Top 50 Jazz & Big Band Songs for Wedding Receptions
Classic jazz and big band music brings elegance, warmth, and timeless style to a wedding day. These songs work beautifully during cocktail hour, dinner, and early reception moments, creating an atmosphere that feels upscale without being stuffy.
This playlist reflects music that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with guests of all ages.
🎷 JAZZ & BIG BAND WEDDING CLASSICS (1–20)
Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Come Fly with Me – Frank Sinatra
Cheek to Cheek – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
It Had to Be You – Frank Sinatra
At Last – Etta James
Someone to Watch Over Me – Ella Fitzgerald
All of Me – Billie Holiday
Dream a Little Dream of Me – Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald
My Funny Valentine – Chet Baker
I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra
The Nearness of You – Norah Jones
Moon River – Andy Williams
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
As Time Goes By – Dooley Wilson
Embraceable You – Ella Fitzgerald
That’s Life – Frank Sinatra
Stardust – Nat King Cole
🎺 SWING & BIG BAND FAVORITES (21–35)
Sing, Sing, Sing – Benny Goodman
In the Mood – Glenn Miller
Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
Pennsylvania 6-5000 – Glenn Miller
Take the “A” Train – Duke Ellington
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) – Duke Ellington
Jumpin’ at the Woodside – Count Basie
One O’Clock Jump – Count Basie
Chattanooga Choo Choo – Glenn Miller
A String of Pearls – Glenn Miller
Satin Doll – Duke Ellington
April in Paris – Count Basie
Begin the Beguine – Artie Shaw
Opus One – Tommy Dorsey
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy – The Andrews Sisters
🎶 MODERN JAZZ & CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS (36–50)
Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin
Mack the Knife – Bobby Darin
Feeling Good – Nina Simone
Moondance – Van Morrison
The Best Is Yet to Come – Frank Sinatra
Put Your Head on My Shoulder – Paul Anka
You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra
Fever – Peggy Lee
Save the Last Dance for Me – Michael Bublé
Everything – Michael Bublé
Sway – Michael Bublé
Home – Michael Bublé
The Look of Love – Dusty Springfield
L-O-V-E – Michael Bublé
La Vie En Rose – Louis Armstrong
🎧 How These Songs Are Best Used
This style of music works best when:
Volume is kept comfortable
Songs flow smoothly without abrupt changes
Energy builds gradually
Transitions are handled intentionally
Jazz and big band music isn’t meant to overwhelm — it’s meant to set the mood.
🎙️ Why Experience Matters with Classic Music
Classic jazz and big band music requires thoughtful pacing and a deep library.
DJ Brian Anderson’s background in radio broadcasting and wedding entertainment, combined with a massive classic music collection, allows for:
True customization
Seamless transitions
Proper timing
A polished, refined atmosphere
This isn’t a playlist pulled together overnight — it’s music curated with experience.
Final Thought
Classic jazz and big band music bring timeless elegance to a wedding celebration. When paired with the right experience and thoughtful planning, it creates an atmosphere guests feel the moment they walk in.
If you’re planning an elegant wedding and want music that reflects sophistication and style, DJ Brian Anderson would be honored to help create the perfect soundtrack.