also used as the theme song for a Sompo Japan commercial.

As the title suggests, its motif is exactly on point, and the vocals of the male unit convey feelings of gratitude in a straightforward way.

passing the batonJULEPS

[T&G] JULEPS “Baton Touch” PV
passing the batonJULEPS

This is a perfect song for letter-reading scenes, sung by the piano-and-chorus group JULEPS about a father’s feelings as he sends off his beloved daughter.

The melody seeps into your heart, and the lyrics are exceptional.

The lyricist is Yasushi Akimoto.

As expected from a master, the lyrics feel as if they were written to make fathers cry at weddings.

When this song plays, even dads worried about appearances won’t be able to hold back their tears.

It’s sure to move all the fathers in the room.

angelazu

This is a “Thank you, Mom” song by the female singer azu, who is popular in the Kansai and Tokai regions.

Its stylish melody, straightforward lyrics, and azu’s husky voice combine to create a unique charm.

It’s a lovely track that beautifully enhances sophisticated, moving scenes.

Bouquet presentation (11–20)

Sending gratitude and celebrating the birth of a new family

For the scene where inexpressible feelings are conveyed through a commemorative gift and a bouquet, songs that express gratitude are highly recommended. Also, since this is the first time the six people—the bride and groom and both sets of parents—stand together, bright and festive songs are a great choice!

Bouquet Presentation (1–10)

MiracleGReeeeN

This piece, which expresses deep love and bonds, has captured the hearts of many as a love song.

Released in May 2008, it became instantly famous when it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “ROOKIES.” The lyrics describe meeting a loved one as a “miracle” and the happy journey the two walk together as a “track of destiny,” making it perfect for the bouquet presentation scene at weddings.

Singing about the joy of being able to be oneself when together with a partner, and the importance of sharing both joy and sorrow, this song beautifully speaks on behalf of the bride and groom.

Why not present it along with a bouquet, filled with gratitude for that special someone?