Choosing Your Ceremony Music

Here's what you need to know about choosing the perfect ceremony music for your wedding. (expert advice)

The music you choose for your wedding ceremony should be very special. Many couples choose songs that have a special meaning to them or music which sets the mood for the beautiful ceremony that is about to take place. Although there is no set rule when it comes to the music, the songs are generally played at specific times.

The prelude is played while guests are being seated and individuals are settling in for the ceremony. During religious weddings, the prelude may change during the lighting of the candles or other religious rituals.
The processional is played while the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.) are entering the room.
The bridal processional is played as the bride enters the room and walks down the aisle.
The recessional is played after the actual marriage and as the bride, groom and wedding party exit the room.

A Note about Choosing Ceremony Music for Religious Ceremonies

If your wedding will take place in a church or other sacred location, it’s important to check with the site’s authority to find out what music will be acceptable. Typically, the traditional wedding music, such as the Bridal Chorus from Wagner is perfectly acceptable for religious weddings. More modern music may be acceptable as well, so long as it’s in good taste.

Prelude

For the prelude, you should choose music that means something to you and your spouse. This may be a song that holds special meaning for the two of you, such as the first song you danced to or a song that you feel describes your relationship. This music should be played soft and usually lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Processional

As your wedding party makes their way into the room, traditional marches are great. However, you can choose to play any type of song you want. If you will be having a themed wedding, consider music that complements your particular theme.

Bridal Processional

Again, this is your choice – however, many brides opt for the traditional bridal chorus which is also known as ‘Here comes the bride.’

Recessional

As you and your wedding party make your way from the church or room after the marriage is completed, you may want to play something celebratory in nature and upbeat. Consider songs that make you feel wonderful fit the mood – you will be married for mere minutes at this time. It’s the very beginning of your married life!

It can be difficult to determine which songs to choose for your ceremony. However, by thinking of songs that have special meaning or inspire feelings of love and happiness – you will have your ceremony song list in no time!

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james2113

12/05/2012 at 09:11 am

This is a good article because I have been struggling with this lately.

3 2 0

mallorycurtis

12/05/2012 at 06:46 am

Fellow outdoor brides - is anyone NOT having a musician for their ceremony? I don't know if I can afford one, and need some help with other options!

7 0 1

ashledif

08/29/2010 at 12:03 pm

My brother is actually writing and performing the processional music for my wedding! I am really excited about it!

5 2 1

Eloquence

06/29/2009 at 11:34 pm

The traditional string quartet is a popular choice for ceremony music. It consists of two violins, a viola and a cello. For smaller weddings, or smaller budgets a trio can also be a good choice. The Eloquence Trio has a growing collection of specially crafted trio arrangements that include styles ranging from arrangements of U2 and Coldplay songs to Tangos, Beatles hits, and standards from the American Song book.

Be sure to listen to audio samples and read reviews of the quartet you select. A good quartet will often be booked as much as a year in advance. It is advisable to book early, around 6 months before the date.

Can I have a special piece arranged and how much notice do I need to give
Although the Eloquence String Quartet and Trio has probably one of the largest repertoire of any string quartet in the North Bay Area, there are times when a client wants a piece especially prepared because it is meaningful to them and will make their occasion memorable. To create a quartet arrangement of an average 4 minute pop song takes approximately 6 to 8 hours of work, depending on the complexity. Although we could simply buy the piano / vocal score and tweak it for strings in about an hour, the results would usually be dull and oversimplified. To really bring a song alive, we arrange by listening directly to the track. It's a painstaking and highly detailed task, but the only way to truly capture the spirit and vitality of the original. If you would like a special arrangement written uniquely for a special moment in your event we do ask for 2 months notice.

Don't string quartets usually just play classical music?
We have found a real shortage of modern popular music available for string quartet not much for trio and absolutely nothing for string duo. Often collections consist of 1930s Broadway pieces, or a few pop songs lacking in detail. We have discovered that many people nowadays are looking for a variety of different styles of music. As a result we are constantly arranging new music and our repertoire is expanding all the time. Our unique library of hand crafted arrangements is only available from Eloquence String Quartet and we are able to offer a huge variety of musical styles. We are happy to select a program of music so there is something for everyone, so if you like folk, jazz, tangos, waltzes, rags,rock,traditional Jewish wedding music, Irish jigs,classical or baroque we will happily play it for you.

Are you able to accompany a a vocalist
Yes, we are more than happy to arrange an accompaniement for your vocalist. We woule need to meet with the vocalist a half hour before the prelude music begins to have a short rehearsal on the day of the ceremony.

I want classical music but don't know where to start, can you give me any advice over which pieces would work well?
Yes, once your booking is confirmed we will spend as much time as you need to help you choose your music. As musicians we have an encyclopaedic knowledge about different pieces of music and how suitable they'll be, do feel free to pick our brains, we're very happy to make suggestions.

How do I make a booking?
To book musicians, we ask for a signed booking form and a deposit of 50% to reserve the date. Once we have received this, the date will be reserved for you and we can start thinking about your musical program whenever you are ready. From day one, clients always deal directly with the musicians who will be playing for them on the day so that we can understand your needs and work closely to achieve exactly what you are looking for.

Are you happy to play outside?
As we all have valuable instruments so we are understandably not keen to get them wet, or exposed to hot sunshine. In California Wine Country nealy all of our weddings are outside. We just ask that you arrange a shaded level area for the musicians to perform in. On the day of the event, we normally arrive at least half an hour early to find the best place to position ourselves acoustically and in terms of shelter.

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