To help you get an idea of the kind of
wedding
music to choose for your ceremony, below is a breakdown of the components of a traditional wedding ceremony/service, with musical selections and
wedding planning suggestions for each section.
1. Prelude
The musician usually plays a half hour prelude while people are gathering for the ceremony. This is usually classical music. The music should create a reverent mood to prepare for this sacred time. Some popular prelude selections include:
"Prelude in C" (J.S. Bach)
"Ave Maria" (F. Schubert)
"Clair de Lune" (C. Debussy)
"Gymnopedie" (A.E.L. Satie)
"La primavera" and "L'inverno" from the Four Seasons (A.Vivaldi).
2. Seating of Family
The ceremony actually begins with the seating of special guests, such as grandparents or special friends, followed by the seating of the mothers. A few good
wedding
music selections for this moment are:
"Arioso" (J.S. Bach)
"Allegro Maestoso" from Water Music (G.F. Handel)
"Meditation from Tais" (J. Massenet)
3. Processional
Now you are ready for the processional of the attendants. Just as that music begins, the pastor and the groom usually proceed to the front. Some music for the entrance of bridesmaids and groomsmen could include:
"Trumpet Voluntary" (J. Clark)
"Trumpet Tune" (H. Purcell)
"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (J.S. Bach)
"March" from Occasional Oratorio (G.F. Handel)
4. Bride’s Entrance
And now for the grand entrance! Some standard
wedding
music selections for the bride’s entrance include:
"Canon in D" (J. Pachelbel)
"The Bridal Chorus" from Lohengrin (R. Wagner)
"Allegro Maestoso" from Water Music (G.F. Handel)
"Rondeau" (J.J. Mouret)
5. Special/Interim Music
During the ceremony there are a couple of good places for special music (background music during the lighting of the unity candle, a sacred solo after the prayer, etc.). Two great pieces for this time are "The Lord's Prayer" by A. Malotte, or "The Prayer" as sung by Celine Dion and Andre Bocelli. "O Perfect Love" by J. Barnby is another good choice. (Stick to two arrangements here, otherwise the ceremony could run long.)
6. Recession (postlude)
Now it’s time to run down the aisle in total joy and exuberance! Some arrangements for the end of service include:
"The Wedding March" from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (F. Mendelssohn)
"Ode to Joy" (L. Beethoven)
"Hornpipe" (G.F. Handel)
Finding the right
wedding
music doesn’t have to be a daunting task, nor should you relegate your search to one genre or musical style. Choose music that best reflects the tone and feel of your day, compliments your personality, and provides seamless transitions into each segment of the service.
Marilyn Wienand is a classically trained harpist and composer located in Cary, N.C. To learn more about her love for weddings and harp music, visit her Web site at www.deerhollow.com.