Wedding Dinner Music That Will Set The Tone – Fun To Laid-Back

Updated on August 29, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell

Wedding background music sets the tone for the entire reception from the time cocktail hour starts until the dinner is complete.

It can be played as early as when the guests arrive at the reception. Many times the wedding party is busy with the photographer at this point, anyway.

When Do You Play Wedding Dinner Music?

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

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

You may even want to change the vibe of the music for cocktail hour and calm it down for dinner.

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.

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.

 

 

Our Top 10 Dinner Songs

1. “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” by Elton John, Dua Lipa
2. “Late Night Talking” by Harry Styles
3. “Keeps On Fallin'” by Babyface, Ella Mai
4. “What A Wonderful World” by SOFI TUKKER
5. “Missing Piece” by Vance Joy
6. “Saturday” by twenty one pilots
7. “Steal My Love” by Dan + Shay
8. “Everywhere” by Niall Horan & Anne-Marie
9. “My Universe” by Coldplay, BTS
10. “I Get A Kick Out Of You” by Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga

Listen to Dinner Songs

The Best Background Songs to Play?

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 or cocktail hour songs should we add to our list?

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R&B Dinner Songs

trust – Thuy, RINI
2022, R&B

How do I
Make you realize
I’ma stick around
If it’s with you, you, you

Handle Me Gently – Ne-Yo
2022, R&B

I have a tendency to step in my own way (my own way)
Baby, I’d love you no less than the day you said, “Yes”
So know I hear you clearly when you say, “Hey”

Let’s Get It On (Flight Facilities Remix) – Marvin Gaye
2022, R&B

There’s nothing wrong with me
Loving you, baby no no
And giving yourself to me can never be wrong
If the love is true

Keeps On Fallin’ – Babyface, Ella Mai
2022, R&B

And if you ask me why I want him
I can’t lie I love him
I won’t let it go

sun and moon – Anees
2022, R&B

Baby, baby, you’re my sun and moon
Girl, you’re everything between
A lot of pretty faces could waste my time
But you’re my dream girl

Oh to Be Loved by You – Joss Stone
2022, R&B

You just know when I’m down and lonely
You take hold of whatever’s hurting me
it’s so beautiful
Oh, to be loved by you

Always (I’ll Be Waiting For You) – Isabel Bailey Band
2022, Blues/R&B

To make it better, For better or worse
Baby it’s you
Kiss me once
Kiss me twice
Kiss me every day and night

No Stoppin’ Us – Charlie Wilson, Johnny Gill, Babyface, K-Ci Hailey
2022, R&B

They wish they could
Turnin’ up here on the floor
And there ain’t no stoppin’ us now

Love’s Train – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
2022, R&B

And if by chance, you let me just hold ya
I’m down on my knee, I wanna please you, baby
Ooh, I’ll be your righteous lover

Blessed – Hil St. Soul, Noel Gourdin
2021, R&B

I never felt, never felt
Sensations so sweet in my life
And it’s all because of you

Silly Love Songs – Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr.
2021, R&B

Love doesn’t come in a minute
Sometimes it doesn’t come at all
I only know that when I’m in it

Antidote – Nao feat. Adekunle Gold
2021, R&B

You changed my life, it’s a miracle
I’m in love, you already know

Friends & Family – The Isley Brothers
2021, R&B

Let’s make a toast to the ones that we love
And we miss and could not be here

Love Somebody – Rotimi
2020, R&B

Trust me you haven’t lived
Until you love somebody

In Your Eyes (Remix) – The Weeknd feat. Kenny G
2020, R&B

In your eyes
I see there’s something burning inside you

Ain’t Nothin Like The One I’ve Got – Calvin Richardson
2019, R&B

I love you trust me for the rest of our lives

Flirtin’ w / Forever – Wayne Brady feat. Cat Gray
2019, R&B

I think we’re flirting with forever
Every sunrise and every sunset with you

A Good Night – John Legend x BloodPop®
2018, R&B

I think I just met my wife (yeah, I said it)
I know it’s gonna be a good night

How Deep Is Your Love – Pj Morton
2017, R&B

Breaking us down, when they all should let us be
We belong to you and me

Marry Me – Jason Derulo
2013, R&B

I swear that I will mean it
I’ll say, “Will you marry me?”

Let Me Love You – Mario
2004, R&B

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

Let’s Get Married (ReMarqable Remix) – Jagged Edge feat. Run
2000, R&B

Been feelin’ you all the while, girl, I must confess (girl, I must confess)
Let’s get married

Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – Lauryn Hill
1998, R&B

I love you, baby, trust in me when I say, “Okay, it’s okay”
It’s okay

When We Get Married – Larry Graham
1980, R&B

Our wedding day is not very far
And ooh, folks will whisper
And they’ll say how lovely we both are

Lovely Day – Bill Withers
1977, R&B

Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
1974, R&B

You brought a lot of a sunshine in to my life
You filled me with happiness I never knew

