Dating | Weddings

Wedding Music

Choosing the musical accompaniment to your wedding can be tricky, but if you get it right it can also unify your whole day and the congregation. You may love a bit of thrash metal when you're riding your Harley, but consider whether you'll want to dance to it when you're celebrating your twenty-fifth anniversary.

Spend plenty of time planning the music, and make sure you look beyond the boundaries of your normal tastes. Not everybody likes thrash metal! Your choice has to span generations and provide an atmosphere of good cheer. And make sure it is something that both of you really respond to.

PRACTICAL STUFF

Not sure where to start? There are lots of options, from string quartet, harpists, solo singers, jazz bands, and even a full choir. You will probably need ceremony music, reception music (as guests arrive), and band and/or a DJ.

First, when you visit the locations consider their size and acoustics. The hotel manager, vicar or marquee provider should be able to give you some direction about what you need in terms of size, power and also, importantly, space. Also think about your surroundings: a spring church wedding might call for a string quartet whereas a night-time winter wedding might better suit a classical pianist.

Plan your requirements carefully with your musicians; don't just expect them to turn up and play as the guests are being seated. Ask them for recommendations - they will have lots of experience and might have some great suggestions. Make sure they get plenty of breaks and have ample space in which to play.

MUSIC FOR THE CEREMONY

There is more music for the ceremony than you might imagine. Firstly, you have the prelude, what the guests will hear as they are seated and wait for the proceedings to begin. This can be played by your harpist, classical quartet, organist or even on CD. Next, you have the bit everyone knows - processional music plays as you and your wedding party make your grand entrance. The classic wedding march music is 'The Bridal March' by Wagner. Other popular choices are 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheeba', Handel, 'Grand March' from Verdi's Aida, Vivaldi's 'Spring' from The Four Seasons. As well as thinking of the arrival music, you need to think of the recessional music (the piece played as you depart) and how they work together. Don't be frightened of doing something a little off the wall - this is a buoyant time, everyone is happy and about to go and celebrate, so something equally cheery and happy should be played here. There are also 'interludes' during the ceremony, such as the signing of the register, when you may want music playing. Bear in mind you might also want hymns here too. There is also something called a postlude, which is the musical backdrop played as the guests mill out after your departure for the reception. This can stop things from feeling 'flat' if the church is suddenly empty and silent after you leave.

RECEPTION REVELLING

When selecting a band for the reception, ask them to give you a recording of their music or tell you where you can see them live. Some bands will only do their own set - and not play requests - so you need to be certain they will suit the occasion. It is common practice to pay the balance of the band's fee on the night (having paid a deposit to secure the date). The best man should have the money with him and deal with this. Even if you have a band, it is also common to have a DJ as well. With a carefully thought out play-list, you'll have the music you want.

THE FIRST DANCE

What should your first dance be? It may be the first song that you danced to, or your favourite snogging song. Whatever you choose, you should be able to dance to it. If you don't have an obvious contender, maybe opt for an old classic that you could have a waltz to, or the popular song you hear everywhere that summer that will always remind you of your happy day.

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