Choosing Your Wedding Music / Part I: The Ceremony
When it comes to the ceremony, brides often focus on the lighting, centerpieces, and the rest of the decor to create the ambiance and overall environment & mood for their big day. But they often overlook one very important aspect: the music! It may seem daunting (What songs are the most popular? How many songs do I need? What do other brides do, anyways?), but luckily, it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of planning the ceremony! One bride to be, Sarah, has some great advice when it comes to choosing wedding music for the ceremony:
Your wedding is the one day of life that has a soundtrack. The right music at your ceremony can cause tears — or add to the excitement and happiness of the day. Your ceremony music should make you feel like a bride and groom – and it should reflect your love!
Ceremony music tends to be traditional, although many couples are choosing modern alternatives. Depending on the formality of your ceremony, most couples use instrumental music. If you’re getting married in a church, be sure to ask if there are music restrictions. For the ceremony, you also need to decide if you want live or canned music. If you’re getting married in a church, it’s likely they have a pianist or organist who can be hired for your day — or you could hire a string quartet or group. Most churches have sound equipment that you are free to use.
If you’re getting married outside, consider hiring a string musician, but be sure to ask about their weather policies. String instruments are expensive and delicate, so many musicians won’t play in extreme cold, heat, or if it’s damp outside. Some DJs offer ceremony services, which is another good option for an outdoor wedding. Choose a DJ who will be able to provide speakers, mics, and audio equipment for your outside wedding. Also be sure to inquire if they require you to provide/rent a small tent for them to set up their equipment underneath.
Guest Arrival Music — This is the music that plays as your guests arrive at the ceremony and are seated by the ushers. Soft violin, string, or piano music is good because guests will most likely be chatting amongst themselves while they wait for the wedding to start.
Mother’s Processional — Why not let your moms choose what they walk down the aisle to? Remember, your mom has probably dreamed about this moment as much as you have! Classic choices include Ave Maria by Bach, Spring from 4 Seasons by Vivaldi, and Trumpet Voluntary by Purcell.
Wedding Party Processional — The groomsmen and bridesmaids will walk down the aisle to this song, so pick a beautiful song that makes these most important people in your life feel special. Check out an awesome group called Vitamin String Quartet — a string group that writes instrumental tribute covers of popular rock and pop songs.
Bride’s Processional — Ladies, this is THE moment, so pick a song that you love and makes you feel like a bride! Popular choices are Canon in D by Pachabel and Here Comes the Bride by Wagner.
Other Ceremony Music — Is there singing or special music during your ceremony? Or do you need music while you light a unity candle or have communion? Keep music during these special moments in line with how traditional or religious your ceremony is.
Recessional — The recessional is a time to celebrate! You’re officially a married couple and you want a song that reflects this happiest moment as you walk back down the aisle through your family and friends. A classic choice is The Wedding March by Mendelssohn, but many couples are choosing to use a contemporary song that expresses their joy and excitement. This choice totally depends on the tone and theme of your wedding.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pick out your ceremony music! It’s one wedding task you get tackle from the comfort of your living room!
Sarah Beckman is a bride-to-be who is getting married October 1, 2011. When she’s not busy wedding planning, she’s busy working at Reading Glasses Shopper, where she writes about glasses style and eye health.