Lovely performance

Recommended songs for band performances to liven up a wedding reception

Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.
Composer/arranger, guitarist, and bloggerSaitō Ayumu
I started playing guitar in elementary school, and in junior high and high school I played the horn in the concert band. In college I became engrossed in composing and began using DTM. These days, I provide songs to artists as a composer, run a blog under the name “Sakki,” and post music lesson videos on YouTube. My musical roots are in rock, but I also love dance music!

No wedding reception would be complete without a performance to liven up the party.

Many of you may be thinking about playing in a band to celebrate close friends or coworkers on their special day.

Music is perfect for a reception activity because everyone can get excited together.

That said, it can be hard to decide which songs to play.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of recommended songs for a band performance at a wedding.

We’ve picked songs from a wide range of genres, so use this as a reference to match the couple’s tastes and the overall atmosphere of the wedding.

Top 10 recommended songs for a band performance to liven up a wedding reception

rainbowSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda 'Niji' (Rainbow)

rainbowSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda, a singer who has released numerous buzzworthy tracks and commands a unique presence as an actor, released his fifth single, “Niji” (Rainbow), which was chosen as the theme song for the 3DCG animated film Stand By Me Doraemon 2.

Its lyrics, which vow eternal love in unpretentious words, are filled with messages perfect for weddings.

With no difficult techniques and a relaxed tempo, it’s a number that even beginner bands should find easy to perform as entertainment.

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Hoshino Takashi

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loveHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

loveHoshino Gen

This song, which was likely the biggest hit of 2016, became a beloved classic, helped by the Koido dance craze.

The difficulty level for band performance might be a bit high, but it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will get everyone dancing and singing along.

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A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

A bouquet of flowers with loveSuperfly

At a wedding where you’re celebrating the bride and groom, you want to perform a song filled with love for someone special.

A classic choice for that is Superfly’s “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” (“A Bouquet with All My Love”).

Just as the title suggests, its melody and lyrics feel like presenting a bouquet brimming with love to the newlyweds, making it perfect for weddings.

Of course, it’s also a great pick for any joyous occasion, not just weddings.

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Recommended Songs (11–20) for Band Performances to Liven Up a Wedding Reception

Love so sweetarashi

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

Love so sweetarashi

Arashi’s songs are popular and full of upbeat, fun energy, so they’re perfect for a wedding performance.

This particular song can basically be played by a band, making it an ideal choice.

If you can get five people together, nail the choreography, and cover it with the charm and style of idols, it would be a blast.

I’m sure it would liven up any occasion!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

Yattemiyou

Let's give it a tryWANIMA

Yatte Miyou by WANIMA, a three-piece band from Kumamoto Prefecture, is a song I’d recommend for weddings that bring together guests of all ages.

It’s a rock arrangement of the children’s song Picnic, featuring a catchy melody and powerful sound.

Chosen for an au commercial, it became a hot topic and a big hit.

Since Picnic is a tune everyone knows, it’s perfect for getting the whole crowd excited together.

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Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

If you’re going to perform, upbeat, crowd-pleasing songs are the way to go, right? If you’re looking for something like that, I recommend UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s “Sugar Song and Bitter Step.” It’s uptempo with a rhythm that makes your body move just by listening.

Since the original is by a three-piece band, it’s also great because it can be performed with a small group.

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Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

Wherever you are

Wherever you areONE OK ROCK

A song that delivers an eternal vow to a loved one is included on ONE OK ROCK’s 2010 album Niche Syndrome.

Blending Japanese and English, its lyrics convey a strong determination to keep supporting the other person, and it was also used as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “Family” commercial.

The words woven by Taka’s overwhelming vocal power make it perfect for a wedding performance.

Set to a relaxed tempo, the melody line expressing deep affection resonates in the heart.

If you’re looking for a song that evokes the image of two people pledging everlasting love, be sure to give it a listen.

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