Wedding Dinner Music To Set The Tone (Fun To Laid-Back)

Updated on February 1, 2023 | Written by Matthew Campbell (Editor of My Wedding Songs and wedding DJ)

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Wedding background music sets the tone for the entire reception from the time guest line up for the buffet (or order their meal) until the dinner is complete.

Once the doors open and guests arrive at the reception – this would be more of the cocktail hour time. It is typically more upbeat. 

You will enjoy a list of the most popular and unique background songs for setting the mood.

Every couple’s music tastes are different. Thus, we selected wedding background songs for dinner that include many different eras and music styles.

The background music should be used for:

1. Find out what genres of music guests like by watching their reactions to songs.
2. Get an overview of the ages of guests and know what eras have them grooving to.
3. Get guests in the mood for fun and romance. Don’t bore them!

My Top 10 Dinner Songs

1. “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse
2. “Thank God” by Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown
3. “In Your Eyes (Remix)” by The Weeknd feat. Kenny G
4. “Africa” by Toto
5. “Fresh Eyes” by Andy Grammer
6. “When You Say Nothing At All” by Music Travel Love
7. “My Silver Lining” by First Aid Kit
8. “Everywhere” by Niall Horan & Anne-Marie
9. “Baby, I Love Your Way” by Big Mountain
10. “That’s The Way Love Goes” by Janet Jackson

Spotify Dinner Music Playlist

Popular Dinner Background Tunes

What vibe do you prefer while you’re eating? Something fast or something relaxed? Do you want to honor a genre or a memory? We want to know your favorites, too. What dinner background songs should we add to our list?

Acoustic Covers

Watermelon Sugar (Acoustic) – Jonah Baker

Released in 2020 as a single
(Harry Styles cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

I don’t know if I could ever go without
I’m just thinking out loud
I don’t know if I could ever go without
Watermelon sugar

You’re Still The One – Teddy Swims

Released in 2020 as a single
(Shania Twain cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You’re still the one I kiss goodnight

Stay With Me – Hannah Trigwell

Released in 2014 on the album Cover Sessions, Vol. 2
(Sam Smith cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

Oh, won’t you stay with me?
‘Cause you’re all I need
This ain’t love, it’s clear to see
But darling, stay with me

Stuck on You – Dave Fenley

Released in 2019 as a single
(Lionel Richie cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

I’m stuck on you
I’ve got this feeling down deep in my soul that I just can’t lose
Guess I’m on my way

Stand By Me (Acoustic) – Matt Johnson

Released in 2017 as a single
(Ben E. King cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no I won’t she’d a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

Cheerleader – Pentatonix

Released in 2015 on the album Pentatonix
(OMI Cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

Oh I think that I found myself a cheerleader
She is always right there when I need her

Nothing Compares 2 U – Chris Cornell

Released in 2020 on the album No One Sings Like You Anymore
(Sinéad O’Connor cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

I said nothing can take away these blues
‘Cause nothing compares
Nothing compares to you

When You Say Nothing at All – Music Travel Love

Released in 2017 on the album The Facebook Live Sessions & More
(Keith Whitley cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best (you say it best) when you say nothing at all

Can’t Help Falling In Love – Kina Grannis

Released in 2018 on the Crazy Rich Asians Soundtrack
(Elvis Presley cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

So take my hand
Take my whole life, too
For I can’t help falling in love with you

You’re the One That I Want – Dylan Rockoff with Caroline Kole

Released in 2019 as a single
(John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John cover)

Lovable Lyrics:

The one that I want (you are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh
The one I need (the one I need)
Oh, yes, indeed (yes, indeed)

Another dinner during the wedding festivities is a rehearsal dinner that you can play on this playlist!

