Three Tips on Selecting Wedding Music


Wedding music is a vital component of a memorable wedding ceremony. Songs selected reflect the loving commitment of the bride and groom or that special song that was playing when the wedding proposals were made. That song known as their playing our song is that special musical piece that is showcased in the wedding ceremony.

Type of Music

First and foremost it is important to decide upon which type or blend of wedding music you wish to incorporate into your wedding ceremony. Traditionally, wedding ceremonies take place in a church. Therefore, it is important to respect the sanctity of the house of worship as well as honoring the sacrament of holy matrimony.

Often churches will allow secular music to be played prior to the formal ceremony and following the pronouncement as husband and wife. Because churches deem the wedding as a church sacrament, sacred music is played during pauses in the actual ceremonial exchange of vows.

As your guests enter into the church, with permission, play sacred music. Selections may include contemporary love songs intermixed with traditional songs that speak of love, marriage and commitment.

During the formal part of the marriage ceremony there may be limitations as to what music can be selected. As a matter of courtesy it would be appropriate to share the music selected with the officiating clergy. Any limitations of desired musical selections should be sorted out prior to the day of the wedding.

How Many Songs?

In selecting your wedding music it is appropriate to determine how many songs to include in the wedding ceremony. Typically, one to three songs is an appropriate number for your wedding music. These selections can be sung by a soloist or a duet performed by a couple. In selecting your wedding music it is important to realize there may be limitations with musical accompaniment. Performance can be accomplished by singing acapella, by taped accompaniment or accompanied by other musical instruments. Again, it is important to share with the church your plans to ensure it being permissible.

Finding the Right Wedding Music

Wedding music sung by a vocalist is typically the most powerful contribution of music during the wedding ceremony. Beautiful lyrics accompanied by a haunting melody provide a meaningful and dramatic impact on both the wedding couple and wedding guests.

Another critical component of the wedding music is that provided by instrumentalists. These musicians provide background music prior to and following the wedding ceremony. Typically they also perform the wedding march as the bride makes a grand entrance in all of her splendor and beauty.