![[Wedding Ceremony & Reception BGM] Recommended Songs and How to Choose Them by Scene!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oFUeDjcChTw/sddefault.jpg)
[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.
Reception (1–10)
First, set the mood for the reception.
The music played at the beginning of the reception is the welcoming music. It’s the songs that play until the bride and groom make their entrance. The key is to choose them with the feeling of welcoming your guests. This moment also plays an important role in setting the tone for the reception to come, so it’s best to pick songs that match and unify the overall image of the event. Many venues allow about 30 minutes from guest arrival to the couple’s entrance, so preparing around 10 songs will give you peace of mind!
Tufted puffinTaro Hakase
It’s a masterpiece whose beautiful melody resonates deep in the heart.
The world crafted by Taro Hakase’s violin is a perfect match for the solemn atmosphere of a wedding.
Released in 1998, this piece is also well known as the ending theme for the documentary program “Jounetsu Tairiku.” Its melody, which evokes the majestic nature of Hokkaido, inspires a sense of hope for the couple’s future.
The unique blend of classical and pop elements has earned it love across generations.
It would make a wonderful choice for entrance or exit scenes at the reception.
CanonJohann Pachelbel
A wedding classic: Pachelbel’s Canon.
It’s a versatile piece that suits many moments and is perfect for welcoming guests! It greets them with elegance.
Its gentle melody won’t interrupt conversations and sets the expectation for a wonderful start to the reception.
Just The Way You AreBruno Mars
This is a top-notch pop song and a beloved classic by Bruno Mars.
It’s incredibly popular at weddings, and it’s hard to believe it was released in 2010.
It was issued as the lead single from his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans.
The song became a worldwide hit, even winning the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Its positive and gentle message is truly wonderful.
This sweet number brightens various moments of a wedding, relaxes the atmosphere of the venue, and is perfect for welcoming guests.
Lovin’ YouMinnie Riperton
It’s a song performed by Minnie Riperton, who was said to have a five-octave vocal range, and one that many people will recognize.
With its cute vocals and gentle melody, it evokes a refreshing morning in a forest.
It’s recommended for welcoming guests at weddings held in lush, green settings.
Sunday MorningMaroon 5
A pop-rock masterpiece wrapped in kindness, this is a heartwarming ballad from Maroon 5.
Its lyrics charmingly depict a couple taking it slow on a rainy Sunday morning.
Released in November 2004, the song captured many hearts, even breaking into the Top 40 in the United States.
Adam Levine’s gentle vocals tenderly convey the value of peaceful moments with a loved one.
It’s also a perfect choice for a wedding reception welcome scene—sure to relax your guests and fill them with happiness.
Married LifeMichael Giacchino
It’s a masterpiece with an inspiring melody and deep emotional resonance.
Used in the opening montage of the film “Up,” it beautifully portrays the joys and sorrows of the protagonist Carl’s life.
Composed by Michael Giacchino in 2009, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
The music is gentle yet vibrant, offering a soothing presence.
It doesn’t force emotions; instead, it has a warmth that stays close to the listener’s heart.
It’s perfect for a wedding welcome scene, helping guests relax while lifting their spirits.
A wonderful piece that will resonate with the hearts of the couple and all their guests.
Butterfly EffectSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI’s new challenge paints a fantastical world where butterflies dance.
Saori’s piano and gentle vocals weave a beautiful melody that resonates with the heart.
Released in June 2023, the song drew attention as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “My Marriage Proposal” (Watashi no Oyome-kun).
The lyrics are imbued with themes of coincidence, fate, and the intuition and romance that can shape the course of life.
Played as background music during a wedding reception’s welcome scene, it can relax guests and make the waiting time for the bride and groom more enjoyable.
It is a track filled with hope for a happy future.