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Selecting your own special music for your wedding can be a
gratifying experience. Carefully selected music helps create the
atmosphere that makes the wedding uniquely your own.
There are usually two distinct types of music played at weddings.
First there is the majestic or lilting music to be sung or
played during the ceremony. Secondly, there is the entertaining
lively music to be played at the reception. Sometimes two separate
sets of musicians need to be engaged. At other tmes, the muscians
are versatile and are able to play both kinds of music for the ceremony
and the reception.
One may also use live musicians for the ceremony and a disk
jockey or electronic music for the reception, or vice versa.
Music for the Ceremony in Church
The variety of music and combination of instruments used
today is unbelievable! No longer is organ music and a soloist the
only choice, but any kind of string and horn instruments can be
used effectively. Yes, there are still restrictions. which vary from
church to Church. It is is important, therefore, that the selections and
the instruments to be played be discussed thoroughly on the first
visit to the clergy man's office. Sometimes he will refer the bridal
couple to the organist, choir master or soloist to advise on the
selections which may or may not be played during the ceremony. For instance, the Eaststern Orthodox churches allow only vocal
music, and Quakers allow no music whatsoever.
The half hour prior to the cermony is the time during which the
mood is set. During this prelude, favorite music, popular or
classical is usually included as well as vocal or instrumental solos.
A solo may be sung just after the mother of the bride is seated
When selecting a soloist it is advisable to have a professional or
an experienced singer who will not panic. A soloist hired for the
occasion is paid. If the soloist, or organist, as the case may be, is a
relative or friend the situation becomes a little tricky. You may
offer to pay the soloist, and then let it be his or her decision to
accept the offer or not. Sometimes a professional who might
charge a substantial fee, will give the gift of song to the bridal
couple instead of a standard gift-wrapped wedding present.
If the soloist is obviously a member of the wedding party, then a gift to
him or her is appropriate.
After the prelude the Processional begins and the music at this
time is joyful dignified and majestic with a regular beat, so you'll
feel comfortable walking slowly and in time with the music. When
the wedding party reaches the altar
to music that announces her music is played
softly during the exchange of marriage vows, but this is a matter of
individual choice and church rule. At the end of the ceremony
the recessional begins and this is triumphant and a slightly quicker
tempo than the processional . It might be fun to go to a record shop
and ask to hear a record of wedding music and make your own
selections . Most music stores also have books containing
processionals and recessionals for weddings. Or, an experienced
musician who often plays at weddings may be used as a resource
person to help set your mind at ease.
Music for the Ceremony In a private setting
There are, of course, no restrictions but your own good taste
when it comes to music in your home, club or social hall. A
harpist, guitarist or a trio of any kmd always helps to set the
mood-and so do records! When hiring musicians, be sure to
discuss what they will be wearing. You will want the musicians
dress to blend correctly with the tone of your wedding. Also, allow
plenty of set-up time for instruments. Its better to have them
waiting for you than for you to be waiting for them!
Musk for the Reception
Music is crucial to setting the mood at you reception. Decide
what kind of mood you want to create, and then find the musicians
to create it. Your personal preference, whether you choose light
classical pieces or current popular songs, is your best choice. It is
helpful if you give the musicians a list of songs to play and enough
time to learn the music. Also, warn the band if Uncle Jœ is apt to
get up and play the saxophone during the reception. It will be
much easier on the band leader to be forewarned. Music serves as
a pleasant background while guests pass through the receiving
line, and if there's dancing afterwards, music the glue that
holds the party together. For people who enjoy good conversation
and food more than dining a classical string quartet may create an
interesting baroque effect. lf you cannot audition the musicians
live, most professional groups or individuals have tapes you can
listen to before you engage them. They will probably want to
check the size of the room and the acoustics so they will select the
right instrument.
Recording the Ceremony on Tape
''Oh, I wish we had taped the music" is a feeling that is often
expressed after the wedding. During the ceremony, because of the
high emotional level, the couple may not actually hear the music
played. Therefore, taping the music and the service is worth
considering for future enjoyment . It is also particularly nice in case
an older member of the family cannot attend or to play back for
someone who has been far away.
Recording the musk and ceremony is useful also, if one orders
''still'' photographs of the wedding which may be transferred to
video tapes by professional photographers.
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Where to Find Your Musicians
For a church wedding your minister will be able to help you.
When the wedding or reception takes place at home, in a private
club or hall, in a hotel, or any private room and you are not familiar
with local musicians, check the Yellow Pages of the telephone
book for listings of local music teachers' associations or the musicians'
union. Other good sources are the music department of a
local college or university. Music stores usually have a list of
names to recommend.
Setting Fees
Musicians usually set their own fees according to their ability
and experience, and it's good to remember that their time involved
should be taken into consideration. If the musicians are going to be
present at the rehearsal, and if they need time to practice special
music or rehearse with other instrumentalists, the charge is more,
naturally.
Musicians will expect to take a break during the reception and
be given something to eat and drink. This matter should be discussed
early during negotiations.
And finally, sign a written contract, probably with a down
payment, and arrange for final payment in cash or by check when
they are through playing.
Suggested Wedding Music
Prelude Music
Choose one or two favorite songs to set the mood. Combine these with traditional selections which include classical as well as
popular tunes. We suggest, ''Theme from Romeo and Juliet'' by
Tchaikovsky or the contemporary arrangement of Nino Rota. A
vocal selection, such as ''Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof,
may be sung while parents and grandparents are being seated.
Processional Music
A traditional majestic march played for the wedding party as
they proceed down the aisle helps carry the spirit of all those present
to the altar. Two favorite compositions are, ''Wedding March''
by Alexander and ''Marche Nuptiale'' by Allan Caron.
The familiar bridal chorus from Lohengrin by Wagner, as well as
the recessional ''Wedding March'' from " A Midsummer Nights
Dream by Mendelssohn, were at one time considered inappropriate
to be played in church because of the pagan nature of the
drama. However, since Vatican II, restrictions have been lifted
from these popular melodies, and they are played regularly at
many weddings.
Wedding Ceremony Music
Selections played or sung during the ceremony are extremely
variable depending solely on the couple's preferences. Popular
classical examples are ''Ich liebe dich'' by Grieg and ''The Lord's
Prayer" by Malotte. A current favorite that is frequently sung is the
''Wedding Soog" published by Warner Brothers.
Recessional Music
Teh joyful spirit of the recessional music carries the wedding
party up the aisle after the ceremony. Classical music selections
often played are the Wedding March
by Mendelssohn and Trumpet Voluntary in D by Purcell.
Reception Music
Any sentimental favorite that cannot be induced in the
wedding ceremony may be played during the reception. Some
examples are ''Endless Love'' by Lionel Richie, 'Longer' by Daniel
Fogelberg and 'Feelings'' by Morris Albert. Other songs to be
considered are ''On a wonderful Day Like Today" ''Someone to
Watch Over Me,'' and ''The Girl That I marry".
Second Wedding Music
Selections for prelude and wedding ceremony music are the
same as those played at a first wedding. There are common vocal
solos that are sentimental favorites of all those caught up in the
beauty and romance of love. The main differences lie in the
selection of processional and recessional music. In second weddings,
choices lean toward non-traditional and lighter selections
such as the ''WestminsterAbbey Hymn" by Purcell or "Jesu, Joy of
Man's desiring" by Bach for the processional or the theme from ''Water Music'' by Handel for a recessional.
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