10 Cocktail Hour Songs To Set The Party Mood

Cocktail hour is an important time during the wedding. It’s the time between the ceremony and the reception where the bridal party finishes taking the rest of their formal pictures and the guests have the chance to mingle, get to know each other, and get ready to party.

This means cocktail hour songs have a job. Their job is to loosen your crowd up and prepare them for the next stage of the night. Here are ten crowd favorites from a variety of genres that are sure to please your guests.

10 Cocktail Hour Songs

1.     “Fishing in the Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I’m starting this list with a fun, little country love song. This song is upbeat and playful and sure to get everyone rocking in their seats and ready for the dance floor.

2.    “Setting the World on Fire” by Kenny Chesney ft. P!nk. Another fun country song, this one is a collaboration between Kenny Chesney and Pink. This song is a little slower, but it’s still sweet.

3.    “Angel of Mine” by Monica. For R&B classics, this is one of my all-time favorites, and it has a guaranteed spot on any wedding playlist. It could be a great first dance song or just a great slow dance song, but if nothing else, you can enjoy a drink to this one.

4.    “You’re Makin’ Me High” by Tony Braxton. This 1990s hit is easily forgotten about, but it is guaranteed to get a smile out of your R&B-loving guests. This sultry song has just the right tone to get everyone in the mood for some dancing.

5.    “Nuttin’’ On You” B.O.B. ft. Bruno Mars. You can’t have a playlist without this song on it. Even if you’re not sure you know this song, you absolutely know this song, and it’s the perfect song to bridge people from day wedding to night reception.

6.    “Whatta Man” by Salt ‘N Pepa. This song is almost irresistible. If you can stay in your seat during this early 90s song, then you have a special talent I don’t have! This song can get almost anyone in a dancing mood.

7.    “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple. This is another song you know, even if you don’t think you know it. As soon as this song comes out of the speakers, all of your wedding guests will be on their feet.

8.    “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Classic rock has slow jams, too! Enjoy cocktails to this classic rock favorite, and set your guests up for a night of many more jams.

9.    “Baby I Need Your Loving” by Four Tops. This Motown throwback is an irresistible dance tune. It’ll be a guaranteed hit with the older crowd, and with a hopping beat and timeless lyrics, the younger crowd is sure to enjoy this song, as well.

10. “Got to Be There” by the Jackson Five. Somewhere between a slow jam and a dance number is where this Michael Jackson classic lands. It’s almost impossible not to choreograph your own dance to this song.

No matter what kind of musical theme you have for your wedding, any one of these songs will surely be a crowd favorite.