Choosing Wedding Music

Your big day is coming up and you’ve not picked the music for the ceremony! Fear not, bride-to-be, help is on the way.

Music played before the ceremony is often left to the discretion of the wedding musicians but any special request can likely be accommodated. It is best not to worry too much about this portion and concentrate on the processional and recessional. Simply tell your ensemble if you prefer classical, jazz or popular songs or a mix of styles.

The Processional is that music played while you walk down the aisle. This is your big moment whether it is in a church, on the beach or in your parents’ backyard. If you are getting married outside of a church, you are free to pick whatever you like; from Pachelbel’s Canon to the Mission Impossible! Theme. Those getting married in a church may have to choose something more appropriate to the setting.

The Signing of the Register is a good place to have a special song played. If you have a musical friend, they could perform a solo or the ensemble could play a favourite song of yours. Again, if you are getting married in a church, the piece will likely have to be religious in nature but if you are elsewhere, the sky is the limit.

The Recessional is played when you and your husband walk back down the aisle. Most couples choose something quite upbeat and energetic or inspirational for this moment.

The following is a list of popular classical music choices:

Processional
HandelThe Arrival of the Queen of Sheba PachelbelCanon in D WagnerWedding March (Here Comes the Bride)
ClarkeTrumpet Voluntary, ElgarSalut D’Amour

Recessional
HandelHornpipe HandelThe Arrival of Queen Of Sheba
MendelssohnWedding March by Mendelssohn Delibes Flower Duet.
For background music, many couples choose jazz standards. Some popular songs are:
Anything Goes
As Time Goes By Blue Moon Embraceable You Every Time We Say Goodbye I Got Rhythm Leaning On A Lamppost Let’s Do It Makin’ Whoopee, Moonlight In Vermont
My Funny Valentine,
Nice Work If You Can Get It The Man I Love
When I Fall In Love

It is easy to get all these popular wedding tunes mixed up so if you’ve got a tune in your head but don’t know what its called, don’t worry. Just sing it over the phone to your ensemble and they’ll sort it out for you. They have played at many weddings so chances are they’ve done it before or at least know where to get the music.