Recommended sad songs for weddings and receptions: moving masterpieces and popular tracks

The thing I wanted mostMakihara Noriyuki

The Thing I Wanted Most by Noriyuki Makihara♡

“What I Wanted Most,” released in 2004 as a self-cover of the song “THE GIFT” that Noriyuki Makihara provided to the London-based vocal group Blue.

The lyrics are deeply moving: because he has shared happiness with those around him so many times, he is ultimately able to attain the greatest happiness himself.

Makihara’s gentle voice and heartwarming melody make it perfect for weddings.

It’s also recommended as a message song from the groom to the bride!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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bestieKishidan

Kishidan – Marriage Fighting Spirit March “Best Buddy”

This piece, which starts with an arrangement of the universally familiar Wedding March, is Kishidan’s “Wedding Fighting Spirit March ‘Mabudachi.’” It was released in 2004 as their sixth single.

The lyrics convey messages to the bride and groom, as well as to their parents, from a friend’s perspective, making it a classic choice for wedding songs.

If you watch the music video and practice the choreography, you can even use it for a reception performance! Let’s make it a wedding full of laughter and tears—one that everyone in attendance will remember for a lifetime.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

This song is such a smash hit that it makes anyone who hears it tremble with emotion.

I’m sure many people have cried over and over while watching the Doraemon movies.

The powerful feelings they have for each other come through so intensely that it hurts, making this the perfect song to dedicate to a partner who’s more important than yourself.

The lyrics, of course, but also Motohiro Hata’s simple, unadorned sound sink deeply into the heart.

It brings warm, gentle tears when played at a wedding.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Letter ~To My Beloved~Fujita Maiko

Maiko Fujita “Letter ~To My Beloved You~” Music Video (Full Version)

Her pure, gentle singing voice brings tears to your eyes in this song whose lyrics candidly express gratitude to her parents.

The way it shares memories and love for both her father and mother makes it a staple at wedding receptions.

Just imagining the “bouquets for the parents” scene with this song playing is enough to make the tears flow.

It’s so moving that it’s even popular at “tear therapy” events designed to let people have a good cry.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Dear BrideNishino Kana

Kana Nishino “Dear Bride” (Just LOVE Tour)

Kana Nishino’s “Dear Bride” was created for a friend who was getting married.

Released as a single in 2016, it won the Grand Prize at the 49th Japan Cable Radio Awards.

Nishino wrote the lyrics herself, expressing complex emotions—pride in seeing her friend in a wedding dress mixed with a sense of loneliness.

Consider choosing it as background music for a video or other performance planned by the friends.

It’s sure to move the bride!

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Hamada Takuya

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WeddingOnda Masanori

“Wedding” / Masanori Onda

Masanori Onda is an artist who’s especially popular among Generation Z.

His song “Wedding” is a sweet and bittersweet love song that became a hot topic mainly on social media.

In fact, he wrote it specifically for his older sister’s wedding—she had been supporting his music career.

The down-to-earth, heartfelt lyrics that express love so sincerely make it a perfect wedding song.

It’s especially recommended for younger people to play at their weddings.

Since the song also captures current trends, it’ll likely be seen as a stylish choice, too!

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Yuuki

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PairingOnda Masanori

"Pairing" / Masanori Onda

A song by Masanori Onda that overflows with love for a dearest person.

Its bright, refreshing vocals resonate in the heart.

Released on YouTube in February 2024, the track quickly gained popularity.

At a wedding, playing it alongside a video looking back on the couple’s journey will surely create a moving moment.

“I’m nothing but confident I’ll keep loving you!” This heartwarming piece is perfect for the couple’s new beginning, a song that will elevate their most special moment.