Choosing
music for your ceremony
Since
most brides and grooms don't get married every day, we've
created a handy guide to choosing ceremony music.
download as:
PDF
file • RTF
file • read
it on our blog
Be
sure to read the guide before launching into the process of
choosing your music. That said, here's a brief summary:
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. We generally choose this music
ourselves, but you are welcome to specify a few favorites.
We'll need a clear cue for the start
of the processionals. The best way to cue us is to have your
officiant take his/her place for the ceremony once everyone's
lined up and ready to go.
The ceremony itself begins with the
processionals, and has several parts that you’ll need
to choose music for. These parts are:
•
Seating of parents and procession of attendants (one or more
pieces depending on the number of participants)
• Entrance of the bride (usually a separate piece, but
can be included in the entire processional if you desire)
• Interlude music where applicable - usually for unity
candle, rememberance, communion, or similar event.
• Recessional/exit music
We
recommend using a traditional piece (or at least something
widely recognizable) for the first processional, if not all
the processionals.
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 joyful, upbeat 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."
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.
Need
some more ideas?
Here you can
see a few actual ceremony music programs from recent weddings.
And as always, we're available to chat at 503-317-5825.
Not a big talker? Email is fine too: susan@collagetrio.com |
Air
on the G String Bach