Choosing Your Wedding Day Music

There are many excellent choices for your wedding music. Your wedding music not only depends on your musical taste, but your budget as well. No DJ can compete with the energy of a great live band, but bands are usually much more expensive than DJs. It is not unusual to receive price quotes from live bands that are several times more expensive than that of DJs.

Both bands and DJs are normally charging you by the hours of service performed. Four hours of music is standard in the industry. Music normally begins during the cocktail hour. For how long the band plays should be discussed during the initial negotiations. Both parties should understand what is needed and what is possible.

There are many ways to find wedding music. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family. If you are working with a wedding coordinator, she should be more than happy to assist you with wedding music. It is best to meet with several wedding music professionals before you make a decision. Never hire the first one you meet, even if you fall in love with them. You are doing yourself a disservice, if you dont interview several bands. Ask to see the bands and DJs in action. Ask for demos to help you to make your decision. Ask for references to see what others think of the band.

Make sure you understand what the band members will be wearing. Remember they are your employees, for the few hours you hire them. They have to dress appropriately, and you not the band members determine what is appropriate. You should ask to see if they could play the songs that you want to hear. Will they take requests from guests? If possible, make sure the bandleader visits the venue before the event to make sure it has all the space and electrical requirements.

If you think you found the band or DJ you want to hire, put all the details in writing. Dont just take someones word for it. Unless it is in writing, it was never part of the deal. If it is important to you put it in writing. It is better to be too careful than to get burned.

Top 15 Songs for your Wedding

Some people find it hard to choose the right music for the wedding. The easist song to pick is the couple's song. That is the song that has been with you during your romance. But then comes the critical choice: What other songs can we use? The final choice is yours, but here we have a little top 15 songs for your wedding. It can help you, because these are the songs that most people use, and, wel..you can work form there.

1. A Moment Lilke This - Artist: Kelly Clarkson
2. All My Life - Artist: K-Ci & JoJo
3. Always - Artist: Atlantic Starr
4. Always and Forever - Artist: Heatwave
5. Amazed - Artist: Lonestar
6. At Last - Artist: Etta James
7. A Whole New World - Artist: Soundtrack to Aladdin
8. Because You Loved Me - Artist: Celine Dion
9. By Your Side - Artist: Sade
10. Everything I Do, I Do It For You - Artist: Bryan Adams
11. From This Moment - Artist: Shania Twain & Bryan White)
12. I Do (Cherish You) - Artist: 98 Degrees
13. Me and You - Artist: Kenny Chesney
14. Storybook Bride (from The Princess Bride) - Artist: Mark Knofler
15. This I Promise You - Artist: 'N Sync

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What to consider in a wedding music contract

A contract should include...

* Name of the band or DJ service.
* Names, addresses and phone numbers of employer and employee (s).
* Date and time of the event. Location of the event.
* How many hours the contract covers.
* Price of the service.
* Amount of the deposit.
* What the balance due is, and when it should be paid.
* Who the checks should be made payable to.
* Will there be meals for the entertainment.
* Overtime information (if you decide you want any) and when it should be paid. Add any details that are pertinent to your event.

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Wedding Music facts yo may not know

From the 16th century to the present, a European or American church wedding often involves the bride walking alone slowly down the church aisle to a processional tune and returning together with her new husband to a lively recessional tune. For over 100 years the most popular processional has been Wagner's Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin (1850), often called "Here Comes The Bride". For the recessional the most popular tune is Mendelssohn's Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream (1826). Another popular choice is Widor's Toccata from Symphony No. 5 (1880). As the couple leave the church, bells are rung. During the service there will be a few hymns, often chosen by the bride. The law now requires paper documentation so there is an extra piece of music while the couple retires to sign the register. This might be a reflective piece such as Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring". For civil weddings there is usually no wedding music.

After the few photographs the reception follows. This is a meal followed by a dance. In previous centuries the newlyweds would be the first to dance and then they would separate to dance briefly with each of the other people present. Only the most conservative or wealthy weddings now have couple dancing. Instead a DJ is employed to play popular records, often chosen by the couple.

