CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY MUSIC

Music is an integral part of the perfect wedding ceremony and selecting the songs and instrumentation for your ceremony can be a challenging and sometimes daunting task.The music that you choose for your walk down the aisle should be a calming selection that reflects your own unique style and taste while casting the right mood for your ceremony.

If you are going traditional, then the Bridal Chorus from Richard Wagner's Lohengrin would be your first choice for your entrance, and Mendolssohn's Wedding March for your departure down the aisle as husband and wife. There are many versions of these ceremony standards... from light piano or classical guitar, to strings, to full on orchestral versions that provide a more formal, cathedral type feel.

I have selected a variety of popular wedding songs to assist you in creating a personalized ceremony soundtrack for your special day. Remember, your music does not have to be traditional, so be creative... and most of all... have fun!

THE TRADITIONAL SEQUENCE FOR THE CEREMONY MUSIC IS AS FOLLOWS...

• Prelude Music
  • Begins thirty minutes before the processional, before the bride arrives for the ceremony. This allows the guests to be seated, and it gives them a chance to relax and reflect. The prelude music sets the mood for the ceremony so many couples choose to play soothing, peaceful selections that set a romantic and elegant tone.
• Processional
  • Begins immediately after the mother of the bride is seated. The processional music is played while first the wedding party and then the bride walk down the aisle. Usually, one song is played as the attendants walk, and then transitions into a different song just before the Bride and her father begin their walk down the aisle.
• Soloist/Choir/Musicians (if used)
• Vocalists and/or instrumentalists may perform at various points in the ceremony. Work with your officiant about where such interludes are to be incorporated.
• Recessional
  • Begins immediately after the bride and groom have been announced as husband and wife. The recessional continues as the entire wedding party exits. This music should be very joyous and upbeat.
• Postlude
• Begins immediately after the recessional and should continue until your guests have left the ceremony site. You should plan about 10 to 20 minutes worth of lively music to keep your guests moving on out and on to the reception in a celebratory mood.

NOTE: Some places of worship will not allow your ceremony to incorporate "secular" musical pieces (i.e. music that is not religious in nature.) Consult the officiant and/or the music director at your ceremony location to determine if there are any restrictions of this kind.

Stephanie & Matthew 12.15.07

PROCESSIONAL MUSIC

• Allegro Maestoso (from Water Music) – Handel
• All I Ask (from "Phantom of the Opera") – Michael Crawford
• Amazed – Lonestar
• Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel
• Ave Maria - Schubert
• Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride) – Wagner
• Brandenburg Concerto #3 – JS Bach
• Canon in D – Pachelbel
• Flower Duet from Lakme - Jahna
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - JS Bach
• Joy – George Winston
• Largo – Vivaldi
• The Four Seasons – Handel
• The Prayer – Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli
• The Wedding Song – O'Neill Brothers
• Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark March) – Clarke
• What A Wonderful World – David Weiss & Bob Thiele
• White Sandy Beach of Hawaii – Israel Kamakawiwo'ole