The Wedding Ceremony Music

Memories of a wedding day can be greatly enhanced with the exceptional quality performance of a solo violinist, a string quartet, harpist or a vocal soloist.  The music that will be played during the ceremony is always very important to the bride and the groom and should be within the guidelines and appropriate for the chosen venue.  The setting for the wedding ceremony is an important factor in the choice of music.

Churches generally do not allow non-religious popular music to be used during the wedding since most religious denominations consider a wedding ceremony a form of worship service.  Some will allow it to be played while the guests are being seated.  Thus, it is always best to check with the church for its specific guidelines.

Songs that make respectful reference to God, to Jesus or the Holy Spirit are almost certain to be acceptable in church weddings.  Other songs that may be acceptable are those that focus on religious ideals and values relating to love and marriage, even if it does not make specific reference to a deity.  Even if the ceremony is not in a religious setting, the kind of music that should be chosen should stay within the bounds of good taste.

The vocal soloist would usually sing one to four selections during the ceremony depending on its length.  He/she can be accompanied by a piano, acoustic guitar or harp.  One of the most effective forms of wedding ceremonial singing is a duet sung by a male-female vocal duo.  Vocal selections can be aptly inserted during certain parts of the ceremony such as during the seating of the mothers or lighting of the candles by the mothers; immediately before the processional; before the vows; during the lighting of the unity candle and during the serving of communion to the congregation.

Vocal music maybe the aspect of wedding music selection that would require the most personal involvement from the couple.  It is quite understandable that the desired songs would have just the right lyrics to make them more meaningful.  Every bride would want to have the song that hasn’t been heard at a hundred other weddings.

The couple can always ask the vocalist or accompanist for suggestions.  A store that sells sheet music and songbooks can also provide some inputs.  There is always a chance that the song or songs that more closely expresses the desired message can be found.  Another option is to have a composer or songwriter write a special song for the wedding ceremony.

All things considered, it is best to deal with professionals instead of hobbyist or student entertainers.  A wedding as it was originally conceived, happens only once in a lifetime.  There could only be a very small space for errors and bloopers as this is one event that cannot be rewinded at will.