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Wedding Ceremony Music

It's the moment you've been waiting for – you and your bridal party making a grand entrance and walking down the aisle. But what will you choose for your wedding ceremony music? Music has the power to set a mood, evoke emotion, and give a moment cohesiveness. Are you a traditional Wagner's "Here Comes the Bride" and Pachelbel's "Canon in D" type of couple? Or are you more contemporary, looking for a song that captures your spirit like Norah Jones's "Come Away with Me"? Here is a list of both classic and contemporary wedding ceremony music. Many of the songs can be used for processionals and recessionals, and/or serve as prelude music (when your guests are finding seats and waiting for the ceremony to begin) or postlude music (when your guests are exiting, and/or waiting in the receiving line). I recommend that couples go to Amazon and do a quick search for any of these titles. Amazon has an MP3 excerpt for most songs, allowing you to get a sense of the music before you purchase it.

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Music

• "Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin" (Richard Wagner) (also known as "Here Comes the Bride")
  
• "Canon in D" (Johann Pachelbel)
  
• "Guitar Concerto in D Major", Largo, (Antonio Vivaldi)
  
• "Air" (from Water Music Suite), (George Frederic Handel)
  
• "The Prince of Denmark's March" (Trumpet Voluntary in D major) (Jeremiah Clarke)
  
• "Procession of Joy" (Hal Hopson)
  
• "Rigaudon" (Andre Campra)
  
• "Wedding March" (from The Marriage of Figaro), (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
  
• Prelude from "Te Deum" (Marc-Antoine Charpentier)
  
• "Trumpet Tune and Air" (Henry Purcell)
  
• "Trumpet Voluntary" (John Stanley)
  

Other Classical Wedding Ceremony Music

• "Coronation March for Czar Alexander III" (Peter I. Tchaikovsky)
  
• "Overture" (from Royal Fireworks Music), (George Frederic Handel)
  
• "Promenade" (from Pictures at an Exhibition), (Modest Mussorgsky)
  
• "Sinfonia" (from Cantata No. 156), (Johann Sebastian. Bach)
  
• "Cantata No.29" (Johann Sebastian Bach)
  
• "Prelude and Fugue in C" (Johann Sebastian Bach)
  
• "Toccata" (from L'Orfeo), (Claudio Monteverdi)
  
• "Romance from String Quartet" (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
  
• "Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major" ("Elvira Madigan") (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
  
• "Trumpet Tune in A-Major" (David N. Johnson)
  
• "A Midsummer Night's Dream, incidental music, Op. 61 Wedding March" (Felix Mendelssohn)
  
• "Winter," Largo or "Spring" Allegro (from The Four Seasons), (Antonio Vivaldi)
  

Contemporary Songs Appropriate for Wedding Ceremonies

• "At Last" (Etta James)
  
• "Only Time" (Enya)
  
• "Come Away With Me" (Norah Jones)
  
• "Appalachia Waltz" (Yo-Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Mark O'Connor)
  
• "Unforgettable" (Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole)
  
• "It's Only Time" (Magnetic Fields)
  
• "The Look of Love" (Dionne Warwick/Burt Bacharach)
  
• "The Vow" (Jeremy Lubbock)
  
• "Come What May" (Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor)
  
• "Storybook Love" from the movie "The Princess Bride" (Willy DeVille)
  
• "Wedding Processional" (from The Sound of Music) (Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein)
  
• "Can't help falling in love" (Elvis Presley)
  
• "What A Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong)
  
• "When I'm Sixty-Four" (The Beatles)

Choosing music for your reception!

Q: I have a list of all of my favorite songs that I want the DJ to play "in order". How do I make sure this happens?
A: You don't want to. But, if your DJ has no experience or you are hiring a family friend, you might have to. When you hire a Professional DJ, they've been to hundreds of events like yours. And while each event is different, they will adapt to you and your guests all night by playing requests from everyone! Even a DJ with 20 year's experience can't predict which songs will make the crowd dance at every moment throughout the night "in order"! A Professional DJ uses his vast music knowledge and expertise to entertain your guests by constantly reacting to their ever-changing moods. Just like you selected varieties of food that appeal to all of your guests, choose categories of music you prefer and let the DJ do the work for you.

Q: But I'm getting married! Isn't my day be special?
A: It will be! Good DJs keep in constant contact with you all night and there are many special things the DJ will have your guests doing at your reception. But most Brides/Grooms forget that every one of your guests will want at least 5 minutes of conversation with you. As a result, most couples don't even hear half of the songs that are played! It's better to choose between 10-15 songs that you most want played and your Professional DJs will make sure you know when they are. (Why only 10-15? Because 4 hours of music is ONLY 50-55 songs!) Your guests will also stay longer if the DJ is playing their requests and responding to their musical tastes so leaving room for their selections makes good sense.

Q: How can I tell if a DJ will really play the requests my guests ask him for?
A: This is a question you should find the answer to BEFORE you book the DJ! Ask how his music is organized. A versatile DJ that is used to playing requests quickly will color-code and/or number his music in books to help him remember where everything is. Those companies that say they have 5,000 selections at an event but don't have them organized by Song Title with a numbered system have a worthless library. If it's not easy to find, it's going to take a while to play it... if at all. Many lazy DJs "coast" through a reception memorizing only the same, lame 30-40 songs they always play. Make playing requests from your guests mandatory!

Q: Do I give my DJ any other specific songs?
A: Most receptions start with your 1st Dance as husband and wife (a kind of "spotlight dance" with just you two) followed by a Father/Daughter Dance (sometimes Mother/Son Dance at the same time or following) and then a Wedding Party Dance where attendants dance as couples. All three songs are typically slow songs of your choosing. Also, if there are any birthdays, anniversaries or any other special celebrations occurring, it's helpful to let the DJ know these too!

The BEST tip is to simply ask a lot of questions and visit the DJ at an event before you hire them! DJ Companies that constantly perform "above the average" let you do all of these things and welcome your special input! On your Wedding Day, relax, enjoy and let the Professional DJ do the work for you!

It's a nice day for an iPod wedding

As a bride-to-be, Jessica Spence was taking extra care to note the details at a friend's wedding recently.

One thing that stood out to her was an idle-looking DJ who hit a few buttons on his laptop and appeared to take the rest of the night easy.

"I swear to god, the DJ was playing Solitaire throughout the dinner and cocktail hour," Spence noted in an online forum at wedding-planning site TheKnot.com. "It seems sort of silly to pay someone a lot of money to sit at a laptop and put on songs when we can do the exact same thing."

With their confidence in wedding DJs dented, Spence and her fiance are counting on their iPod to provide the musical entertainment at their wedding reception in Minneapolis later this month. They're among a growing number of couples making personal music players a central part of their big day.

Keeping wedding budgets in check is one reason couples are going the digital-DJ route. According to wedding-planning guide Bridal Bargains, professional DJs charge an average of $600 per wedding. A live band can run upwards of $1,000. If a couple has already plunked down $300 or so for an iPod or an iRiver, and spent hours refining their digital-music collection, it's easy to see why a DJ might seem superfluous.

"What could be easier?" said Lori Leibovich, editor of IndieBride.com, a Web site for brides. "You bring it, you program it, it sounds great. It doesn't surprise me at all that more people are doing it."

Do-it-yourself wedding music has emerged as a popular discussion topic on IndieBride's discussion forums, as well as those at TheKnot.com. In another signal that the trend is on the rise, the latest edition of the best-selling book "Bridal Bargains" features a section on "the iPod wedding."

Celebrities are looking into iPods as DJs, too. Rock star Alanis Morissette, who's engaged to actor Ryan Reynolds, has said during recent interviews that she may use an iPod at her wedding next year.

Indulging your inner DJ
Saving money obviously isn't the only motivation. Many couples view their wedding music as an opportunity to express themselves and put a personal stamp on their event. A digital-music player seems to set a more relaxed tone, too, one bride-to-be said.

"I think it will really add to the feel of the night not being so staged," said Emily Mighdoll, who is planning to use an iPod at her wedding next year in Delray Beach, Fla. "There's music, but no one will be telling us what to do the whole night. It's also sort of neat being able to control a piece of how the party goes."

It's also the ultimate way to indulge a bride or groom's inner disc jockey. Grooms, in particular, find that aspect appealing, Mighdoll said.

"My fiance is definitely an audiophile and has tons and tons of music--anything we'd want a DJ to play and more," she said. "He's definitely selecting the playlists." (Mighdoll, however, said she's retaining veto power over the song selection.)

But do-it-yourself wedding music is not as simple as it might sound. For one thing, most couples find that they need to borrow or rent a sound system, including speakers, amplifiers, cables and a microphone. Rental costs can easily exceed $100.

