When couples plan their wedding, much of the focus naturally falls on the ceremony itself and the evening party. But there’s one part of the day that is sometimes overlooked, yet holds immense value for both you and your guests: the wedding drinks reception.
This period—right after you’ve exchanged vows and before everyone heads into the wedding breakfast—is filled with joy, conversation, laughter, and (usually) a few glasses of champagne. It’s also the time when the newlyweds are whisked away by their photographer for portraits, leaving guests to mingle. The drinks reception sets the tone for the rest of the day, and the atmosphere you create in those ninety minutes matters more than you might think.
That’s where JAM Duo—Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello—come in. Providing live music for weddings across the UK, indoors or outdoors, JAM Duo create an elegant yet relaxed soundtrack that perfectly enhances this joyful interlude. Let’s explore why live music during your drinks reception is such a valuable addition, and why JAM Duo are uniquely placed to make it unforgettable.
Why the Drinks Reception Deserves Live Music
A Natural Pause in the Day
The ceremony is filled with emotion and anticipation, while the wedding breakfast brings formality and structure. The drinks reception sits neatly between them—a chance for everyone to relax, chat, and soak in the moment. But without some form of entertainment, it can risk feeling like downtime. Guests often wait as the couple take photos, and while canapés and bubbly help, music transforms the experience into something magical.
Setting the Atmosphere
Music isn’t just background noise—it shapes how people feel. Live cello and piano bring sophistication, warmth, and energy, creating an atmosphere that feels alive. Guests instinctively respond to live sound: tapping feet, smiling, humming along. A well-chosen setlist elevates the experience and ensures the mood flows seamlessly from ceremony to celebration.
A Shared Experience for Guests
Weddings are about bringing people together, but during the drinks reception, many guests will be meeting for the first time. Live music helps break the ice, giving them a shared point of enjoyment and conversation. “Oh, I love this song!” is a great starting point between strangers.
Why Choose JAM Duo for Your Drinks Reception
Always Live, Always Us
When you book JAM Duo, you get Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello—never substitutes, never “deps.” We don’t contract our work out. That personal connection matters: we know each other’s style intimately, and that synergy translates into polished, expressive performances.
Flexibility Indoors and Out
Whether your drinks reception is on a sun-dappled lawn, under a marquee, or in a grand hotel lounge, we can adapt. For outdoor receptions, we bring our own professional power pack, so there’s no need to worry about access to sockets. We use a Nord piano and Yamaha electric cello—both high-quality instruments that provide clarity and resonance in any setting.
A Carefully Curated Repertoire
Our music is a mix of popular and contemporary covers designed to appeal to all ages and tastes. From classic ballads and timeless love songs to modern hits with a twist, our setlist is broad enough to make everyone feel included. Imagine your guests sipping champagne while hearing a soulful cello rendition of a Taylor Swift ballad, or a piano-and-cello version of a Fleetwood Mac classic—it’s the perfect soundtrack.
A Seamless 90 Minutes of Music
Unlike some ensembles, we typically perform for 90 minutes straight during your drinks reception, without a break. That continuity ensures the atmosphere never dips; the music flows as naturally as the conversation around it.
How Live Music Enhances the Drinks Reception
Keeps the Energy Alive While You Take Photos
It’s common for couples to spend much of their drinks reception in the company of their photographer. While this is essential for capturing memories, it means your guests are often left to entertain themselves. Live music fills the gap beautifully. Instead of noticing your absence, guests remain engaged and uplifted by the performance.
Adds a Touch of Elegance and Luxury
There’s something undeniably classy about live strings and piano. It elevates the whole experience, making even the simplest settings feel like a five-star celebration. Whether you’re in a rustic barn or a historic manor house, the atmosphere is instantly enriched by live music.
Creates Emotional Resonance
Music has the power to stir emotions, reminding your guests why they’re there: to celebrate love. A carefully chosen repertoire, played with nuance and heart, reinforces the joy of the occasion and deepens the emotional connection everyone feels.
Encourages Conversation Without Overpowering It
JAM Duo understand the balance between performance and ambience. Our sound is designed to fill the space without drowning out conversation. Guests can chat easily while enjoying the music, creating a lively but relaxed vibe.
Makes Your Wedding Stand Out
Every couple wants their wedding to be memorable, not just for themselves but for their guests. Having live music during the drinks reception is still a relatively unique touch compared to the more standard DJ-or-playlist approach. Your friends and family will remember the warm, uplifting sound of cello and piano long after the last toast.
Real Weddings: JAM Duo at Drinks Receptions
We’ve been privileged to play at weddings across the UK, from grand halls to sunlit terraces, and each one has shown how impactful live music can be at this stage of the day.
- At a country estate in Essex, we performed outdoors on the terrace in blazing sunshine. Guests mingled with champagne glasses in hand while our setlist flowed seamlessly from Lana Del Rey to Snow Patrol. The bride told us later that hearing her favourite film theme—Jurassic Park—during the drinks was her personal highlight.
- At a Cotswolds barn wedding, the couple wanted a festival-inspired vibe. We delivered upbeat contemporary songs, helping guests feel part of a relaxed, summer party. The transition from the emotional ceremony to lively mingling felt effortless.
- At a grand London venue, we set up indoors as guests spread between a terrace and a bar. The mix of acoustics was no challenge, and our electric instruments ensured every corner was filled with music without ever overwhelming the space.
Each wedding is different, but in every case, live music made the drinks reception feel vibrant and memorable.
Indoors vs Outdoors: The Practicalities
One of the questions we’re often asked is whether live music works outdoors. The short answer is: absolutely.
- Power Supply: With our professional power pack, we don’t need plug sockets. That means we can perform in gardens, orchards, or anywhere the drinks reception takes place.
- Adaptability: The Yamaha electric cello and Nord piano deliver consistent sound quality, regardless of acoustics or open space.
- Weather Considerations: Of course, we’ll always work with the venue and couple to ensure the set-up suits the day. Shade is important both for our instruments and for us, and we’ve become skilled at adapting quickly to changing conditions.
Indoors, we adapt just as seamlessly—whether it’s a hotel ballroom, a conservatory, or a stately home library, we create a sound that enhances the setting.
Comparing JAM Duo to Playlists or Backing Tracks
Some couples wonder whether a playlist could achieve the same effect. It’s a fair question, but the difference is striking.
- Live vs Recorded: A playlist can’t adjust to the mood in the room. JAM Duo can. We can shift the tempo, repeat sections, or change the energy instantly to match the moment.
- Visual Appeal: Watching musicians perform is entertainment in itself. Guests enjoy seeing the cello and piano in action—it adds a visual element that Spotify can’t replicate.
- Seamless Transitions: With live music, there are no awkward silences, adverts, or technical glitches. Just continuous, flowing sound.
- Personal Connection: Couples often comment on how personal it feels to have live musicians—like the music is being played just for them.
Choosing the Right Repertoire for Your Drinks Reception
Our setlist is designed to suit all tastes, but we also welcome requests. Couples often like to include a favourite song or two in the drinks reception music, even if those tracks weren’t part of the ceremony. Some ideas:
- Classics with a Twist: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (Frankie Valli), Here Comes the Sun (The Beatles).
- Contemporary Hits: Lover (Taylor Swift), Perfect (Ed Sheeran).
- Film and TV Themes: Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones, Howl’s Moving Castle.
- Upbeat Vibes: Africa (Toto), Sweet Disposition (The Temper Trap).
We can shape the energy as needed—more romantic early on, more lively as the reception progresses.
Why Couples Love JAM Duo
Feedback from couples consistently highlights the value of live music at the drinks reception:
- Guests tell them how much they enjoyed the atmosphere.
- They appreciate that their loved ones were entertained while they were busy with photos.
- The continuous 90 minutes of music made the time feel seamless and special.
- The blend of cello and piano is unique, offering something more refined than a string quartet but more distinctive than solo piano.
Practical Considerations
Booking JAM Duo for your drinks reception is simple:
- Performance Length: Typically 90 minutes without a break.
- Set-Up: We arrive in plenty of time to set up discreetly.
- Equipment: Nord piano, Yamaha electric cello, professional amplification, and power pack for outdoor use.
- Space Needed: Just a few square metres—far less than a band or DJ setup.
We work directly with couples and venues to make everything smooth and stress-free.
A Lasting Investment in Atmosphere
When budgeting for a wedding, it’s tempting to view music for the drinks reception as optional. But think of it this way: you’re investing in memories. The drinks reception is when many of your guests will have their most relaxed and joyful conversations—it’s when families mingle, friends reconnect, and groups form. Music enhances all of that, making the mood brighter, warmer, and more memorable.
Long after the last dance, people may not remember the exact brand of champagne you served, but they will remember the feeling of sipping it while hearing live cello and piano in the background. That emotional resonance is priceless.
Conclusion: Make Your Drinks Reception Unforgettable
Your wedding drinks reception is more than just a waiting period between the ceremony and the meal. It’s a celebration in its own right—a joyful gathering that deserves to be filled with life, laughter, and music.
By choosing JAM Duo, you’re ensuring that this part of your day is anything but ordinary. With Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello, playing 90 minutes of carefully curated live music—indoors or out—you create a magical atmosphere that keeps your guests entertained, engaged, and uplifted.
Always live, always us, and always dedicated to making your day unforgettable.
