From Ceremony to Reception: Transitioning Music to Match the Mood

Music is the heartbeat of a wedding day. Each part of the day has its own rhythm, and it’s my job to match that energy - from those teary-eyed vows to full-on dance floor chaos.

The key is seamless transitions. You don’t want jarring genre changes or awkward silences - you want flow. A sense of journey.

Ceremony:
This is the emotional core. I always recommend acoustic-style vocals and stripped-back songs that let the lyrics shine. A live performance adds intimacy and warmth. We’re setting the tone here - whether that’s elegant and classic or fun and cheeky. I’ve done aisle song covers of everything from The Beatles to Billie Eilish. And the best part? Live music slows people down (in the best way): grounding them and allowing them to feel present in the emotion of the moment.

Canapés and Cocktail Hour
Think chilled, upbeat, and romantic. I often blend in acoustic covers of pop songs, indie favourites, and a few jazzy gems. It sets a relaxed tone and helps people ease into the day. This is also the time guests start connecting, chatting and soaking in the vibe - music helps shape that energy. It’s like the social glue that gets everyone vibing.

Dinner
Keep it smooth and ambient - background music that lets people chat and soak it all in. I’ll often take cues from what’s been resonating so far and subtly build momentum. If I’m still performing live, I often do soulful pop and mellow grooves - think Norah Jones, Angus & Julia Stone, or a laid-back Lorde cover, to name a few! These are the moments where the room glows with candlelight, conversations flow, and people start to feel part of something special.

Reception:
Here’s where the magic happens. Whether I’m behind the decks or still singing, I bring in the party anthems, nostalgic bangers, and a few unexpected twists. It’s all about keeping the energy high and the vibes immaculate. The key is reading the room - are your guests already dancing? Do they need a gentle push? I’ve got tricks for both. This is where memories are made, shoes come off, and magic unfolds.

When the transitions feel seamless, your guests don’t notice the music shift - they just feel it. That’s where the magic lives 🥰