If you are using the church organ (as most people do), make sure you have a good idea what your choices will sound like. If you’ve only heard an orchestral recording, think about how different the sound might be.
Bear in mind that a tape or cd player will struggle to be heard at the back at most churches without speaker distortion. Even if the church is small, recorded music will never sound as good as it did in your living room.
Make sure you have chosen music that is within the scope of your organist. Many smaller churches have difficulty recruiting professional players and if your organist is less confident it will be far better to have a simple piece played well than something complicated played too slowly or inaccurately. When you discuss your music choices with him or her, allow him the opportunity to express reservations. If your heart is set on the Widor Tocatta, you may have to ask permission to employ a freelance player - in which case, you should expect to pay them at least £200.
Before the Service: You can usually trust the organist / other musicians to choose appropriate pieces to play in the background while your guests arrive, but if you have particular ideas, feel free to suggest them to be included.
The Entrance Of The Bride: This is usually the Bride’s personal choice. Choose something stately and unhurried so that you can take your time and enjoy the moment. It’s a good idea to practice walking slowly to a recording so that with nerves on the day you won’t be tempted to rush. Make sure that your choice lasts long enough to allow for some photographs, and a moment or two for your chief bridesmaid to rearrange your dress and train and take your bouquet when you arrive at the altar.
Popular choices include:
Whilst more unusual suggestions might be:
Hymns: It is traditional to have two or three hymns. How many and what you choose will depend upon your tastes and the musical talents of your congregation. If you are not confident of their ability or verve, seriously consider a small choir to bolster the sound. Popular and well-known hymns include:
* Some hymns can be sung to more than one tune. Make sure the organist knows which one you prefer.
* Also bear in mind that some hymns that work well on the organ won’t work on a guitar and vice versa.
* If your favourite hymn is very long, consider omitting one or more verses.
(Be careful over these two - some ministers and church teams feel that they are not appropriate to be sung in church at weddings. They are not, strictly speaking, hymns but patriotic songs. Certainly to have both may create the wrong atmosphere.)
The Signing Of The Registers: Having a singer entertain your congregation gives a visual and aural focus while you are completing the legal part of the marriage ceremony. Allow between six and eight minutes worth of music so that you don’t feel hurried over photographs etc. You may well have a favourite song that you would love to hear. Often, parents and grandparents have a special request of music at this point too.
There are all sorts of pieces of music that are appropriate here. The most popular choices include:
Other pieces of music include:
Duets:
The Blessing: If you have a choir, this is a nice opportunity to have a sung blessing to complement the spoken one.
You could choose one of these:
The Recessional: This is when the newly wed couple exit the church, followed by the bridal party and then the congregation. Bear in mind that there will be excited chatter and lots of camera shutters so pick something that won’t be easily overpowered!
Popular Recessionals are:
Other Examples:
n.b. All your music should be approved by the minister to make sure that he or she is happy with your choices.