» State Wedding Guide » Pennsylvania Wedding Guide » Pennsylvania Wedding Music


TODAY'S SURVEY

RELATED ARTICLES

Pennsylvania Wedding Music

Rhythms and Melodies of Love in the Keystone State


You've decided to marry in the lovely state of Pennsylvania, chosen your venue, your decorations, your favors and your flowers...but something is still missing. What about your wedding music? There are plenty of outstanding musical options for a PA wedding, including the ceremony, reception and even slide shows and videos. Some couples have a song that they feel represents their courtship, engagement or relationship to the heart. If so, provide your DJ or band with a list or copy, as well as when you would like the song or songs played.

If you do not yet have a chosen music set, here are some tips to help start you off:

PA Ceremony Music

For their wedding ceremonies, most couples in PA choose elegant, romantic music that they feel truly moved by. Have you always imagined a string quartet, or the dulcet tones of a harp as your guests arrive? These are often classical pieces, such as "Air (On a G-string)" by Bach, "Canon in D" by Pachebel, or the traditional "Here Comes the Bride." When choosing your ceremony music, you'll likely want at least three or four songs:
  • The prelude, played while guests are entering.
  • The processional, played as you walk down the aisle.
  • The recessional, played as you exit down the aisle after pronouncement of marriage.
Some couples also opt to have music played during the exchange of vows or rings. You might also consider wedding music by Pennsylvania composers such as Samuel Barber, Stephen C. Foster, or Ethelbert W. Nevin.

Pennsylvania Polkas are Perfect for Receptions

This is where you can really cut loose and have some fun with your wedding music choices. And there is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- that says 'Pennsylvania' like polka! Brought to the region by the Pennsylvania-German/Deutsch population, popular wedding reception polka tunes include:
  • "The Chicken Dance" (and accompanying choreography)
  • "Pennsylvania Polka" (most popular versions sung by the Andrews Sisters & Frank Yankovic)
  • "Beer Barrel Polka"
  • "Just Because"
  • "Who Stole the Kiska"
Your wedding band or DJ will likely have these songs in their repertoire if they've been in business in PA for long, particularly around the Pittsburgh area of western Pennsylvania.

Other PA-related songs which might catch your fancy include:
  • "Pennsylvania 6-5000" by Glenn Miller, with a big-band feel.
  • "Philadelphia Morning" (from the movie Rocky)
  • "South Street (In Philadelphia)" by The Orions
These songs might be more appropriate to an eastern PA wedding, but are definitely not as much goofy fun as a good old-fashioned polka! Polkas have the added bonus of having corresponding dances, which your wedding dance instructor may be able to teach you for your special day.

Ultimately, your wedding music is all about your style and taste. Pennsylvania allows you the wonderful option of introducing some whimsical, hand-clapping local musical history to your wedding day joy.

Written by: Creighton Connor
Bookmark at: