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If you're curious to know what decisions you need to make for your wedding ceremony music, then you've come to the right place.
Here is a useful guide to the key songs you'll want for your ceremony.
Remember, you have the power to choose something different and make the day unique, personalised and tailored for you as a couple, but this will be a great foundation to work from.
Wedding Ceremony Music Structure
Pre-Ceremony / Guest Arrival
It's fairly normal for guests to arrive and gather at the ceremony location. Having some live acoustic music can create a beautiful and real-life touch to the start of the day and set the mood.
This will be the first port of call for your guests and a live music element can provide an anchor point for your close friends and family as they await your arrival.
I always recommend instrumental, acoustic melodies here - meaning the first 'voice' they hear is either the celebrant or the 'aisle song'.
Alternatively, I like to use my playlist of instrumental acoustic or piano tracks which provides a beautiful background vibe.
Bridal Entrance Song
Best practice here is providing a bit of quiet space either side of this special song, and ensuring the volume level is loud enough for all guests to hear well, but not overpowering.
The volume will definitely be louder than the pre-ceremony music, which makes sense as this is probably the most important song of the day!
You're welcome to request a song for me to learn here, or have your aisle song played as an MP3 - both options can work well, as all the eyeballs and focus is on you (the bride).
Signing the Register
I will always ask for two song requests here; this part of the ceremony can take a little longer than expected, depending on the photographer, ease of finding the papers, whether you're outside and battling windy conditions, and generally just taking time to enjoy this little moment.
At this point, the 'serious' part of the ceremony has been done and guests are feeling more relaxed. The song selections here don't matter a great deal and it's just background ambience. In saying that, having songs that are special for the newlyweds is best - this is your day!
You can pick a couple of upbeat songs (or slower tracks) to be played live or as MP3s
Recessional
Once you've signed the register, you'll meet back in the middle and the celebrant will say some final words, and officially introduce you as husband & wife and taking time for your first kiss.
The recessional song will send you back up the aisle as husband and wife, so it's important you pick an upbeat, uplifting and energetic song!
At this time, all your friends and family will be cheering and applauding the newlyweds, so volume and impact is really important here. I usually recommend an MP3 for this song as it cuts through the existing sound and lifts the mood in a great way.
Live music can also work here; just important to get the song choice right. Chat with Stu about options and he can recommend something that fits well here.
What Happens Next?
This is where the newlyweds are congratulated by friends and family, hugs and kisses going around and eventually the photographer will gather everyone up for a big group photo.
You can go straight into the live music here, but usually I like to put on a few MP3s while people are getting organised for the photos. It's helpful if the photographer has volume power here to create the best group snap possible!
After the group shot, that is basically when the Canapés would officially start!
Keen to learn more about music for your
Canapés / Cocktail Hour and beyond?
I offer 24/7 support for any questions you might have in the lead-up to your big day.
Get in touch with me to see a quote and to talk more about making your wedding day a huge success!
Kindly,