R&B Favorites

IT’S YOU – MAX, keshi

Released in 2022 as a single

Lovable Lyrics:

Can we stay like this forever?
White dress or whatever
I keep dreaming there’s a somewhere
That we grow old together

Penny Lover – Lionel Richie

Released in 1983 on the album Can’t Slow Down

Lovable Lyrics:

Penny lover, my love’s on fire
Penny lover, you’re my one desire
Tell me baby could this be true
That I could need someone, like I need you

In Your Eyes (Remix) – The Weeknd, Kenny G

Released in 2020 as a single

Lovable Lyrics:

Love the way you’re talkin’
Love your style, but, ooh, babe
We know that you got it from me

Ain’t Nothin Like The One I’ve Got – Calvin Richardson

Released in 2019 on the album Gold Dust

Lovable Lyrics:

And you would one thing for sure
Ain’t nothin like the one I’ve got

How Deep Is Your Love – Pj Morton

Released in 2017 on the album Gumbo

Lovable Lyrics:

How deep is your love?
I really need to learn
‘Cause we’re livin’ in a world of fools
Breaking us down, when they all should let us be
We belong to you and me

I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

Released in 1968 on the album In The Groove

Lovable Lyrics:

Ooo I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Ooo I heard it through the grapevine
And I’m just about to lose my mind

Leave The Door Open – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

Released in 2021 on the album An Evening With Silk Sonic

Lovable Lyrics:

I ain’t playing no games
Every word that I say is coming straight from the heart
So if you tryna lay in these arms
I’ma leave the door open

Waterfalls – TLC

Released in 1994 on the album Crazysexycool

Lovable Lyrics:

Don’t go chasing waterfalls
Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to

With You – Chris Brown

Released in 2004 on the album With You

Lovable Lyrics:

I’m into you
And girl, no one else would do
‘Cause with every kiss and every hug
You make me fall in love

So In Love – Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton

Released in 2011 on the album The Light of the Sun

Lovable Lyrics:

I hope you’re thinking of me
‘Cause all I want is time with you
And only nothing more
(So in love with you)

It’s Alright – Chanté Moore

Released in 1992 on the album Precious

Lovable Lyrics:

Promise me, tell me we can work it out,
Ooh baby without a doubt,
It will be, alright

Let Me Love You – Mario

Released in 2004 on the album Turning Point

Lovable Lyrics:

You should let me love you
Let me be the one to
Give you everything you want and need

Beyond – Leon Bridges

Released in 2018 on the album Good Thing

Lovable Lyrics:

Space and time in the afterlife
Will she have my kids? Will she be my wife?
She might just be my everything and beyond

Lovely Day – Bill Withers

Released in 1977 on the album Menagerie

Lovable Lyrics:

Then I look at you
And the world’s alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day

That’s The Way Love Goes – Janet Jackson

Released in 1993 on the album Janet

Lovable Lyrics:

Can’t you see my desire
That’s the way love goes
Like a moth to a flame
Burned by the fire
That’s the way love goes

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

Released in 1972 on the album Let’s Stay Together

Lovable Lyrics:

Let’s, let’s stay together (‘gether)
Lovin’ you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Better – Khalid

Released in 2018 on the album Suncity

Lovable Lyrics:

We don’t gotta hide
This is what you like, I admit
Nothin’ feels better than this

Before the meal is served, drinks will be flowing for all guests. See our list of cheerful cocktail hour songs playlist.

Jazz Hits

Valerie (BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge) – Amy Winehouse

Released in 2006 on the album Back To Black

Lovable Lyrics:

Oh, won’t you come on over?
Stop making a fool out of me
Why don’t you come on over, Valerie?

I Get A Kick Out Of You – Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

Released in 2021 on the album Love For Sale

Lovable Lyrics:

I get a kick every time I see you standing there before me
I get a kick, though, it’s clear to see, you obviously don’t adore me

That’s Amore – Dean Martin

Released in 1953 on the album Dean Martin Sings

Lovable Lyrics:

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore
That’s amore,
When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine, that’s amore

Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra & Count Basie & His Orchestra

Released in 1964

Lovable Lyrics:

You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words, please be true
In other words, I love you

Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Released in 1988 on the album Simple Pleasures

Lovable Lyrics:

Don’t worry, be happy
‘Cause when you worry your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don’t worry, be happy

Crazy Love – Michael Bublé

Released in 2009 on the album Crazy Love

Lovable Lyrics:

Takes away my trouble, takes away my grief
Takes away all of my heartache, in the night like a thief
She givess me love, love, love, love, crazy love

A Wink and a Smile – Harry Connick Jr.

