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The Perfect Cocktail Hour Songs for Any Mood

June 5, 2022 | riley

Image by Quinn Oberlander Photographer. Keep scrolling for cocktail hour songs for every mood

The music that you play at your wedding can make or break the entire night. From your recessional to your first dance to your reception, there are so many moments that need the perfect songs. Even after you’ve said “I do” and you’re taking portraits with your new partner for life, it’s important to keep guests entertained during cocktail hour. Whether you want to keep things light or create a timeless feel that’s a blast from the past, we’ve found cocktail hour songs for any vibe for you to use on your big day!

Cocktail Hour Songs

Light & Happy Cocktail Hour Songs

I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

Look into your heart and you’ll find love, love, love, love / Listen to the music of the moment, people dance and sing / We’re just one big family

Marry Me – Train

Together can never be close enough for me / Feel like I am close enough to you / You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you / And you’re beautiful

I Choose You – Sara Bareilles

There was a time when I would have believed them / If they told me you could not come true / Just love’s illusion / But then you found me and everything changed / And I believe in something again

Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars

When I see your face / There’s not a thing that I would change / ‘Cause you’re amazing / Just the way you are

Better Together – The Duo

Mmm, it’s always better when we’re together / Yeah, we’ll look at the stars when we’re together / Well, it’s always better when we’re together

Wildfire – John Mayer

You look fine, fine, fine / Put your feet up next to mine / We can watch that water line / Get higher and higher / Say, say, say / Ain’t it been some kind of day / You and me been catching on / Like a wildfire

Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves

Now you’re liftin’ me up, ‘stead of holdin’ me down / Stealin’ my heart, ‘stead of stealin’ my crown / Untangled all the strings ’round my wings that were tied

Saturday Sun – Vance Joy

Oh, Saturday Sun / I met someone / Out on the West Coast / I gotta get back, I can’t let this go

Green Eyes – Coldplay

‘Cause I came here with a load / And it feels so much lighter since I met you / Honey, you should know / That I could never go on without you

We Belong Together – Vampire Weekend ft. Danielle Haim

We go together like pots and pans / Surf and sand, bottles and cans / We go together like lions and lambs / Oh, we go together

Seeing Blind – Niall Horan & Maren Morris

Oh, my, my, you just took me by surprise / And I can’t believe my eyes / Oh, I must be seeing blind / Oh no, my, you are too good to be all mine

Millionaire – Chris Stapleton

They say “Love is more precious than gold” / Can’t be bought and it can’t be sold / I got love enough to spare / That makes me a millionaire

Put Your Records On – Corrine Bailey Rae

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

Timeless & Old-School Cocktail Hour Songs

My Girl – The Temptations

I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day / When it’s cold outside / I’ve got the month of May / I guess you’d say / What can make me feel this way

L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole

L is for the way you look at me / O is for the only one I see / V is very, very extraordinary / E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer

Oh, kiss me, beneath the milky twilight / Lead me out on the moonlit floor / Lift your open hand / Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance / Silver moon’s sparkling / So kiss me

Coming Home – Leon Bridges

Baby, baby, baby / I’m coming home / To your tender sweet loving / You’re my one and only woman / The world leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, girl / You’re the only one that I want

Just One Look – Doris Troy

Say you will, will be mine / Forever and always, oh-oh, oh-oh / Just one look and I knew / That you were my only one

Trust in Me – Etta James

While there’s a moon, a moon up high / While there are birds, birds to fly / While there is you, a you and I / I can be sure that I love you, oh

Love, Love, Love – Donny Hathaway

Love, love, love you can’t imagine what you did to me, aw baby / And love, your love every time you smile it goes / Through me all the time / Day by day I’m falling more in love with you / And that’s no lie, cross my heart and honey I hope to die

You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra

You make me feel so young / You make me feel there are songs to be sung / Bells to be rung / And a wonderful fling to be flung

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole

Loving you is some kind of wonderful / Because you show me, just how much you care / You’ve given me the thrill of a lifetime

At Last – Beyonce

At last, my love has come along / My lonely days are over / And life is like a song

Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader

Everybody here is out of sight / They don’t bark and they don’t bite / They keep things loose, they keep things light / Everybody was dancin’ in the moonlight

