100+ Wedding Cocktail Hour Songs For Your Celebration

Between the “I do” and “get your freak on” moments of your wedding day is the cocktail hour, a relaxed time where your guests get to snack, sip, and chat before the night’s festivities. With people from many parts of your life coming together, you need the right playlist for them to mingle.

Cocktail hour music is generally lighter fare, with mellow songs that set the mood without overshadowing the conversation (save hard-hitting bangers for the reception music). Not sure where to start? Get some inspiration from our selection of 100 cocktail hour songs, from legendary classics like Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” to contemporary tunes like Jack Johnson’s “Better Together”.

Assemble your playlist with handy genre and decade song combinations. After you’ve curated the perfect playlist, wow guests with our cocktail hour must-haves and keep the energy going with some fun wedding reception games.

More wedding song inspiration:
PROCESSIONAL | RECESSIONAL | ENTRANCE | FIRST DANCE | FATHER-DAUGHTER | MOTHER-SON | CAKE | RECEPTION | BOUQUET TOSS

Country

Country music has a long history at wedding receptions. If you’re planning a playlist for your wedding day, you need to include a few of these heartfelt songs. They’re sentimental without being forlorn and each contain lyrics that will bring the promise of love for the rest of your married days.

1990s Country

1. “You’re Still the One,” by Shania Twain
2. “This Kiss,” by Faith Hill

2000s Country

1. “Making Memories of Us,” by Keith Urban
2. “When the Sun Goes Down,” by Kenny Chesney
3. “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive,” by Travis Tritt
4. “Ladies Love Country Boys,” by Trace Adkins
5. “Suds in the Bucket,” by Sarah Evans
6. “A Love that Will Never Grow Old,” by Emmylou Harris

2010s Country

1. “Enchanted” by Taylor Swift
2. “Stuck Like Glue,” by Sugarland
3. “Wanted,” by Hunter Hayes

Folk

Slow things down and make your wedding memorable with these classic folk songs. These swoon-worthy tracks will help you find the beat to make your first dance perfect.

1960s Folk

1. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

1990s Folk

1. “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
2. “This Kiss,” by Faith Hill

2000s Folk

1. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
2. “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontage
3. “Better Together” by Jack Johnson
4. “You Are the Daybreak” by Kevin Devine

2010s Folk

1. “Rhythm of Love” by Plain White T’s
2. “Home” by Phillip Phillips

Indie

Once you’ve worked through the traditional dances, you’ll want to round out your perfect day by throwing some indie wedding songs in the mix. These alternative tunes will get you and your wedding party ramped up for a reception to remember.

1980s Indie

1. “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure
2. “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths

1990s Indie

1. “Sea of Love” by Cat Power

2000s Indie

1. “You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson
2. “Such Great Heights” by The Postal Service
3. “I Will Follow You into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
4. “Yellow” by Coldplay
5. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence & the Machine
6. “Do You Realize?” by The Flaming Lips
7. “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
8. “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” by Vampire Weekend

2010s Indie

1. “I Choose You” by Sarah Bareilles
2. “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers
3. “Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men

Jazz

Jazz up your wedding with this playlist. Live bands and fancy footwork are the hallmarks of jazz music, making it perfect for a wedding reception. For a wedding that epitomizes elegance and class, take a lesson from Frank Sinatra or Harry Connick, Jr. These classic tunes will inspire even the shyest dancers to step out on the floor.

1950s Jazz

1. “I Only Have Eyes For You” by The Flamingos

1960s Jazz

1. “Do Nothin’ Till You Hear From Me” by Nina Simone
2. “The Pink Panther Theme” by Henry Mancini
3. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
4. “My Funny Valentine” by Tony Bennett
5. “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane
6. “Ain’t That A Kick in The Head” by Dean Martin
7. “I Love Paris” by Frank Sinatra
8. “Bumpin’s on Sunset” by Wes Montgomery
9. “It Had to Be You” Harry Connick Jr.

1990s Jazz

1. “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones

Pop

Mix things up with a selection of pop music that will get your guests up and moving. These modern day songs are perfect for exiting the altar and setting the party mood.

1950s Pop

1. “Earth Angel” by The Penguins
2. “Dream A Little Dream“ by Doris Day

1960s Pop

1. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Andy Williams

1970s Pop

1. “Your Song” by Elton John
2. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers

1980s Pop

1. “Dancing on the Ceiling” by Lionel Richie

1990s Pop

1. “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden
2. “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
3. “Remember The Time “ by Michael Jackson

2000s Pop

1. “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5
2. “Fallin’ For You” by Colbie Caillat
3. “Sway” by Michael Buble
4. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
5. “Good Life” by OneRepublic
6. “You and Me” by Lifehouse
7. “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson

2010s Pop

1. “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
2. “I Feel It Comin’” by Daft Punk and The Weekend
3. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
4. “Our Day Will Come” by Amy Winehouse
5. “Tattooed Heart” by Ariana Grande
6. “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
7. “Marry You” by Bruno Mars

Rock

Big hair, heavy metal, and tons of memories make up this rocking playlist. These classic songs from the 70s and 80s are a surefire way to create new memories. From Neil Diamond to Journey, these are songs that will take you back to the past.

1960s Rock

1. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

1970s Rock

1. “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney
2. “Kiss is On My List” by Hall & Oates
3. “Moondance” by Van Morrison
4. “Oye Como Va” by Santana
5. “Wonderful Night” by Eric Clapton
6. “Shine A Light” by The Rolling Stones
7. “Into the Music” by Van Morrison

1980s Rock

1. “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
2. “Modern Love” by David Bowie
3. “Faithfully” by Journey

1990s Rock

1. “Sweetest Thing” by U2
2. “Slide” by Goo Goo Dolls

Soul

Slow tempos and motown love make the perfect addition to a wedding song playlist. Soulful crooning, meaningful lyrics and a classic beat make them the perfect songs for weaving to and fro.

1950s Soul

1. “Searchin’” by The Coasters

1960s Soul

1. “At Last,” by Etta James
2. “For Once in My Life,” by Stevie Wonder
3. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” by Marvin Gaye
4. “I Second that Emotion,” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
5. “Respect,” by Aretha Franklin

1970s Soul

1. “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” by Natalie Cole

1980s Soul

1. “Keep On Movin,” by Soul II Soul

2000s Soul

1. “Make You Feel My Love,” by Adele
2. “Georgia On My Mind,” by Ray Charles

2010s Soul

1. “Thinking Out Loud,” by Ed Sheeran
2. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” by Meghan Trainor and John Legend

R&B

Smooth tunes make this genre popular—from the boogie woogie to Earth, Wind, and Fire, there is a song everyone will recognize and love. Bring your wedding guests together with some relaxing R&B sounds.

1960s R&B

1. “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole
2. “Baby Love” by The Supremes
3. “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King

1970s R&B

1. “That’s The Way of the World “ by Earth Wind & Fire

1980s R&B

1. “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
2. “I Feel for You” by Chaka Khan
3. “Whip Appeal” by Babyface

1990s R&B

1. “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boys II Men
2. “Waterfalls” by TLC
3. “No Ordinary Love” by Sade
4. “That’s The Way Love Goes” by Janet Jackson

2000s R&B

1. “No One” by Alicia Keys

2010s R&B

1. “Suit & Tie” by Justin Timberlake
2. “All of Me” by John Legend

Don’t leave your wedding song playlist for the last minute. This is a big day and you will want to choose songs that reflect your journey as a couple, not something that feels like a “traditional” pick. Your music selections should set the mood for your wedding reception, as well as your future.