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Think of a wedding... imagine it without any sound save for the noise of people talking. Dull! Colourless!
Music at your wedding will affect the mood of your guests. It creates an atmosphere which is so important at your party of a lifetime. Take time to plan what music will be played throughout the occasion.
Ideally the music you choose should create a solemn but joyful ambience during the ceremony, culminating in a triumphal procession from the church.
During the reception the music should be pleasantly playing in the background during dinner then, when it's time to dance, the music comes to the foreground, creating an atmosphere full of celebration, happiness and laughter.
music for the church
There's nothing quite like the opening chords of the 'Wedding March' to stir your soul and maybe even bring a few tears of joy to your eyes. But the music for your ceremony doesn't begin and end there.
If you're having a traditional church wedding the music starts before the ceremony with an introductory medley, then there's the processional as the bride walks down the aisle, music during the ceremony while the register is being signed and for hymns, then the recessional.
Firstly, ask the clergy for his/her suggestions. There may be previous Order of Service sheets to show you for ideas.
Secondly, set up an appointment to see the musician, who will be able to make recommendations as to what music suits the type of ceremony and the acoustics of the church. If you can, it is a good idea to meet at the church so you can hear the alternatives being played and then you can make your decision.
You may choose from an organist, a choir, a soloist, trumpeters or string instrument players. If the congregation will be singing hymns, make sure you choose well known ones. Have the words printed on your Order of Service or make sure hymn books are available.
If you marry in a church with old-fashioned bells (not many Australian churches have them), then let the bells ring as you come out of the church.
traditional church music
Processional:
Wagner - 'The Bridal March' from Lohengrin ('Here Comes The Bride')
Beethoven - 'Song of Joy' from Symphony No. 9
Handel - 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' March from Scipio
Mendelssohn - 'Wedding March' from A Midsummer Night's Dream
Parry - 'Bridal March'
Verdi - 'Grand March' from Aida
Signing The Register:
You can have the organist play a selection of pieces or have a soloist or choir singing.
Recessional:
Clarke - 'Trumpet Voluntary'
Handel - 'Music for the Royal Fireworks'
Mendelssohn - 'Wedding March' from A Midsummer Night's Dream or 'Sonata in A Major'
Purcell - 'Trumpet Overture' from The Indian Queen or 'Alleluia'
Verdi - 'Grand March' from Aida
music for the non-church ceremony
Depending on the venue, you may decide to have taped background music throughout the service. Alternatively, you could hire a singer, guitarist, string quartet, or piano player. Whatever you decide, make sure you have a practice session.
music & entertainment for the reception
Generally it is expected that the type of music chosen for the wedding will be in keeping with the degree of formality. Choices include hiring a mobile disco, a string quartet, a small jazz band, a pianist, a guitarist, a rock band or even a chamber orchestra. Singers could also be hired for the night.
bands, orchestras & singers
If you want popular musicians or singers you'll have to book well in advance, particularly for a Saturday night.
Make sure that the music you choose will suit all the age groups at your wedding - very loud rock music won't be appreciated by the grannies! Try to find a band with a flexible style who can play to suit a wide variety of tastes.
Discuss the style of dress they will be wearing and clarify the amount of time they will actually spend performing. You can have taped music ready to play during their breaks. Bands, orchestras and singers are great entertainment, not only because of the way they sound - they're also lots of fun to watch.
Don't forget to get a written contract.
mobile discos
Mobile discos can play a wide variety of music suitable for all ages. You can select the music yourself and if the disc jockey doesn't have a particular song available, you can always supply it from your own collection. Again, confirm all details in writing.
the master of ceremonies
A good Master of Ceremonies (M.C.) can make your reception run smoothly and liven up the proceedings with wit and humour. If you don't have a friend or family member who can competently take on the role it's a wonderful idea to invest in a professional M.C. A professional M.C. will often know the other professionals working at the reception and so find it easy to set the right atmosphere. He/she can advise you on many aspects of the reception and help co-ordinate the timing so everything flows smoothly and on time without any fuss. (See the Receptions chapter for more information on the M.C.'s role and wedding speeches).
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