From “I Do” to “Let’s Celebrate”
The confetti has flown, the nerves have settled, and you’re officially married — what comes next is one of our favourite parts of any wedding day: the drinks reception.
This is the moment where joy spills out into laughter, conversation and clinking glasses. Guests begin to relax, the newlyweds can finally breathe, and the atmosphere shifts from formal to festive. Music plays a huge role in creating that transition.
At JAM Duo, we’ve provided live music for hundreds of drinks receptions across the UK — from walled gardens and courtyard terraces to grand hotel lounges and rustic barns. Whether your drinks take place outdoors on a summer afternoon or by the fire on a winter’s day, our cello and piano sound brings warmth, sophistication, and a touch of magic to the celebration.
Why Music Matters During the Drinks Reception
The drinks reception can last anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes — a precious window between ceremony and meal when you can mingle, greet your guests, and capture photos. It’s the social heartbeat of your day, and the right music helps set the tone.
Unlike the ceremony, where every note carries emotional weight, drinks-reception music should feel effortlessly atmospheric — a live soundtrack that enhances the mood without overpowering conversation.
When we play, we’re not the centre of attention — we’re the invisible thread that ties everything together. Guests might not stop to identify every song, but they’ll feel the energy and ambience it creates. The music should invite people to linger, chat, and smile.
The Unique Role of Live Music
Couples often tell us that live music during the drinks reception transforms the atmosphere in a way that playlists simply can’t. Here’s why:
- Live musicians read the room. We adapt tempo and dynamics to suit the mood — if guests are lively and chatting, we lift the energy; if people are enjoying a quiet moment in the sun, we play something more reflective.
- It feels authentic. Guests love seeing and hearing instruments played in real time. The elegance of a cello and piano adds visual charm as well as sound.
- It’s flexible. Whether indoors, outdoors, or moving between spaces, we can reposition easily, maintaining a seamless musical flow as your celebration unfolds.
- It’s personal. We’ll include your favourite songs and make them sound beautiful on our instruments — giving guests a glimpse into you as a couple.
Live music creates connection. It’s spontaneous, human, and memorable — all the things a great wedding should be.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Drinks Reception
There’s no single “right” style for this part of the day — the best choice depends on your venue, your season, and your personality as a couple. We help every JAM Duo couple craft a set that feels natural for their celebration.
🌿 Outdoor Receptions
For garden or courtyard settings, we often suggest light, joyful pieces — perhaps a mix of acoustic pop, film themes, and elegant instrumentals. The natural resonance of the cello complements birdsong, laughter, and gentle conversation.
Popular choices include:
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
- Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
- Viva La Vida – Coldplay
- Paradise – George Ezra
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
We use our professional battery-powered setup, meaning we can perform anywhere — from vineyard terraces to lakeside lawns — without relying on mains power. It’s one of the reasons we love outdoor ceremonies and receptions so much.
🕯 Indoor Lounges and Hotel Bars
If your drinks reception takes place indoors, the mood can shift toward sophistication and warmth. Think jazz standards, romantic ballads, and mellow contemporary covers.
Some of our couples’ favourites:
- Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
- Your Song – Elton John
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
- Make You Feel My Love – Adele
- At Last – Etta James
These pieces sound exquisite on cello and piano — smooth, velvety, and timeless.
💐 Rustic Barns and Country Houses
Rustic venues often call for something a little more eclectic — a balance of modern acoustic songs and cinematic instrumentals that echo the relaxed charm of the setting.
Examples that always fit beautifully:
- All of Me – John Legend
- Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
- Marry You – Bruno Mars
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- Bridgerton Theme – Kris Bowers
We love tailoring our set to the character of each venue. For instance, at Bredenbury Court Barns we once blended I’m Yours (Jason Mraz) into How Long Will I Love You (Ellie Goulding) — a perfect acoustic match for the setting and the couple’s relaxed vibe.
Balancing Genres: Variety Keeps It Fresh
During a one-to-two-hour drinks reception, we usually perform continuous live sets with short breaks as needed. To keep the atmosphere engaging, we blend a variety of genres:
- Romantic Pop – Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Adele, Lewis Capaldi
- Classic Soul & Motown – Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye
- Film & TV Themes – Bridgerton, Love Actually, Pride & Prejudice
- Classical Elegance – Elgar, Debussy, Pachelbel
- Modern Hits – Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish
We aim for a flow that mirrors the mood of the event — starting gently as guests gather, building a little more energy as photos begin, and then finishing on an upbeat note before guests move into the wedding breakfast.
Because we perform live, we can subtly adapt to your timeline — if photos are taking longer or speeches are about to begin, we’ll time our pieces accordingly so there are no awkward silences or abrupt stops.
How We Plan Your Drinks Reception Music
Every drinks reception is different, so we always discuss the following details with our couples:
- Location and logistics – Indoors? Outdoors? Will we need to move between areas?
- Timeline – How long is your drinks reception scheduled for? Are photos or canapés taking place simultaneously?
- Style preferences – Do you want a relaxed background vibe, something upbeat, or a mix of both?
- Song requests – We welcome specific requests and can arrange special songs for you.
- Energy flow – Do you want the music to gradually build towards a lively finale?
Once we have those details, we handpick a setlist of around 30–40 pieces that fit perfectly into your celebration. And because we’re a duo, transitions between songs are smooth and seamless — we keep the atmosphere flowing continuously.
The JAM Duo Sound: Why Piano and Cello Work So Beautifully
The cello and piano are a perfect pairing for this part of the day. The piano brings rhythm, harmony, and sparkle; the cello adds depth, warmth, and a lyrical voice. Together, they create a sound that feels full yet never intrusive.
