Pre-Ceremony Music
Pre-ceremony music usually consists of about 20 minutes of background music performed while guests arrive and are being seated. If you do not have particular requests for this music, select a category of music you would like performed (for example, light classical music or gentle Celtic music). The seating of the parents and grandparents usually marks the end of the pre-ceremony music.Processional Music
The processional music usually begins when the officiant and the groom enter, although sometimes they entire during the final pre-ceremony selection. The bridesmaids (along with the groomsmen who may accompany them) enter during the processional selection. The music usually shifts to a more majestic version when the bride begins to make her entrance.During the Wedding
Music is sometimes incorporated as part of the wedding, particularly if there is a lighting of a unity candle or during communion. The lighting of a unity candle requires an extremely short piece, usually no more than 30 seconds, while communion requires a piece that can be extended as needed.Recessional Music
This is usually a triumphant, quickly-paced piece performed as the newlyweds walk up the aisle as husband and wife, followed by the wedding party.Post-Ceremony Music
Like the pre-ceremony music, post-ceremony music provides about 10 minutes of background atmosphere as guests file out.Reception Music
As opposed to wedding music, receptions usually work best if the music is lively and comes from more than one tradition (i.e., something for everyone). Our preference for receptions is to play violin and guitar pieces that include waltzes and slow airs as well as spirited reels, jigs and polkas.Important:
Check with your officiant (minister, rabbi, priest) before making musical selections, as some do not allow secular (non-religious) music or particular selections. In addition, some will not permit music as background during the exchange of vows or other times in the ceremony.