There are many different types of wedding

ceremonies; traditional, contemporary, religious,

and civil.  Yet, in regards to the music, most

ceremonies share common characteristics.  To

help in your planning, below is an outline of where

music can be played during a traditional wedding

ceremony.  This outline is only intended to be a

starting point. Our musicians are experienced and

flexible enough to accommodate traditional and

contemporary weddings.  For more ideas, see our

listen page.

 

Prelude Music

Before the wedding ceremony begins, musicians usually play prelude music.  The Great Lakes Chamber Players typically begins 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony while the guests arrive.  The character of the music tends to be light and melodic with music of Bach, Mozart, and Vivaldi.  Though we gladly take requests from the wedding couple, many leave the prelude to the musicians' discretion.

Music for the Seating of the Mothers
At the end of the prelude, the mothers are escorted down the isle to their seats.   While some prefer the seating of the mothers to take place during the prelude, others make this a special moment in the ceremony.  Sometimes the mothers light the candles in front of the sanctuary after being escorted.  Please remember to have a cue for the musicians when the mothers are ready to be seated.  Some popular choices for the seating of the mothers are Ave Maria, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach and Canon in D by Pachelbel.  

Processional Music for the Attendants

After the mothers are seated, the music begins for the processional of the attendants.  In some ceremonies, the groom and groomsmen enter from the side of the front of the sanctuary while the maid of honor and bridesmaids process up the isle. In other weddings, the groom enters from the side while all the attendants process up the isle.  Traditionally, the flower girl and ring bearer process last.  Some couples prefer a regal feel for the processional and select Trumpet Voluntary  by Clarke or Trumpet Tune by Purcell.  Others select pieces that set a gentle and tuneful atmosphere such as Canon in D by Pachelbel orJesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach.

Processional Music for the Bride

After the last attendant has processed, the music for the attendants ends, the officiant for the wedding signals for all to stand and new music begins for the bride.  The traditional piece is theBridal March by Wagner, otherwise recognized as “Here Comes the Bride.”  Other pieces can be performed such as those listed above for the processional for the attendants.

Pieces during the Wedding Ceremony

Many opportunities for music exist during the ceremony. Music can be performed between readings, during the unity candle or sand ceremony, and during communion.  Pieces by Bach, Mozart, Handel, Beethoven are appropriate or a more popular song of your choice.  Always check with the pastor, priest, or Rabbi regarding any guidelines for music during the ceremony and final approval of music. 

Recessional Music for the Entire Wedding Party
Traditionally, at the end of the ceremony the officiant announces the bride and groom as husband and wife for the first time. This is usually the cue for the musicians to begin the recessional for the entire wedding party.   The music is often jubilant in nature and faster than the processional.  Some popular selections for the recessional are  Ode to Joy  by Beethoven, Mendelssohn's Bridal March, Spring from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi or Rondeau by Mouret.

Postlude Music
Postlude music is played while the guests leave the sanctuary and is typically 15 minutes. Sometimes the bride and groom dismiss their guests row by row instead of having a receiving line.  If your wedding is large, this can take up to 30 minutes. Most couples prefer music the entire time their guests are in the sanctuary so be sure to inform the musicians if this is your plan.  Some couples have special requests for the postlude music though often the music is left to the discretion of the musicians