Dreamcicle Wedding Tips: Perfecting the Cocktail Hour Playlist

So you’ve decided to create the perfect playlist for your guests to mingle to during your cocktail hour. The only problem is that you have no clue what songs to fill up a whole hour (plus a little extra) with. Choosing the right songs can be a tricky thing. Your cocktail hour playlist not only sets the tone for your reception, but says something about your musical tastes as a couple. You don’t want your music list to reflect poorly, do you? Of course not. That’s why we’re offering some advice. Depending on what kind of vibe you’re going for, here are songs from a variety of genres to get you started:

For the alternative set look for songs by artists like Snow Patrol, The Cure, and Noah And The Whale. Try these tracks for inspiration:
• “First Day Of My Life” by Bright Eyes
• “Lovesong” by The Cure
• “Better Together” by Jason Mraz – look for the version done with Rhythms Del Mundo; their Cuban beats add the perfect something extra.
• “5 Years Time” by Noah And The Whale
• “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol

More quirky couples would do well with tracks from artists like the bird and the bee, Ingrid Michaelson, and A Fine Frenzy. Check out this set to get started:
• “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
• “Your Song” by Ellie Goulding – this is a sweet and soulful update to a classic Elton John song.
• “How Deep Is Your Love” by the bird and the bee – another spectacular remake that all your guests will appreciate.
• “You Picked Me” by A Fine Frenzy
• “The Only Exception” by Paramore

Soulful sounds can get your guests into a tender mood – perfect for the classic bride and groom. Try to include tracks by old and new artists like Sade, Anita Baker, and Adele. Here are some songs to get your playlist started:
• “By Your Side” by Sade
• “Lovesong” by Adele – this is a remake of The Cure song (above) and Adele does it proper justice.
• “Giving You The Best That I Got” by Anita Baker
• “Love That Girl” by Raphael Saadiq
• “I Belong To You” by Lenny Kravitz

A jazzy song list is a perfect backdrop when it includes songs by artists like Diana Krall, Michael Buble and maybe even a little Amy Winehouse (yes, trust us!). Be sure to include a few greats as well as some updated classics to keep both your mom and your best friend happy. Here are a few worthy tunes:
• “When A Woman Loves A Man” by Ella Fitzgerald
• “The Very Thought of You” by Nat King Cole
• “My Baby Just Cares For Me” by Sophie Milman
• “For Once In My Life” by Michael Buble
• “The Girl From Ipanema” by Amy Winehouse – include this song and your impeccable music taste will shine through. Guaranteed.

With these sample sets you should be well on your way to creating a cocktail hour playlist that will put your guests in the mood for an amazing celebration. Good luck!

Have a Dreamcicle Day!

Kristi xoxo

About Dreamcicle Studios Photography: We’re a madly in love husband and wife photography team in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area that loves capturing love more than anything! We photograph new beginnings and completed souls; faces of anticipation, happiness, love. It’s wedding photography designed uniquely for you. We’d love to speak to you about photographing your dream wedding day! Contact us by clicking here.