Need drinks reception music?
Our wedding band packages include DJ music for the drinks reception at no extra cost. Check if your date is available.
Check our availabilityThe drinks reception is the longest stretch of music at an Irish wedding — typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours. It fills the gap between the ceremony and dinner while guests mingle, photos are taken, and the bar gets busy.
Get it wrong and you have two hours of awkward silence. Get it right and your guests are relaxed, chatting, and already in the mood to party. Here's what works — and what's worth spending money on.
Your Options at a Glance
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Curated playlist / Spotify | Free (venue speakers) | Budget-conscious, informal weddings |
| DJ set | Included in band package / standalone from ~€300 | Flexible vibe control, easy volume management |
| Solo musician | €300 - €600 | Intimate atmosphere, smaller venues |
| Acoustic duo/trio | €500 - €1,000 | Garden parties, country houses, relaxed weddings |
| Jazz trio/quartet | €800 - €1,500 | Upscale venues, castle weddings, sophisticated vibe |
| Traditional Irish musicians | €400 - €800 | Cultural weddings, international guests |
Option Breakdown
Curated Playlist Through Venue Speakers
Most venues have a speaker system in the drinks reception area. Ask them to play a playlist you've put together — Spotify, Apple Music, or a USB drive.
Pros: No cost. Full control over the songs. Easy to set up.
Cons: No one manages the volume or skips awkward songs. No atmosphere beyond "background music." If the venue's speakers are poor, it shows. Bluetooth connections can drop.
Our take: Perfectly fine for budget weddings or if your drinks reception is short (under an hour). But for 2+ hours, the lack of a human managing the vibe becomes noticeable.
DJ Set
A DJ plays a curated mix through proper PA speakers. They can read the room, adjust volume, and transition between styles. Many wedding bands — including us — include DJ music for the drinks reception as part of the band package.
Pros: Best value for money. Proper sound quality. Someone actively managing the vibe. Can take requests. Seamless — the same system used for the evening entertainment.
Cons: Less "wow factor" than a live musician. Some couples want something more personal for this part of the day.
Our take: This is what most of our couples go with. We set up background DJ music during the drinks reception as standard, so there's never a dead moment.
Solo Musician
A guitarist, pianist, or harpist playing live acoustic music. Creates a warm, intimate atmosphere that a playlist can't match.
Best styles: Acoustic guitar (modern covers), classical piano, Irish harp (traditional/classical), solo vocalist with guitar.
Pros: Genuine atmosphere. Personal touch. Works beautifully at intimate venues. Guests notice and appreciate it.
Cons: One person can only play so many styles. Sound can get lost in larger venues or outdoor spaces. A solo musician playing for 2 hours straight is a lot — make sure they take breaks.
Acoustic Duo or Trio
Two or three musicians playing acoustic versions of popular songs. Think stripped-back covers of everything from Ed Sheeran to Fleetwood Mac. This is the "Instagram moment" option — guests love it.
Pros: Fuller sound than a solo artist. More dynamic and engaging. Great for outdoor drinks receptions. Looks and sounds fantastic in photos and videos.
Cons: Higher cost. You're booking separate musicians on top of your evening band. Coordination with your main entertainment provider matters.
Jazz Trio or Quartet
For couples who want sophistication. A jazz ensemble playing standards creates an unmistakable atmosphere — think cocktail bars, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald vibes.
Best for: Castle weddings (Ashford Castle, Dromoland, Luttrellstown), hotel ballrooms, black-tie weddings.
Pros: Unmatched sophistication. Sets you apart from every other wedding. International guests are always impressed.
Cons: Most expensive option. Can feel too formal for casual or outdoor weddings.
Traditional Irish Musicians
A trad duo or trio playing fiddle, bodhrán, tin whistle, accordion, or guitar. Perfect for couples with international guests who want an authentically Irish experience.
Pros: Culturally distinctive. International guests love it. Creates a uniquely Irish atmosphere that nothing else can replicate.
Cons: Not for everyone — some couples want modern music only. Can feel out of place at very contemporary or minimalist venues.
The #1 Drinks Reception Mistake
Playing the music too loud. The drinks reception is about conversation — guests are catching up, meeting each other's families, and chatting with the couple between photos. If the music is so loud people have to shout, you've ruined the atmosphere. Rule of thumb: if two people standing 2 metres apart can have a normal conversation, the volume is right.
How to Choose Based on Your Venue
Indoor Drinks Reception
Most Irish venues host the drinks reception in a lobby, bar area, or separate room. Sound carries well indoors, so even a solo musician fills the space. A DJ or playlist works perfectly here.
Outdoor / Garden Reception
Sound disappears outdoors. A solo acoustic guitarist won't be heard past the first few rows of guests. If you're having an outdoor drinks reception at venues like Ballybeg House or Cliff at Lyons, you need either amplified musicians or a proper PA system with a DJ/playlist.
Marquee / Tipi Weddings
Canvas and open-sided structures have unique acoustics — sound bounces differently, and wind can carry music away. Amplified music is essential. A DJ with proper speakers is the most reliable option.
How Long Should Drinks Reception Music Last?
Typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your wedding timeline:
- Short (1-1.5 hours): If your ceremony and dinner are close together. A playlist or DJ is sufficient.
- Standard (1.5-2 hours): The most common. Any option works well.
- Extended (2-3 hours): Common with earlier ceremonies or when photos take longer. Live musicians may need a break — book accordingly or supplement with a playlist/DJ.
Our Recommendation
For most Irish weddings, here's what we'd suggest:
- If budget is tight: DJ music through proper speakers (included in our wedding band packages). It works, it's reliable, and it's free when bundled with the band.
- If you want something special: Acoustic duo or solo musician. The "live music during drinks" moment is one guests always mention in feedback.
- If you're going all-out: Jazz trio for the drinks reception, then our full band for the evening. This is the premium setup at venues like Adare Manor or Powerscourt Hotel.
Drinks Reception Music Included
Our wedding band packages include DJ music for your drinks reception at no extra cost. Check your date and we'll talk through the full plan.
Check AvailabilityRelated Guides
- Wedding Music Timeline: Hour-by-Hour Guide
- Best Wedding Entrance Songs
- When to Book Your Wedding Band
- 65 Best First Dance Songs for Irish Weddings
- Wedding Band vs DJ: Which Should You Book?
- Wedding Band Pricing Guide
Book a Band Near You
We handle drinks reception music at weddings across Ireland: