Having a Band for the Drinks Reception

The drinks reception is one of those parts of the wedding day that often gets overlooked. The ceremony is over, the pressure’s off, and everyone’s starting to unwind. It’s where the laughter starts to spread, the first drinks flow, and guests really begin to relax into the day. The atmosphere at this point is everything - natural, social, and easy-going.

We’ve played thousands of drinks receptions in all kinds of venues - outdoor lawns, country barns, rooftop terraces, and hotel courtyards - and every one of them feels different. What they all have in common is that people are finally ready to talk, laugh, and mingle. The right music during this time can give that whole moment a heartbeat.

Why Live Music Works So Well

Live music during a drinks reception doesn’t need to be loud or attention-grabbing. It’s not a performance in the centre of the room - it’s a backdrop that gently lifts the mood. When it’s done right, it makes conversations flow more easily and adds warmth without getting in the way.

An acoustic guitar, a cajon, a double bass, and a couple of voices can fill a space beautifully. It’s about creating a relaxed, feel-good energy that fits the natural rhythm of the afternoon. We’ve seen it time and time again - guests chatting, smiling, and tapping their feet without even realising it’s happening. That’s when you know it’s working.

When Recorded Music Is Perfectly Fine

Of course, not every drinks reception needs a live band. If your venue already has music playing through a sound system or your guest list is small and intimate, a carefully chosen playlist can work just as well. The key is to keep it low-key and positive - think acoustic covers, mellow soul, soft indie, or even a touch of jazz.

The best option might be recorded music for that middle part of the day, and it always works when the vibe is right. The difference between live and recorded isn’t quality - it’s presence. Live music just feels alive in the room, while recorded music can be perfect when you want things to stay calm and understated.

The Acoustic Option

One of the things we offer is a Drinks Reception Add-On for couples who want that extra bit of atmosphere between the ceremony and evening party. We can perform completely acoustically - just voices, guitar, double bass and cajon - which works beautifully in open spaces, courtyards, or gardens where the natural acoustics do the heavy lifting.

The beauty of going fully acoustic is that it keeps everything simple and organic. No cables, no PA, just natural sound and connection. It suits laid-back venues and outdoor spaces perfectly, where the sound can float around easily and people can move freely without feeling like they’re standing around a stage.

When Amplification Makes Sense

That said, there are times when a little extra sound support helps. If your drinks reception is indoors, in a space with a lot of chatter, or in a large hall where sound tends to disappear, we can bring a small, discreet amplification setup. It’s designed to enhance, not overwhelm.

This system allows us to balance the sound so it stays warm and clear, even in busier environments. The key is subtlety - we use streamlined gear that blends into the setting and maintains that acoustic feel, while ensuring everyone can still hear and enjoy the music. It’s just enough lift to carry the sound through the room naturally.

Creating the Right Atmosphere

The best drinks receptions are the ones that don’t feel planned - they just flow. Guests with glasses in hand, laughter rolling across the garden, that golden-hour light. Music is part of that picture, not the focus. Our goal is to blend in and enhance the moment, not take it over.

We pick songs that suit the mood of the day - light pop, acoustic soul, easy folk - and shape each set based on the crowd’s energy. Some afternoons call for a gentle groove, others for something a little more upbeat. It’s always about reading the room and giving people a soundtrack that feels as effortless as the occasion itself.

When to Decide if You Need It

If you’re not sure whether to have live music for your drinks reception, the best question to ask is: What kind of atmosphere do I want? If you’re picturing people chatting easily, smiling, and moving between the bar and the garden while something soft and natural plays in the background, live music is worth it.

If you’d rather keep things quiet and let guests fill the space with conversation, a playlist might be all you need. There’s no right or wrong answer - just what fits your day.

If you’re planning on using a playlist, our piece on choosing playlists for weddings and events gives practical ideas for creating a seamless flow between live and recorded sets.

Final Thoughts

A drinks reception with live music feels special because it sets the tone for the evening without trying too hard. It bridges that gap between the formality of the ceremony and the excitement of the party, keeping everyone relaxed and connected.

Whether fully acoustic or lightly amplified, we shape the music around the space and the people in it. Done right, it’s not about volume - it’s about atmosphere. That’s what makes live music for a wedding drinks reception so memorable.