Guests often comment on how versatile our combination is — we can make Shape of You sound playful and Hallelujahsound heartbreakingly beautiful, all without lyrics. The contrast between rich cello tones and delicate piano melodies creates the perfect ambience for relaxed celebration.
Unlike a full band, our sound fills the space without dominating it. Conversation remains easy, and you never have to worry about volume — we always adjust levels carefully to suit your venue’s acoustics.
Blending the Modern and the Timeless
Many of our couples love the way we bridge musical eras. You might hear Canon in D elegantly segue into All You Need Is Love, or Halo flowing into Your Song.
We’ve even performed sets where the first half featured Bridgerton-style string versions of modern hits, followed by soulful 1960s classics as the champagne began to flow.
It’s this blend that defines JAM Duo — refined yet fun, elegant but approachable, with music that speaks to every generation of guests.
Playing Outdoors: How We Make It Work
Outdoor receptions have a special magic, but they can also present logistical challenges. Fortunately, we come fully prepared:
- Portable power: Our professional battery power supply allows us to perform anywhere — lawns, courtyards, vineyards, you name it.
- Weather-ready setup: We bring our own shelter and can reposition quickly if the weather changes.
- Balanced sound: Our compact PA ensures even coverage without being overpowering, so guests hear the music clearly whether near or far.
We’ve played everywhere from the terraces of Pennyhill Park to the gardens of Balbirnie House, and we love the relaxed elegance that outdoor receptions offer. There’s nothing quite like live cello music drifting across the summer air as guests sip prosecco under the trees.
A Few Favourite JAM Duo Drinks-Reception Moments
Over the years, certain weddings stand out for their atmosphere and joy. Here are a few we still smile about:
- Emma & Graham – The Grand, Southport: Their drinks reception took place in the rooftop bar overlooking the coast. We performed As It Was, Chandelier, and Together in Electric Dreams, perfectly complementing the relaxed seaside vibe.
- Judea & Sina – Tortworth Court: Indoors after an Orangery ceremony, our mix of Believe (Cher) and Your Song(Elton John) kept spirits high while guests admired the floral décor.
- Caitlin & Fraser – Balbirnie House: In the library bar, we played Kiss Me and Can’t Stop the Feeling, creating a lively background for laughter and cocktails.
- Hannah & Tash – The Pheasantry Brewery: After an emotional ceremony, our upbeat acoustic pop set helped everyone unwind and celebrate in style.
Each of these receptions had its own rhythm and energy, and that’s what makes our job so rewarding — no two performances are ever the same.
Alternatives and How They Compare
Some couples explore alternatives like a jazz trio, acoustic guitarist, or string quartet. All can be lovely, but the cello and piano combination has particular advantages for this time of day:
- Versatility: We can play across genres — pop, classical, soul, film — with authenticity.
- Compact setup: Ideal for spaces where larger ensembles would be overwhelming.
- Elegant tone: The blend of cello and piano feels refined and romantic without being formal.
- Adaptability: We can transition seamlessly from ceremony to drinks, even relocating between areas in minutes.
In short, it’s a balance of beauty, practicality, and atmosphere — exactly what most couples want between “I do” and dinner.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Drinks Reception Music
- Schedule enough time. One hour can feel short — 90 minutes allows guests to mingle, enjoy the music, and complete photos without rushing.
- Keep music continuous. Avoid long pauses or playlist gaps; live musicians maintain flow.
- Consider volume balance. Music should be audible but never intrusive.
- Add a personal touch. Include one or two songs that mean something to you — guests love hearing your personalities reflected.
- Think about placement. Position musicians where they’re visible but not blocking guest movement or photography.
- Include variety. A mix of genres keeps the mood lively and inclusive.
From Ceremony to Celebration: Keeping the Flow Seamless
Because we’re often booked to play for both ceremony and drinks, we handle transitions smoothly. As soon as your recessional music ends, we quietly move to the drinks area while guests enjoy confetti or photos. Within minutes, the next set begins — no awkward silences, no technical delays.
Our Nord Stage piano housed in a gloss-black shell looks elegant in any setting, and Anne-Marie’s cello — whether acoustic or Yamaha electric — ensures our tone suits indoor or outdoor acoustics perfectly. Every element is designed to look as polished as it sounds.
Creating Lasting Memories Through Live Music
The drinks reception might not have the emotional intensity of the ceremony, but it’s where many of your favourite memories will be made — laughter with old friends, spontaneous dancing on the lawn, the moment you finally relax as a married couple.
We see it time and again: guests tapping their feet, humming along, children twirling to the cello, grandparents smiling as they recognise a classic tune. These are the snapshots that live music helps to create.
Our goal is always the same — to bring joy, connection, and atmosphere through every note we play.
Why Choose JAM Duo
- 100% live – never backing tracks
- Always Jules and Anne-Marie – no substitutes
- Professional, adaptable setup for any venue
- Over 340 recorded songs across every genre just for inspiration – we can play anything!
- Fully insured, PAT-tested, and venue-ready
We travel nationwide and have performed at hundreds of venues, from castles to barns, city hotels to vineyards. Wherever your drinks reception takes place, we’ll ensure the soundtrack feels completely your own.
The Perfect Prelude to Dinner
As the final glass is poured and guests begin to move towards the wedding breakfast, the music softly fades. It’s the end of one chapter and the start of another.
A well-planned drinks-reception set bridges that transition beautifully — carrying the celebration forward, ensuring the energy never dips. And when your guests take their seats for dinner, they’ll already be smiling, relaxed, and immersed in the atmosphere that live music has created.
✨ JAM Duo – Piano and Cello Wedding Musicians
Beautiful live music for ceremonies, drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts across the UK.
🎶 Always live – never backing tracks
💍 Soundtracking memories that last forever
📍 Covering England, Scotland and Wales
