CEREMONY MUSIC
Music is a very important part of your wedding ceremony. Before selecting your service music it is advisable to check with your clergy-person and organist on any special rules for music selection that your church may have. Following is a list of suggestions for selecting your wedding music:
- Meet with the organist before you begin selecting your music. Keep in mind that some churches have very firm guidelines on what music is used in liturgical settings. The organist should be well qualified to aid you in selecting your music.
- Music is a service rendered as are flowers and photographs. Be sure to discuss the musicians' fees. They are generally commensurate with the performance experience, number of rehearsals and amount of music to be performed. Do not assume a friend will perform for free.
- If at all possible, bring a musician with you when you select your music. It will enable the musician to play through any music with which you may not be familiar.
- Know your musicians' vocal ranges and musical abilities and keep these in mind when choosing your music. (For example, most popular music comes in only one range and has only piano accompaniment available.)
- To be sure you are ordering the correct music, know the exact title, the composer and/or arranger, the voice range, and the type of accompaniment needed. If possible, know the publisher also – which is included in the wedding music list contained in this chapter. In many cases, the musicians may want to order their own music.
- Be sure to get enough copies of each piece. Copying music is illegal and your church could get in trouble for permitting you to use copies. Most professional church organists maintain libraries of music.
- Select your music as soon a possible. If something needs to be back-ordered or you it can take up to six weeks to obtain. Also, you should allow time for your musicians to familiarize themselves with the music.
- The soloists – vocal and instrumental – should rehearse with the organist before the wedding is to take place.
- It is nice to take the time with your family to discuss your music selections so that they understand the Church's music policies and ritual requirements. It is not a good idea to surprise them with something that may be disappointing. It is also quite possible that a family "favorite" may be inappropriate for what the Church believes is a sacred moment.
- Always have alternate choices. Many times a song may only be available in a collection, or a particular arrangement may have gone out of print, or if you have not allowed yourself enough time, an item may be out of stock. And again, a song may be judged inappropriate in a sacramental celebration. Keep yourself open to new suggestions.
Prelude music can begin about a half hour before the ceremony begins. In a church wedding, these pieces are usually classical organ music, though other instruments such as guitars, flutes, and pianos are sometimes used. Again, consult your musician or clergy-person for suggestions.
If you are having a soloist, the time immediately before the processional is an excellent time for a song. Other songs may be sung during the service if the church customs permit.
The processional music should be majestic and joyful.
The recessional music can have much the same "presence" as the processional, but should be a slightly faster tempo with a hint of excitement.
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