A guide to music in your wedding ceremony
Music is one of the best ways you can incorporate authenticity into your wedding ceremony.
Music is emotive, evocative & really allows you to create a sense of mood and atmosphere into your ceremony.
Here are some key places you could include music in your ceremony:
Prelude: Prior to the ceremony, this music acts as background ambiance to set the mood & tone. Anywhere between 15-30 mins before the ceremony starts is a great time for this music to commence.
Processional: This is the entrance at the beginning of the ceremony. In this moment one or both of the couple, wedding party, parents (or whoever you want!) may walk in.
Item Performance: You can break up segments of your ceremony by having a musical item, much like you would use a reading. Personally I think this would only work with live music… the visual element of a live musician is crucial here.
Signing Paperwork: if you are signing your copy of particulars during the ceremony ( as opposed to straight afterwards) this is a great time to have music cover this moment. Here either live or pre-recorded music is perfect. Guests can at least watch you sign your paperwork so having a live musician is not essential!
Rituals: If you are doing a hand fasting, sand ceremony (just to name a few) you might like some music to compliment this moment. Again live or pre-recorded.
Recessional: This is the exit after the announcement, where the couple and wedding party (if applicable) walk back down the aisle. Typically you’d pick something upbeat, celebratory and energetic to set the tone for your drinks reception.
Top tips for selecting music:
Don’t pick something only because it’s on trend! Try and find music that resonates with you both even if it’s something none of your guests may be familiar with.
Start looking early. Many couples choose songs that are symbolic in their relationship. But if you’ve got a long engagement of say 2 years…you might discover a new song you love together. Over that period of engagement something could become a really special song to symbolise the exciting period leading up to your wedding. Don’t be afraid to pick something you haven’t loved your whole life or have only just discovered.
Start a Spotify playlist of favourites. Test the songs out! You can whittle them down over time.
Utilise family & friends! So this one only works if you happen to have friends or family who are musicians. But if you do, this is one of the greatest honours and contributions they could ever give to you.
Be wary of lengths! This particularly applies for the recessional and processional. You may need to make cuts & fades so that everyone isn’t sat there waiting for 5 mins for the song to end!
Music can influence your own mood. Think about a song you might like to hear on the day that might relax or calm you. This is particularly true for the processional, as you may want a song that will calm the nerves and allow you to feel excited for that moment.
Know that the perfect song for the perfect moment doesn’t exist! There are limitless choices and it can be overwhelming to find “the one”. Think instead about finding a “good enough” song for that moment.
Invest in a good sound system. You could hire this or your venue may provide one. Having a great sound system will ensure that the music will be audible for all your guests. Nothing kills a mood like a quiet scratchy speaker!
Consider instrumental versions of songs. You might love the vibe/feel or a song but the lyrics don’t quite work for that moment, so consider an instrumental version.
Don’t have a string quartet just because all the films do!
Make sure you have a rehearsal the day before if you are having friends and family involved. This will ensure the flow of the ceremony, a chance to do a sound check and check the length of all the music is all appropriate. This may also be a great opportunity to assign someone the job of playing start/stop on any pre-recorded music you may have.
Don’t get hung up on expectations or traditions. Go for whatever music you enjoy and don’t feel like you need to please everyone!