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Proper Placement of Music for Your Wedding Ceremony

Sample Wedding Ceremony Program

Processional - Whether you choose "Here Comes the Bride" or another accompaniment as you march down the aisle, your processional will announce your arrival. All in attendance will stand as you make your way toward the center point. The most common instrumentalists used for the processional are a pianist and organist. You could certainly opt for another instrument if you prefer. However, keep two things in mind. The instrument(s) need to be loud enough to hear. A flute would not be recommended. Also, if your wedding ceremony is indoors, be sure the instrument isn't too loud, as it will make guests uncomfortable.

Poetry/Scripture Readings - If you choose to include this optional segment, you might consider having a soft instrumentalist playing in the background. A harpist, string quartet, organist or pianist would work well here. Most brides use the same instrumentalist who played during the prelude for the readings also.

Unity Candle/Soloist - A popular practice in a wedding ceremony is to light a unity candle. The bride's parents and the groom's parents each light separate candles. Then the bride takes one candle, the groom takes the other and they simultaneously light a new candle symbolizing the union of the two families.

Three scenarios have taken place during the unity candle lighting. Instrumentalists play softly in the background during the lighting or a soloist sings during the lighting. A third option is to have a gentle melody playing during the lighting and afterward have a soloist sing to the couple.

For those who choose not to light a unity candle, this section of the wedding ceremony is an excellent place for your soloist's first song.

Vows - There are several places within the exchanging of vows where a soloist could sing a song. Before the vows, after the vows or before the rings are all practical and acceptable places for a soloist to sing.

Recessional - The part of the wedding ceremony you've been waiting for! Congratulations! You're husband and wife. Of course, you'll need music to leave by. The same principles apply to the recessional as did to the processional. All in attendance will stand as you make your way out of the gathering place. The most common instrumentalists used for the processional are a pianist and organist. If you choose another instrument, remember it needs to be loud enough to hear, but not loud enough to make guests uncomfortable.

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