45 Upbeat Wedding Cocktail Hour Songs – Don’t Bore Guests!
Cocktail hour is a time when your wedding guests first arrive at your wedding reception. The “I Do’s” are done and now they are ready to get the party started. A music entertainer’s job is to know what style of music the bride and groom want for their cocktail hour songs (or happy hour songs.)
As stated above, your wedding guests are feeling good and looking forward to tonight, or the day, socializing and having a great time with friends and family during your reception. The cocktail hour sets the mood for the rest of your event.
How do you wish to set the mood? If you are having an uptown black-tie wedding, then jazz and big-band music may be your choice.
We are going to focus on music that will set the mood with popular cocktail songs in many different music styles.
Folk is a very broad style and we will include some Rock songs that are categorized as Folk Rock. We added a few indie songs in there too.
Upbeat Wedding Cocktail Hour Songs
Lifetime – SG Lewis
Released in 2022 on the album AudioLust & HigherLove, Genre: EDM
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Playin’ on my mind, so I wanna take the time
To tell you how I feel for you, you know that
I’ve waited for a lifetime
To tell you I love you
Little Bit More – Suriel Hess
Released in 2022 as a single, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I fall in love with you a little bit more
Little bit, little bit, more than before
Even on the days I’m not so sure
Turning Onto You – First Aid Kit
Released in 2022 on the album Palomino, Genre: Folk
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Oh, the night holds promises
That the morning can’t fulfill
But look at me, I’m happy still
If I’m turning onto you
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square – Michael Bublé
Released in 2022 on the album Higher, Genre: Jazz
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
There was never a dream to compare
What that hazy, crazy night we met
When a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square
What A Wonderful World – SOFI TUKKER
Released in 2022 on the album Wet Tennis, Genre: EDM
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I see friends shaking hands
Saying “how do you do?”
But they’re really saying
I love you
Where I Go – NxWorries, Anderson .Paak, Knxwledge, H.E.R.
Released in 2022 as a single, Genre: Hip Hop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
But this is me (that’s not my fault)
I love her from head to toe (head to toe)
And in between (girl, I love all of you)
All 4 Nothing (I’m So In Love) – Lauv
Released in 2022 on the album All 4 Nothing, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’m so in love, I’m so in love
I don’t ever wanna stop this ride that we’re on
I don’t ever wanna say goodbye
Immediately following the cocktail hour is the grand entrance of the wedding party. See a list of good wedding entrance and introduction songs for the wedding party and wedding couple.
Keeps On Fallin’ – Babyface, Ella Mai
Released in 2022 on the album Girls Night Out, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
So baby don’t forget
Girls like you make the world go round
You make the world go round and round
Hold Me Closer – Elton John & Britney Spears
Released in 2022 on the album The Lockdown Sessions, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Hold me closer, tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today
No Stoppin’ Us – Charlie Wilson, Babyface & Johnny Gill feat. K-Ci Hailey
Released in 2022 as a single, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Let’s keep the music playing
While we dance all night
Never letting go because there
Ain’t no stoppin’ us now
Missing Piece – Vance Joy
Released in 2022 on the album In Our Own Sweet Time, Genre: Indie
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I get lost in the crowd
Because when I’m in a room with you
That missing piece is found
I’m In Love With You – The 1975
Released in 2022 on the album Being Funny In A Foreign Language, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I feel like I can loosen my lips
I can summarize it for you
It’s simple and it goes like this
I’m in love with you
Dancin’ In The Moonlight – Chris Lane, Lauren Alaina
Released in 2022 as a single, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And girl, I’m just feeling pretty damn lucky
Just watching you sway, yeah, I love the way you’re
Dancin’ in the moonlight
Sway My Way – R3HAB, Amy Shark
Released as a single in 2022, Genre: EDM
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Say you’ll stay
Don’t come and go
Like you do (like you do)
Sway my way
After the wedding couple enters the reception hall, the food line begins. See a list of wedding dinner songs while everyone is eating.
I Like You (A Happier Song) – Post Malone, Doja Cat
Released in 2022 on the album Twelve Carat Toothache, Genre: Hip Hop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Ooh, girl, I like you, I do (I do)
I wanna be your friend, go shoppin’ in a Benz
I like you, I do (I do)
I’ll hit you when I land, can you fit me in your plans?
Left and Right – Charlie Puth, Jung Kook, BTS
Released in 2022 on the album Charlie, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Memories follow me left and right
I can feel you over here, I can feel you over here
You take up every corner of my mind
Bad Decisions – benny blanco & BTS & Snoop Dogg
Released in 2022 as a single, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I can’t seem to ever get you out of my mindAnd it feels like, ooh, ahI want you, ooh, baby, all of the time
Music For A Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles
Released in 2022 on the album Harry’s House, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
It’s ’cause I love you, babe
In every kind of way
Just a little taste
Know I love you, babe
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Jennifer Hudson
Released in 2021 as a single, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Ain’t no mountain high enough
Ain’t no valley low enough
Ain’t no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, babe
Sunroof – Nicky Youre & dazy
Released in 2021 as a single, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I only got one thing in the back of my mind
I’m feeling like this might be my time to shine
With you, with you, with you
Blessed – Hil St. Soul, Noel Gourdin
Released in 2021 as a single, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I never felt, never felt
Sensations so sweet in my life
And it’s all because of you
I’m feeling so blessed
When the meal is done, it’s time for dessert. Play a song while cutting your wedding cake.
