(image courtesy of stylemepretty)
Choosing the music for your wedding ceremony is not always the easiest part of the wedding planning process. However, it is an extremely memorable aspect of your special day; from the songs you sing along to as you're getting ready to the ballad playing as you walk down the aisle, music has the power to set the mood and heighten emotions.
Whether you have childhood favorites or love the melodies played at your friends' weddings, keep your ears perked for inspiration. Do you and your fiance have a special song? Think about your passions, the atmosphere you want to create, and work from there. Do you want a string quartet? The church's organist? Some brides even opt for pre-recorded songs played over an event space stereo system, if live music isn't an option.
Weddings are generally divided into five parts: the prelude, processional, the actual ceremony, recessional, and postlude. The prelude is the mood-setter, usually playing for thirty to forty-five minutes as all your guests are seated. The wedding party processional can be one song with a pause, indicating when the bride makes her ascent, but is often split into two different pieces. For the processional, you'll need to take into consideration the site of your ceremony and the size of your wedding party; longer churches or ballrooms with larger parties will take up more time. The most common processional song is Wagner's "Wedding March" from Lohengrin (AKA "Here Comes the Bride"), but feel free to divert from the typical if something else speaks to you.
The ceremony may incorporate music during unity candle lightings or vocal performances. Once you've been pronounced husband and wife, you'll walk back up the aisle, followed by your wedding party. Recessional music should be light and joyful, reflecting the celebration of the event. The postlude continues the mood and prepares for the reception.
Make sure to clear with your officiant if you want to play secular music in a church or synagogue, as some may have restrictions against it.
(Image courtesy of 100 Layer Cake)
To sample some traditional songs, visit the following websites for 30-45 second clips:
http://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding_ceremony_music.html
https://www.wedalert.com/songs/ceremony/index.asp
Happy Planning!
~ Kelly
A Delightful Day