Couples may also want to ask a trusted friend or family member to play MC and manage music transitions from dinner to dancing. Others advise using a laptop to sidestep some of pocket-size players' limitations, such as some iPods' 2- or 3-second pause between songs. Backing up music to a CD in case of a technical malfunction is also not a bad idea.

Music selection can also be tricky, a former radio DJ writes on IndieBride's online forum. "From a DJ's perspective, the music is not for you," she writes. "You are not playing your favorite songs. You are playing songs people want to hear and that people want to dance to."

She recommends sticking to crowd pleasers like "YMCA" by the Village People and "Whip It" by Devo.

Professional DJs say all of this detail is too much for most amateurs to handle. That's why the technology isn't putting any DJs out of business, said Jim Tremayne, editor of DJ Times magazine.

"A good, experienced, professional mobile DJ will offer more than music selection," Tremayne said in an e-mail interview. "That DJ will offer the timing that an iPod can't. He'll do introductions. He'll play the music at the exact time that you want. He'll offer the expertise of someone who's done this hundreds of times."

So If you really want to have an Ipod Wedding, learn how to set it all up HERE

By Alorie Gilbert

Hire the Right DJ for the Right Occasion

Planning an occasion is a lot of hard work. No matter if it is a graduation, a wedding, a bar/bat mitzvah, an awards ceremony, or any other occasion, you spend hours planning what decorations to hang, what food and drinks to serve, what to wear, and who to invite. Do you have a DJ host your occasion, or do you simply play your own CDs? If you want to have an event that everyone will be talking about for days and years later, hire a good DJ to run your music and light show. Hiring a DJ can actually be fun. Just follow these simple tips, and you are sure to have a fabulous DJ suitable for any event.

TIP #1: Ask around. Ask your friends and family members to recommend a DJ who they have either worked with in the past or have listened to at another party or event. The best advertisement is word of mouth and your friends and family members will definitely be able to tell you if a particular DJ is good or not. If your friends or family members can't recommend anyone, you can also call local radio stations or a professional entertainment company or check the yellow pages.

TIP #2: Interview your potential DJs. Get to know them and learn about what they have to offer. Explain what type of music you and your guests want at the party or event. Ask the DJ if he or she has videos or cassette tapes of past performances that you can review. Most professional DJs will have samples. During the interview, study the DJ's personality. Is he or she someone who you would want at your event? Is the DJ interested in your event? How do you feel he or she will interact with your guests? Remember, the DJ's personality is very important. Make sure he or she is really who you want to DJ your special occasion.

TIP #3: Ask the DJ for his or her music specialty. Does the DJ have the style of music that you and your guests want to hear? Will the music be right for your specific occasion? Will he or she take requests? Can he or she provide a variety of music that you think everyone will like?

TIP #4: Ask for references. Any professional DJ will gladly provide them. You will want to carefully check the references before deciding to hire the DJ. After all, you would not want a lunatic hosting your special occasion! TIP #5: Make sure the DJ has all of the equipment that you will need at your gathering such as speakers, lights, microphone, etc.

TIP #6: Get everything in writing. Make sure the DJ knows the exact time, date, and location of the event. Make sure you agree on the fee and have all the DJ's promises in writing. You want to have all of your bases covered in case something does not go well.

TIP #7: Don't wait until the last minute to find a DJ. Start planning early. Many DJs are booked quickly with weddings, graduations, proms, and other parties. Try to book your DJ at least 3 months in advanced.

Consider booking a DJ when you are planning your next get-together. It is important to find the DJ who will best meet your occasion's needs without blowing your budget. Your guests will certainly remember the music from your event since the music will set the mood; so choose your DJ wisely. With a cool DJ that everyone likes, your event will be a hit, and everyone will talking about it for a long time!

Tips for Selecting Wedding Musicians

Planning a wedding celebration can be crazy, fun, and overwhelming all at once! So many decisions, so little time. Menu? Decorations? Flowers? Wedding Invitations? Bridal Showers? Music? Lets focus on the music and share suggestions to ensure a successful wedding celebration.

Things happen so just keep cool and let the wedding professionals help you by virtue of their expertise! If you are a do it yourselfer, allow extra time for the learning curve. Just relax if stuff goes wrong like the ring bearer forgetting the ring up on the 16th floor of the hotel room or the ceremony starting 35 minutes late because Uncle Bob took a wrong turn driving to the church.