The Way You Look Tonight – Michael Buble

Someday, when I’m awfully low / When the world is cold / I will feel a glow just thinking of you / And the way you look tonight

Here, There And Everywhere – The Beatles

I want her everywhere / And if she’s beside me I know I need never care / But to love her is to need her

Put Your Head On My Shoulder

Put your head on my shoulder / Hold me in your arms, baby / Squeeze me oh-so-tight / Show me that you love me too

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

I get no kick in a plane / Flying too high / With some gal in the sky / Is my idea of nothing to do

Laidback & Mellow Songs

Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez

“I would never fall in love again until I found her” / I said, “I would never fall unless it’s you I fall into” / I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her / I found you

Next to You – John Vincent III

Let’s pack our bags / And head to the Rockies, babe / ‘Cause you and I / Getting lost in open spaces

Everything – Michael Buble

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times / It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing / You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything

I Got You – Jack Johnson

I got you / I got everything / I got you / I don’t need nothing more than you

Only Love – Ben Howard

Darling, you’re with me, always around me / Only love, only love / Darling, I feel you, under my body / Only love, only love / Give me shelter, or show me heart

I Was Born To Love You – Ray LaMontagne

Could make you smile, could make you sing / Just want to give back a little bit of what you give me / I could sing you a song, play you a tune / I know it’s just a little thing, but it’s something I can do

You & I – SYML

No I don’t need a heavenly home / A place beyond the clouds with everyone we’ve ever known / It don’t matter where we go / If you were born to run, I was made to run with you

Sparks – Coldplay

My heart is yours / It’s you that I hold on to / Yeah, that’s what I do

Wasteland, Baby – Hozier

All the things yet to come are the things that have passed / Like the holding of hands, like the breaking of glass / Like the bonfire that burns, that all words in the fight fell to

Daylight – Taylor Swift

I don’t wanna look at anything else now that I saw you / I don’t wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you / I’ve been sleeping so long in a 20-year dark night / And now I see daylight, I only see daylight

Sleeping At Last – Turning Page 

I surrender who I’ve been for who you are / For nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart / If I had only felt how it feels to be yours / Well, I would have known what I’ve been living for all along

And I Love Her – The Beatles

She gives me everything / And tenderly / The kiss my lover brings / She brings to me / And I love her

Baby I’m Yours – The Arctic Monkeys

Baby, I’m yours (baby, I’m yours) / And I’ll be yours (yours) until the stars fall from the sky / Yours (yours) until the rivers all run dry / In other words, until I die

Harvest Moon – Neil Young

Because I’m still in love with you / I want to see you dance again / Because I’m still in love with you / On this harvest moon

Sleep on the Floor – The Lumineers

If the sun don’t shine on me today / And if the subways flood and bridges break / Will you lay yourself down and dig your grave / Or will you rail against the dying day?

Mystery of Love – Sufjan Stevens

Oh, to see without my eyes / The first time that you kissed me / Boundless by the time I cried / I built your walls around me

Cool & Soulful Cocktail Hour Songs

Holy – Justin Bieber

That the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me / Feels so holy, holy, holy, holy, holy / On God / Runnin’ to the altar like a track star / Can’t wait another second

Love On Top – Beyonce

Baby, it’s you / You’re the one I love / You’re the one I need / You’re the only one I see / Come on, baby, it’s you

Suit & Tie – Justin Timberlake ft. Jay Z

And as long as I’ve got my suit and tie / I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight / And you got fixed up to the nines / Let me show you a few things

Baby, I Love You – Aretha Franklin

‘Cause I love you / (Baby, baby, baby, I love you) / There ain’t no doubt about it / Baby, I love you

Forever Mine – Andra Day

And I’m tired of the fine line / I just want you to be, be / Forever mine (Be forever mine) / Be forever mine (Be forever mine)

My Girl – The Temptations

I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day / When it’s cold outside / I’ve got the month of May / I guess you’d say / What can make me feel this way

Leave The Door Open – Silk Sonic

I ain’t playing no games / Every word that I say is coming straight from the heart / So (if you) if you (tryna) tryna lay in these arms

What You Don’t Do – Lianne La Havas

It’s what you don’t do, it’s what you don’t say / (It’s what you don’t do) I know you love me, I don’t need proof / It’s what you don’t do, the games you don’t play

Take it Easy – White Denim

You don’t have to be a movie star / In fact I want you just the way you are / You don’t ever have to change for me / Take it easy

Sway – Michael Buble

Like a flower bending in the breeze / Bend with me, sway with ease / When we dance, you have a way with me / Stay with me, sway with me

Honey Dove – Lee Fields & the Expressions

My baby love / My honey dove / I can’t live without your love / Why can’t we make it like it was?

