How to Choose Wedding Music
Prelude Music
This music is performed 20 -30 minutes prior to your ceremony while the guests are arriving and being seated. The Prelude music may continue through the seating of the mothers; however, it is a nice touch to have a special selection/processional for the seating of the mothers. The Prelude music establishes the atmosphere for your wedding, be it religious, elegant, contemporary, or a mixture of styles.
The Prelude music should adhere to some general rules. It should be suitable as background music for prayer and light conversation, and it should not (usually!) be dance/entertainment oriented. It is also advisable to ask about the music policies at your church or synagogue. Some religious institutes prohibit popular music in the sanctuary, so it is always a good idea to ensure approval so as to avoid disappointment.
Top Prelude Selections:
|
Selection |
Composer |
|
Air on the G String |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Sheep May Safely Graze |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik |
Mozart,Wolfgang Amadeus |
|
Andante from “Rosamunde” |
Schubert, Franz |
|
Presto from Sonatina in F Major |
Telemann, George Philip |
|
Concerto Grosso in D Minor |
Vivaldi, Antonio |
Processional Music
There are usually two, three or four processionals: one for the wedding party, one for the bride to walk down the aisle, and it is also quite acceptable to have a separate selection for the seating of parents and grandparents. However, too many selections/changing of musical selections can be disruptive, especially if the aisle does not permit for a long processional. This music should be of a style that makes it easy for all to "keep time" while walking.
The bride's processional announces the bride and focuses all of the attention on her. The bride's entrance is one of the most important, special moments of the day!
Top Selections for Seating for the Mothers:
|
Selection |
Composer |
|
Air on the G String |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Sheep May Safely Graze |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Canon |
Pachelbel, Johannes |
Top Selections
for the Bridal Processional:
|
Selection |
Composer |
|
Air on the G String |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Sheep May Safely Graze |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Trumpet Voluntary |
Clarke, Jeremiah |
|
Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares |
Mouret, Jean-Joseph |
|
Canon |
Pachelbel, J.ohannes |
|
Bridal Chorus from Act III of Lohengrin |
Wagner, Richard |
Ceremony music
Music may be performed as a
short interlude before a reading or during the lighting of a unity candle. These
selections are usually slow and soft.
|
Selection |
Composer |
|
Ave Maria |
Bach, Johann Sebastian/Gounod |
|
My Heart Ever Faithful |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |
|
Clair de Lune from Suite Bergamasque for piano |
Debussy, Claude |
|
Panis Angelicus from Messe Solonnelle |
Frank, Cesar |
|
Children’s Prayer from Hansel and Gretel |
Humperdink, Engelbert |
|
Meditation from Thais |
Massenet, Jules |
|
Amazing Grace |
Early American |
Recessional music
This music is played as you and your new spouse exit arm in arm. The music should be majestic and joyous with a quick tempo.
|
Selection |
Composer |
|
Ode to Joy from Symphony No. 9 |
Beethoven, Ludvig van |
|
Rondeau from Sinfonies de Fanfares |
Mouret, Jean-Joseph |
|
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream |
Mendelssohn, Felix |
|
Trumpet Tune |
Purcell, Henry |
|
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik |
Mozart, Amadeus |
|
Brandenburg Concerto #3 |
Bach, Johann Sebastian |