Ceremony Music: The Basics
Have your say! One of the most daunting tasks for any bride and groom is choosing the music you’d like to have at your ceremony. A quick Google search for “Wedding Ceremony Music” throws up millions of different suggestions… it’s all so overwhelming! And while you may not recognise “The Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin, by Wagner, you’d definitely know “Here Comes the Bride”, right? But they’re the same song!
So where do you start? First of all… DON’T PANIC! If you read through our guide to ceremony music, you should have absolutely no problem selecting the perfect soundtrack for your wedding.
Who? Musicians and Singers v. iPods and CDs
First of all, you’ll need to decide who you actually want to do your music. Ireland has a fine selection of wedding singers and musicians – be sure to check out our supplier directory for some excellent suggestions! If your venue, and most importantly your budget, allows, live music adds a lovely, elegant touch to your ceremony.
Alternatively, if you have a smaller venue, limited budget, or would like to choose non-traditional or modern songs, you might prefer the DIY route for your ceremony music. By downloading your songs from an online music store onto your mp3 player, or by making a CD of your wedding ceremony songs, you can save a bit of your budget for something else, and still have exactly the music you want.
One note about DIY music – be sure to ask your venue if they have the facilities for you to play your own music (PA system, etc), someone to be in charge of playing the music (or nominate a friend or family member). And ALWAYS ask if there is an additional cost involved. Some venues may throw in the use of a PA system – others might charge you for it.
What do I need and When do I need it?
Learning the Lingo. Now that you’ve made the decision about WHO is going to handle your music, what music do you actually need? Are you having trouble telling your prelude from your processional? Check out our “Guide to Ceremony Music Lingo”, where we break down where in the ceremony you need music, what the different sections are called, and how many minutes (or songs) worth of music you should normally allow for each.
Where are you getting married?
Your choice in music and musicians will also depend on your venue. If you’re getting married in a church, be sure to check with your priest – some churches have very strict guidelines about the type of music they consider “appropriate” for a wedding ceremony. Others are happy to let you have free reign.
You’ll also want to consider the size of your venue, particularly if you’re having live musicians. A large ensemble might not be suited to a small, intimate chapel, and a duo or trio might get a bit lost in a larger church. When you’re talking to potential musicians, ask them if they have played in your venue before – they’ll be able to give you good suggestions about what to expect, and whether or not they think it will work.
With so many songs out there… how do we choose?
Once again, you’re in luck! Choosing your ceremony music can be an incredibly difficult, frustrating and overwhelming experience… and some brides-to-be are STILL changing their minds with only weeks to go until their big day. The good news is… that’s all pretty normal!
To make it a bit easier for you, we’ve assembled a how-to guide, called “Choosing Your Ceremony Music”. It’ll give you some helpful tips and tricks for people to talk to, and things to consider when choosing songs for your ceremony.
Why am I doing this again?
The music you choose for your wedding ceremony can set the tone for the entire day, so of course you want to get it just right. The songs should be a reflection of who you both are as a couple and what your wedding day means to you.
But remember – when it’s all put together and you’re finally walking down the aisle towards the person you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with, whatever music you choose will be absolutely, positively perfect.
