When planning a wedding, it’s easy to focus on the big moments—the ceremony, the first dance and the cake cutting—while overlooking the significance of the cocktail hour. This transitional period is more than just a chance for guests to sip drinks and snack; it’s a great opportunity to set the mood for the rest of the celebration.
A well-chosen song list along with talented musicians can transform this time into a memorable experience. We consulted with Jason Jani of SCE Event Group, who always creates the “just right” playlist for every occasion. For your wedding cocktail hour, he knows how to enhance the ambiance and encourage your guests to mingle and relax. Whether you prefer classics, current hits or a blend of genres, the music during this hour can set the tone for the entire evening. So, as you dive into your wedding planning, don’t underestimate the importance of your cocktail-hour music—it’s a chance to showcase your personality and ensure that everyone feels the love and joy surrounding your special day.
Cocktail Hour Songs
Here are Jason’s top 57 song picks for your cocktail hour. Click here to listen along to “Wedding Cocktail Hour Q2024” on Spotify.
- Paradise by Sade
- Slow Hands by Niall Horan
- Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan
- Beyond by Leon Bridges
- Jamming by Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Greatest Love Story by LANCO
- We Belong Together by Mariah Carey
- Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
- Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me) by Train
- Body Like a Back Road by Sam Hunt
- I Like Me Better by Lauv
- Collide by Howie Day
- XO by John Mayer
- I Choose You by Sara Bareilles
- Holy (feat. Chance the Rapper) by Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper
- Happy Now by Kygo, Sandro Cavazz
- Adore You by Harry Styles
- Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
- Sure Thing by Miguel
- Beautiful People (feat. Khalid) by Ed Sheeran, Khalid
- Upside Down by Jack Johnson
- Rhythm of Love by Plain White T’s
- Love Song by Sara Bareilles
- Let Me Love You by Mario
- I Feel It Coming by The Weeknd, Daft Punk
- Reelin’ In the Years by Steely Dan
- Daylight by Matt and Kim
- You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift
- HandClap by Fitz and The Trantrums
- Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest
- Best Day of My Life by American Authors
- For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder
- You’re My Best Friend-Remastered 2011 by Queen
- You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Daryl Hall & John Oates
- Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars
- Best of My Love by The Emotions
- Do You Believe in Magic? by The Lovin’ Spoonful
- Burnin’ Up by the Jonas Brothers
- (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher by Jackie Wilson
- Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes
- More Today Than Yesterday by The Spiral Staircase
- Everlasting Love by Carl Carlton
- Come and Get Your Love-Single Version by Redbone
- You Are the Best Thing by Ray Montagne
- Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
- Everything by Michael Bublé
- Loving You Easy by Zac Brown Band
- Coming Home by Leon Bridges
- Die A Happy Man by Thomas Rhett
- Hotel California (Spanish Mix) by Gipsy Kings
- Haven’t Met You Yet by Michael Bublé
- Home by Phillip Phillips
- Mi Tierra by Gloria Estefan
- Waiting On the World to Change by John Mayer
- Djobi Djoba by Gipsy Kings, Jahloul Bouchikhi, Los Reyes, N. Reyes, T. Baliardo
- My Love Is Your Love by Whitney Houston
- I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen) by Post Malone, Morgan Wallen
