Selecting music to play during the key moments of your wedding ceremony is a great way to add your personal style. There are several key moments during your ceremony and the perfect wedding song can help add to the emotion of each. We are going to break down each part of the wedding ceremony to help you better know where, when, what type, and how much music is appropriate.
As Guests Are Seated
To set the mood, music should already be playing when the first guest arrives and as guests are seated. The music choice is entirely yours, but most couples prefer a romantic mood and select a style that suits them – smooth jazz, wispy piano notes, or chamber music provided by string or woodwind ensembles. Contemporary choices would include acoustic sets or familiar songs played by a trio or quartet.
While Parents Are Seated
Parents of the bride and groom are last to be seated by the ushers and, occasionally, the parents or bride and groom will request a special song. Keep it short, so your bridal party and guests aren’t kept waiting.
Bridal Party Processional
It’s customary for special music to be playing as bridal party couples approach the ceremony area, either as couples or singularly.
Popular music to play during the bridal party’s entrance includes the strings of Pachelbel’s Canon in D, “The Trumpet Voluntary,” a dramatic organ piece with Baroque flourishes, “Ode to Joy,” (from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony), and “Air,” an arrangement for trumpet and strings from Handel’s Water Music Suite.
As the music nears its final strains: The Maid Honor and Best Man are the last couple to enter. Followed by the Ring Bearer, Flower Girl, and finally, the Bride.
As the music nears its final strains: The Maid Honor and Best Man are the last couple to enter. Followed by the Ring Bearer, Flower Girl, and finally, the Bride.
Your music director or DJ can fade in and out of songs at the appropriate moments to allow for the amount of time needed based upon the size of your bridal party.
Bride’s Processional
Whether the bride enters the ceremony area alone or with an escort, a special song should lead her down the aisle. As most songs are much longer than the time needed to walk down the aisle, you can choose the moment in the song you would prefer. Your DJ can work with you to fit the length of the processional, which might be “Here Comes the Bride” or another ceremony song.
Special Ceremony Moments
Should you choose to include music during the special moments of your ceremony, it is important to remember that you will likely not hear the song in it’s entirety. As you choose background music, or select a meaningful excerpt from your song, make note of the points in the song you would like to hear.
You may consider using music during special moments such as candle lighting, ring exchange, communion, prayer or blessing.
Ceremony Recessional
Once the formality of the wedding ceremony is complete, your choice for recessional music is often more about personality. You can choose to keep a solemn and formal tone, or give your guests a preview of the party to follow at your wedding reception.
If your ceremony is elegant, appropriate choices might include the “Bridal Recessional” or “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.
Light-hearted music includes “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles or “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen.
Contemporary selections could include “Good Time” by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen, “Gangnam Style” by Psy or “Home” by Phillip Phillips. It’s not uncommon to play something heavier, too, so make this music yours.
Contact us at 248-689-0777 or email us to start planning your ceremony details.
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