The Perfect Soundtrack to Your First Celebration
Once the ceremony is over and you’ve said your vows, it’s time for everyone to relax — glasses in hand, smiles all around, and that lovely hum of conversation filling the space. The drinks reception is the first real chance for your guests to chat, mingle, and celebrate with you.
Live music makes this moment feel effortlessly elegant and joyful. It brings warmth and energy without overpowering the atmosphere — and that’s exactly where we, JAM Duo, come in.
We’ve played at hundreds of drinks receptions, both indoors and outdoors, and no two are ever quite the same. From champagne terraces and courtyards to grand hotel lawns and rustic barns, music helps set the tone for the next chapter of your wedding day.
🎶 Why Live Music Matters Here
Recorded playlists can sound fine in theory, but they rarely capture the natural flow of this part of the day. Guests are moving about, chatting, laughing — and a live duo can subtly follow the mood.
We adjust our set in real time — playing upbeat, recognisable tunes when the energy is high and easing into something gentler if the mood softens. Live music adds personality and flexibility, transforming background sound into a shared experience.
It’s also a great talking point. People love to request songs, guess the tune, or simply enjoy seeing and hearing real instruments being played right there among them.
🌸 Choosing the Right Style of Music
The best drinks reception music feels uplifting yet relaxed — it should lift spirits but never drown conversation. Our cello and piano combination lends itself beautifully to this.
Popular drinks reception choices include:
- I’m Still Standing – Elton John
- Your Song – Elton John
- Everlong – Foo Fighters
- Love – Nat King Cole
- Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay
- Green Green Grass – George Ezra
- Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
- Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
- Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
We often encourage couples to mix eras and genres — perhaps a few vintage classics early on, then more modern hits as the party gets going. Because our music is entirely live, we can easily adapt the setlist based on how your guests respond.
🍃 Indoor or Outdoor: Adapting to the Space
At many weddings, the drinks reception happens outdoors — perhaps on a terrace, in a marquee, or among beautiful gardens. Our Yamaha sound system and portable power packs mean we can perform anywhere, even far from plug sockets or inside tipis and barns.
If the reception is indoors, we’ll usually set up in a central spot — near the bar or entrance — where the music can gently fill the room. The balance between piano and cello allows us to create warmth and depth without ever feeling too loud.
Our setup is quick and discreet, so we can move seamlessly from your ceremony location to your drinks reception without interrupting the flow of your day.
💍 Creating a Personal Touch
The drinks reception is also a perfect opportunity to include songs that mean something special to you — perhaps a shared favourite artist, a song from your first concert together, or a subtle nod to your love story.
We’ve arranged hundreds of unique pieces for couples who wanted something truly personal. From Disney and Taylor Swift to Queen and Oasis, we can tailor the music to match your style perfectly.
If you’d like, we can even create a short bespoke medley or custom arrangement for this part of your day — something no one else will have.
✨ Our Top Tips for Drinks Reception Music
- Keep it light and joyful – this is the moment to celebrate!
- Choose variety – a mix of eras and styles keeps everyone engaged.
- Consider your setting – acoustic sounds work beautifully outdoors.
- Stay flexible – live music adapts naturally as the energy changes.
- Make it yours – a few personalised song choices make the moment unforgettable.
🎻 Hear the Difference with JAM Duo
All of our performances are completely live — no backing tracks, no loops, just the natural sound of cello and piano. Every performance is unique, created in the moment to suit the atmosphere of your wedding.
🎧 Explore over 300 live recordings of our arrangements on our Listen Page for inspiration.
📩 To discuss music for your drinks reception or book JAM Duo for your wedding, simply get in touch here.
