|
Guidelines
for Ceremony Music |
If your
wedding will be held at a church or temple , have your selection
approved by the music director, minister, or rabbi. This will
insure that your choices are appropriate for a religious
ceremony.
The
prelude music functions as seating and background music for your
guests as they arrive and usually begins 15 to 30 minutes before
the start of the ceremony. You can set a certain tone by
your choice of music, or your may want to pick a variety
of styles. Some couples are comfortable leaving the
selections to the musicians. Others pick every piece and
the order in which they are to be played. Either way is
fine with us. If you pick specific pieces, choose ten to
twelve. Your favorites can be played right before the
ceremony starts so that more people will hear them. Be
sure to tell your guests to arrive early so they can enjoy the
special music.
The
mothers of the bride and groom are usually seated at the end of
the prelude music. You may request that they walk in to a
special selection. The grandparents and other family members may
also be included. We suggest you pick one piece for
everyone involved. The musicians will need a cue when this
music is to start.
The
processional is the official start of the wedding ceremony and
provides music for the entrance of the officiate, groom and
groomsmen, bridesmaids, ring bearers, and flower girls, and of
course, the bride. However, most often a different piece
is chosen for the bride to make her entrance special. One
selection for everyone (including the bride) is suggested if you
have a small wedding party, a short aisle, or a more casual
ceremony.
Music
during the ceremony is an option and can be placed between
readings, after the vows or exchange of rings, or during the
candle lighting. Selections can be lengthened or shortened
to fit. Music in some venues can be played quietly during
a reading or a prayer without being distracting.
The
recessional functions as exit music for the wedding party and
the families. Let us know what the very last words of the
officiate will be. Pick an additional two to three pieces
to be played while your guests are leaving.
These are
our helpful tips to make your wedding ceremony run as smoothly
as possible.
Jesu,
Joy of Man's Desiring 