Steal My Love – Dan + Shay
Released in 2021 on the album Good Things, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
If I couldn’t call you mine
Then, baby, you know I don’t want no one
My car, my clothes, my money
Take it all, but there ain’t nobody gonna steal my love
I Get A Kick Out Of You – Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga
Released in 2021 on the album Love For Sale, Genre: Jazz
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I get no kick in a plane
Flying too high with some gal in the sky is my idea of nothing to do
Yet, I get a kick out of you
You’re The One I Love – Shenseea & Rvssian
Released in 2021 as a single, Genre: Reggae
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Me ah stay right by your side
Not a ting can change my mind
You are the one I love
My Universe – Coldplay x BTS
Released in 2021 on the album Music of the Spheres, Genre: Alternative
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You (you), you are (you are) my universe
And I (I) just want (just want) to put you first
Steal My Sunshine – Portugal. The Man, Cherry Glazerr
Released in 2021 on the album Steal My Sunshine / Novocaine For The Soul, Genre: Alternative
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
My sunshine, my sunshine
Just making sure I’m not in too deep
Keeping versed and on my feet
Love Story (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
Re-released in 2021 on the album Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I’ll be waiting, all there’s left to do is run
You’ll be the prince, and I’ll be the princess
It’s a love story, baby, just say yes”
Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) – Elton John & Dua Lipa
Released in 2021 as a single, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time
‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find
I’m not the man they think I am at home
Not sure what songs you need for your reception? See our complete list of wedding reception songs needed.
You – benny blanco & Marshmello & Vance Joy
Released in 2021 as a single: Genre: Dance
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
When the night is over out of all the places I could choose
I go to you, only you
Feel you just below the surface, darling
All I wanna do is go to you
Antidote – Nao feat. Adekunle Gold
Released in 2021 on the album And Then Life Was Beautiful, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You changed my life, it’s a miracle
I’m in love, you already know
‘Cause you’re my
You’re my antidote
Hypotheticals – Lake Street Dive
Released in 2021 on the album Obviously, Genre: Indie
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I got a Plan A, and I got a Plan BAnd if it’s absolutely necessary, we’ll go to Plan CWhatever I gotta do to be with you
Butterflies – MAX, Ali Gatie
Released in 2021 as a single, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You won’t stop running through my mindFor the rest of both our livesYou give me butterflies
Silly Love Songs – Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr.
Released in 2021 on the album Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs
And what’s wrong with that?
I’d like to know, ’cause here I go again
I love you
Saturday – twenty one pilots
Released in 2021 on the album Scaled And Icy, Genre: Alt. Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Might get loud (ayy) on FridayBut on Saturday, Saturday, SaturdayWe paint the town
Love’s Train – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
Released in 2021 on the album An Evening With Silk Sonic, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Ooh, when in need, you said you would be hereAnd you hold the key to my very being, baby, I(I love you, baby) I love you, baby
Formal dances are very common during a wedding reception. Get song ideas for traditional and non-traditional first dances, the bride’s dance with her dad, and the groom’s dance with his mom.
Happy Anywhere – Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani
Released in 2020 on the album Body Language, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
You’re always my destinationYou’re the only thing that I’m chained toI could be happy anywhereI could be happy anywhere with you
I Got You – Michael Franti & Spearhead
Released in 2020 n the album Work Hard and Be Nice, Genre: Folk
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Dance like nobody’s watching
Live life like we never did before
And through the highs and lowBaby I got you yeah
Whatever Forever Is – Devin Dawson
Released in 2020 on The Pink Slip EP, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Now I just wanna spend eternity
With your lovin’ on me, just like this
Mm, for whatever forever is
Just the Way – Parmalee & Blanco Brown
Released in 2019 on the album For You, Genre: Country Hip Hop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
And you’re bound to see it too‘Cause I was made for lovingJust the way God made you
Love You For A Long Time – Maggie Rogers
Released in 2019 as a single, Genre: Indie
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
I swear that you’re the first thing that I’m thinkin’ ofI feel it in my body, know it in my mind, oh, II’m gonna love you for a long time
Fooled Around and Fell in Love – Miranda Lambert feat. Maren Morris, Elle King, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes & Caylee
Released in 2019 as a single, Genre: Country
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Ah, but when the grass got greener on the other side
I’d just tear out that pageBut then I fooled around and fell in love
If you want your reception upbeat, see an upbeat love song playlist for weddings.
Put It All On Me – Ed Sheeran feat. Ella Mai
Released in 2019 on the album No.6 Collaborations Project, Genre: Pop
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Can’t judge me ’cause I feel the same thingAnd I’m here for whenever you need, you need, you needTo put it all on me
When the dancing begins, know what songs will pack the dance floor! Know the wedding party songs to dance to.
Valerie (Live At BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, London / 2007) – Amy Winehouse
Released in 2006 on the album Back To Black, Genre: R&B
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Oh, won’t you come on over?Stop making a fool out of meWhy don’t you come on over, Valerie?
Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
Released in 1987 on the album Tango in the Night, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
We better make a start You better make it soon
Before you break my heart
Oh, I want to be with you everywhere
Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra
Released in 1977 on the album Out of the Blue, Genre: Rock
Most Meaningful Lyrics:
Hey you with the pretty face
Welcome to the human race
A celebration, Mr. Blue Sky’s up there waitin’
There you have it. Do you think a song should be added to the list? Be sure to comment down below so we can do so!
Great list Matthew! Although I am more than half a country away, here in Boston, many of these songs work for me too!
Awesome Dan. Glad you found us and like the songs.