How Important Is Your Wedding Cocktail Hour Music?
Wedding Cocktail Hour Music Ideas
Many of our clients are so concerned with what is played during the dancing portion of their wedding reception, that they forget that there is 2 or more hours of entertainment prior to dancing even starting. Why worry about it? It’s just background music, right?
With many area wedding entertainers – the answer to that question would be “yes”, but we like to think this is one reason we are different than most wedding DJs. It’s the subtle details that make a wedding reception unique and a more personalized experience.
I’ve had clients that had their first date at an Edwin McCain concert – so we chose 20 Edwin McCain songs as their social hour music. One of my couples were both in a heavy metal band – so we decided on 0’s hairband ballads for their dinner music. For some of our Italian clients – it’s all about the Rat Pack for their social hour or dinner music. This one bride and groom down in Mystic were in love with the 80s – so we did cheesy 80’s pop tunes for dinner.
Maybe you’re a big Indie Rock fan and want a mix for social hour. You could be “Parrot heads” and a Jimmy Buffett cocktail mix is for you. What about 50’s & 60’s tunes for a fun upbeat tone? Using the right mix of music for both your social hour and dinner can help set the tone for your entire wedding reception.
We highly recommend that you choose different styles of music between your social and dinner music. This will keep your guests from getting bored with the same style music for 2 hours. Talk with your event director and DJ to learn more about the many choices of music available to make your wedding more than 2 hours of boring jazz background music. Maybe it’s Spanish Guitar, an Acoustic Jam Mix or The Grateful Dead – your guests will love the uniqueness and thought that you’ve put into every musical detail.
Check out some of our recommended styles of cocktail and dinner music with the following links:
Want More Wedding Music Suggestions?
What Song Will You End Your Reception With?
Popular Parent Dance Song Suggestions For Your Wedding
Wedding Reception Introduction Song Suggestions
Contemporary Wedding Ceremony Songs
Contemporary Father-Daughter Songs For Your Wedding
Contemporary Wedding Cake Cutting Songs
Cocktail Hour And DInner Music Suggestions
Rob Alberti, event director & lighting designer
Rob Alberti’s Event Services, DJ & Lighting
413-562-2632 or Email Us at [email protected]
Transforming space, light & sound…
Copyright 2000-2014 Rob Alberti’s Event Services, Entertainment & Event Up-Lighting – Westfield, MA – Worcester, MA – Enfield, CT – Colchester, CT – Providence, RI – All Rights Reserved
Need suggestions for your wedding cocktail music ideas? Arrange a personal meeting with us to discuss your wedding plans.
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Contact DJ Rob today to find out pricing and availability for your upcoming event. We offer wedding DJs, Custom Lighting Design, and Photo Booth Rentals.
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Our stomping grounds are The Berkshires and Hartford CT areas, but we travel from Hudson Valley NY to Boston MA, and Southern VT to the CT Shoreline frequently. Get started today.


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