For me, the drinks reception begins the moment I see your first guest walk out from the ceremony. I start playing straight away — gently setting the mood as people begin to gather. I’ll keep going until your last guest heads in for the wedding breakfast.

It’s a natural, flexible approach that lets the day flow as it should — no awkward silences, no stiff transitions.

During this part of the day, the wedding party is often with the photographer — and guests are left to mingle. Without music, this time can feel like a bit of a holding pattern. But with live music, it becomes part of the celebration. 

If I’ve played your ceremony, guests already know my sound and feel. That means the transition into the drinks reception feels seamless — emotionally and musically. 

I once played a quiet, personal acoustic song just for the couple and their children at the end of the reception, while everyone else had gone in for dinner. It was intimate, unplanned, and completely unforgettable.

These moments aren’t scheduled — but they happen when live music is treated as part of the fabric of the day, not just background sound.

Your drinks reception is the first time most guests get to raise a glass and properly celebrate. A live performance sets a tone that says, “This is special.” It warms up the atmosphere without taking over, helps strangers bond over shared smiles, and gently builds anticipation for the meal and dancing to come.