Released in 1993 on the album Sleepless In Seattle Soundtrack

Lovable Lyrics:

So you can rev her up
Don’t go slow
It’s only green lights and alright
Let’s go together, with a wink and a smile

Sunrise – Norah Jones

Released in 2004 on the album Feels Like Home

Lovable Lyrics:

Surprise, surprise
Never something I could hide
When I see we made it through another day

After the guests finish their meal, it is time for dessert! See a list of new and trending cake cutting songs (or cupcakes, donuts, candy, etc.)

Pop Tracks

Marvin Gaye – Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor

Released in 2016 on the album Nine Track Mind

Lovable Lyrics:

Whoa, there’s lovin’ in your eyes that pulls me closer
It’s so subtle (It’s so subtle), I’m in trouble (I’m in trouble)
But I’d rather be in trouble with you

Everywhere – Niall Horan & Anne-Marie

Released in 2021 on the album Everywhere (BBC Children In Need)

Lovable Lyrics:

When I think I’m all alone
And my heart’s under control
Why is loving you not fair?
You’re everywhere

Stuck with U – Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber

Released in 2020 as a single

Lovable Lyrics:

Got all this time on my hands
Might as well cancel our plans, yeah
I could stay here for a lifetime

Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey

Released in 1995 on the album Daydream

Lovable Lyrics:

Time can’t erase a feelin’ this strong
No way you’re never gonna shake me
Oh darlin’ cause you’ll always be my baby

I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys

Released in 1999 on the album Millennium

Lovable Lyrics:

Tell me why
Ain’t nothin’ but a mistake
Tell me why
I never wanna hear you say
I want it that way

This Town – Niall Horan

Released in 2017 on the album Flicker

Lovable Lyrics:

Drive highways and byways to be there with you
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you

Sunflower – Post Malone & Swae Lee

Released in 2018 on the album Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Soundtrack

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re a sunflower, I think your love would be too much
Or you’ll be left in the dust, unless I stuck by ya
You’re the sunflower

Fresh Eyes – Andy Grammer

Released in 2017 on the album The Good Parts

Lovable Lyrics:

So suddenly, I’m in love with a stranger
I can’t believe that she’s mine
Now all I see is you with fresh eyes

Señorita – Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

Released in 2018 on the album Shawn Mendes

Lovable Lyrics:

I love it when you call me señorita
I wish I could pretend I didn’t need ya
But every touch is ooh, la-la-la
It’s true, la-la-la

Kiss On My List – Daryl Hall & John Oates

Released in 1980 on the album Voices

Lovable Lyrics:

But if you insist on knowing my bliss
I’ll tell you this
If you want to know what the reason is
I only smile when I lie, then I’ll tell you why
Because your kiss, your kiss is on my list

Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae

Released in 2006 on the album Corinne Bailey Rae

Lovable Lyrics:

Girl, put your records on, tell me your favorite song
You go ahead, let your hair down
Sapphire and faded jeans
I hope you get your dreams

Love On The Brain – Rihanna

Released in 2016 on the album ANTI

Lovable Lyrics:

Must be love on the brain yeah
And it keeps cursing my name
No matter what I do, I’m no good without you
And I can’t get enough

We Don’t Talk About Bruno – Carolina Gaitán

(La Gaita & Mauro Castillo & Adassa & Rhenzy Feliz & Diane Guerrero & Stephanie Beatriz & Encanto – Cast)
Released in 2021 on the album Encanto Soundtrack

Lovable Lyrics:

Abuela, get the umbrellas
Married in a hurricane
What a joyous day… but anyway

If you want to have a theme for your background playlist, see our lists of best yacht rock hits for engaged couples and boy band background playlist.

Country Mood Setters

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not – Thompson Square

Released in 2010 on the album Thompson Square

Lovable Lyrics:

I think you know I like you a lot
But you’re ’bout to miss your shot
Are you gonna kiss me or not?”