Easy – Mac Ayres

I can say that lovin’ you is easy / I don’t need to prove a single thing / Somewhere along the way I guess you got under my skin

You’re All I Need to Get By – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Like the sweet morning dew, I took one look at you / And it was plain to see / You were my destiny

A Storm On A Summers Day – Full Crate ft. Gaidaa

And when I follow you it feels like home / And in these ways I’m humble / Can we pack our bags and run away / To the mountain high? / Just you and me

Lovely Day – Bill Withers

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

Knocks Me Off My Feet – Stevie Wonder

But there’s somethin’ ’bout your love / That makes me weak and / Knocks me off my feet

Eclectic & Unique Songs

Image by Ash Gabes Photo

Make You Mine – PUBLIC

Well, I will call you darlin’ / And everything will be okay / ‘Cause I know that I am yours / And you are mine / Doesn’t matter anyway

Joy – Andy Grammar

I found joy on the loneliest of nights / I bought a rock, I tied the knot, and I’m making her my wife

Love You For A Long Time – Maggie Rogers

And in the mornin’ when I’m wakin’ up / I swear that you’re the first thing that I’m thinkin’ of / I feel it in my body, know it in my mind, oh, I / I’m gonna love you for a long time

Sunday Best- Surfaces

Ay, feeling good, like I should / Went and took a walk around the neighbourhood / Feeling blessed, never stressed / Got that sunshine on my Sunday best

Mercy – Duffy

I don’t know what this is / ‘Cause you got me good / Just like you knew you would / I don’t know what you do / But you do it well / I’m under your spell

Adore You – Harry Styles

I’d walk through fire for you / Just let me adore you / Like it’s the only thing I’ll ever do

Beige – Yoke Lore

You know you’re beautiful / But that ain’t half the gold treasure in your soul what you got ’cause I want it all

I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance) – Glass Animals

Don’t wanna talk, baby, I just wanna dance / I don’t wanna talk, no more living in the past, baby / Don’t wanna talk, baby, I just wanna dance

Dancing In The Kitchen – LANY

Swear the only one I want is you / And it doesn’t matter what we do / We could have nothing at all / And it’d still feel like nothing’s missing

26 – Caamp

So what do you say, when we’re 26 / We’ll get married just for kicks and / Move out to Alaska way up there / I’ll get a job stacking bricks

Now that you’ve got your playlist full of these cocktail hour songs, be sure to check out our 8 tips for a killer cocktail hour–where we talk about everything from entertainment to photo ops.

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Chic, Modern, and Minimalist San Diego Wedding

June 5, 2022 | justine

Despite the pandemic affecting their wedding plans, Justinne and Gerie decided to keep their original wedding date and tied the knot in a private ceremony followed by an intimate backyard reception. The silver lining, however, was having the opportunity to have a bigger second celebration with their family and friends. And with the help of their planner Jessica Russell Black, boy did they deliver! An impressive venue featuring views of the bay, a classic monochromatic color palette, delicate florals, and understated decor—their minimalist San Diego wedding celebration was the epitome of timeless modern elegance, where less was definitely more.

The ceremony was set on the terrace of The Lane overlooking the San Diego Harbor. The asymmetrical backdrop adorned with airy florals by Arturo Ramirez served as a dreamy focal point and was then repurposed for their sweetheart table. Meanwhile, the interconnected indoor space was the perfect blank canvas for the chic aesthetic of their reception. The sleek theme carried over into their tablescapes, which featured floral clusters with a mix of glass-enclosed black taper candles and votives. 

From the DIY seating chart to the bride’s pearl beaded hairstyle, every detail was intentionally and beautifully executed. This celebration proves that it only takes a little to elevate your minimalistic wedding style. Scroll through these photos captured by Junebug member Carmen Lopez Photography for all the inspiration you need. 

