| Planning Your Music |
Music sets the mood of any occasion and with your wedding music you can create the feel and style that you would like. It is best to start your planning and consultations well in advance.
- Ask for an appointment with your Clergyman to discuss your Order of Service and the Hymns and Readings. This will affect the number of Hymns you might choose and their context and position in the service. Looking at previous Order of Service booklets can be helpful. If the congregation will be singing Hymns, make sure you have the words printed on your Order of Service or have Hymn Books available.
- Make an appointment to see the organist. He/she can suggest music around the style you have in mind that will suit the organ in the church.
- Consult with the singer about the vocal solos you would like and to discuss the Hymns.
Examples of Music in the Church Wedding Service
Music before the Service
Vocal and/or organ voluntaries
Eg: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring – Bach
Processional (Entrance of the Bride)
Usually organ music but can be vocal or instrumental for a different effect
Eg: Trumpet Tune – Purcell
Air from Water Music – Handel
Bridal March – Wagner
Hymns (optional)
Number and position depends on Order of Service
Eg: Responsorial Psalm – The Lord’s My Shepherd
Thanksgiving or Wedding Hymn – Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Offertory Hymn (if applicable)
Short piece during Offertory Procession
Eg: Ave Maria – Schubert
O Perfect Love (1verse) – Barnby
Communion (if applicable)
Eg: Panis Angelicus – Franck
Signing the Register
Eg: Classical piece such as Ave Maria or Where’er You Walk (Handel)
Popular love song
Recessional
Jubilant, celebratory piece as bride and groom leave the Church, organ solo or voice and organ.
Eg: Trumpet Voluntary (Prince of Denmark’s March) – J Clarke
Wedding March – Mendelssohn
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel
Alleluia – Mozart (voice and organ)
Other Possible Places for Hymns or Solos
After Blessing and Exchange of Rings
Lighting of Wedding Candle
Reflection after Communion
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