[2025] Recommended for Weddings! A Collection of Classic Songs by Female Western Artists

Top of the WorldCarpenters

Top Of The World

The Carpenters’ songs, which continue to be loved across generations in Japan, have achieved such recognition that they even appear in textbooks, thanks in part to Karen Carpenter’s clear pronunciation and vocal delivery and her naturally beautiful voice.

People of all ages have likely heard the Carpenters’ music at least once.

With such exceptional name recognition, their songs are a perfect fit for weddings, where guests span a wide range of ages.

The song we’re introducing today is one of their most famous: “Top of the World.” It was composed by Richard Carpenter—the brains behind the Carpenters—and the lyrics were written by John Bettis, who also penned the words to their hit “Yesterday Once More.” As you can tell from the lyrics, the “top of the world” in the title means the feeling of being on top of the world when you’re with the one you love—an expression of pure happiness in a love song.

Including the lyrics, it’s undoubtedly a classic that’s perfect for weddings!

Kiss MeSixpence None The Richer

Sixpence None The Richer – Kiss Me (Official Music Video)

The timeless hit “Kiss Me,” which seems to enjoy periodic revival success in Japan through TV commercials and the like, was first released in 1997 by Sixpence None the Richer, a Christian band from Texas in the United States.

Reissued as a single in 1999, it became a worldwide smash, including in Japan—a nostalgic memory for those who remember that time.

It’s a simple yet flawlessly efficient pop song, and Leigh Nash’s cute vocals are heartwarming to anyone who listens.

True to its title, the lyrics form a charming love song, and the abundance of poetic expressions is also striking.

Why not consider using it for a wedding between partners who love subculture and literature?

Keep Holding OnAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Keep Holding On

Avril Lavigne, who made her debut at the young age of 17 and became a global hit, now holds a queen-like position in the pop-punk scene and remains hugely popular among the generation driving the pop-punk revival since the 2020s.

She is also a foreign artist with high name recognition in Japan.

Many people might say that the first Western music they loved was Avril’s.

Among her many famous songs, the one we’re highlighting today is Keep Holding On, released in 2006.

It’s a powerful power ballad in 3/4 time that creates a grand atmosphere, with Avril’s emotional vocals striking straight to the heart.

Some may remember it as the theme song for the film Eragon.

The song Keep Holding On conveys the unbreakable bond between two people who won’t be defeated by fate, telling you that you’re not alone and that together you can get through anything.

If you play it during the highlight of a wedding, it will undoubtedly move everyone in the venue and create an unforgettable moment.

Dear Future HusbandMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Dear Future Husband (Official Video)

Originally honing her craft as a behind-the-scenes songwriter, Meghan Trainor made her long-awaited solo debut in 2014, and her single “All About That Bass” became a massive hit, instantly catapulting her to top-star status.

Now dubbed the “Queen of TikTok Virality,” Meghan has released many viral hits, and her songs packed with positive messages include numerous classics perfect for weddings.

Dear Future Husband, released in 2015, is a popular track that’s quintessentially Meghan in its perspective—lyrics addressed to her future husband, just as the title suggests.

The lyrics read like an instruction manual for a bride, and I highly recommend checking out the Japanese translation to see it for yourself!

If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You (Official HD Video)

“If I Ain’t Got You” is an early career smash hit by the genius Alicia Keys—an artist who expressed R&B and soul through the sensibilities of the hip-hop generation and swiftly rose to top-star status with her overwhelming singer-songwriter talent.

Released in 2003 on her album “The Diary of Alicia Keys,” the song exudes the feel of beautifully smooth R&B woven over a gentle waltz rhythm.

Its lyrics—saying that nothing has meaning without you—are achingly poignant and deeply moving.

Of course, it can be appreciated as a timeless love song perfect for weddings, but it’s said that behind the song lie thoughts of the R&B singer Aaliyah, who tragically passed away in an accident in 2001, as well as the September 11 attacks that occurred in Alicia’s hometown of New York.

If you want to understand the feelings poured into the song more deeply, it’s worth knowing about those contexts too.

Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe

It’s a classic not only for weddings but for all kinds of events! Carly Rae Jepsen, a popular Canadian singer-songwriter, released the smash hit “Call Me Maybe” in 2012.

In Japan, it was even used as a TV show theme song.

With its danceable beat, undeniably catchy melody, and Carly’s cute vocals, it’s an impeccable pop song.

The straightforward lyrics, which honestly express a girl’s feelings in love, remind you of that giddy, lovestruck mood anytime.

As a side note, the music video has a clever twist at the end—though it’s an unfortunate outcome for the protagonist.

If you haven’t seen it yet, definitely check it out!

UnconditionallyKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Unconditionally (Official)

Katy Perry, who hails from California in the United States, is a singer of global renown who has held a queen-like position in the pop music scene since the 2010s.

She is also very popular in Japan, and her many hit songs seem like they would fit seamlessly even in settings like weddings.

Among them, the song highly recommended as wedding BGM is Unconditionally, released in 2013.

It’s an emotionally stirring power ballad showcasing Katy’s powerful vocals, and its music video, which creates a grand, cinematic image, is also memorable.

It conveys a moving message about the many forms of love and simply loving someone unconditionally.

I’d love to see this song used at the highlight—the pivotal moment—of a wedding!