Wedding March Listen
Wedding March Listen
Wedding Ceremony Music: What, When and Where
Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming experience. Very overwhelming. For many couples, this is the first time they have ever planned an event; let alone one of this size and significance.
Venue selection, band hire, dress style, catering…it’s all up to the pair of you.
So when it comes to organizing the music for the day, will you know where to start?
Your choice of music will set the atmosphere for the day; it can be used to highlight certain key moments, to structure the day, to evoke emotion, to express how you feel. It is a crucial aspect of the occasion! Therefore, to get the most out of your day, it’s important that when it comes to planning the music you know exactly what you are doing.
So, we’ve put together a ‘cheat sheet’ you can use for getting an idea of when you will want music, as well as what you will want from it:
Part 1 – Ceremony
Pre-ceremony – As your guests arrive before the ceremony commences, it’s a great idea to have non-intrusive music playing in the background. An atmosphere of romance and sophistication is created, and guests can relax and enjoy the music as they wait for the formalities to begin. Eg. Mozart Divertimento’s, Bach, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis
Processional – Your bridal entrance. You want this moment to be graceful, romantic and exuding elegance. Music will play an important role in achieving this affect – it’s the soundtrack everyone will hear as you approach your husband-to-be. Find something you love; think majestic and elegant, with soaring melodies and beautiful harmonies. However, remember to keep tempo in mind; you don’t want to be running up that aisle! Eg. Pachelbel’s Canon, Bach Double Violin Concerto-Second Mvt., ‘Better Together’ – Jack Johnson, ‘At Last’ – Etta James
Signing of the Register – As the pair of you are occupied signing the register together as a newly-weds, music can briefly become the focus. Expressive songs that are recognizable and easy to listen to, can be performed to emphasize the romantic setting, whilst allowing your family and friends the opportunity to enjoy your musical selections. Eg. ‘Air on G’ – Bach, ‘Ave Maria’ – Schubert, ‘What A Wonderful World’ – Louis Armstrong, ‘Flower Duet’ – Delibes, ‘God Only Know’ – The Beach Boys
Recessional – You and your partner are officially announced as husband and wife, and will walk out to meet your guests as a married couple. To enhance the moment, your music should be joyous, uplifting and celebratory – the formalities are over and now you can both relax and enjoy yourselves! Eg. ‘All You Need Is Love’ – The Beatles, ‘Wedding March’ – Mendelssohn, ‘Love Generation’ – Bob Sinclair
About the Author
Funkified Entertainment specialises in providing live music for wedding, corporate and event entertainment. http://www.funkified.com.au
What ceremony songs sound good with just a piano/keyboard?
I’ve been listening to different wedding ceremony songs, but I don’t know how they would sound with just a piano/keyboard – my uncle offered to play his at my wedding. I like Canon in D for my entrance and the Wedding March for our exit, but would those sound good with only piano? Are there other songs that would sound better in piano? Or should I go with the songs I like, and ask my uncle to do some of the pre-ceremony songs – we haven’t worked out which songs exactly he’d be playing, and he knows we’ll have a DJ there too. But on the other hand, I don’t want to make him feel bad and have him only do pre-ceremony songs… would that seem rude of me?
Does anyone know where I could listen to Canon in D on just the piano? Website links?
OMG – I just found a video of someone playing it on YouTube. Beautiful!!! I love it! I started tearing up just picturing myself walking down the aisle to it. No more worries!
Song wise, stick with what you like, they both sound fine on piano. I think he wants to do the entrance and the exit songs, which is why he offered, so save the dj for the reception, and let your uncle do the piano before during and after the ceremony, then, let him relax and enjoy the reception like everyone else.
Harp – Katrina plays the Wedding March
