Once you have made the arrangements with your minister or priest concerning your wedding ceremony and venue, you can then begin to think about music for your service. Feel free to contact me to find out if I am available. If I am, we can set up a meeting to plan the music for your ceremony. It is helpful if you have at least a general idea of what type of music you would like to be used. While this is not necessary, it is helpful. Also, it is beneficial to have the Scripture readings chosen in advance of this meeting (especially for Roman Catholic ceremonies).
Music Lists
The music contained here represents some of the most common and not-so-common selections found at weddings. Of course, other selections are welcomed.
Not forgetting that the wedding celebration is a worship service, the use of congregational hymns is always appropriate. The following list gives a number of suggestions, taken from the major hymnals for various denominations.
Some churches, ministers and priests have specific guidelines for the use of music during a wedding ceremony. Here are some things to keep in mind and resources to aid in understanding this question when planning your music.
These are guidelines for the payment of the musicians at your wedding. Issues include: musicians’ rehearsals, planning sessions, music to learn, and the wedding rehearsal.
“So, I have this song stuck in my head…”
“I was at this wedding, and I heard this piece…”
“I’d like to hear some possibilities besides the same, old wedding songs!”
If any (or all) of these sound like you, take a listen through these sound clips—some are common pieces, some are heard much less often.
It’s your wedding, so choose music that you want! (regardless of what your mother/aunt/cousin/friend wants you to choose)
More is not always better.
There's no reason to plan prelude music that people won't hear.
If congregational music is desired or required, choose music/hymns that are generally known by the congregation and, more appropriately, relevant for a wedding.