Family Table – Zac Brown Band

Released in 2017 on the album Welcome Home

Lovable Lyrics:

Gather round, hand in hand
Close our eyes and bow our heads
Thank the lord for everything he’s done, and for everyone
At the family table

All On Me – Devin Dawson

Released in 2018 on the album Dark Horse

Lovable Lyrics:

C’mon relax your mind on me
When you need a shoulder you could cry on me
Baby you can bet your life on me
Put it all on me

Yeah Boy – Kelsea Ballerini

Released in 2015 on the album The First Time

Lovable Lyrics:

I’m trying to keep it cool
But you’re making it hard, I’m wishing your arms
Were wrapping me up tight
Yeah, boy

Play It Again – Luke Bryan

Released in 2013 on the album Crash My Party

Lovable Lyrics:

I can’t believe that it came back on, but here it is”
She was like, “Come here boy, I wanna dance”
‘Fore I said a word she was takin’ my hand

GOOD TIME – Niko Moon

Released in 2021 on the alum Good Time

Lovable Lyrics:

Somethin’ ’bout a night this clear
Makes your problems disappear
We just gonna stay right here and let the world go by

You – Chris Young

Released in 2011 on the album Neon

Lovable Lyrics:

Girl, you rock me harder than some downtown band
I thought I knew what love was but I didn’t have a clue
I never found anything that makes me feel like I do about you

King Of The Road – Roger Miller

Released in 1965 on the album The Return of Roger Miller

Lovable Lyrics:

Ah, but, two hours of pushin’ broom
Buys an eight by twelve four-bit room
I’m a man of means by no means
King of the road

Meant to Be – Bebe Rexha, Florida Georgia Line

Released in 2017 on the album All Your Fault: Pt. 2

Lovable Lyrics:

See where this thing goes
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, if it’s meant to be

Islands In the Stream – Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

Released in 1983 on the album Eyes That See in the Dark

Lovable Lyrics:

Tender love is blind
It requires a dedication
All this love we feel needs no conversation
We ride it together

Greatest Love Story – LANCO

Released in 2018 on the album Hallelujah Nights

Lovable Lyrics:

But I was what you wanted and you were what I needed
And we could meet in between
We were gonna be the greatest love story this town had ever seen

Blessed – Thomas Rhett

Released in 2019 on the album Center Point Road

Lovable Lyrics:

I can’t count the times I’ve heard
People say I’m lucky
But lucky ain’t the word, oh, I’m blessed

Livin’ On Love – Alan Jackson

Released in 1994 on the album Who I Am

Lovable Lyrics:

But love can walk through fire without blinkin’
It doesn’t take much when you get enough
Livin’ on love

Chasing After You – Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris

Released in 2021 on the album Pelago

Lovable Lyrics:

Wish I could quit you, but it feels too good
If I could turn it off, you know I would
But somethin’ ’bout you makes me think we could
Make it after all

Rumor – Lee Brice

Released in 2017 on the album Lee Brice

Lovable Lyrics:

I feel it, don’t you feel it too?
There’s a rumor going ’round, and ’round, and ’round
What d’you say we make it true, baby?

Bluebird – Miranda Lambert

Released in 2019 on the album Wildcard

Lovable Lyrics:

And all the stars go dark
I’ll keep a light on in my soul
Keep a bluebird in my heart

Thank God – Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown

Released in 2022 on the album Different Man

Lovable Lyrics:

So, thank God
I get to wake up by your side
And thank God
Your hand fits perfectly in mine

‘Til You Can’t – Cody Johnson

Released in 2021 on the album Human The Double Album

Lovable Lyrics:

If you got a chance, take it, take it while you got a chance
If you got a dream, chase it, ’cause a dream won’t chase you back
If you’re gonna love somebody

Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves

Released in 2018 on the album Golden Hour

Lovable Lyrics:

You hold tight to your umbrella
Well, darlin’, I’m just tryin’ to tell ya
That there’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head

Reggae Chart Toppers

I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash

Released in 1972 on the album I Can See Clearly Now

Lovable Lyrics:

I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for

Red Red Wine – UB40

Released in 1983 on the album Labour Of Love

Lovable Lyrics:

Red, red wine, stay close to me
Don’t let me be alone
It’s tearing apart my blue heart

Angel – Shaggy, Rayvon

Released in 2000 on the album Hot Shot

Lovable Lyrics:

Girl, you’re my angel, you’re my darling angel
Closer than my peeps you are to me, baby

Three Little Birds – Bob Marley

Released in 1977 on the album Exodus

Lovable Lyrics:

Every little thing gonna be all right. Don’t worry!”
Singin’: “Don’t worry about a thing” – I won’t worry!
“‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right”

Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley

Released in 1980 on the album Uprising

Lovable Lyrics:

Only the fittest of the fittest shall survive
Stay alive, eh
Could you be loved then be loved?
Now could you be loved, woah yeah, and be loved?

Baby, I Love Your Way – Big Mountain

Released in 2011 on the album Big Mountain

Lovable Lyrics:

Ooh baby, I love your way, everyday
I wanna tell you I love your way, everyday yeah, yeah

After dessert, the formal dances begin. If you decided to save your own dance until after dinner, begin with the music for the first dance followed by the bride’s dance with her dad and the groom’s dance with his mom.

Rock Must Plays

Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn

Released in 1991 on the album Marc Cohn

Lovable Lyrics:

Saw the ghost of Elvis
On Union Avenue
Followed him up to the gates of Graceland
Then I watched him walk right through

Drops Of Jupiter – Train

Released in 2001 on the album Drops Of Jupiter

Lovable Lyrics:

But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet?
Did you finally get the chance to dance along the light of day
And head back toward the Milky Way?

Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest

Released in 1972 on the album Dancing in the Moonlight

Lovable Lyrics:

We like our fun and we never fight
You can’t dance and stay uptight
It’s a supernatural delight
Everybody was dancin’ in the moonlight

Vienna – Billy Joel

Released in 1977 on the album The Stranger

Lovable Lyrics:

You got your passion, you got your pride
But don’t you know that only fools are satisfied?
Dream on, but don’t imagine they’ll all come true

Got My Mind Set On You George Harrison

Released in 1987 on the album Cloud Nine

Lovable Lyrics:

And this time I know it’s for real
The feelings that I feel
I know if I put my mind to it
I know that I really can do it
I got my mind set on you

Wherever You Will Go – The Calling

Released in 2001 on the album Camino Palmero

Lovable Lyrics:

My life and love might still go on
In your heart, in your mind
I’ll stay with you for all of time

Come and Get Your Love – Redbone

Released in 1974 on the album Wovoka

Lovable Lyrics:

Hail, with it, baby, ’cause you’re fine
And you’re mine, and you look so divine
Come and get your love

What’s Up? – 4 Non Blondes

Released in 1992 on the album Bigger, Better, Faster, More !

Lovable Lyrics:

And I take a deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
“What’s going on?”

Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood

Released in 2013 on the album I Love You.

Lovable Lyrics:

‘Cause it’s too cold
For you here
And now, so let me hold
Both your hands in the holes of my sweater

Time In A Bottle – Jim Croce

Released in 1973 on the album You Don’t Mess Around with Jim

Lovable Lyrics:

If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I’d save every day like a treasure, and then
Again, I would spend them with you

Africa – Toto

Released in 1982 on the album Toto IV

Lovable Lyrics:

It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Heat Waves – Glass Animals

Released in 2020 on the album Dreamland

Lovable Lyrics:

Sometimes, all I think about is you
Late nights in the middle of June
Heat waves been faking me out

Electric Love – BØRNS

Released in 2015 on the album Dopamine

Lovable Lyrics:

Baby, you’re like lightning in a bottle
I can’t let you go now that I got it
And all I need is to be struck
By your electric love

1979 – The Smashing Pumpkins

Released in 1995 on the album Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness

Lovable Lyrics:

To the lights and towns below
Faster than the speed of sound
Faster than we thought we’d go
Beneath the sound of hope

Life Is Better With You – Michael Franti & Spearhead

Released in 2013 on the album All People

Lovable Lyrics:

Some days are better than other days
These days, life is better with you
Life is better

Teach Your Children – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Released in 1969 on the album Crosby, Stills & Nash

Lovable Lyrics:

If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you

Lastly, don’t forget about how your reception ends. Pick songs for the wedding couple’s (bride and groom) final dance at the reception.