Always trust a professional. Remember: You are planning one wedding. Professional help plan thousands. Many people are looking for value today and may believe that because Aunt Bertha plays the piano, she'd be perfect as your cocktail pianist. Aunt Bertha may know "Love Me Tender" ~ but do you want to hear it over and over? Don't disappoint your guests or yourself by cutting corners? If she wants to play as her gift to you, invite her to play one or two songs. Let Aunt Bertha be a guest. Leave the music to the professional who has a wide repertoire for everyone. They are able to take requests, play polished, professional arrangements ~ and do it all while smiling and carrying on a conversation without taking their hands off the keys.

For a beautiful, elegant, and classy wedding ceremony and reception use "live" music. Keep the CDs in the car. If you are absolutely on the tightest budget ~ you can hire a solo musician for what two dinner entrees or a lovely flower arrangement would cost. Do not cut corners with your ambience. Music sets the tone for your day. Your guests WILL notice. Keep this thought in mind for your wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, and your post nuptial champagne brunches.

Trust your friends for referrals that they have dealt with for their special occasions. If you don't know of anyone, the facility where you are planning your event usually has a list of preferred Musicians for specializing in Wedding Ceremonies, Receptions, and Corporate Events. Ask your friend and the venue about Bands, Orchestras, DJ's, Florists, Photographers, and Caterers. Just ask a Catering Coordinator for their list of Professional Musicians; this lists of recommended vendors most likely did not PAY to be listed! Anyone can get listed in a phone book or a wedding magazine for a fee. Recommendations cost nothing but are tremendously valuable resources.

Brides planning Catholic wedding ceremonies need to consult with the Musical Director of their local churches before selecting musicians. It is common practice for the church to REQUIRE you utilize their "in house" musicians and will not allow you to bring in "outside" vendors. Remember when planning your wedding, always trust a professional with a proven reputation. Enjoy your special day!

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Go here for a lovely selection of Wedding Favors.

Your Wedding Theme

Whether it's a traditional, formal or off-the-beaten-track wedding, you're putting the whole event together yourself by planning its every phase. These days, with so much available on the Internet, it's easy! All you need is some time and a clear idea of the feeling you want to get across.

Start with a theme and you'll have a coherent image you can use throughout the entire wedding. You may be surprised, in fact, how potent just a word or concept can be, once applied as your marriage theme.

Love angels, for example? What could be more perfect than finding ways to incorporate angels in every phase of your wedding?

From the flowers to the guest favors to the vows, you can find a way to carry out the theme through the entire event. Is it to be a casual wedding of two Renaissance types? The Renaissance theme is compatible with the wedding ritual, and makes for an unforgettable event.

Getting married on February the fourteenth? Hearts and flowers are perhaps the most traditional and best beloved of all wedding themes!

When you're planning your wedding, save time to choose the music with care. Get together with whoever is providing the music and talk about the right pieces for the two of you. There is nothing that sets the tone like music, and your wedding music will live in your memories for the rest of your lives.

The rings, the vows, the wardrobe…all the choices you must make to create an intimately personal expression of your love, are made so much easier by following a theme. But the idea behind it all is what counts.

You can choose one word to describe the spirit you wish to be your wedding, as if the coming together of two hearts creates a separate entity with one quality.

Is it joy? Is it contentment? Is it a giddy, bubbly, mirthful adoration? Pick a word or a phrase and keep it in mind. It'll tie everything together and make the experience more perfect. And your wedding theme can become a foundation throughout your marriage.

For your wedding.

For each other.

For your life.

Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides wedding tips on http://www.wedding-planner.info

Dance Music for the Wedding Reception

The most enjoyable part of the wedding reception is the dance music. When choosing dance music for your wedding, you need to decide if you want the services of a DJ or a band for your wedding.

For a church wedding, you could sit with the minister to decide on the music for each of the four sections of the wedding ceremony: The Prelude, The Processional, The Signing of the Register and The Recessional.

When you choose music for your wedding, you could decide the choice of music depending on the guests for your wedding and the trend for music. One option is to have an interesting mix of romantic melodies and party numbers as dance music for your wedding.

