Blog

Choosing The Right Ceremony // May, 2019

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CEREMONY MUSIC

www.gtaweddingduo.com

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 heartstrings?

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!

What do I need Music for anyway?

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • SIGNING: Signing of official documents (and could also could include a candle lighting / sand ceremony).
  • 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!
  • POSTLUDE: This music is while your guests exit the ceremony. Like the prelude, this music is enjoyable background music for your guests.

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

www.gtaweddingduo.com