When planning a wedding ceremony, one of the most common questions wedding
planners receive is, "How many songs do I need and where should they go?"
The answer to that question varies simply because there is no wrong way to go.
There are some guidelines to follow when placing music within a wedding ceremony.
One sample program is included below.
Sample Wedding Ceremony Program
Prelude - For the prelude, you might select a pianist or perhaps a string ensemble, harpist or flutist. The
music played in the prelude is usually instrumental. Preludes are the quiet, mood-setting music leading up
to the ceremony. Usually 15-20 minutes long, the preludes set the tone for the service. If you're having an
informal or non-traditional service, you can opt for some lively pieces. Some temples have specific pieces
they will allow and not allow, so make sure you check with them before making final selections. For a Jewish
wedding, you can have music at the ketubah signing before the service!
Processional - There are usually 2 to 3 pieces played for the Christian processional. In the St. Louis area, the
processional music usually starts with the grandparents and parents. The wedding party proceeds and you
may choose to have a different song for them. The decision to have different songs depends on how many
people are involved. If there are less than four people involved in each category, then I would choose ONE
SONG for the parents and the wedding party.
The Jewish processional consists of the rabbi, family elders, groom and his parents, wedding attendants, the
bride and her parents. On occasion, the Rabbi or cantor will vocalize through their own entrance, and then
the music will begin for the rest of the entrances.
The last piece of music in the processional is for the bride! Whether you choose "Here Comes the Bride" or
another accompaniment as you march down the aisle, your processional will announce your arrival. All in
attendance will stand as you make your way toward the center point. The most common instrumentalists
used for the processional are a pianist and organist. You could certainly opt for another instrument if you
prefer. However, keep two things in mind. The instrument(s) need to be loud enough to hear. A flute alone
would not be recommended. Also, if your wedding ceremony is indoors, be sure the instrument isn't too
loud, as it will make guests uncomfortable.
Poetry/Scripture Readings - If you choose to include this optional segment, you might consider having a soft
instrumentalist playing in the background. A harpist, string quartet, organist or pianist would work well here.
Most brides use the same instrumentalist who played during the prelude for the readings also. This type of
setting is rarely used because it can distract the reader.
Unity Candle/Interlude - A popular practice in a wedding ceremony is to light a unity candle or some other
way to symbolize your union. Instrumentalists play softly in the background during the lighting or a soloist
sings during the lighting. Or you can have a gentle melody playing during the lighting and afterward have a
soloist sing to the couple.
An interlude is in place of some form of symbolism. A soloist can sing a love song or music can be played
when exchanging roses to the mothers. Interludes are important in both traditional and non-traditional
services. Make sure you check with your minister or rabbi when picking service music in a place of worship,
as many have certain pieces they will allow and not allow.
Vows - There are several places within the exchanging of vows where a soloist could sing a song. Before the
vows, after the vows or before the rings are all practical and acceptable places for a soloist to sing.
Recessional - The part of the wedding ceremony you've been waiting for! Congratulations! You're husband
and wife. Of course, you'll need music to leave by. The same principles apply to the recessional as did to the
processional. All in attendance will stand as you make your way out of the gathering place. The most
common instrumentalists used for the processional are a pianist, string ensemble, and organist. Remember it
needs to be loud enough to hear, but not loud enough to make guests uncomfortable.
Resource: GigMasters.com and OccasionalBrass.com
planners receive is, "How many songs do I need and where should they go?"
The answer to that question varies simply because there is no wrong way to go.
There are some guidelines to follow when placing music within a wedding ceremony.
One sample program is included below.
Sample Wedding Ceremony Program
Prelude - For the prelude, you might select a pianist or perhaps a string ensemble, harpist or flutist. The
music played in the prelude is usually instrumental. Preludes are the quiet, mood-setting music leading up
to the ceremony. Usually 15-20 minutes long, the preludes set the tone for the service. If you're having an
informal or non-traditional service, you can opt for some lively pieces. Some temples have specific pieces
they will allow and not allow, so make sure you check with them before making final selections. For a Jewish
wedding, you can have music at the ketubah signing before the service!
Processional - There are usually 2 to 3 pieces played for the Christian processional. In the St. Louis area, the
processional music usually starts with the grandparents and parents. The wedding party proceeds and you
may choose to have a different song for them. The decision to have different songs depends on how many
people are involved. If there are less than four people involved in each category, then I would choose ONE
SONG for the parents and the wedding party.
The Jewish processional consists of the rabbi, family elders, groom and his parents, wedding attendants, the
bride and her parents. On occasion, the Rabbi or cantor will vocalize through their own entrance, and then
the music will begin for the rest of the entrances.
The last piece of music in the processional is for the bride! Whether you choose "Here Comes the Bride" or
another accompaniment as you march down the aisle, your processional will announce your arrival. All in
attendance will stand as you make your way toward the center point. The most common instrumentalists
used for the processional are a pianist and organist. You could certainly opt for another instrument if you
prefer. However, keep two things in mind. The instrument(s) need to be loud enough to hear. A flute alone
would not be recommended. Also, if your wedding ceremony is indoors, be sure the instrument isn't too
loud, as it will make guests uncomfortable.
Poetry/Scripture Readings - If you choose to include this optional segment, you might consider having a soft
instrumentalist playing in the background. A harpist, string quartet, organist or pianist would work well here.
Most brides use the same instrumentalist who played during the prelude for the readings also. This type of
setting is rarely used because it can distract the reader.
Unity Candle/Interlude - A popular practice in a wedding ceremony is to light a unity candle or some other
way to symbolize your union. Instrumentalists play softly in the background during the lighting or a soloist
sings during the lighting. Or you can have a gentle melody playing during the lighting and afterward have a
soloist sing to the couple.
An interlude is in place of some form of symbolism. A soloist can sing a love song or music can be played
when exchanging roses to the mothers. Interludes are important in both traditional and non-traditional
services. Make sure you check with your minister or rabbi when picking service music in a place of worship,
as many have certain pieces they will allow and not allow.
Vows - There are several places within the exchanging of vows where a soloist could sing a song. Before the
vows, after the vows or before the rings are all practical and acceptable places for a soloist to sing.
Recessional - The part of the wedding ceremony you've been waiting for! Congratulations! You're husband
and wife. Of course, you'll need music to leave by. The same principles apply to the recessional as did to the
processional. All in attendance will stand as you make your way out of the gathering place. The most
common instrumentalists used for the processional are a pianist, string ensemble, and organist. Remember it
needs to be loud enough to hear, but not loud enough to make guests uncomfortable.
Resource: GigMasters.com and OccasionalBrass.com
Proper Placement of Music for Your Wedding Ceremony
| Copyright © 2009 Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison |
