The Four W’s of Wedding MusicStart planning your wedding music well ahead of time so you can choose what you really like. Decide on the four W’s - which style you want, when you'll use it in the ceremony, what tone you want to set and who will sing, play instruments or operate audio equipment.
Which Style • Classical – traditional or nontraditional Do you want the pomp, circumstance, and traditional feel of the usual wedding music? Or you might like a more light-hearted or unusual, but still classical, feel. If you know you want a "classical" sound but not the traditional wedding style, start by searching the famous composers; Bach, Beethoven and other composers of timeless classical music. • Sacred – hymns, gospel, contemporary, African-American spiritual, Christian rock There are many songs in sacred music befitting as wedding as well as different styles. Contemporary Christian music is my favorite, but there are some hymns that never get old. A soulful African American choir singing praise with old spirituals might be your choice of wedding music. Whichever sacred style you choose, praise the Lord with gladness on your special day! • Secular – standard, country, alternative, soul, hip-hop, folk, jazz, rock or Celtic music There are some beautiful love songs that are tasteful and romantic for a bride and a groom in love. I have attended weddings where secular music was used in the church wedding ceremony. Once the groom sang Elvis Presley “Love Me Tender” to his bride as she walked down the aisle. You should still check with the minister or the church staff before deciding to use secular songs in a church ceremony. Some religions have rules about the kind of music that is allowed in their house of worship. When to Sing Keep in mind some basic "what goes where" guidelines: • The prelude (music before ceremony) and postlude (music after ceremony) should be upbeat but low key; usually instrumental background music. • The processional (entrance of wedding party) should be majestic and be a bit slower than the recessional. • The recessional (departure of wedding party) can be very upbeat and faster than the processional. • Songs that are part of the ceremony are joyous. They can be sung between the readings, during the lighting of a unity candle, or at another convenient point in the service. A religious ceremony may also include hymns, a responsorial psalm, or a sung blessing. What Tone Reflect your beliefs or personalities by personalizing your wedding music. Getting married in church does not automatically limit your music choices. Focus on romantic love, friendship, shared goals and/or your commitment to God. Other appropriate themes for your wedding music include praise and thanksgiving, divine intervention, willingness to do God's will, shared mission, and initiation into a new phase of life. Who Sings Choose from prerecorded vocals or instrumentals, vocalist/s singing in a cappella or with live or prerecorded instrumentalists, live instrumentalists such as pianist, organist, harpist, guitarist, string quartet, orchestra, etc. A flute or clarinet solo would also be beautiful. Be sure to have an experienced audio equipment operator if using prerecorded music. Be prepared to put some time into this project... and do listen to the lyrics carefully before making your final decision! Whatever you choose, don't be afraid to have fun: your guests will probably enjoy whatever you do!
Christian Wedding Music
|
