Top 30 Cocktail Hour Wedding Playlist
Cocktail hour music should feel polished, relaxed, and welcoming β never overpowering. These songs work beautifully across elegant venues, outdoor settings, and classic Southern weddings.
π· CLASSIC JAZZ & STANDARDS (1β15)
Fly Me to the Moon β Frank Sinatra
The Way You Look Tonight β Frank Sinatra
L-O-V-E β Nat King Cole
Unforgettable β Nat King Cole
Cheek to Cheek β Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
Dream a Little Dream of Me β Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald
Someone to Watch Over Me β Ella Fitzgerald
At Last β Etta James
Come Fly with Me β Frank Sinatra
Moon River β Andy Williams
My Funny Valentine β Chet Baker
Iβve Got You Under My Skin β Frank Sinatra
Stardust β Nat King Cole
What a Wonderful World β Louis Armstrong
As Time Goes By β Dooley Wilson
πΆ MODERN & LOUNGE-STYLE COCKTAIL FAVORITES (16β30)
Beyond the Sea β Bobby Darin
Moondance β Van Morrison
The Nearness of You β Norah Jones
Come Away with Me β Norah Jones
Sway β Michael BublΓ©
Everything β Michael BublΓ©
Save the Last Dance for Me β Michael BublΓ©
La Vie En Rose β Louis Armstrong
Fever β Peggy Lee
The Look of Love β Dusty Springfield
Just the Way You Are β Billy Joel
How Sweet It Is β James Taylor
Isnβt She Lovely β Stevie Wonder
Stand by Me β Ben E. King
Letβs Stay Together β Al Green
π§ Pro DJ Tip
Cocktail hour music works best when:
Volume stays conversational
Songs flow smoothly
Energy builds gently toward dinner
Styles stay cohesive
This is where experience matters β subtle adjustments make a big difference.
Final Thought
The right cocktail hour music sets the tone for your entire wedding reception. When guests feel relaxed and comfortable from the moment they arrive, the celebration flows naturally.
DJ Brian Anderson brings years of experience, a deep classic music library, and thoughtful planning to create cocktail hours that feel effortless and elegant.

