Music during the Ceremony
Music can be incorporated into the wedding ceremony in a variety of ways. Many future brides want to know how common it is to have music performed during the ceremony and whether or not they should choose that option. Roughly 60% of weddings do not have music performed during the ceremony.
For those that do use music it usually occurs during the lighting of the Unity Candle or the sand ceremony. Some couples may want background music to be played during the blessing of a child that will be joined in a new family, or a prayerful moment. Another possibility is to have music played softly while the minister, or someone else, is speaking (perhaps during a prayer or dedication.)
Finally, some couples want to have a particular song performed as a solo during the ceremony. Usually this song is of tremendous sentimental value to the couple. Sara typically performs an abbreviated version (approx. 2 minutes) of the requested song, as opposed to the full-length version. The reason for this being that during the ceremony four minutes of standing and facing each other in front of a large group of people is going to seem like a very long time.
Suggestions for Unity Candle and Sand Ceremony:
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
At Last
(Etta James) Harry Warren
Ave Maria
Franz Schubert
Prelude in C Major
J.S.Bach
From This Moment On
Shania Twain
The Lord's Prayer
Alfred Hay Malotte
The Wedding Song
Kenny G
Hymne
Vangelis
Recessional
The recessional is the music that the newly married couple will exit to. It is usually a very upbeat and light-hearted selection.
Special Requests
Sara tries to be as accommodating as possible in regards to her client's music selection. If you would like to request a piece of music that does not appear on the Song List simply submit the title and composer of the piece to Sara for review. If the selection is not possible you will be notified immediately.
Please note that special requests must be received at least 30 days in advance in order to be considered. The harp is an incredibly diverse instrument, as is Sara's repertoire. Most pieces of music that are appropriate at wedding ceremonies are also possible on the harp. You can use the Song List page as a guide for what works well.
Indecision
If you are having trouble selecting music for your ceremony please rest assured you are not alone! Many couples begin the process not really sure of what they want. Hopefully the ideas presented here will be helpful to you. Planning a wedding is an intricate and laborious task, as you probably already know. All the best!
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Flower Duet. Delibes
Ave Maria. Bach
Air on the G String. Bach
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Prelude in C. Bach
Canon in D. Pachellbel
Bridal Chorus (Entrance)
Spring. The Four Seasons
Wedding March (Exit)
Welcome to the Essential Harp Weddings page. Here you will find a few tips on planning your ceremony music as well as several suggestions for each segment of the ceremony. Often times couples have difficulty selecting music for their ceremony. The obvious reason for this being that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you
Below you will find key elements of a wedding ceremony and some advice on how to select your want it to be PERFECT! An additional challenge is posed to those who are not musically inclined. Hopefully the following paragraphs will shed some light on the process. music. Please keep in mind that the following information has been compiled from 19 years of wedding experience from a front row seat, but should merely serve as a guideline. Every ceremony really is different.
Prelude Music
The prelude music occurs while your guests are arriving and being seated prior to the start of the ceremony. This is usually 20 minutes before the ceremony begins. In most cases the harp music begins at the arrival of the first guest. The prelude music helps set the tone for the rest of the day because it is the first thing your guests will hear. An even mixture of flowing harp pieces and familiar tunes usually provide the best combination.
Unfortunately the bride and her closest family members will not hear much of the prelude music, with the exception of a few notes that will make it to the Bridal Dressing Room. Because of this you may want to select music specifically geared towards those that will be listening. Maybe your uncle's favorite composer is Debussy, or your grandmother must be seated before the ceremony begins and you would like to include several of her favorites.
The prelude is also a great place for you to insert your special requests that might not fit as smoothly into the ceremony itself. Selections for the prelude are typically of a slow to moderate tempo, and slightly contemplative.
Suggestions for prelude music:
Over the Rainbow
Harold Arlen
Prelude in C Major
J.S.Bach
Romance Without Words
Felix Godefroid
Can't Help Falling in Love
Weiss, Peretti
All I Ask of You
Andrew L. Webber
My Heart Will Go On
from Titanic
James Horner
Unforgettable
Irving Gordon
Clair de Lune
Claude Debussy
The Long and Winding Road
The Beatles
Adagio from
Moonlight Sonata
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Somewhere in Time
John Barry
Seating of the Parents
Some couples choose
to have a special selection played
specifically for the seating of the parents and grandparents. There are a couple of things that you should think about when considering this option. Although it may sound silly, the length of the aisle to be walked should be one of the determining factors. The other thing to consider is the total number of pairs that will be seated. If there are only two pairs to be seated then having a separate musical selection for them might not make sense. If the seating of the parents and grandparents will take several minutes then it would be wise to make a special selection!
Assuming that you choose to make a request for this portion, this is where the queuing between Sara and the ceremony coordinator would begin. A sweet idea for the seating of the parents is to have a selection that was also performed at your mother's wedding. This is also a great place for mom's or dad's favorite song since they will be walking down the aisle to it.
Suggestions for seating of the parents:
Unchained Melody
Righteous Brothers
The Rose
Amanda McBroom
What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrong
Weiss, Thiele
The Wind Beneath my Wings
Henley, Silbar
Romeo and Juliet
Theme From the Movie
Nino Rota
Longer
Don Fogelberg
You Are So Beautiful
Preston, Fisher
Processional
The processional music introduces the wedding party and serves as their walking music. In general, this music should have the tempo of a slow walking pace. A great example of this is Canon in D by Pachelbel of Romance Without Words, both of which can be heard on this site.
Bride's Entrance
Most brides choose something rather traditional for their walk down the aisle. In all likelihood, this selection is one you have already decided on. A few of the standard choices are listed below.
Suggestions for bride's entrance:
Bridal Chorus
Richard Wagner
Canon in D
Johann Pachelbel
Ave Maria
Franz Schubert
Glisses from Variation on a
Theme in the Ancient Style
Carlos Salzedo