Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog! I wanted my first post to be something that would grab the attention of my readers while answering an important question that I am sometimes asked! So, for those of you who are interested in what takes place when I pick wedding music, here you go!
After I sit down with my client, I ask them whether or not they have a set "play list" for their wedding event. Some already know exactly what they want played as others have no clue.
If the couple says they want "traditional" music. I usually play a variety of classical pieces at the prelude. The prelude portion is where the music is performed while guests are being seated.
The music performed during the actual ceremony can range from anything to Handel to Bach. I try to tailor the music to fit the couple's personalities.
I get asked a lot what to play?
Seating of Grandparents/Parents:
Traditional Options: Ava Maria - J.S. Bach
Air in G - A. Vivaldi
Air - G.F. Handel
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
Groom/Pastor Entrance:
Traditional Options:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
Arioso - J.S. Bach
Serenade by F. J. Haydn
Four Seasons: - Winter (Largo) By A. Vivaldi
Bridal Party Processional:
Traditional:
Four Seasons: - Spring (Allegro) by A. Vivaldi
Butterfly Waltz - B. Crain
Canon in D (Pachelbel Canon) by J. Pachelbel
Bridal Processional:
Bridal Chorus ("Here Comes the Bride") - R. Wagner
Canon in D (Pachelbel Canon) by J. Pachelbel
Arioso - J.S. Bach
Trumpet Voluntary - J. Clarke
Air in G - A. Vivaldi
Butterfly Waltz - B. Crain
Ava Maria - J.S. Bach
Unity Ceremony (if applicable) this is usually performed when the bride and groom is having a communion; knot tying ceremony, time capsule ceremony, planting tree ceremony, sand ceremony, etc. - During this time; the following is usually played:
The Prayer - D. Foster
Amazing Grace - Traditional Hymn
Recessional: (this is performed when the Bride & Groom are pronounced Mr. & Mrs....) Here are the music selections that are popular:
Wedding March (from a Midsummer Night's Dream) By F. Mendelsohn
Alla Hornpipe from Water Music - F.G. Handel
King William's March - J. Clarke
La Rejouissance from "Music For the Royal Fireworks" By F.G. Handel
Rondeau (Theme from Masterpiece Theatre) - Jean-Joseph Mouret
Four Seasons: Spring (Allegro) - A. Vivaldi
Pictures at an Exhibition - Promenade - By M. Moussorgsky
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J.S. Bach
Trumpet Voluntary - J. Clarke
When it comes to couples that want to "think outside the box"... Its amazing. I have had couples walk down the aisle to Bittersweet Symphony by the Rolling Stones; Sweet Child O'Mine by GNR; Beatles are timeless and classic. Then there is Cold Play's Viva la Vida which is beautiful at any part of ceremony.
What I love about my job is that violin is so well translated on any song and it makes it so beautiful!. I had a couple that wanted me to play Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train" as the Groom/Pastor entered the ceremony... Once I got clearance from the church, the parents and the bride to be, it was "All a Board to a classy "Crazy Train". I never work a day in my life. I love my job. I really have fun with it when couples pick really contemporary pieces or give me requests for classical pieces I have not heard in years!
Thanks for reading, and keep an eye out for more posts to come!
-Susie
