Who among us doesn’t know the traditional notes of “The Wedding March” signaling the entrance of the bride, providing the background for her walk down the aisle and the start of the wedding ceremony? Yes, this music is significant; yes, this music speaks to years of wedded bliss and millions of ceremonies between two beloved parties. What happens, though, when these dulcet tones don’t speak to YOU and YOUR day of celebration? What notes can you turn to?
Traditionally, when working on a ceremony, there are 2 to 3 pieces of music you will want to incorporate – the processional (the entrance of the bridal party); the bride’s song; and the recessional. Some of the questions you may want to ask yourselves when delving into the music realm are as follows:
- Are we looking for more contemporary/popular music or more traditional pieces?
- Do we want music with lyrics, or instrumentals?
- Are we looking for upbeat, catchy music or something more subdued?
- Are there any songs that are important to our relationship and speak to our unique love?
- Will our DJ play the music, or are we having live musicians (strings, piano, etc.)?
Once you have answered any or all of these questions, now it’s time to have some FUN! Go on to YouTube and type in the names of some wedding songs you have heard. Listen intently and see yourselves either walking down the aisle or recessing together as husband and wife. What do you envision? In some of my previous ceremonies, people have used traditional instrumental pieces (Canon in D, Pachabel’s Canon, The Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream); a great many have used non-traditional pieces, such as “Somebody’s Getting Married” from The Muppets Take Manhattan, the Theme from the Legend of Zelda, and “The Imperial March” from Star Wars.
When you begin to think about your unique relationship and what you truly want to remember for your special day, the sky’s the limit! Be creative! Be yourselves! Express it in music!