The Couple:

Justinne and Gerie

The Wedding:

The Lane, San Diego, California, United States

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Junebug Member Carmen Lopez Photography’s Thoughts On This Minimalist San Diego Wedding

This event was the chic, modern, and minimalist wedding of the year, in my opinion. From the baby’s breath ceremony arch repurposed at the reception to the DIY seating chart and the pearls individually glued in Justinne’s hair—there were so many trends from this wedding day that I think will inspire a lot of what we see in future weddings. This couple absolutely nailed the modern and clean aesthetic. 

They Booked Another Venue But Switched To The Right One

We originally booked another amazing venue with Moniker pre-pandemic. While scrolling through Instagram, I came across The Lane and realized it was part of Moniker. Something about that place was calling out to us, but we had already booked Bldg 177. We shifted our plans due to the pandemic, so we visited The Lane before it was even ready and again once it was complete. The choice to go with it felt so right. Ally of Moniker was beyond gracious to let us move venues.

Personalizing Their Ceremony By Writing Their Own Vows And Having Their Cousins Officiate

Since we already had our official ceremony back in October, we had our cousins be the officiants for the second ceremony. They came up with their own script, which had our guests laughing. We also had the opportunity to write our own vows–a bonus since we had a traditional ceremony before.

They Had A Great Experience Working With Junebug Member Carmen Lopez Photography

We’ve been on this journey with Carmen since 2019. And to have her as our photographer was such a gift. When we first met her in Joshua Tree for our engagement photos, she was nothing but the best hype woman. She has been with us through the re-scheduling, and on the day, it felt really like just hanging with your friend.

Advice From The Couple: Create A Celebration That Feels Right For You And Your Partner

Enjoy the process and do what feels right with you and your partner. We’re most proud that we had a wedding that reflected us and our personalities. As cliche as it sounds, the entire day was memorable. It was the best day–from having the opportunity to have our dream wedding after so many postponements and cancellations to finally celebrating with all our family and friends. Time flies so fast, so enjoy every moment.

DIY Seating Chart And Invitations To Cut Costs

We created retro motel keychains for our seating chart for all our guests. Gerie and his dad built a wood panel that served as our backdrop and a place to hang the keys. It’s similar to what you’d find if you were checking into a motel. Then we customized each keychain with our guests’ names and printed them on vinyl. We also DIY’d our invitations with the help of some amazing Etsy vendors. I purchased the templates through Sincerely By Nicole, and I got to customize the paper goods. We also DIY’d the wedding invite pocket with the help of Cricut to save some money. 

They Treated Their Guests To Locally Sourced Food 

We had truffle sliders, mini avocado toasts, tacos, and a charcuterie table for appetizers. For dinner, we all enjoyed tri-tip with bbq sauce, salmon with pesto aioli, roasted veggies and potatoes, salad, and dinner rolls that were all locally sourced. Our guests loved the truffle sliders that we had picked out as one of our appetizers. We wish we got to eat more of that ourselves. We also ordered pizza from Pizzeria Luigi and had it delivered to our venue as a late-night bite after all the dancing. 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Carmen Lopez
Event Planning – Jessica Russell Black of Plan Prep Party
Venue – The Lane
Floral Design – Arturo Ramirez
Catering – Toast Catering
Cake – Frost Me Cafe & BakeryLive Music – The Lucky Devil Band
Videography – Good Times Media
Makeup Artist – Victoria Yvette of Refined Beauty
Hair Styling – Pamela Santos of Refined Beauty
Wedding Dresses – Lovely Bride LA & BHLDN
Bridal Shoes – Loeflerr Randal
Groom’s Apparel – Menswarehouse
Groom’s Accessories – Nordstrom
Rentals – Bright Rentals & Wonder Event Rentals
Ceremony Music / Photobooth / Event Lighting – Ansom Production
Etsy Vendor: Sincerely By Nicole

 

Congratulations to Justinne and Gerie on their chic, modern, and minimalist San Diego wedding. And big thanks to Junebug member Carmen Lopez Photography for capturing all the moments and details that made this celebration unforgettable. To see more of her talent, check out her profile in our directory of expert photographers from around the world.

Whether you’re drawn to a classic palette or prefer a more festive one, the color palette you choose is critical to ensuring that your big day looks on-theme and cohesive. But sometimes, choosing your colors may not be as straightforward. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out our guide on selecting your color palette, along with a list of trends you can use for inspiration to find a combo that’ll bring your own celebration to life.

