If I’m allowed to have an opinion on which part of the wedding day is my favourite as a wedding singer…it would have to be the Drinks Reception. Let me explain why. Not just because most of the post ceremony nerves have dissipated for both my couples and myself. But because this is where (and as a vintage style singer, there may be a slight conscious bias at play here) where jazz, swing and vintage style music really gets the chance to shine! It's also no coincidence that this is the most popular booking slot for singers this style too. See, you to-be-weds know a lot more than you give yourselves credit for. With a sophisticated and uptempo feel to it while not being too intrusive (e.g imagine your guests trying to have genuine conversations at this point in the day over techno tunes, no offence ravers). Jazz music along with some 50s and 60s bop-y style songs allow the mood to feel light. After the mush and typically more serious tone of the beautiful tear jerking ceremony. The drinks reception is almost like a sigh of joyful relief and celebration as guests typically mingle and enjoy canapés. There’s a hell of a lotta old school songs written all about love so it makes perfect sense as to why many lovebirds choose to have vintage songs for this part of their day. However, choosing your setlist is also an amazing way of incorporating your personality as a couple into the day. So if you’re a pairing looking for a setlist that perhaps has the classy vintage undertone sound of old school music but would prefer to incorporate songs from this millennium or just a bit of quirk and pizazz to your DR (yes I abbreviated Drinks Reception). Here's where I'm here to help. Below is a list of both my favourite vintage and vintage VIBE songs from my own repertoire, that I and my couples love and have gone down perfectly for previous drinks reception soundtracks. Feel free to use any or all of these for your own wedding music inspiration,
P.S you can even click on the song titles to direct you to youtube for examples, how snazzy!
VINTAGE DRINKS RECEPTION SONGS
Almost Like Being In Love - By Nat King Cole By the GOAT love song swinging singer. Nat King Coles jazzy celebration scream wedding day playlist.
Speaking of legends there's always a spot for ol' blue eyes in any wedding repertoire. Especially with this song which talks about that timeless feeling of youth that love brings.
Natalie Cole, daughter of the GOAT himself Nat King. This song can also claim such a status in it's own right. From my own experience and from other wedding singers in the field, I wouldn't be surprised if this song peaks as number 1 in the most requested wedding song for 2024. And rightly so, the message of the lyrics are clear, "this will be an everlasting love" and the arrangement, adorable. It's also one for the Disney millennials who may recognise this track from the Parent Trap's end credit. Where the family are celebrating... a wedding! My Baby Just Cares For Me - By Nina Simone With it's natural bop and adorable lyrics it's guaranteed to make your guests feel all warm and fuzzy. As a jazz singer, this is personally my favourite song to sing so I'll always do a little happy dance when my couples select it.
Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend - By Marilyn Monroe/Moulin Rouge
Who ever said that the Drinks Reception set list has to exclusively be about love. It's a sophisticated, light hearted and classic sing along. And who knows, some of you boujiee babes may even be dolled up in diamonds for the big day! Sh-Boom - The Chords A 1950s doo-wop proclaiming the dreamy-ness of life with their love. It's also another one for you Disney fans who may recognise this toe tapping promenade tune from the Cars soundtrack.
Midnight Train To Georgia - Gladys Knight and The Pips A more soulful and bluesy option, which is starting to become a regular request since adding to the repertoire. It's a song that's all about standing by and supporting your partner. It's also a great sing-a-long for guest to show off their best train impressions when "hoot hoot"-ing along with the song. Love Me Do - The Beatles Potentially every Beatles song would and does go down well as part of the wedding day soundtrack. They're a multi-generational band. But with the words "love me do" repeated for 3-4 chorus' this particular choice seemed the most obvious and fun suggestion. VINTAGE VIBES DRINKS RECEPTION SONGS
Basketcase (PMJ) - Greenday Yes, you read that right! If you're not aware of the magic that Post-Modern Jukebox do. Then you're in for a treat. Thanks to their vintage spins on modern tunes, it means that you can have some of your favourite emo tunes, disguised as sophisticated classics.
10/10 - Paolo Nutini It's impossible not to listen to this song and smile. With it's brassy ska like rhythm the song sings about wanting to be the best version of yourself for your partner, becoming a 10 out of 10.
Can't Buy Me Love (The Beatles) - Scary Pockets Now yes, technically this song was released in the 1960s so is classed as vintage. However, with funky alternative arrangements like this one by Scary Pockets. It's brings a whole new, refreshed and modern feel to the song. So guests can sing along, without feeling outdated. That Man - Caro Emerald This fun song could easily be mistaken as something from the 1940s but Dutch singer Caro Emerald is a modern gal who has mastered the art of vintage style pop music with her own unique flair. She also has some great remix dance versions of a many of her songs which could be great for your PM party. In this song in particular, she sings about being under the spell of "That Man" (hands up if you can relate...?!).
Heart of Glass - The Puppini Sisters Blondie fans are never too hard to find. But incase you don't fancy having a rock glam themed drinks reception. This cute ukulele version of her biggest hit is a great and surprising replacement. Just watch as your guests try and figure out where they've heard this song before...
Billie Jean (Michael Jackson) - Karen Souza The wonder of covers like this and the one above, is that they can be confused with an easy listening jazz tune that guests may not know. Therefore letting the conversation happen over the music. However, if they're tuned in to the lyrics, it also allows them to have a bit of a sing along. The perfect balance that's needed to the Drinks Reception.
Perfect - By Fairground Attraction
Speaking of perfect..this song could easily get away with being something from the 1950s. This 80s hit was actually a special request from one of my brides. Which due to it's naturally vintage vibes, has made it into my regular venue and gig set lists too!
Similar to our Beatles track, this funky version is a great sing-along not just for the older generations, but for the (and who isn't one) Shrek fans.
If you liked these suggestions of vintage-y songs for the Drinks Reception I also did the exact same format for your ceremony in a separate blog post below. Don't say I don't spoil you! CEREMONY SONG IDEAS <<< Furthermore, seeing as this post is all about vintage vibe music, why not check out my own Viva la Vintage Spotify Playlist. All the best, Abbi-Kaye (Viva la Vintage) x
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