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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.

conversation (1–10)

365 daysMr.Children

Mr.Children “365 Days” Mr.Children TOUR POPSAURUS 2012
365 daysMr.Children

This is a slow ballad by Mr.

Children that was used in an NTT East Japan commercial depicting parental love.

It’s a moving song that’s sure to appeal to everyone.

The lyrics make it a great fit for weddings, too.

While it works well for emotional scenes, it can also be nice to play it toward the end of the party to set the mood and lead into a touching letter-reading moment.

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Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen

This is a song by Carly Rae Jepsen, a singer-songwriter from Canada.

Since it’s been used in commercials and TV shows, many guests of all ages are likely to recognize it.

The upbeat tempo and her cute vocals are delightful, and the violin arrangement also suits the wedding atmosphere.

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sunflowerHakasé Tarō

Taro Hakase - Sunflower [OFFICIAL]
sunflowerHakasé Tarō

This is the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Teppan, composed by Taro Hakase.

There’s a story that it was inspired by the Seto Inland Sea, and the piece evokes images of the calm Seto Inland Sea and sunflowers blooming beyond it.

It’s well-known and soothing, making it a great recommendation for background music during conversations.

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Conversation (11–20)

HumoresqueAntonín Dvořák

Dvořák: Humoresque in G-flat major, Op. 101 No. 7
HumoresqueAntonín Dvořák

This short piece, woven from a bright, lighthearted atmosphere and an elegant melody, is known as one of the signature works of Antonín Dvořák, a leading composer of the Romantic era.

Composed in the summer of 1894 and published by the German music publisher Simrock, it reflects the composer’s tastes—he was also known as a railway enthusiast—most notably in its striking opening that evokes the turning of train wheels.

It has been used in the anime Chibi Maruko-chan and in Studio Ghibli’s short film Ghiblies Episode 2, and its familiarity has endeared it to many listeners.

Frequently chosen as background music for weddings and receptions, its gentle melody and refined character lend an elegant touch to the venue, making it a highly recommended, distinguished piece.

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On Wings of SongFelix Mendelssohn

On Wings of Song - Piano - Mendelssohn (Monthly Piano)
On Wings of SongFelix Mendelssohn

This is a representative work by Mendelssohn, an orchestral piece noted for its graceful and serene melody, first published in 1834 as part of Six Songs, Op.

34.

Originally composed for voice and piano, its beautiful tune has been arranged for various instruments by many performers and remains beloved.

In April 2023, cellist Haruma Sato delivered a superb performance on his album Auf Flügeln des Gesanges: Mendelssohn Works.

Possessing a lightness and elegance like soaring on wings, this piece is ideal as background music for weddings and receptions.

It will accompany life’s important milestones and make those happy moments shine even brighter.

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Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Ballet Suite - Waltz of the Flowers
Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Tchaikovsky

This is a jewel of a masterpiece that weaves an elegant, dreamlike worldview.

Composed by the Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky and performed in Act II of The Nutcracker, premiered in December 1892, it captivates with the exquisite interplay between strings and winds set in a three-beat waltz.

Its flowing melodies and rich harmonies conjure a fantastical scene as if flowers were dancing.

It was also featured in Disney’s Fantasia, beautifully accompanying the flower dance sequence.

Masterfully fusing European classical music with Russian folk elements, this piece is highly recommended for those who wish to lend an air of elegance to life’s important moments, such as wedding processions and recessions.

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Cake cutting (11–20)

When it comes to weddings, this is it!! Your first joint task together!

Cake cutting is one of the most common wedding performances. The music may start at the exact moment the knife goes into the cake, or when preparations for the cutting begin, so it’s best to confirm this with the venue in advance. If the music plays at the moment of the cut, a glamorous song from the start works well; if it starts during the preparations, a song that begins softly and builds to a climax in the chorus is recommended.

Cake cutting (1–10)

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)
SugarMaroon 5

Here’s a cute love song that belts out sweet feelings over a catchy melody! Just listening to it makes your heart flutter, and Maroon 5’s track is absolutely perfect as background music for the cake-cutting.

Released in January 2015, this song is included on the band’s fifth album, V.

The lyrics compare feelings for a loved one to “sugar,” skillfully expressing the sweetness and ache of love.

Its pop sound, infused with disco and funk elements, is sure to elevate the festive atmosphere of a wedding.

It’s a wonderful song that will bring happiness not only to the bride and groom but also to all the guests!

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