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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.

Bouquet Presentation (1–10)

A bouquet with all my heartSazan Ōrusutāzu

A Bouquet with All My Heart / Southern All Stars cover
A bouquet with all my heartSazan Ōrusutāzu

This is a song included on Southern All Stars’ album “Young Love,” released in July 1996.

It carries a heartfelt message of gratitude and love for one’s parents, with lyrics that delicately portray family bonds, growth, and feelings at life’s milestones—resonating deeply with listeners.

The arrangement is richly orchestrated, featuring a diverse range of instruments such as flute, clarinet, and harp.

It’s a recommended track for anyone wishing to express thanks to their parents.

If played during a bouquet presentation, it will envelop the entire venue in a warm atmosphere.

A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru

This is the theme song of the NHK morning drama series “Toto Nee-chan.” It’s a track by Hikaru Utada, marking her return after five and a half years.

The lyrics strongly convey the desire to “send a bouquet along with feelings of gratitude,” making it perfect for the bouquet presentation at a wedding.

Its bright sound, which isn’t overly sentimental, will help elevate the emotional moment.

Bouquet presentation (11–20)

Trumpet VoluntaryJeremiah Clark

This is a classic celebratory piece whose brilliant tones instantly elevate the atmosphere of any venue.

Included around 1700 in the keyboard music collection A Choice Collection of Ayres, it features a memorable melody that imitates the bright sound of the trumpet, and has been performed by many distinguished artists such as Maurice André and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Since it was played at the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, it has been cherished as a wedding standard.

It’s an effective choice for moments when you want to energize the scene—such as a brisk, processional entrance or honoring achievements at an awards ceremony.

Exit (11–20)

A song worthy of concluding a moving wedding reception!

The closing scene proceeds without a hitch, and at last the bride and groom make their exit. By this point, the emotion in the venue should be at its peak. To heighten that blissful, celebratory mood even more, a grand and dazzling piece is ideal for the exit. It’s perfect if you can choose a song that evokes the couple taking a bold first step together toward their future!

Exit (1–10)

Love On TopBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Love On Top (Official Video)
Love On TopBeyoncé

A gem of R&B that sings gratitude and joy for a loved one over a bright, uplifting melody.

Its warm, ’80s-inspired arrangement and majestic choral work brilliantly capture a heart brimming with happiness.

Beyoncé’s commanding vocal prowess shines throughout, and the way the song channels rising emotion through four key changes is breathtaking.

A track from the album “4,” it has garnered numerous music awards since its release in September 2011, winning Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

Overflowing with blessings for a couple embarking on a new chapter together, this song is an ideal choice as a wedding recessional number.

PerfectEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Perfect (Official Music Video)
PerfectEd Sheeran

A gem of a love song whose warm, melody line brimming with deep affection and blessings resonates in the heart.

Inspired by Ed Sheeran’s real-life relationship with his wife, the feelings he weaves are filled with hope for a happy future with the one you love.

The sweeping melody that unfolds in the chorus and the gentle tones of the acoustic guitar create a remarkable harmony.

Released from the album ÷ in March 2017, it later spawned a duet version with Beyoncé and a collaboration with Andrea Bocelli.

It became a massive hit, topping charts around the world.

Perfect for a wedding recessional, this song helps create a joyful moment where the bride and groom and their guests can share in the emotion together.

Can’t Stop the Feeling!Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake – CAN’T STOP THE FEELING! (from DreamWorks Animation’s “TROLLS”) (Official Video)
Can't Stop the Feeling!Justin Timberlake

An upbeat dance number packed with a cheerful vibe and a positive message, released by Justin Timberlake in May 2016.

With its bright, refreshing melody and dynamic rhythm, it’s an irresistibly charming track that overflows with fun and happiness.

Created as the theme song for DreamWorks Animation’s film “Trolls,” it debuted at No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard charts and became a global sensation.

Brimming with pure joy and a sense of liberation, this song will surely create wonderful memories as a glamorous recessional BGM for a wedding, sending the newlyweds off into the first steps of their new life, surrounded by the people they love.

Marry YouBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Marry You (Official Lyric Video)
Marry YouBruno Mars

This work is notable for its breezy beat and Bruno Mars’s captivating vocals.

With lyrics themed around an impromptu marriage, it’s brimming with a cheerful, “let’s do something crazy” vibe.

Included on the 2010 album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, it became a hit around the world, reaching No.

85 on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over two million copies.

Its playful lyrics and refreshing melody feel delightful, and it’s also popular as a recessional song at weddings.

It’s the kind of track that’s sure to bring smiles to guests’ faces as they celebrate the newlyweds’ send-off.