Choosing
music for your ceremony
Ceremony
music is more than mere accompaniment to the proceedings of
a wedding - it's actually an important signifier to your guests
about the order of events:
Prelude
music (typically 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony) lets
guests know that the ceremony will begin soon and provides
an air of anticipation while they're seating themselves and
waiting.
Once
prelude music stops, a short pause of a minute or two is useful
to distinguish the processionals from the prelude.
We have an excellent selection of traditional Jewish songs
for processionals and recessionals, as well as plenty of music
suitable for Catholic ceremonies where music from operas or
musicals may be inappropriate.
About
processionals:
Generally medium-tempo pieces, processionals are often stately,
even triumphant in character. Beautiful flowing melodic pieces
can work very well, too. While Pachelbel's Canon in D is a
perennial favorite and absolutely perfect for a processional,
we have played everything from the gorgeous theme from Cinema
Paradiso to the Imperial March (Darth Vader theme) from Star
Wars (the bride and groom walked in together for that one
- they had a great sense of humor!).
An
important note to consider, especially when considering non-classical
pieces (i.e. popular songs) for the processionals, is that
the processional is basically an introduction to the ceremony,
which will likely be the most formal part of your entire wedding.
Given that, we've found that instrumental music tends to make
the most sense here.
About
interludes:
A musical interlude during the ceremony can serve as a meditation
or to underscore a candlelighting or other event. Our repertoire
contains a good selection of beautiful pieces appropriate
for this moment. Often this is a place for a meaningful song,
and we are happy to work with your musical friends or family
members who intend to perform - we can provide convenient
accompaniment on any popular or traditional song.
About
recessionals:
This is a place for joyous music! Vivaldi's "Spring"
and Handel's "Alla Hornpipe" are classic. It doesn't
have to be classical, though! Many couples use a fun popular
song such as "All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles,
or a classy swing tune like "It Had To Be You."
Check out our wedding music blog for more ideas! Click
HERE.
After
the first recessional, we will continue playing upbeat music
of similar style until the guests have all exited the ceremony
site. Since the cocktail hour/reception is usually in another
location, we expect to relocate.
About special requests:
First, please see our extensive repertoire lists - years of
wedding and event music experience have gone into the development
of our repertoire. If you still want us to play something
that's not already in our repertoire, chances are we can do
it, but in many cases we will have to make a special arrangement.
Need
some more ideas?
Click here to go to our wedding music blog, where
you can read our thoughts, post questions and comments, and
see what we've been playing at local weddings!
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Air
on the G String Bach