ABC – Jackson 5
1970, R&B

ABC, one, two, three
Baby, you and me, girl

Pop Dinner Songs

Bad Decisions – benny blanco & BTS & Snoop Dogg
2022, Pop

I can’t seem to ever get you out of my mind
And it feels like, ooh, ah
I want you, ooh, baby, all of the time

Late Night Talking – Harry Styles
2022, Pop

If you’re feelin’ down
I just wanna make you happier, baby
Wish I was around
I just wanna make you happier

Blue Dream Baby – Fancy Hagood, Kacey Musgraves
2022, Pop

We’re so close to the edge, we’re touching on paradise
Even if it’s all in my head, know we’re gonna be alright
Even for one night

Fall Into Me (Acoustic) – Forest Blakk
2022, Pop

I’d give you my life
From now till forever
I’m falling in love with you
Over and over again

All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
2021, Pop

Back before you lost the one real thing you’ve ever known
It was rare, I was there, I remember it all too well

Everywhere – Niall Horan & Anne-Marie
2021, Pop

Why is loving you not fair?
You’re everywhere

Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) – Elton John, Dua Lipa
2021, Pop

And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time
‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find

My Universe – Coldplay, BTS
2021, Pop

And you (you), you are (you are) my universe
And you make my world light up inside

Only Wanna Be With You (Pokémon 25 Version) – Post Malone
2021, Pop

I can’t help it if I’m lucky
I only wanna be with you

Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift
2021, Pop

Say you’ll see me again
Even if it’s just in your
Wildest dreams

Electric Swing – Goldkimono
2020, Pop

We don’t sit on champagne seats
No we do it just because
All we want is the boom of the beat to
Shake the jeep

pov – Ariana Grande
2020, Pop

I’ma love you even though I’m scared (oh, scared)
Learnin’ to be grateful for myself

The Way You Look Tonight – Joey Stamper
2020, Pop

There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight

Watermelon Sugar – Zita feat. Jonah Baker
2020, Pop

Breathe me in, breathe me out
I don’t know if I could ever go without
Watermelon sugar high

You’re the One That I Want – Dylan Rockoff with Caroline Kole
2019, Pop

You’re the one that I want (You are the one I want)
Ooh, ooh, ooh

Adore You – Harry Styles
2019, Pop

I’d walk through fire for you
Just let me adore you

When You Say Nothing at All – Music Travel Love
2019, Pop

The touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
Oh, you say it best, when you say nothing at all

I’ll Be There – Jess Glynne
2018, Pop

Yeah, I’m gonna, I’m gonna, I’m gonna come through
You’ll never be alone, I’ll be there for you

New Light – John Mayer
2018, Pop

Oh we can go far from here
And make a new world together babe

Have It All – Jason Mraz
2018, Pop

Here’s to the fact that I’ll be sad without you
I want you to have it all

Love Someone – Lukas Graham
2018, Pop

If you love someone
And you’re not afraid to lose ’em
You probably never loved someone like I do

Love – Matt White
2013, Pop

What is love, what is love?
I just want it to be love

Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
2010, Pop

The whole world stops and stares for a while
‘Cause girl, you’re amazing
Just the way you are

Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
2008, Pop

Lucky we’re in love in every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

1,2,3,4 – Plain White T’s
2008, Pop

Those three words (three) and that’s what I’ll do… (four)
I love you (I love you)

Collide – Howie Day
2003, Pop

Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find
You and I collide

Angel – Shaggy feat. Rayvon
2000, Pop

Girl, you’re my angel
You’re my darling angel

I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
1999, Pop

You are my fire
The one desire
Believe when I say
I want it that way

Lovefool – The Cardigans
1996, Pop

Love me love me
Say that you love me

Kiss – Prince
1986, Pop

Ain’t no particular sign
I’m more compatible with
I just want your extra time and your
Kiss

Country Dinner Songs

Songs For You – Brian Kelley
2021, Country

What a picture perfect end to a day
I’ll play my, I’ll play my, I’ll play my songs for you

Steal My Love – Dan + Shay
2021, Country

My heart is yours forever
If I couldn’t call you mine
Then, baby, you know I don’t want no one, no one

My Masterpiece – Darius Rucker
2021, Country

But, baby, when my life is through
I hope they say my masterpiece is lovin’ you

Whatever Forever Is – Devin Dawson
2021, Country

Now I just wanna spend eternity
With your lovin’ on me, just like this
Mm, for whatever forever is

Happy Anywhere – Blake Shelton feat. Gwen Stefani
2020, Country

I could be happy anywhere
I could be happy anywhere with you

The Way You Look Tonight – Tenille Townes feat. Keelan Donovan
2020, Country

So tell me that I’m yours and I’ll tell you that you’re mine
I’ve never seen anything quite like
The way you look tonight

Just the Way – Parmalee & Blanco Brown
2019, Country

‘Cause I was made for loving
Just the way God made you

Fooled Around and Fell in Love – Miranda Lambert, Maren Morris, Elle King, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes & Caylee Hammack
2019, Country

But since I met you baby, love’s got a hold on me
Fooled around and fell in love

World For Two – King Calaway
2019. Country

So come here, make it all disappear like lovers do
Girl, for you, I wish that I could build a world for two

From the Ground Up – Caleb and Kelsey
2019, Country

Just take my hand
‘Cause you are the man my dad hoped that you’d be
And we’ll build this love from the ground up

Live Forever – Kane Brown
2018, Country

If all we get is just to be together
It makes me wanna live forever

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not – Thompson Square
2011, Country

But you’re ’bout to miss your shot
Are you gonna kiss me or not?”

