ESPECIALLY FOR WEDDINGS:
CEREMONY MUSIC
The music you choose for your ceremony sets the mood for your guests and for yourself. Choosing the right piece of music to walk down the aisle to can really make a difference in your wedding day;
Some women want something quiet and contemplative, others want something grandiose and joyful, and others choose a piece that has special meaning to them to accompany them to the one of the biggest moments of their life. Whatever your style is, the music of your ceremony has the ability to create the atmosphere you want and is the perfect way to make the ceremony truly personal.
Following the descriptions below are a few "sample" ceremony music outlines to help you get an idea of the standard ceremony music and
where it goes in the service. These are nothing set in stone: just a place to get started if you're feeling overwhelmed! I have been providing music for weddings for a long time, and am always available
to consult with you to find the perfect music for your wedding.
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CHOOSING CEREMONY MUSIC
Prelude: This is music that is being played while the guests are being seated, usually 15-20 minutes before the ceremony begins. Unless there is something specific you want, most musicians are comfortable playing appropriately peaceful music during this time.
Mother's Seating: Some people prefer to honor the mothers by having a separate selection at this point. Something tranquil and/or meaningful to the mothers is usually appropriate.
Grooms' Entrance: Some couples choose to punctuate the order of service by having a new piece of music here: something either peaceful
or slightly more upbeat than the prelude is appropriate.
Processional: This is where the bridesmaids, flower girls and ring-bearers enter the ceremony area. Often, people choose something that has a good, steady, walking tempo and/or a "serene" feel.
Bride's Entrance: This music can be as unique as you want, and varies in character from the very tranquil to the very joyful. A good question to ask yourself is, "What do I want to hear as I'm walking
down the aisle?" If you've always dreamed of "Here Comes the Bride," then your choice is made. There are many other possibilities if you want something stately and grand but don't want "Here Comes the
Bride."
Music During the Ceremony: Every ceremony is different. Some ceremonies have no music in the middle. Some have a unity candle piece, or a piece to present flowers to parents with, or just a simple
solo for your guests enjoyment. There are some examples of typical pieces on the next page.
Recessional: Music for the Recessional (when the bride, groom, and all attendants leave) is usually very upbeat. The most traditional piece for this part is "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn, but the
possibilities are endless.
SAMPLE CEREMONY OUTLINES
Sample Ceremony #1
Prelude
Seating of Mothers: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
Groom's Entrance: Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Processional : Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Bride's Entrance: Here Comes the Bride (Wagner)
Lighting of Unity Candle: Arioso (Bach)
Recessional: Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Sample Ceremony #2
Prelude
Seating of Mothers: Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach)
Groom's Entrance: Air (Handel)
Processional: Winter- Largo (Vivaldi)
Bride's Entrance: Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke)
Lighting of Unity Candle: Ave Maria (Schubert)
Presentation of Flowers to Parents: Arioso (Bach)
Recessional: Trumpet Tune (Purcell)
Sample Ceremony #3
Prelude
Processional: Amazing Grace (traditional)
Bride's Entrance: Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Incidental/Communion Music: The Lord's Prayer (Malotte)
Recessional: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Zundel)
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