Music most definitely adds to the atmosphere of the wedding ceremony. It is a way to really personalise the occasion and these days you can choose virtually anything which means something to you as a couple. Live music can include a singer or instrumentalist, string quartet, jazz trio or choir. If your budget or taste does not run to live music, the sky is the limit with the music you can use. Just make sure that you have purchased the music you want to play so that you are not infringing copyright. For the ceremony, music is often used in four parts:
- Background as the guests assemble
- Entry of the bride (Processional)
- Signing of the marriage documents
- Conclusion as the bride and groom exit, walk down the aisle, or take hugs and kisses from friends and family.
It is a good idea to test run the pieces of music you want to use. Ask yourself, “Can I walk to it?”, “Does it fit with the theme of our wedding or the mood we want to create?”, “Are there points in the music we can use for entry markers?”, “Is it sad or happy?” Make sure the person who has been chosen to operate the music system has had a practice too.
Below are a just a few suggestions:
- Background as the guests assemble: Classical: ‘The Swan’ from ‘Carnival of the Animals’ by Saint-Saens, Minuet by Boccherini, one of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Contemporary: ‘All For Love’ Bryan Adams, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
- Entry of the Bride: Classical: ‘Canon’ by Pachelbel, Jeremiah Clarke ‘Trumpet Voluntary’, ‘Largo’ by Handel. Contemporary: ‘Non, Je Ne Regret Riens’ Edith Piaf, ‘A River Flows in You’ Yiruma
- Signing of Marriage Documents: Classical: Elgar ‘Chanson de Matin’, Mozart Clarinet Concerto, Adagio. Contemporary: ‘Like a Bird Without Wings’ Celtic Thunder, ‘All of Me’ John Legend.
- Conclusion: Classical: Handel ‘Arrival of the Queen of Sheba’, Mendelssohn Wedding March from ‘A Midsummernight’s Dream’, Vivaldi ‘Gloria in Excelsis’ Deo. Contemporary: Nina Simone ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’, K-Ci and Jo Jo ‘All My Life’, ‘A Couple of Forevers’ Chrisette Michelle
Even the simplest of ceremonies will be enhanced by a little music, so take advantage of U tube to see and hear what you would like for you special day.