Rock Dinner Songs

Happiness (Dance Floor Edit) – The 1975
2022, Alternative

I’m feelin’ like I’m messin’ it up
Because I’m callin’ out your name and God help me
‘Cause oh, I’m never gonna love again, hey

Slow Song (with Dragonette) – The Knocks
2022, Alternative

I’ll play you like a slow song
Yeah, I’ll keep you spinning
Spinning circles ’til the groove’s gone

Saturday – twenty one pilots
2021, R&B

But on Saturday, Saturday, Saturday
We paint the town

All Roads – Arkells
2021, Rock

There’s only one thing that I want
All roads will lead me to back you

Headspace – Dirty Heads
2021, Rock

Everything that you do
Keep me in that good headspace
Oh, never wanna come down from your love

If It’s Love – Sting
2021, Rock

If it’s love, it has no season
If it’s love, there is no cure
If it’s love, it won’t see reason

Lost on You – LP
2017, Rock

Let’s raise a glass or two
To all the things I’ve lost on you, oh-oh

Fall For You – Secondhand Serenade
2008, Rock

You always thought that I was stronger
I may have failed
But I have loved you from the start

Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn
1991, Rock

Yeah, I got a first class ticket
But I’m as blue as a boy can be
Then I’m walking in Memphis

Dancing in the Moonlight – King Harvest
1972, Rock

It’s such a fine and natural sight
Everybody’s dancin’ in the moonlight

Folk Dinner Songs

If I Say That I Love You – Foster
2022, Folk

Deep in our hearts where it matters
We can stay there forever and after

heavenly light (work tape) – Wilder Woods
2021, Folk

But you’re my evidence, my hallelujah
That leads me to another life

There Is Only One You – Us The Duo
2020, Folk

I pretend like I ain’t got no clue
But you shut me up and you do it with love
There is only one you

EDM Dinner Songs

What A Wonderful World – SOFI TUKKER
2022, WET TENNIS

I see friends shaking hands
Saying “how do you do?”
But they’re really saying
I – I love you

Dancing In The Moonlight – Aexcit & HILLA
2020, EDM

It’s a supernatural delight
Everybody was dancin’ in the moonlight

Kiss Me – Lucas Estrada & AJ Salvatore
2020, EDM

Oh, kiss me
Beneath the milky twilight
Lead me
Out on the moonlit floor

Dreams – Phil Soda and GoodLuck
2020, EDM

In the stillness of remembering what you had
And what you lost
Of what you had
And what you lost

Just the Two of Us – Yann Muller
2019, EDM

Just the two of us
We can make it if we try
Just the two of us

Something Just Like This – Chainsmokers & Coldplay
2017, EDM

Oh, I want something just like this
I want something just like this

Reggae Dinner Songs

Say Hey (I Love You) – Michael Franti & Spearhead, Cherine Tanya Anderson
2008, Reggae

But I know one thing that I love you (baby girl)
I love you, I love you, I love you

One Love / People Get Ready (Medley) – Bob Marley
1977, Reggae

One love, one heart
Let’s get together and feel all right

Indie Dinner Songs

AMAZING – Rex Orange County
2022, Indie

I can’t believe you’ve come and saved me
We can stay here, spend every day here
I don’t mind, no

A-O-K – Tai Verdes, 24kGoldn
2021, Indie

Living in this big blue world
With my head up in outer space
I know I’ll be A-O, A-O-K

Missing Piece – Vance Joy
2021, Indie

I get lost in the crowd
Because when I’m in a room with you
That missing piece is found

I Was Born To Love You – Ray LaMontagne
2020, Indie

I was born to love
I was born to
Born to love

‘Til I Found You – Jeremy Loops
2020, Indie

I won’t, I won’t stop
‘Til I found you

Here Comes the Sun – Imaginary Future
2017, Indie

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun and I say
It’s alright

Jazz Dinner Songs

I Get A Kick Out Of You – Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga
2021, Jazz

So tell me why should it be true, mmm, yeah
I get a kick out of you

My Baby Just Cares For Me – Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra & Haley Reinhart
2018, Jazz

My baby just cares
My baby just cares
My baby just cares for me

Hip Hop Dinner Songs

For My Hand – Burna Boy, Ed Sheeran
2022, Hip Hop/World

Baby, it’s magic any time that we’re together
I make I just love you and hold you for my hand

I’m the One – DJ Khaled feat. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne
2017, Hip Hop

Yeah, you’re lookin’ at the truth, the money never lie no
I’m the one, yeah, I’m the one

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

Similar song lists for further reading:

• Upbeat Cocktail Hour songs
• Boy Band Cocktail Hour songs
• Rehearsal Dinner playlist

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 & Cocktail Hour 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.

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About Matthew Campbell