Choosing The Right Ceremony Music!
What Do I Need Music For Anyway?
1. PRELUDE: This is while your guests are arriving and being seated. This set is usually about 15-30min. Keep it calm and relaxing - enjoyable background music for your guests.
2. PROCESSIONAL: This music is for the bridesmaids/groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girl AND of course…. THE BRIDE to walk up the aisle. Make sure it is a nice slow paced to walk to.
3. SIGNING: Signing of official documents (and could also could include a candle lighting / sand ceremony).
4. RECESSIONAL: You are married!!! This is music for your exciting walk back down the aisle as a married couple! This music is celebratory, faster paced and a bit more lively!
5. POSTLUDE: This music is while your guests exit the ceremony. Like the prelude, this music is enjoyable background music for your guests.
SET THE MOOD!
Your wedding day will be full of love and romance….
Choose music filled with these emotions, with all of those magical things you’ll be feeling as you walk down the aisle to your future husband or wife!
Choose music that matches the mood / theme / venue for your wedding
Will you choose specific songs that are special to you and your partner? OR Will you focus on a specific style of music that you both enjoy? Is there an instrument that you love? What will tug at your heart strings?
TRADITIONAL... OR NOT!
There is lots of beautiful ceremony music out there that is traditionally used for weddings. It has been used again and again for a reason!
BUT… Do not feel like you HAVE TO use this traditional music. There are also lots of music selections out there that are not traditional and would be perfect for a wedding ceremony
There are also traditional instruments; piano, organ, violin, or flute. BUT again don’t be afraid to select something out of the box like guitar, vocal, harp, live band or even a choir. Recorded music can be effective too!
WHATEVER MUSIC YOU CHOOSE, MAKE SURE IT IS…
Ambient & comfortable for your listeners
The right volume
Slow and calming (except the recessional which can be faster - you are now married!)
Appropriate - check lyrics and listen to the whole song. You do not want surprises!
ALSO check with your officiant as some religions/venues have specific guidelines you must follow.
Something that YOU & YOUR PARTNER will like to listen to on your special day!
POPULAR CHOICES FOR CEREMONY MUSIC…
TRADITIONAL 1. Canon in D - Pachelbel 2. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring - Bach 3. Arioso - Bach 4. Minuet - Bach 5. Simple Gifts - Brackett 6. Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke 7. Ave Maria - Schubert 8. Ode to Joy - Beethoven 9. Bridal Chorus - Wagner 10.Wedding March - Mendelssohn 11. Hornpipe (Water Music) - Handel 12. Trumpet Tune - Purcell
NON - TRADITIONAL 1. A Thousand Years - Christina Perry 2. All of Me - John Legend 3. Lucky - Jason Mraz 4. What a Wonderful World/Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole 5. Something - George Harrison 6. Safe and Sound - Hawksley Workman 7. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours -Stevie Wonder 8. Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis 9. I Do - Colbie Caillat 10. Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen