“Within the past couple of years we have also seen an increase in some not so traditional types of ceremony musicians…”

Ceremony music comprises a big part of a bride and groom’s special day. From soft background music to commanding wedding marches and more, music sets the tone of the day. Great ceremony music will welcome guests, showcase the bride, celebrate love and usher in the beginning of the bride and groom’s life together….and be music to everyone’s ears.

A compilation of different instruments and varying music selections, the ideal wedding atmosphere can be created. Ceremony music is strategic and must set the tone for the various elements of the wedding ceremony. Talented musicians use many different instruments to create wedding magic with elegant processionals, regal marches and joyous recessionals.

Industry professionals note brides and grooms have a few ceremony music options. Basically there are two ways to go. A disc jockey playing music or live entertainment like a solo performer such as a guitarist or a harpist, keyboardist, flutist, brass ensemble or a string quartet.

These musical options are up to you. Ultimately you and your entertainment provider should be fully in tune with the wants and needs of you and your family.

Experts agree that the right musicians and the right music set the mood for the ceremony. They say it can be fun to experiment when pairing different types of musicians with the ceremony site.  For example, strings are nice for a more formal garden wedding, and a guitarist may be considered a little less traditional and is great for a beachfront wedding.

Among the most popular options for a live ceremony include harpists, string trios and guitarists.   But a new trend is emerging too. Within the past couple of years there’s been an increase in some not so traditional types of ceremony musicians such as steel drummers and mariachis playing the wedding march -  a trend that’s more laid back, really cool and different

One consideration for couples is how well the music will work with the venue. Soft music can get lost in a large location such as a park. For an outdoor venue, a fuller instrument or a variety of instruments just can’t be beat.

While pre-recorded music is an option for some couples, live music tends to have a different impact since it can be tailored to fit the size of the venue, the mood of the crowd and the pacing of the ceremony. Live music, rather than pre-recorded, creates a more distinctive ambiance for both the bride and groom and for family and guests. Remember there’s always the option of having it all…why not hop on the latest bandwagon in musical trends and hire both a band and a DJ?

Most couples have a musical consultation with their music director or DJ before the big day to discuss selections for the different parts of the ceremony. Some couples already know the musical pieces they want to hear at their ceremony. Other brides and grooms either don’t know what selections they want or they’re open to the suggestions of the music professionals, who are very familiar with ceremony music selections.

In addition brides should consult with their clergy person or wedding officiant to find out what ceremony music is appropriate and which is off limits. In some civil ceremonies, anything goes, but for religious ones, music can be a sensitive subject especially when secular music is not welcome. For example, Episcopal and Catholic faiths tend to be quite strict. “Certainly if a bride chooses a piece that’s inappropriate, a priest or clergy could inform you right away.

With so many classic and modern selections to choose from, many couples have a lot of choosing to do. All of your favorite pieces can’t be played at the ceremony. So, it’s important to remember that when it comes to putting it together, it’s almost always that you’ll like more music than can fit in the liturgy.

So what categories of music comprise the ceremony?

Prelude—The prelude is the first part of the ceremony. It starts about 30 minutes before the ceremony and features soft, background music. Generally, the prelude is the time during which guests are seated. Popular selections include: Handel’s “Air from Water Music,” Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” and Mozart’s “Adagio.”

Processional—The processional follows the prelude and it is the time that the bridesmaids, flower girls and other members of the wedding party make their way down the aisle. During this time, one to two pieces are usually played to give everyone in the wedding enough time to proceed down the aisle and get in place for the ceremony. Music during the processional tends to complement the overall musical style. Popular processional selections include Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” Handel’s “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” and Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary.”

Bride’s entrance—Following the processional, there is usually a moment of silence to signify that the bride is about to make her entrance. Music played during the bride’s entrance is always attention grabbing so that all eyes are on the bride. Purcell’s “Trumpet Tune,” Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” and Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” are bridal favorites for the entrance music.

The Ceremony—During the ceremony, music is used to mark certain elements such as the lighting of the unity candle. Religious pieces are most appropriate during the ceremony. For example, “Ave Maria” is a suitable choice for Christian ceremonies.

Recessional—Music is usually very upbeat during the recessional since it signifies the end of the ceremony and the start of a joyous life together. Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” is a classic selection for the recessional as is Handel’s “La Rejouissance.”

Postlude—Lively music is played as the bride and groom greet guests in their receiving line. Selections include Handel’s “Suite in F Major” and Mouret’s “Rondeau.”

Whether you choose a soloist, a jazz ensemble, a guitarist or another music professional to perform at your ceremony, one constant remains—the realization that music is integral to setting the tone of the wedding. Music can be romantic, classic or elegant but overall it must be instrumental in suiting the tastes of the bride and groom.