First the bride and bridegroom traditionally take the dance floor to a waltz. Then they take turns as the bride groom dances with his mother-in-law and then with his mother. The bride dances with her father-in-law and then with her father. The best man dances with the chief bridesmaid. The other bridesmaids join hands with the ushers. They are soon followed by the other guests.

You could have a live band, which are associated and favored for the 'real music', alternating with a disc jockey as he plays dance music for your wedding. The live band could play slow music and set the tempo for the fast paced danceable tracks, by the DJ. Hiring a DJ is less expensive than a real live band of professionals.

Listen to the tracks of the DJ or assess the live band before giving them a 'Yes' to perform dance music at the wedding reception. Their systems and equipment should be compatible with the venue. You could give a list of tracks which would be desired to be played and also the sequential order if you prefer.

In case the musicians or the Djs have to do an 'encore' you want to check to see if there will be any additional charge.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Selecting Wedding Songs and Wedding Music

The Wedding songs you chose for your wedding will be the soundtrack of your life. You'll never forget the special way your spouse looked at you during your first dance as man and wife. It’s one of those things that you’ll remember until the end of your life. But what type of music should be played at your wedding? A little bit of everything! Yes, you and your spouse are most definitely entitled to have your own taste in music. But remember, you want to keep everyone happy. A little bit of diversity goes a long way. Make the younger and older guests comfortable with a nice variety throughout the night. The key here is to keep everyone dancing the night away. You want to see smiles throughout the evening that can be captured in your photographs which will be cherished for years to come.

You'd most likely make better use out of a DJ rather than a band. Of course, that’s your choice to make. Nevertheless, you should bear this in mind: A band may have a hard time catering to such a wide genre of music. Unless, of course, you're determined to have a band sing at your wedding. Just be certain they have plenty of tunes for everyone to dance to. Nobody wants to see their guests playing "guess that tune" at their own wedding. Popular contemporary music will keep the party going all night long. That's exactly what you want! As the night tones down, play softer music throughout dinner. This will relax your guests and make for a very peaceful setting. The sound of clanking wine glasses will let you know when it’s time to kiss. But that’s just music in itself, isn’t it? Don’t be shy, you’ll get used to it after the first few times you hear silverware against glass.

There are some very important songs that you will need to choose for your wedding. The most important, of course, being the new couple's first dance. This song should be mutually agreed upon by both wife and groom. In addition, another important song to choose is the bride's dance with her father. These dances always choke everyone up with tears and sighs! Make sure these songs capture your sweetest sentiments. You'll also want to make sure that a photographer is there to capture every beautiful moment and smile between your family members.

Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, a free wedding planner.

How To Plan Your Wedding Ceremony Music

Not all songs are created equal. The type of wedding ceremony music that you choose will be quite different from the wedding reception music. There is also the consideration on the type of wedding you will be having - whether it is a traditional religious ceremony or a less formal occasion, such as a garden wedding or beach wedding. In this article, we are going to be looking at music choices that would fit into a more formal and religious atmosphere.

What Type Of Music Is Needed For Each Segment

In a traditional ceremony arrangement, low-key instrumental music is usually played and begins about a half hour before the ceremony begins. This is called the Prelude. Most times, if you don't have any real choices in songs, the organist will play the typical wedding selections that other bride's and groom's have used. If you wish to pick your own Prelude songs, a few of the more popular choices are:

* Canon in D by Pachelbel
* Air From Water Music by Handel
* Ave Maria by Bach
* Greensleeves by David Chamberlain
* Waltz (from Sleeping Beauty) by Tchaikovsky
* We've Only Just Begun by The Carpenters
* Tonight I Celebrate My Love (For You) by Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
* Breathless by Kenny G

You will then need to choose what music you would prefer for your Processional (as you walk down the aisle). Some brides will elect to have traditional instrumental music such as Canon in D, Ave Maria, and of course the tune that everyone knows: The Wedding March (Here Comes The Bride). However, more and more of today's brides are chosing tunes from popular song artists. Here is a short list of Processional songs that tend to be favorites:

* Power Of Love by Celine Dion
* What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Kenny G
* Endless Love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross
* Grow Old With Me by Mary Chapin Carpenter
* Look At You Girl by Chris Ledoux
* From This Moment On by Shania Twain
* Because you Loved me by Celine Dion
* Only Time by Enya
* This I Swear by Nick Lachey
* Nadia's Theme by Barry De Vorzon and Perry Botkin, Jr.

