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Ceremony Music
Bride to be, you stand in the foyer of your church or temple in your wedding dress. You watch the regal procession of your wedding party down the main aisle of your church. Now it is your turn to begin your climactic walk. Your guests stand facing you, eagerly awaiting your entrance. You take the first step, but WAIT! Where's the music!
Could you imagine walking down the aisle to nothing but the sound of your own heart beating? This page explains the importance of music to your wedding ceremony.
THE PRELUDE - ESTABLISHING MOOD
The Prelude is an interval of music starting 20 to 30 minutes prior to your ceremony. During the Prelude, our classical ensemble will establish the mood for your wedding. The choice of appropriate mood is entirely up to you, and you may use our vocalists or our wind ensemble or both to create it.
Note: It is not necessary to choose one specific mood scheme. Feel free to pick the music you like and use any song in any order.
One general rule applies to your Prelude selections: the music should not be dance oriented, and will be performed at a volume that creates suitable background for prayer, reflection, and light conversation. Each selection we play will be approved by you and your Rabbi, Pastor, or Priest.
You can hear of the following works in midi format they are very effective in creating various moods.
ELEGANT
Jerusalem of Gold (Traditional Jewish)
Rondo (from concerto for flute - Mozart)
Overture (from The Water Music - Handel)
Concerto #1 (from The Four Seasons, Spring -Vivaldi)
RELIGIOUS
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
FESTIVE/JOYOUS
Brandenburg Concerto #2 (Bach)
Hornpipe in D (from The Water Music - Handel)
Rondo for Flute and Orchestra (Mozart)
ROMANTIC
Someone Like You ( from Jeckyl & Hyde)
All I Ask of You (from Phantom of the Opera - Webber)
While the Prelude music plays, the ushers escort your guests to their seats usually the parents of the bride & groom are the last people escorted in. At this time we have found that playing a majestic classical work with a quick tempo can dramatically capture the guests' attention and announce the beginning of the wedding ceremony.
THE PROCESSIONAL
Your ceremony begins with the entrance of the wedding party. Normally, the ushers lead the procession, followed by the bridesmaids, maid of honor, the ring bearer, and the flower girl. The music begins softly, and gradually increases in volume until the bride's entrance.
The haunting melody and driving rhythm of Pachelbel's Canon have made it a very popular Processional piece.
THE BRIDE'S ENTRANCE - THE BIG MOMENT
The bride's entrance is the most important moment of the day. The music that is played greatly contributes to this lifelong memory. Its role is to announce the bride and focus all attention on her. The volume will be significantly louder, but not any more over bearing than the music played for the attendants. Any of the following selections will instantly proclaim your entrance are are sure to create a lasting impression. This is your day. Take your time walking down the aisle.
Bridal Chorus (Here comes the Bride - Wagner)
Arrival of the Queen of Sheeba (Handel)
THE BODY OF THE CEREMONY
If desired, a selection or two may be played during your ceremony. Music can provide a short interlude before a reading, or ambience during the lighting of the unity candle. The selection should have a slow tempo and be played softly. Liturgical works and vocal selections are very suitable.
One Hand One Heart (Bernstein)
CONGRATULATIONS! - THE RECESSIONAL
The end of the ceremony is usually marked by the breaking of a glass, bridal kiss or the announcement of the newly married couple. The bride and groom exit arm in arm, followed by the flower girl and ring bearer, the maid of honor and best man, and bridesmaid/usher pairs. This music should be majestic and played with a quick tempo. The regal melody and powerful orchestration of the traditional Wedding March or Ode to Joy will proclaim your union to your guests.
Od Yishama (Traditional Jewish) played as the Bride & Groom leave the Chupa (alter)
Ode to Joy (from 9th Symphony - Beethoven)
Wedding March (from A Midsummer Night's Dream) - Mendelssohn)
THE POSTLUDE
The Postlude begins after the Recessional. Since the music expresses your joy, it should be fast and triumphant. If you form a receiving line after your ceremony, music will be played until all guests have been greeted.
Overture (from Music for the Royal Fireworks - Handel)
Rondeau (Mouret) midi file not available
Le Rejouissance (from Music for the Royal Fireworks - Handel)
Trumpet Tune and Air (Purcell) mp3 format
Suite in F Major (Handel) midi file not available
The songs require
Windows Media Player to be listened to properly.