Music in ceremony
There are many options for music - I always suggest to the couple that it is important that you choose music that is typical of you and your relationship. If you are not into classical music then I would suggest you choose music that is more contemporary.
Music forms an integral part of each ceremony.
Wedding music can drive the emotion of everyone involved, from the bride and groom to the guests at the wedding.
It is the musical score of your love. It enhances the mood and excitement of the day.
Appropriate music for a wedding ceremony shouldn't be difficult to decide, as there is so much beautiful music to choose from.
The best way to choose is to start with the music you like.
Songs and dances are traditionally included in every ceremony, including religious rituals, healing, storytelling, and social events.
There are four basic musical categories for the ceremony:
Pre-service (Prelude) music, while the guests are arriving
Processional (entrance of the wedding party)
Music within/during the actual spoken ceremony
Recessional (exit of the wedding party, families, and guests)
The Prelude is when the wedding music starts, about 20 to 30 minutes (or as much as 45 minutes) before the actual ceremony begins. The main purpose of the prelude is to entertain the guests prior to the ceremony. Music is the first impression that the guests have of the wedding, so it is a great way to establish your mood or theme.
Processional music marks the entrance of the wedding party. You can choose any instrumentalist to play during your processional – a classical guitarist, harpist, pianist or even a string trio or your favourite piece from a CD. Suspense for the appearance of the bride is developed here, too.
Traditional Processional choices are:
" The Prince of Denmark's March," Clarke
" Water Music," Handel
" Canon in D," Pachelbel
" Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus," Wagner
" Air," Bach
" Wedding March," Guilmant
Contemporary Processional choices could be:
The Theme from Chariots of Fire, Vangelis
" Hymne," Vangelis
" All I Ask of You," from Phantom of the Opera
" The Wedding Song (There is Love)," Stookey
" Here, There, and Everywhere," Lennon and McCartney
"A love until the end of time" Placido Domingo
I have even had a bride walk down the aisle to Meatloaf - and it was a beautiful moment - so the choice is yours.
Within the Ceremony, there are many opportunities for musical interludes.
This is the best time to keep musical choices subtle. A few good choices of music throughout the interlude are:
"The Wedding Song," Stookey
"Can't help falling in love" Elvis
"For you" John Denver
"I love you" Martina McBride
"My heart will go on" Celine Dion
"The man I love" Barbra Streisand
"You raise me up" Josh Groban
" Give Me Forever (I Do)," John Tesh
" From This Moment," Shania Twain/Bryan White
" One Hand, One Heart," from West Side Story
" Keeper of the Stars," Tracy Byrd
" You Light Up My Life," Leann Rimes
" Grow Old With Me," Lennon
" It's Your Love," Tim McGraw/Faith Hill
After the ceremony, the Recessional music starts.
Joy should illuminate everything, with the music showing that the couple are now husband and wife.
The crowd now knows that the celebration is about to begin!
Recessional choices are:
" Eine Klein Nachtmusik: Rondo Allegro," Mozart
" Trumpet Tune," Purcell
" Ode to Joy," Beethoven
" A Mid-Summer Night's Dream: Wedding March," Mendelssohn
" Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," Bach
" Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4," Elgar
" Rondo" (Masterpiece Theater Theme), Mouret
" Bridal March," Alfred Hollins
" When I'm 64," The Beatles
" From This Moment," Shania Twain/Bryan White
" Benedictus," Simon and Garfunkel
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