Planning Your Wedding Music

Planning the music for your wedding ceremony can present many challenges. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Do I have to hire an organist?
Most churches and synagogues have a resident organist. Sometimes their services are included in the price of renting your venue. You are not obligated to use them. Some churches tell you that you cannot bring in outside musician. Normally this is beause they do not want you to use their organ. So for modern brides that prefer not to have an old fashioned organ music, we avoid the whole problem, by always bringing our own keyboard. I always perform with my own extreamly professional accompianst, as we've rehearsed extensively and I can gaurentee the level of performance and quality.

What is the "Liturgy"?
The Liturgy refers to the Order of Worship within a religious service. Each denomination has its own liturgy, which is comprised of readings from scripture or poetry, musical interludes, a sermon/homily, prayers, offertory and exchange of vows and rings.

How many songs will I need?
This will depend on the length of the service and where you would like the music to be placed. The most common number is between 2 to 3 before the service and 3 to 5 during. Sometimes more songs are needed depending on how elaborate a service you are planning.

Where should the songs be placed in the service?
You will need a processional (entrance music, usually instrumental), and a recessional (exit music, usually instrumental). Other selections will depend on the order of the service. It is common to have prelude music before the service (either vocal and/or instrumental) and between readings to add variety and flow. You may also want a song right after the sermon or your exchange of vows and rings. If you choose to have a unity candle lighting, a brief song is also appropriate. All of this will depend on the order of the service.
For Christian services, you may choose to have a song during offertory and communion. Traditionally for Catholic Masses, the parts of the Mass are sung as well.

How long should the songs be?
You will want to consider the length of the song before determining where it occurs in the service. A song that is too long can make the service drag. One that is too short may lose impact and meaning.

Examples of song length:
Between Readings: 2 to 3 minutes
After Exchange of Vows: 2 to 3 minutes
During Unity Candle: 1 or 2 minutes
Offertory: 2 to 3 minutes
Communion: 5 to 7 minutes or 2 shorter pieces

Are the lyrics appropriate for my wedding ceremony?
(religious or non-religious)
It is important to review the lyrics of a song to be sure they are appropriate for you and if they capture the essence of your celebration. This is a very personal choice. However, there are many pop songs one may enjoy, but which may not be fitting for a religious ceremony. Just as there may be a beautiful song with a religious message that may not fit well in a non-religious ceremony. Again this is a very personal matter.

Are there certain restrictions placed on the music by the Clergy?
The Clergy of many churches feel it is important to maintain the sacredness and solemnity of the ceremony by setting parameters on music selection. Many parishes will provide guidelines for you. On the other hand, there are clergy who are more lenient and place no restrictions. It is recommended that you discuss this with your Pastor or Celebrant first. Even if there are parameters, there are several selections with a modern sound that are acceptable for a religious ceremony.

My fiancée is Catholic, but I am not. Could you explain the Catholic service to me and assist me in selecting the music?
Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran and Episcopal denominations often incorporate a Mass in the wedding ceremony. Below is the order for the Catholic Mass. Other denominations may vary but are quite similar. Parts which are traditionally sung for weddings are marked with an asterisk(*): Together we can discuss what is needed and you can choose what you would like at your wedding.

Processional (instrumental)
Kyrie: Lord Have Mercy
Gloria: Glory to God
Reading from Old Testament
*Psalm Response
Reading from New Testament
*Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia
Gospel Reading
Homily (Sermon)
Exchange of Vows
Blessing and Exchange of Rings
*Offertory
*Sanctus: Holy, Holy, Holy
*Memorial Acclamation
*Great Amen Sign of Peace
*Agnus Dei: Lamb of God
*Communion
*Communion Meditation (optional)
Dismissal
Recessional (instrumental)