Journal

Piano, Vocals, or Both for Cocktail Hour?

A few things to consider when choosing music for the part of the wedding where everyone gets to catch up.

Brian Wahlstrom ·

Start with the conversation

Cocktail hour is often the first chance guests have to settle in together. The music can give the room a sense of occasion while leaving space for people to talk. Before choosing songs, think about how much attention you want the performance to draw.

Piano on its own

Instrumental piano can make familiar songs feel a little different. Guests might recognize a melody without needing to follow the words. It can suit a smaller gathering, a conversation-filled terrace or an hour that needs a gentle pace.

Add a voice

Piano and vocals bring the words back into the room. A standard, a favorite love song or something people know from the radio can make the performance more personal. Singing doesn’t have to mean a louder set: the sound level still needs to suit the space and the guests.

Let the hour change

You don’t have to commit to one texture throughout. An instrumental beginning can move into piano and vocals as guests settle in. If there’s a particular song you want to hear, mention it when we talk so we can find a place for it.

Think about the room

An indoor dining room and an open terrace need different sound planning. Let me know where the music will be, roughly how many people are coming, and whether the ceremony and cocktail hour use separate spaces. We can work out the setup and transitions together.

Bring a few favorites

A handful of artists or songs is enough to start. It also helps to know anything you would rather leave out. You can browse the repertoire, listen to the performance demo on the wedding page, or come to a public show to hear how piano and voice work together.