Your wedding day is approaching, and you’ve snagged the perfect location, narrowed your guest list, booked your honeymoon, and have a clear vision for the decor, hors d’oeuvres, and guest favors. Then there’s the music for the ceremony… and for some reason it feels impersonal and difficult to navigate. Do you hire an accompanist equipped with a repertoire of wedding classics, use a favorite local artist to provide live acoustic music, or just press play on your iPad? Whichever avenue you choose, remember, this is about to be YOUR ultimate party, and the soundtrack of your dreams should capture your personal celebration in every way! Whether your tastes are trendy, modern, or traditional, here are a few suggestions to help you create the perfect celebration soundtrack for you and your partner.
Processional:
The processional sets the tone for your wedding, and introduces your families and bridal party, and of course, you, as a couple! Traditionally, “Here Comes the Bride” (Richard Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” from the opera, Lohengrin) or Handel’s “Water Music” comes to mind, amidst another 20-30 minutes of music to allow time to seat your guests. If a traditional processional isn’t quite your cup of tea, consider switching things up a bit to exclaim to the world your celebration of love in a more familiar language. For the soul-searching modernist, consider Chantal Kreviazuk “Feels Like Home”, Christina Perri “A Thousand Years” , or Colbie Caillat “I Do” to kick off the ceremony of your dreams… and don’t be surprised if the wedding party sings along!
Have a favorite song but don’t necessarily find it “wedding appropriate”? Find an instrumental version you prefer. For example, the Piano Guys’ cover of Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars” captures the electric energy of the original version while maintaining the classic elegance of a stringed ensemble. The Vitamin String Quartet’s version of a Peter Gabriel classic, “In Your Eyes”, is another example of how a song you wouldn’t necessarily consider wedding material can enhance a ceremony in a fresh and authentic way.
Recessional:
The recessional is your big exit, a sigh of relief, and the opportunity to usher in the first step of this incredible journey in your lives, so don’t hold back when selecting music that celebrates who you are as a couple! Here are some fresh ideas to get you started:
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” – Stevie Wonder
Just like the introduction and conclusion frames and develops a beautiful story-line of a classic movie, so will the Processional and Recessional of your ceremony create a vibe that captures who you are as a couple. Traditional, modern, or trendy, this beautiful day is yours to enjoy, so why not feature your personal everyday favorites within the music shared during the most memorable moments of your ceremony? We hope these small suggestions encourage you to move in the direction of what is most authentic to you on your most special day.
Photo via Grey Likes Weddings by Lacie Hansen
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