There’s lots to think about when planning a wedding service, and music is an important part which sets the tone and holds the service together. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare.
Pre-Ceremony Music
As your guests are arriving it can be nice to have some gentle background music playing to set the atmosphere with a sense of peace and calm before the bride arrives.
My piano music can be classical, contemporary or worship, and I will choose songs which I can weave together to create a seamless flow right until the bride arrives.
Entrance of the Bride
For a bride, the moment you walk down the aisle to meet your groom is one of the most memorable highlights of your life.
As a musician, I love providing the music which is the backdrop to that special moment. If you have a favourite song you would like to walk down the aisle to, I will arrange it and time it with the bridesmaids and yourself so the length fits perfectly.
Some brides like to keep it traditional and majestic with Wagner’s Bridal March on the organ; others prefer a more gentle and magical entrance on piano with an arrangement of a popular song such as “Perfect” or “A Thousand Years”.
Other brides choose a worship song such as “How Great is our God” or Great is Thy Faithfulness” to be played instrumentally as they walk down the aisle.
This is your moment so make it yours! The length of the entrance music will be determined by how many are walking down the aisle…if you could let me know how many groups of flower girls/bridesmaids etc will be coming and whether they are coming before or after the bride I will arrange the music to fit.
Hymns/Songs
If you are having a church wedding, you will usually have some congregational hymns or songs as part of the service.
Susanna can play traditional hymns on the piano or organ, or she can lead contemporary worship songs from the piano with vocals.
She is very happy to work with other musicians; often the bride and groom might have friends who play and sing so Susanna can lead a whole team if needed. Please speak to Susanna for more information.
See separate list for hymn suggestions.
Signing of the Register
I can play instrumental piano music during the signing of the register, or this is an opportunity where you could involve friends or family to sing or play. I am happy to accompany singers/instrumentalists on the piano if needed. An extra rehearsal may be needed for this which we can discuss.
Exit of the Bride and Groom
This could be the traditional Mendelssohn Wedding March on organ or piano, or sometimes the bride and groom have a favourite recorded contemporary song they would like to walk out to.
Usually something with an upbeat happy mood will fit well as everyone will be celebrating at the end of the service.
I can play a recorded song of your choice through the PA system if required.