Your choice of music will help set the tone for your wedding day, beginning with the prelude as your guests arrive and are seated, to your first dance as husband and wife, to the final chorus-line dance in the wee hours of the morning as your reception draws to a close.
Whether you choose piano, organ or a string quartet, arrange for your music to start at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins so that your guests don’t arrive to silence. Perfect choices are Bach’s Air on a G String, Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto No. 8 or Concerto No. 1 (from The Four Seasons, Spring).
Urging the attendants to the altar is the pre-processional. Your selection’s tempo should provide a natural rhythm for them to step, and be an appropriate length for all of the bridesmaids to reach their destination. Possible selections include Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major, Wagner’s Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin, Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary or Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.
Once the bridesmaids are in place and the last petal has been tossed, there should be a brief pause in the music, bringing the congregation to their feet for the bride’s grand entrance. Perfect selections as you float down the aisle might be Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, Vivaldi’s Spring from the Four Seasons.
As you and your new husband walk back down the aisle, your recessional music reflects the joy of the moment. Adding to that moment might be Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, Beethoven’s Ode to Joy or Vivaldi’s Sonata Prima.
Music for the postlude is an especially nice touch if the couple will be greeting each pew or having a receiving line at the church. Handel’s Postlude Overture (from Music for the Royal Fireworks), Purcell’s Trumpet Tune and Air or Handel’s Suite in F Major are possible choices.
The music at your reception is important to set the tone, as well. The person holding the microphone during your reception has the power. They’re very instrumental in making sure your event goes the way you planned.
The DJ, master of ceremonies or wedding coordinator can help prevent the reception from getting bogged down and make sure everything starts on time.
Another reason to hand the responsibilities over to a professional? Many times, the bride and groom aren’t used to being the center of attention. They could be overwhelmed by the day, shy or simply uncomfortable in that role. If you put them on display in front of all of these people, for hours at a time, it wears them out.
The most romantic moment of your reception is sure to be your first dance with your new husband. Why not choose “your” song, the song you fell in love to, or a song that conveys your feelings for each other?
Be sure to ask your DJ in advance for a catalog of their music collection. Let them know which songs you definitely want (and don’t want) played at your reception, and any special choices for father/daughter and mother/son dances.
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