During the ceremony itself, there will be breaks when you will need to provide solos, hymns or instrumental music, such as when you are signing the register. Some common pieces sung by soloists are:

* Wedding (There Is Love) by Stookey
* Ave Maria by Schubert
* Evergreen by Barbra Streisand
* One Hand, One Heart (West Side Story) by Bernstein and Sondheim
* Sunrise, Sunset (Fiddler on the Roof) by Harnick and Bock
* Ode to Joy by Bethoven

Finally the ceremony ends and the bride and groom turn to leave to the sounds of the Recessional. Here you will want a vibrant, joyous song or instrumental to play. You may choose from classical music or the more popular pop songs of today. A few examples are:

* Wedding March from a Midsummer Night's Dream by Mendelssohn
* Overture from The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart
* Bridal March by Hollins
* Ode to Joy by Beethoven
* Nothings Going To Stop Us Now by Jefferson Starship
* Beautiful Day by U2
* Walking On Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
* Forever and Ever, Amen by Randy Travis

Tips For Planning Your Music Selections

Before you select any music, soloists or instrumentalists, you will need to get the answers to certain questions as follows:

1) Speak with your clergy member to find out if the religious venue you are considering provides an organist and/or choir. What other types of musicians are allowed and can he/she recommend anyone? Are other types of musicians allowed such as a harpist, flutist, guitarist, etc.? Can he/she recommend any soloists?

2) You will also need to determine if there are any restrictions on the types of songs and music played during the ceremony. In a very strict, religious church, you may be prohibited from playing any non-religious songs.

3) If the church or synagogue provides an organist or other instrumentalist, what is the fee that is charged for using them? What if you wish to use a friend or a particular organist rather than the one provided, are you allowed to substitute?

4) Determine what type of mood you want for your ceremony. Some couples want a more serious, solemn service, while other couples want a fun-filled, vibrant atmosphere. This will help you in your selection of wedding music, as well as deteriming the best soloist and musicians to hire.

5) If you have any friends or family members that are gifted musicians, you may want to consider asking them to provide the songs and music. It will provide an added personal touch to your ceremony. Be sure to thank them by presenting them with a small gift. In some cases, you may need to hire them just as you would any other professional musician, but it is usually much less expensive to do so.

6) Once you determine what music and songs you will be using, make sure all soloists and musicians have a copy of the music list along with when they are to be sung/played. If any of the songs or music are new to your performers, make sure you provide sheet music and give it to them early so they can prepare.

7) Purchase tapes and CD's of wedding music to listen to. This will help make your choices much easier.

As you can see, there are quite a few details to resolve when planning out your wedding ceremony music. The above song suggestions are the ones more traditionally chosen. However, there are alway new popular songs by song artists that can also be wonderful choices for a wedding ceremony. Keep your ears open for them. Hopefully, the above guidelines should give you a good start toward picking the perfect music that will personalize your own wedding.

Copyright 2006. Rose Smith is the owner of Wedding Themes and More, a website designed to help you plan your perfect theme wedding. Visit our site at: http://www.wedthemes.com for more tips about wedding music and bridal songs.

Planning the Music for Your Wedding Ceremony

It’s safe to say that out of all the events for which you will gather your friends and family to celebrate your marriage, the wedding ceremony itself will be the most meaningful and, hopefully, memorable. In the United States, music plays many vital roles in the wedding ceremony, from providing flow and ambiance to highlighting the deeper emotional meaning. Many former brides and grooms remember the songs played at their weddings for the rest of their lives, and they can relive that romantic day when hearing those songs again.

Since music is so important to your wedding ceremony, I always advise hiring one or more live, experienced, professional musicians to handle it. Qualified, well-researched musicians will be able to tailor the music in real time to fit what is going on in your ceremony, which will help one part flow effortlessly into the next. Also, you’ll find it truly ties together all of the visual and verbal elements, from the flowers to the vows, with timeless style and class.

