19 Lively Wedding Cocktail Hour Songs To Play At Your Wedding

As one of the first events of your wedding reception, the cocktail hour is incredibly memorable because your wedding party will have the chance to mingle with each other after the ceremony while getting into the celebratory spirit. The right cocktail hour songs will set the mood!

Finding the perfect songs for a wedding cocktail hour playlist is important for making sure that everybody will be having the best time possible. If you’ve never helped out with the planning process for your friends or family members, you might not know where to find wedding cocktail hour songs. 

Check out our favorite choices for cocktail hour wedding music here at YeahWeddings for your inspiration!

Creating a cocktail hour music playlist might be tricky with the countless options across different kinds of cocktail music genres. We’ve come to the rescue for any couples who are looking for ideas with our list of cocktail hour music that ranges from the classics to the contemporaries!

While you’re at it, check out cocktail hour decor ideas so you can set the playlist to match your overall look and theme!

“Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin

Lyrics: “Touching the very part of me, it’s making my soul sing / I’m crying out for more, your love is king”

If you’re specifically looking for mellow songs that match the theme of a seaside celebration, look no further than Bobby Darin’s “Beyond the Sea.” His famous track fits right into any wedding cocktail hour playlist focused on the oldies. 

“Fever” by Peggy Lee

Lyrics: “I light up when you call my name / And you know I’m gonna treat you right”

Peggy Lee’s “Fever” is an essential for any couple who wants classic reception music to play on their special day. Even if your wedding guests aren’t the biggest fans of jazz music, they’ll enjoy hearing this melody during your romantic celebration.

“Ain’t That A Kick in the Head” by Dean Martin

Lyrics: “If this is just the beginning / My life is gonna be beautiful”

Turn back the clocks with your wedding cocktail hour songs by playing Dean Martin’s “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.” This tune, along with your other music selections, will definitely bring back some cherished memories for the older people in your wedding party.

“The Days of Wine and Roses” by Frank Sinatra

Lyrics: “just a passing breeze filled with memories / Of the golden smile that introduced me to / The days of wine and roses”

A list of songs to play during cocktail hour wouldn’t be complete without including Frank Sinatra. Aside from his classic songs like “Fly With Me” and “Luck Be A Lady,” his cover of Andy Williams’s “The Day of Wine and Roses” was made to be included on playlists for cocktail hour.

“You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” by Bobbie Gentry

Lyrics: “You always showed me that / Loving you was where it’s at / You made me so very happy, / I’m so glad you came into my life”

Bobby Gentry’s “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy” has the energy that you want to hear with happy hour songs. Despite being fifty-three years old, her vocals sound timeless in capturing the deep appreciation that a person feels towards a romantic partner. 

“Wintertime Love” by the Doors

Lyrics: “Come with me dance, my dear / Winter’s so cold this year / You are so warm / My wintertime love to be”

“Wintertime Love” by the Doors has truly earned its place among wedding cocktail hour songs for its straightforward yet sincere ideas about a relationship. This tune feels especially appropriate for ceremonies held during the coldest months of the year.

“Kiss On My List” by Hall and Oates

Lyrics: “your kiss is on my list / Because your kiss is on my list of the best things in life”

This pop rock track has brought people together as cocktail hour music for over forty-years. The lively voices of Daryl Hall and John Oates in “Kiss On My List” is guaranteed to put everybody in a happy mood.

“Your Love is King” by Sade

Lyrics: “Touching the very part of me, it’s making my soul sing / I’m crying out for more, your love is king”

Sade’s “Your Love is King” works as cocktail hour wedding music by being a romantic reminder of the love shared on your special day. This beautiful song will surely make your happy hour unforgettable for the days and nights to come.

“Stuck With You” by Huey Lewis and the News

Lyrics: “Yes, it’s true / Ah I’m so happy to be stuck with you / ‘Cause I can see / That you’re happy to be stuck with me”

“Stuck With You” by Huey Lewis and The News is a no-brainer for brides and grooms who want an eighties sound for their wedding song playlist. The melody is so catchy that you might even catch people singing along.

“Circle in the Sand” by Belinda Carlisle

Lyrics: “Oh, baby, anywhere you go, / We are bound together / I begin, baby, where you end / Somethings are forever”

Guests will definitely enjoy hearing this throwback if you include this track as part of your cocktail hour wedding music. The wholehearted ideas of Belinda Carlisle’s “Circles in the Sand” feels the most natural for creating a party mood during oceanfront events.

“Wouldn’t Change a Thing” by Kylie Minogue

Lyrics: “There’s no questioning in my heart / When it comes to our love / I wouldn’t change a thing”

Kylie Minogue doesn’t hold back with expressing her nostalgia towards a relationship in “Wouldn’t Change a Thing.” As cocktail hour music, her cheerful vocals will certainly inspire a romantic mood in everybody.

“Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey

Lyrics: “I had a vision of love / And it was all that you / turned out to be”

Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” has become a staple among music for cocktail hour since its release in 1990. Her powerhouse vocals truly make this melody become an ideal song for this kind of celebratory event.

“Friday I’m In Love” by the Cure

Lyrics: “Monday you can hold your head / Tuesday, Wednesday, stay in bed / Or Thursday watch the walls instead / It’s Friday, I’m in love”

The Cure may seem like one of the last bands to create wedding cocktail music, but give “Friday I’m Love” a chance on your special day and you won’t regret it. This style of music really works for couples who want variety among their song selection.

“She’s Electric” by Oasis

Lyrics: “She is electric, can I be electric too?”

If you or your future spouse is a fan of Britpop, be sure to check out “She’s Electric” for your wedding cocktail hour playlist. This nineties band music will definitely stand out from your other heartfelt songs.

“This Kiss” by Faith Hill

Lyrics: “It’s the way you love me / It’s a feeling like this / It’s centrifugal motion / It’s perpetual bliss”

Faith Hill’s “This Kiss” is a modern classic among country music. As a music entertainer, Hill doesn’t shy away from expressing the happiness that she feels around a romantic partner and your wedding party will certainly feel the same way after hearing her song.

“Suds in the Bucket” by Sarah Evans

Lyrics: “It was only just a matter of time / Plenty old enough / And you can’t stop love”

A rustic country wedding isn’t complete without playing “Suds in the Bucket” by Sarah Evan. Add this song to your wedding cocktail hour playlist to create the perfect vibe so your guests can enjoy their drinks and start a conversation with each other.

“I Would Do Anything For You” by Foster The People

Lyrics: “Oo la love, I’ve fallen in love / And it’s better this time than ever before” 

Foster The People’s “I Would Do Anything For You” might not be one of the most popular cocktail songs, but that doesn’t mean it lacks deep meaning. Play this lively track along with other indie wedding songs and you’ll surely create a moment that celebrates love and devotion.

“Favorite Colour” by Carly Rae Jepsen

Lyrics: “When I’m close to you / We blend into my favourite colour / I’m bright baby blue, falling into you / Falling for each other”

If you’re searching for pop music that makes loud statements about love, look no further than Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Favourite Color.” Her heartfelt words will certainly echo how you and your future spouse feel about each other.

“Harmony Hall” by Vampire Weekend

Lyrics: “We took a vow in summertime / Now we find ourselves in late December / I believe that New Year’s Eve”

Who says you can’t include indie songs on your wedding cocktail hour playlist? Playing this vibrant track as background music definitely won’t feel out of place from your other choices.