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A $50K Classically Boho Oregon Ranch Wedding

June 4, 2022 | riley

Sweeping canyon views, a rustic villa, a festive color palette, boho-chic accents, and lush eye-catching florals—McKenna and Ryan’s Oregon Ranch wedding was as breathtaking as it was memorable. The pair filled their big day with funky personal details for a personalized and unforgettable celebration. And with the help of Junebug member Ponderosa Planning, they pulled off the wedding of their dreams within a $50k budget!

The pair started the day in the sweetest way by exchanging private lakeside vows, followed by a beautiful ceremony surrounded by their closest loved ones—including their furbaby Nama. With the views of the iconic Smith Rock and Crooked River, the couple said their “I dos” just as the sun was setting.  The celebration continued at their romantic and rustic outdoor reception featuring gorgeous florals by The Posie Shoppe, candlelit tablescapes, and bistro-style string lights. At the same time, the taco and gelato trucks made for a deliciously fun addition.

The couple hit the right fashion notes with their stylish attire. Ryan looked dashing in his classic suit, and McKenna stunned in her bohemian deep-V lace dress with a long unique train. She later changed into a short beaded dress with butterfly sleeves paired with white booties for the after-party. This is one classically boho wedding you don’t want to miss. Thankfully, Andie Avery Photography captured every detail of this celebration. So keep scrolling to see more because this is the romantic wedding inspiration you’ve been looking for.

The Couple:

McKenna and Ryan

The Wedding:

Ranch at the Canyons, Terrebone, Oregon

Why The Couple Choose An Oregon Ranch Wedding

When I was younger, my mom and sister and I went horseback riding at my venue, and I fell in love. The Tuscan buildings went with the color scheme and classy boho decor perfectly.

How The Couple Stuck To Their Budget For Their Oregon Ranch Wedding

I laid out a rough budget of everything I needed in a Google spreadsheet. I started by booking all the “no brainer” expenses–things I couldn’t see our wedding happening without. I booked our venue, photographer, coordinator, and florist within a few months of getting engaged. Then the smaller details started to fill in from there. I probably adjusted my rentals about 30 times. I felt like I was super annoying to all my vendors with the amount I bugged them, but when I talked to my coordinator, I realized that even wedding planners do this.

A DIY Ceremony Backdrop And Shot Seating Chart Sign

With the help of our contractor, my dad made our wedding arch and our shot sign. The arch was unique and personal, which made it so special. Our shot seating chart sign with the Michael Scott quote, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” was a huge hit.

Advice From The Newlyweds On How To Stay Within Your Budget

My advice would be to prioritize the details that matter the most. Once you have those, the rest will fall into place. Pay attention to what is and isn’t included with your venue. Our venue was beautiful but included zero staff or clean-up services. Those costs added up in comparison to a venue where staffing was included. Also, if your venue doesn’t have toilets, don’t forget to rent those. 

A Well-Thought-Out Wedding Playlist By The Bride

The silliest thing that I spent a lot of time on and was super proud of was my wedding playlist. I probably spent hours picking out every song that would play, but it was cool hearing all my favorite songs on my favorite day. It was like when you plug in your phone in the car, and you don’t realize that it’s your music playing, and you keep thinking, “whoever made this playlist has really good taste.” 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Andie Avery Photography
Event Planning – Ponderosa Planning
Venue – Ranch at the Canyons
Floral Design – The Posie Shoppe
Catering – El Sancho
DJ – Flip Flop Sounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Styling – Jess Dempsey
Wedding Dress – Made with Love
Groom’s Apparel – Jim’s Formal Wear
Rentals – Curated Events

 

Congratulations to McKenna and Ryan on their classically boho Oregan ranch wedding. And big thanks to Andie Avery Photography for capturing and sharing their special day with us. Of course, we also have to thank Junebug member Ponderosa Planning for making their dream day come to life. To see more of the incredible weddings they have planned, be sure to check out their profile in our directory of wedding planners from around the globe!

Whether you’ve set your heart on a low-key celebration or a lavish affair, setting your wedding budget is a critical first step to planning. Check out our planning and budget guides to get you started!

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