| More couples are choosing to hold their wedding | | | | Matron of Honor and Best Man are the last couple |
| ceremonies and receptions at the same location, | | | | to enter, followed by the Ring Bearer, Flower Girl |
| whether for convenience, freedom of choice, or | | | | and, finally, the Bride. |
| the good feelings inspired by a favorite setting. | | | | For the Bride's walk to the altar. The bride may |
| When a bride and groom forego the traditional | | | | enter the room on her father's, step-father's or |
| church setting, new entertainment possibilities are | | | | brother's arm; or between her mother and father, |
| available to them. For this reason, it's not | | | | (a common sight); or even on the arm of her |
| uncommon to find DJs spinning music for the | | | | groom. A special song should lead her down the |
| wedding ceremony, as well as during the | | | | aisle. Whichever song she selects, it's bound to be |
| reception. | | | | too long! A DJ can work with her, editing her |
| When Do I Need Ceremony Music? What Shall I | | | | favorite song to fit the length of the processional, |
| Play? | | | | which might be "Here Comes the Bride," or Ave |
| As guests are seated. To set the mood, music | | | | Maria or Prelude in C, or any of the bridal party |
| should already be playing when the first guest | | | | music selections. As the bride arrives to the |
| arrives and as guests are seated. The music | | | | "alter", the music softly fades. |
| choice is entirely yours, but most couples prefer a | | | | During the candle lighting ceremony. The |
| romantic mood and select a style that suits them | | | | ceremony is short, and the music will be, too. |
| -- smooth jazz, wispy piano notes from Windham | | | | Brides should expect to hear no more than 45 |
| Hill artists, or chamber music provided by string or | | | | seconds of their favorite song for this wedding |
| woodwind ensembles. | | | | rite. Choose background music or select a |
| While parents are seated (sometimes). Parents of | | | | meaningful excerpt from your song. |
| the bride and groom are last to be seated by the | | | | At other special ceremony moments. It might be |
| ushers and, occasionally, the parents or bride and | | | | a live singer, for example. You decide what these |
| groom will request a special song. Keep it short, | | | | moments are. Remember to tell your other |
| so your bridal party isn't kept waiting. | | | | entertainment providers about these special |
| When the Bridal Party enters. It's customary for | | | | guests. |
| special music to be playing as bridal party couples | | | | After the ceremony, as everyone departs. Let |
| approach the ceremony area, and there are a | | | | your personality shine for the recessional! You and |
| couple of ways they can enter the room: | | | | your groom are glowing and the bridal party is |
| 1) The groomsmen appear from the side aisles, | | | | relieved. Play some energetic traditional music or |
| make their way to the front, andwait for the | | | | rousing contemporary tunes. If your ceremony is |
| bridesmaids walking down the center aisle. | | | | elegant, appropriate choices might include the |
| 2) The groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down | | | | "Bridal Recessional" or "At Last" by Etta James |
| the center aisle together, ascouples. | | | | and "What A Wonderful World" by Louis |
| Popular music to play during the bridal party's | | | | Armstrong. |
| entrance includes the soothing strings of | | | | Light-hearted music includes "Here Comes the |
| Pachelbel's Canon in D, (used as the theme music | | | | Sun" by the Beatles or "You're My Best Friend" by |
| to the PBS television series "Cosmos"); "The | | | | Queen. Contemporary selections could include |
| Trumpet Voluntary," a dramatic organ piece with | | | | "From This Moment" by Shania Twain, "When You |
| Baroque flourishes, (scored by Classical Wedding | | | | Say Nothing At All" by Allison Kraus or "Circle of |
| Traditions); or Contemporary Artist Enya's | | | | Life" by Elton John. It's not uncommon to play |
| ethereal New Age hit, "Only Time." Also in | | | | something heavier, too, so make this music yours. |
| demand are "Ode to Joy," (from Beethoven's 9th | | | | Remember that the bridal party is right behind the |
| Symphony, Classical Wedding Traditions), and | | | | bride and groom, and your guests will closely |
| "Air," an arrangement for trumpet and strings | | | | follow. They're ready to stretch and talk. One or |
| from Handel's Water Music Suite. | | | | two more songs and they're good to go! |
| As the music nears its final strains, The Maid / | | | | |