It’s safe to say that out of all the events for which you will gather your friends and family to celebrate your marriage, the wedding ceremony itself will be the most meaningful and, hopefully, memorable. Music plays many vital roles in the ceremony, from providing flow and ambiance to highlighting the deeper emotional meaning with timeless style and class.
Our fabulous vendor partner Celebration Nation Entertainment shared with us the 6 major components of wedding ceremony music. As with every other detail of a wedding, each component has its own set of requirements!
The Prelude
The purpose of the prelude music is to welcome guests as they are being seated before the ceremony. It also should give a cheerful yet subdued atmosphere, setting the stage for the solemnity of the event. The prelude generally begins 15 to 20 minutes before the ceremony start time, and it often involves quite a few songs.
The Wedding Party’s Processional
The wedding party’s processional marks the official beginning of the ceremony. It should have a slow but flowing feel, ushering the beautiful bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party down the aisle.
The Bride’s Processional
The bride’s processional can be an incredible moment, as memorable to everyone involved as the vows or any other part of the ceremony. You should choose a very special song here
The Interlude
The interlude can actually be many different moments in the ceremony, a very loose definition being any time there are no words being spoken for a minute or more. For most ceremonies, the interlude is the unity candle, memorial candle, or rose presentation.
The Recessional
The wedding officiant’s pronouncement of husband and wife is followed by enthusiastic applause and joyous recessional music as the happy couple leads the way back up the aisle. The song you choose should be bright and upbeat, inviting everyone to celebrate your union
The Postlude
The postlude sets a pleasant atmosphere as guests are leaving. It usually lasts between 5 to 10 minutes, so it’s best to treat the postlude like the prelude and simply give the musicians an idea of what you want.
For more information and ideas of music for each of the 6 components please click on the following link that will take you directly to their blog: Celebration Nation Entertainment!