For the music, most American wedding ceremonies have six major parts, each with their own special requirements:

1. The prelude

2. The wedding party’s processional

3. The bride’s processional

4. The interlude

5. The recessional

6. The postlude

If you do not want to choose individual songs for your ceremony, experienced wedding musicians will be able to play appropriate songs in the right places. But picking out your own music can be more meaningful and satisfying. The first decision you should make that will guide you in your choices is whether you want your music to be traditional and classic or lesser-known but unique. The professional wedding musicians you hire should have a supply of music from both categories in their repertoire.

The Prelude

The purpose of the prelude music is to welcome guests as they are being seated before the ceremony. It also should give a cheerful yet subdued atmosphere, setting the stage for the solemnity of the event. The prelude generally begins 15 to 20 minutes before the ceremony start time, and it often involves quite a few songs. Because of this, it’s best to give the musician(s) an idea of the genre of music you want and leave the individual song choices up to their discretion. Since the prelude sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, it’s a good idea to base your genre choice on the type of music you will be using later in the ceremony. Popular genre choices include Classical, Love Songs, Jazz, and Broadway, and these genres can be mixed together within the prelude to suit your taste. Each of these genres has sub-categories (Baroque or Romantic Classical music, old or new love songs, etc.), but it’s safe to leave those choices up to the musicians unless you have strong feelings one way or another.

The Wedding Party’s Processional

The wedding party’s processional marks the official beginning of the ceremony. It should have a slow but flowing feel, ushering the beautiful bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party down the aisle. Perhaps the classic example here is Canon in D by Pachelbel, but you should listen to various musical selections to find a song that strikes a chord with you.

The Bride’s Processional

The bride’s processional can be an incredible moment, as memorable to everyone involved as the vows or any other part of the ceremony. You should choose a very special song here. If you go with Classical music, the obvious traditional choice is Wagner’s Bridal Chorus (“Here Comes the Bride”). But any Classical piece that strikes you as particularly beautiful or meaningful can be used here. If you’re going with jazz, pop, or Broadway, use a song with beautiful music as well as lyrics that are meaningful to you. Even if you don’t have a singer at your wedding, the lyrics to a popular song will still play in everyone’s minds when they hear the melody.

The Interlude

The interlude can actually be many different moments in the ceremony, my very loose definition being any time there are no words being spoken for a minute or more. For most ceremonies, the interlude is the unity candle, memorial candle, or rose presentation. These are moments of quiet reflection, and the music you choose should encourage this mood. A popular and appropriate unity candle choice is The Wedding Song, partly because the lyrics mention the word “union.” Sweet Classical favorites include Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach, Ave Maria by Schubert, and Meditation from Thais by Massenet.

The Recessional

At last, time to celebrate! The wedding officiant’s pronouncement of husband and wife is followed by enthusiastic applause and joyous recessional music as the happy couple leads the way back up the aisle. The song you choose should be bright and upbeat, inviting everyone to celebrate your union. The top traditional choice for the recessional is Mendelssohn’s Wedding March. A close second and third are Beethoven’s Ode to Joy and Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary. But any song with a joyous feel that speaks to you will work well in this spot.

The Postlude

The postlude sets a pleasant atmosphere as guests are leaving. It can last between 10 and 30 minutes, so it’s best to treat the postlude like the prelude and simply give the musicians an idea of what you want. Experienced wedding musicians will play postlude music that is refined but upbeat, adding the finishing touch to your beautiful ceremony.

The best starting point for specific ceremony music ideas is the repertoire list on the website (or in paper form) of the musicians you are hiring. The songs listed there are usually ones that the musicians are requested to play frequently and that the musicians know very well. Talk with your musicians as far in advance of the ceremony as possible about your musical selections. This way, if you have a special request that is not in the musicians’ repertoire, they may be able to accommodate it.

Lastly, have fun with the process of choosing your music! You can make listening to possible ceremony music a wonderful opportunity to slow down in the midst of your hectic planning and reflect on the love that you and your partner feel for each other. Music has the power to express this beautiful sentiment to all of your friends and family during your wedding ceremony, so take advantage of it!

Article written by:
Courtney Lawhn, Chicago Harpist and Wedding Musician

Courtney Lawhn is one of the most requested wedding harpists in Chicago. She has performed with the most prestigious Classical ensembles in Chicago – the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra – and she brings her experience to weddings and other events throughout the metro area. Check out wedding music samples and simplified example ceremonies on her website.

http://www.chicago-harpist.com