When a bride and groom think about their wedding, many first decide that they want a short and sweet ceremony, some avoiding all signs of the traditional “I Do’s”. But where does this leave ceremony music? Do you know how many songs are involved in getting down the aisle and back? You may feel like you’re the only one struggling to choose the right songs for your ceremony, but don’t worry, many couples do and the Celebrations team is here to help you with tips and hints!
The Processional:
When choosing the processional songs, keep in mind who will be walking the aisle. Some couples will bend for the more traditional Parents’/Grandparents’ march. This can be a special moment to have the parents and Grandparents take part in the ceremony, so choose something fitting to make them feel more involved in your special day, a good choice for this may be the instrumental version of a song close to your hearts or something simple and sweet such as Somewhere Over The Rainbow by IZ (Israel Kamakawiwo’ole) or Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.
Ok, so who’s next? The ladies behind the bride! You’ll want to choose something special for your bridesmaids to walk or be escorted down the aisle – After all, they’ll be the one’s taking care of the bride and yes, holding her dress up while she goes to the loo; so let’s give them their moment to shine. Landon Pigg’s “Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” makes a beautiful entrance piece in my opinion, but also feel free to choose something with their input, it makes them feel like you value their thoughts, you chose them as your bridal entourage for a reason!
Next, the flower girls and ring bearer. For this “oh, too precious” march, we suggest not choosing a specific song, we don’t want to risk an overkill of that love is in the air feeling, but rather just have them walking to the beginning of the bride’s song to pave the way for the moment everyone is waiting on.
The bride’s entrance is the moment where time seems to stand still for a moment, everyone stops to “ooh” and “ahh” at the bride and how beautiful she is, not to mention it’s the moment the groom sees his future wife, floating down the aisle. This song should definitely be one that will highlight the love you share as a couple and the reason you’re about to share a life together. It’s no mystery why one of the most loved songs for this moment is A Thousand Years by Christina Perri , from the official sound track of the movie ‘Twilight Saga – Breaking Dawn Part 2’. We also recommend the Piano/Cello version by The Piano Guys. It’s just beautiful! Then there is always the time-honored classics such as “Here Comes the Bride” or Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”
It really all boils down to your style as a couple and the mood you want to set on your wedding.
The Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony:
Some couples may say ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ to this more traditional act of joining the two families, households and lives together. If this is for you, choose a song that reminds everyone and yourselves why the two of you chose to ‘become one’ as this symbolizes. A great choice and definitely a trending song for 2014 is All of me by John Legend.
It takes approximately 5-8 minutes to sign your marriage license and get some lasting photos of the moment. You might wonder if you need music for what may seem like a very short moment but it is very common to choose a song that conveys the love and friendship that the two of you share.
Recessional:
Easily enough, once the new Mr. and Mrs. have been announced, one song is chosen for the entire bridal party to leave, led by the Bride and Groom. A happy, upbeat song is usually chosen at this point, something along the lines of All You Need is Love by The Beatles or the 2014 instant hit Happy by Pharrell Williams.
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Here’s a few things that you need to consider when choosing your music:
1. Whether you are a traditional or modern couple, your choice in music should be a reflection of this also.
2. Consider your settings too. Choose music that would be suitable for a church, a garden or the beach.
3. Make the time to practice the timing prior to the wedding rehearsal.
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So there you have it Ladies and Gents, a quick run through of Ceremonial music. Just remember one thing; your wedding is about representing you as a couple, so choose music that does just that. No matter if your wedding is going for a classical, modern, fun or traditional feel, the right tunes will be the cherry topping on the cake!
Stay tuned for our upcoming blog about Choosing your Reception Music!