Unique Folk Songs

I Was Born To Love You – Ray LaMontagne, Sierra Ferrell

Released in 2022 on the album I Was Born To Love You

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re the only one I can talk to
The only one I can really read
I know you give because you want to

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor

Released in 1975 on the album Gorilla

Lovable Lyrics:

But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I wanna stop and thank you, baby

Rest of Our Lives – The Light the Heat

Released in 2021 on the album Wide Awake

Lovable Lyrics:

Feels like I’ve struck a gold mine
With your hand in mine
Our love came alive

Alone with You – Canyon City

Released in 2016 on the album Midnight Waves

Lovable Lyrics:

It’s not anything you say, anywhere we go
It’s just being alone with you now
Being alone with you

Where’s My Love – SYML

Released in 2019 on the album SYML

Lovable Lyrics:

Did she run away? Did she run away? I don’t know
If she ran away, if she ran away, come back home
Just come home

September Song (Guitar Acoustic) – JP Cooper

Released in 2017 on the album September Song (Remixes)

Lovable Lyrics:

And I, I remember the chorus
They were singing it for us
You were my September song

Flowers In Your Hair – The Lumineers

Released in 2012 on the album The Lumineers

Lovable Lyrics:

And I hope it’s not too late
‘Cause you’re so attractive
And the way you move
I won’t close my eyes

If You Could Read My Mind – Gordon Lightfoot

Released in 1970 on the album If You Could Read My Mind

Lovable Lyrics:

If you could read my mind, love
What a tale my thoughts could tell
Just like an old time movie

Simply The Best – Billianne

Released in 2022 as a single

Lovable Lyrics:

You’re simply the best
Better than all the rest
Better than anyone
Anyone I’ve ever met

My Silver Lining – First Aid Kit

Released in 2014 on the album Stay Gold

Lovable Lyrics:

Something good comes with the bad
A song’s never just sad
There’s hope, there’s a silver lining
Show me my silver lining

Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman

Released in 1995 on the album New Beginning

Lovable Lyrics:

You can call me anytime, you got to call me
Give me one reason to stay here
And I’ll turn right back around

Please comment on the songs below. We read and respond to all the suggestions.

FAQs

When do you play wedding dinner music?

Play dinner music in the background as early as the meal begins and right up until the couple’s first dance.

You can choose to have cocktail hour music before dinner or skip it.

Background dinner music continues until the end of the main course at a wedding reception.

Depending on the chain of events selected by the wedding couple, background dinner music usually plays for about an hour and a half.

Need help with the order of events? View our common format of a wedding reception article.

How much dinner music does a wedding reception need?

That is a great question. The short answer is that it depends. This is why, as a wedding couple, you should have a conversation with your wedding planner and the DJ.

If the wedding dinner is a formal, sit-down dinner with courses, you may need at least an hour. Add another half hour for pre-dinner cocktails. Your wedding planner will help you decide when the dinner music should end.

A black-tie event will have different background music than a backyard cookout. Music outdoors can be louder because the sound will escape the area. Your professional DJ should be given a tour of the dinner space so they can properly place speakers and play the correct volume.

Background Music Isn’t Dance Music

We know that “Baby Got Back” brings back some great memories, but your wedding guests are trying to eat. You know Aunt Margaret is going to get up and start dancing in the middle of the courses if you play that song. Don’t let her embarrass herself — at least yet.

Think about dinner music as background music — music barely noticed. It sets the tone for the evening. It allows people to have conversations. It’s not the dominant sound. It’s in the back of the noise.

Dinner Music Ideas

One way to choose wedding dinner music is to honor a relative that has passed. You can do this by including their favorite genre or song. It’s a gentle nod and not a distraction.

Some sites say never to play Michael Bublé, we’re not going that route. Choose what makes you feel comfortable. Better yet, have a conversation with your wedding planner and professional DJ. Professional DJs are music historians; they choose music to set the tone.

We could literally list millions of songs in all different music styles. That’s impossible. We will guide you through a mixture of old and new songs in a few music styles. Know your guests and their music likes. Stick to your wedding’s theme, too.

About Matthew Campbell

DJ, Editor, Music Lover

Meet Matthew (Matt) Campbell, the passionate wedding DJ and music expert behind My Wedding Songs. With years of experience in the industry and a keen ear for the latest trends, Matt knows just what it takes to create the perfect soundtrack for your special day. From classic love ballads to upbeat party anthems, his articles are jam-packed with insider tips and top recommendations that will have you and your guests on your feet all night long.

But Matt isn’t just a music aficionado – he’s also an active member of wedding planning and DJ communities, sharing his expertise and learning from other professionals along the way. Matt is the author of the Wedding Songs Planner and has articles published on Rolling Stone, DJ Life Magazine, and DJ Times. He is a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council and Vegas Wedding Chamber. You can listen to his tips as the host of the Wedding Songs Podcast.