Your wedding drinks reception is a great opportunity to set the mood for the rest of the day. It’s a time for your guests to relax, mingle, and enjoy themselves as the formality of the ceremony transitions into the fun that’s to come. Live music plays a key role here, creating an atmosphere that’s engaging yet subtle enough to let conversation flow.

We’ve previously talked about the best music to walk down the aisle to and what options there are for your evening entertainment and now we’re here to help you choose the perfect soundtrack for the drinks reception. Below, we’ve outlined some of our favourite options for your drinks reception, with insights on how each choice can elevate this part of your day.

What to Keep in Mind:

• Balance the mood: Drinks reception music should be light and fun, creating an inviting atmosphere while remaining in the background so that people can hear each other when chatting.

• Think about flow and budget: There are lots of musicians who can transition seamlessly from ceremony to reception if needed. Likewise, many evening bands can provide a smaller acoustic option for the drinks reception.

• Venue considerations: Make use of any special features at your venue, such as a grand piano, or opt for portable options that suit outdoor settings.

String Group

A string trio or quartet is a classic choice that adds elegance and sophistication to your day. While many associate them with formality or classical repertoire, they can span all genres, giving their performance a contemporary twist. As well as your standard string groups, we can provide a Chill Out set from our Urban Soul group blending live strings with a professionally produced soundtrack. This creates a lusciously rich soundscape of chill-out music. The repertoire for this set includes Nightmares on Wax and Groove Armada and also features popular tunes ranging from composers including Ludovico Einaudi to remixes of iconic songs such as Viva La Vida and Chasing Cars.

Strings are a great option if you’re looking for versatility and want music that works beautifully for both your ceremony and drinks reception.

Pros:

• Timeless and elegant.
• Versatile repertoire spanning classical and pop, Film music, Jazz, Jewish music, Bollywood etc
• Perfect for indoor and outdoor settings.
• No technical requirements with only 4 armless chairs required and space for music stands.

Considerations:

• May feel more formal, so consider the overall vibe of your day.
• If your reception is outdoors they will require cover to protect their instruments so bear this in mind.
• You will need the space for the three of four players and their chairs / music stands.

Jazz Band

If you’re after a laid-back, cool vibe, a jazz band is a fantastic choice and anything from a trio can work brilliantly. Featuring instruments like piano, double bass, and saxophone (or variations), they bring warmth and sophistication to your drinks reception. A mix of smooth standards and upbeat swing can keep the mood cheerful and relaxed.

Pros:

• Chic, polished sound suitable for all venues.
• Great for vintage or contemporary weddings.
• Adds energy without overpowering conversation.

Considerations:

• Works best if you’re a fan of jazz styles – not everyone appreciates Jazz.
• With brass instruments involved the sound can overpower the space if you don’t emphasise that you want it lower volume.
• Make sure you have space for them and somewhere they can plug-in.

Roaming Band

A roaming band takes the music off the stage and brings it straight to your guests. These performers move through the crowd, creating a dynamic, interactive experience. They can play acoustic covers, take requests, and add a fun, unexpected element to your drinks reception.

Pros:

• Unique and memorable.
• Engages guests in a lively and personal way.
• Perfect for informal or festival-inspired weddings.

Considerations:

• Requires experienced musicians to manage volume and flow.
• Make sure there is enough space for them to move around the room.

Harpist

For an elegant and understated option, a harpist is hard to beat. The harp’s soft, ethereal tones create a calming yet stylish ambiance. Many harpists offer extensive repertoires, including pop and contemporary hits, giving this traditional instrument a modern twist.

Pros:

• Sophisticated and versatile.
• Visually beautiful
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor receptions.
• Can also perform during the ceremony for a seamless transition.

Considerations:

• Best for intimate, quieter receptions.
• As with the String groups the harp can create a more formal atmosphere so consider the vibe of your wedding.
• Ensure your venue is harp-friendly. It’s a large and delicate instrument so venues with uneven terrain or limited shelter may pose challenges especially for outdoor receptions.

DJ & Saxophone

If you’re looking for a modern, upbeat vibe, a DJ with live saxophone is an excellent choice. The DJ provides a continuous flow of music, while the saxophonist adds a live performance element that elevates the energy. This combo works especially well outdoors, giving your drinks reception a cool, “Ibiza chic” vibe.

Pros:

• Modern and exciting.
• deal for larger receptions or outdoor settings.
• Smooth transition into the evening party.

Considerations:

• Best for more high-energy receptions.
• Ensure you know their technical requirements. 

Guitar and Voice Duo

A guitar and voice duo offers an intimate and versatile performance, perfect for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re into Brazilian lounge, jazz standards, or acoustic covers of pop classics, this duo can tailor their setlist to your preferences.

Pros:

• Highly adaptable to your taste and wedding style.
• Works equally well as background music or for more focused moments.
• Compact setup, great for smaller or outdoor spaces.

Considerations:

• Works best when the musicians can read the room’s energy and adjust accordingly.

Pianist

If your venue has a piano, why not make use of it? A skilled pianist can bring a wealth of versatility to your drinks reception. They can stick to instrumental music or add vocals for an extra dimension. From soft, romantic ballads to jazzy, upbeat tunes, the possibilities are endless. Pianists can also cater to your preferences, offering everything from classical pieces to pop and jazz standards.

Pros:

• Incredibly versatile, with options for instrumental or vocal performances.
• Perfect for creating a relaxed or upbeat atmosphere, depending on the repertoire.
• Makes great use of a venue’s piano for a unique and sophisticated touch.

Considerations:

• Requires a quality piano or keyboard at the venue (or arrangements to bring one in).
• You will need to make sure the piano has been tuned recently.

Mariachi Band

For something truly unique and vibrant, you could consider hiring a mariachi band. Bursting with energy and charisma, a mariachi band adds a festive and celebratory flair that’s guaranteed to make everyone smile! Their bold and lively sound, featuring guitar, trumpet, violin and traditional vocals, creates an unforgettable atmosphere whether they’re performing traditional Mexican classics or fun pop covers with a Latin twist. Particularly well suited for outdoor receptions in the Summer where their acoustic sound can carry beautifully. Beyond the music, their colourful costumes and engaging performance brings a visual and cultural element that will make your drinks reception truly stand out!

Pros:

• High energy and fun, perfect for creating a festive, celebratory atmosphere.
• Visually striking with their traditional outfits
• Unique and different!

Considerations:

• Volume – their sound is bold and bright which might not suit a more subdued crowd
• Space requirements – best as a 3-piece minimum so you need the space for them.
• Genre preference – not all guests may connect with the mariachi style so consider whether it fits with the overall vibe of your wedding.

Final Thoughts

Your drinks reception is a chance to create a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere that reflects your personality as a couple. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of a string quartet, the versatility of a pianist, the intimacy of a guitar and voice duo, or the vibrant energy of a DJ and sax, there’s a perfect option to suit your day.

At Wislocki Music, we’re here to help you find the perfect music for every moment of your wedding. Contact us today to explore your options and let us help you create unforgettable memories with the perfect soundtrack! Contact Us