Wedding ceremony songs perform several functions. One is to alert guests that the ceremony is about to begin; another is to set a mood (such as serious, sweet or religious); and the last is to reflect the personalities of the bride and groom.
Interlude and Prelude Songs
Before the ceremony begins, and during "in-between" times in the ceremony, you will want to have wedding music that is pleasant to your guests and set a mood. Here are some popular choices for wedding ceremony songs:
Ave Maria (Schubert or Gounod)
Sinfonia (Bach)
Spring (from The Four Seasons) (Vivaldi)
Let There Be Peace on Earth (various performances; instrumental)
The Marriage of Figaro (various performances; instrumental)
You can easily find and download clips of each of these pieces on the internet. If you are using the services of a wedding coordinator, he or she will probably have access to recordings of each of these popular wedding tunes, as well as a host of others to choose from.
The Processional
The processional is when the bride and wedding party walk down the aisle. This usually involves the traditional wedding ceremony song popularly known as "Here Comes the Bride," a piece by Betschart and Fuller. However, more and more couples are opting for a different piece to accompany the all-important walk to the altar. Some lovely wedding ceremonyl songs include:
Winter (The Four Seasons) (Vivaldi)
Arioso (Bach)
Prelude and Fuge in C (Bach)
Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Or even consider one of these "new classics" for wedding music.
Love Me Tender (originally performed by Elvis Presley; instrumental)
Forever in Love (originally performed by Kenny G)
Someone to Watch Over Me (Gershwin; instrumental)
The Recessional
At the close of the ceremony, choose a song that has an upbeat feel. You and your new spouse will be feeling overjoyed--and perhaps even relieved--that you have tied the knot without mishap and in a beautiful and meaningful way. Some old classics and new favorite wedding music includes:
The Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Chapel of Love (originally performed by The Moonlighters; instrumental)
Soloists
Consider asking a family member or friend with a gift for song to delight your guests with an interlude. This is flattering, and shows how much you care for and admire the person. It's best if you and your fiance pick the song yourselves. This way there are no surprises.
If the person is shy or refuses for any reason, don't push it. Some individuals who are happy to open up into song in the presence of family members, clam up before a crowd. You want all your guests to feel comfortable and moved during the ceremony--not pressured by the wedding music.
Another idea is to hire a soloist. A popular soloist song for a wedding ceremony is "Ave Maria", but there are thousands of beautiful pieces to choose from. Select a classical piece or jazz things up with something contemporary and meaningful to you and your spouse-to-be.
Rocking Down the Aisle
Many of the above suggestions are either classical, religious or "doo-wop"-type songs. However, you are free to choose any wedding ceremony songs that appeal to the two of you. If your personality goes toward the wild side, dare to be different--choose a fast-paced piece; some couples even opt for a heavy metal interlude while walking down the aisle. Take your time and choose wedding ceremony songs that will entertain your guests, and build memories for you and your spouse to share.
