Your wedding ceremony music create the atmosphere and overall feel of your event. The music selections are usually determined by the personal preferences of the bride and groom.
Below is a simple ceremony music structure for most wedding ceremonies. Also, some song suggestions you may like to consider when having a wedding string quartet:
1. Pre-Wedding Music
The pre-wedding music sets the scene for the actual ceremony. This usually begins approximately 15-20 minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to begin while guests arrive. The music selections are often light and lively, and played in a low volume allowing guests to converse.
Choosing string quartet music for pre-wedding music:
Your pre-wedding music should be easy listening songs setting the scene for the ceremony that’s about to commence. Some of Mozart’s pieces are always a popular choice, alongside Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. But if you wanted a more contemporary sound, Michael Buble, Cold Play and The Beatles are also favorites. Depending on your personal tastes, 16 Strings String Quartet allows you to choose songs from a range of classical, jazz or pop styles. The aim is to have music that suits you, because at the end of the day, it’s your wedding!
2. Processional Music (Walking Down The Aisle)
The first notes of the processional music announce the arrival of the Bride and inform the guests to stand! Because of this, processional music should be joyful and triumphant.
Choosing string quartet music for the processional:
The most popular string quartet processional song that we play is the famous Pachebel’s “Canon In D”. Wagner’s “Here Comes The Bride” is also a popular choice and it quite often used for a church wedding because of it’s traditional sound. But don’t let tradition stop you from you choosing more contemporary pieces like “Bella’s Lullaby” from Twilight, Elton John’s “Your Song” or Jackson Five’s “All Be There”
3. Signing Of The Register
This is the part within the ceremony where the bride and groom sign all the appropriate paperwork to make the marriage legal. As this is done, it is nice to have some background music played to keep the guests entertained.
Choosing string quartet music for the singing:
Like the pre-wedding ceremony music, the song for the signing should be an easy listening piece. Why not choose a song that all your guests may be familiar with. It’s always nice to have a song you can hum to (well that’s what we think anyway). Some popular choices for the signing with 16 Strings are “Someone To Watch Over Me”, U2’s “Chasing Cars”, “The Prayer” or Michael Buble’s “Everything”. For a more traditional choice why not have Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy” or Bach’s “Air On G String” these are both favourites.
4. Recessional Music (Exiting or End Of Ceremony Song)
The recessional music usually begins immediately after the celebrant or minister introduces the new couple to the guests as husband and wife. Like the processional, this music is generally joyful and triumphant.
For a traditional recessional song Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” is the way to go. However, as we’ve already mentioned choose a song that reflects you as a couple. 16 Strings String Quartet have a wide range of pieces to choose from. Some favourite choices are U2’s “Beautiful Day”, ColdPlay’s “Viva La Vida”, “Clocks” and “All We Need Is Love” by The Beatles is also a very popular song with our string quartet.
If you would like to see 16 Strings String Quartet’s full repertoire list with a range of other song choices and suggestions of where those songs should be played in the ceremony click here. Or to hear audio and video examples click here.
Choosing your wedding ceremony music should be fun and not stressful. When hiring professionals to play at your wedding you should have peace of mind that they have your best interest in mind. They should guide you in the music choices, if you are stuck but most of all give you confidence that “they know what they’re doing”. Remember, your wedding ceremony music should reflect you as a couple, making it a memorable day, so choose songs that you love…
If you would like 16 Strings String Quartet to quote you on a wedding ceremony go to: http://www.16-strings.com for more information.
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Can you feel this Magic in the air?
I came across an awesome document that assists couples when writing their own wedding vows. Although this blog is a String Quartet Blog, it’s also a Wedding Blog so whenever we come across a good article or a interesting wedding tip we like to pass it on… Hope it helps:
t in setting the tone and mood.