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