HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CEREMONY MUSIC
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
- Canon in D - Pachelbel
- Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring - Bach
- Arioso - Bach
- Minuet - Bach
- Simple Gifts - Brackett
- Trumpet Voluntary - Clarke
- Ave Maria - Schubert
- Ode to Joy - Beethoven
- Bridal Chorus - Wagner
- Wedding March - Mendelssohn
- Hornpipe (Water Music) - Handel
- Trumpet Tune - Purcell
NON - TRADITIONAL
- A Thousand Years - Christina Perry
- All of Me - John Legend
- Lucky - Jason Mraz
- What a Wonderful World/Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole
- Something - George Harrison
- Safe and Sound - Hawksley Workman
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours -Stevie Wonder
- Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis
- I Do - Colbie Caillat
- Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen