Recommended songs for band performances to liven up a wedding reception
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.
- Recommended band songs for weddings. Use them as a reference for choosing background music!
- [Entertainment] Piano pieces I want to play at a wedding
- [Band Performance] Recommended Songs to Liven Up Year-end/New Year Parties [2026]
- Popular wedding songs you’ll want to sing and play on guitar. Recommended classic tracks for performances at wedding ceremonies and receptions.
- First live band performance: Popular recommended songs to cover for entertainment acts and showcases [2026]
- Recommended songs for wedding reception performance dances: A roundup of popular crowd-pleasers
- [2026] A roundup of crowd-pleasing gag/performance songs for party entertainment
- Get the Crowd Going! A Collection of Fun Wedding and Reception Entertainment Ideas
- Funny songs that will be a hit at year-end parties [2026]
- [Wedding & Reception] Celebration-Worthy Performance Songs by Style
- [2026] Recommended for after-parties, performances, and entertainment! Classic hits by Western rock bands
- [Wedding] Ranking of Popular Entertainment Acts
- [Easy] A Collection of Party Dances to Liven Up Year-End and New Year Parties
Recommended Songs (41–50) for Band Performances to Liven Up Wedding Receptions
to youMONGOL800
A youth punk song with a familiar melody everyone knows and simple lyrics that hit home! Released to the world in September 2001 on the album “MESSAGE” by Okinawa-born indie band MONGOL800, the track became a defining hit of its time after being featured in a laundry detergent commercial.
It has been used in many contexts, including the final scene of the 2008 film “Utahamå♪” and as the opening theme of the 2012 drama “Late Blooming Sunflower: My Life, Renewed.” Beloved as a staple for band practice, it’s a perfect pick for cultural festivals and school festival live shows.
Song of the DeadKANA-BOON
KANA-BOON, a four-piece rock band that launched a new lineup in 2022 and has been working vigorously ever since.
Their 18th single, “Song of the Dead,” was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead.
The catchy, sing-along phrases have the power to bring the whole venue together at year-end or New Year parties.
However, because there are many fast passages, if the band isn’t tightly in sync it can end up sounding messy, so be sure to practice thoroughly both individually and as a band before the performance.
Blue HabitatKitanitatsuya
Tatsuya Kitani is a singer-songwriter who also works as a bassist—performing with his own band and supporting Yorushika—and has a background as a Vocaloid producer.
The title track of his second EP, “Aono Sumika,” was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.
Even the intro features rapidly shifting ensemble parts, so it’s essential not only to practice individually but also to lock in as a band.
With its brisk, exhilarating drive, this rock tune will add flair to year-end or New Year’s parties if you can perform it all the way through.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
This is a song that resonates with a wide range of generations.
The singing might be a bit challenging, but energy matters more than skill.
It’s best to have everyone join in on the long notes in the chorus.
Glasses are a must-have accessory.
It’s also fun to have people around you do some deadpan, avant-garde dance moves.
From Me to Youflumpool
It’s flumpool’s fifth major-label single, released in 2010.
A refreshing song that became a big hit as the theme song for the live-action film adaptation of the manga “Kimi ni Todoke.” Since the vocals are in a high register, it suits male singers with relatively high-pitched voices—a bright, refreshing band tune.
Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS
Speaking of THE BLUE HEARTS’ signature song, it’s a track known for its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and gripping lyrics.
Released in 1987 as their major-label debut single, it remains beloved by many to this day.
Centered around Hiroto Kōmoto and Masatoshi Mashima, who wrote and composed it, the song strongly conveys a message rooted in the blues.
In 2005, a film featuring this song was also released, demonstrating its broad cultural impact.
It’s well-suited for live band performances at weddings, and its simple chord progression makes it easy to arrange.
Friends performing it with heartfelt congratulations will create an unforgettable moment for the bride and groom.
Soldier, run.B’z
Because many sports cheering songs are upbeat, they’re a classic choice for wedding performances and entertainment.
In 2019, the Rugby World Cup was held in Japan.
B’z’s “Tsuwamono, Hashiru” was used as the Japan national rugby team’s support song for Lipovitan D and is also popular among cover bands.
Since it’s a B’z song, it’s difficult to play, so be sure to practice thoroughly before performing it.
