Wondering where to start when choosing your church wedding music? Remember that your wedding music will remain in your heart all your life… and it is important that it is meaningful for both of you. In this blog, I’ll give you some top tips and links to some absolutely beautiful music that will make your ceremony magical.
For church wedding music, you will need to discuss what is possible with both the vicar and the organist. Some vicars can be picky about what they will accept, others can be very easy-going… (like agreeing to an electric guitarist dressed as Elvis who played ‘here’s come the bride’ at my church. The expressions on the faces of the organist – who was playing the hymns – and choir members were priceless! )
You will be asked to choose two or three hymns, plus music for you to walk down the aisle and at the end when you walk out together as a married couple. The church organist can be asked to play for you (there is a charge for his services). You will need to chat with him about what you can reasonably expect in the way of processional music. Pop songs are not always in their repertoire and can be fiendishly difficult to play too. Set up a time to listen to what the organist can do before you decide. There’s nothing worse than having an organist who may be trying hard but is, frankly, rubbish!
TOP TIP: If recorded music is an option, especially for your entry music, check what system the church has, and try out all equipment well in advance to make sure the sound quality is what you want.
TOP TIP: Some churches don’t have an organist. Always check your music choices with your vicar or minister if you are only using recorded music.
Walking down the aisle
Traditional and classical. These are the most romantic musical pieces for church wedding music. And any bride at the most important moment of her life. Click the music title to open a new window and listen.
The Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin by Wagner will be familiar to you as ‘here comes the bride’. Click to listen to an organ version. It is majestic and splendid! (That said, I refused to have it because in my day there was this rather cruel little rhyme: ‘here comes the bride, fair fat and wide, slipped on a banana skin and went for a ride’ As someone who has always been a bit sensitive about her weight, I simply could not have this jingling in my mind as I walked down the aisle! )
Next is Pachelbel’s Canon – stately, beautiful… my daughter in law came down the aisle to this played on a flute – stunning! My daughter walked in to The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba by Handel – lively, joyous and exciting
Not too sold on the classical stuff? Here are some modern songs that will speak of your love for each other… (think of the lyrics and what they say to you…) Bear in mind that your entrance should be graceful and happy – that lively pop song that is the ‘theme song’ that you and your fiancé both love can be reserved for your first dance.
- Ed Sheeran – Perfect
- Bryan Adams – Everything I do (I do it for you)
- Christina Perri – A Thousand Years
- Etta James – At last
Leaving the church
Mendelssohn’s Wedding March I actually had this for my entry music but it is a favorite for many brides for leaving the church. It’s joyful and stirring, wonderful uplifting stuff! Then there’s Purcell’s Trumpet Voluntary … this was my leaving music. Again it is joyous, bright and beautiful! I really can’t think of any modern tune that can match these!
Signing the Register
This can take several minutes, especially with those all-important photos, so it’s a nice idea to have some incidental music for your guests to enjoy. Again your organist can help here. He may be able to offer to play something special. If you have a choir, they could perhaps sing an anthem . Here are a few that are among my own favourites.
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
- For the Beauty of the Earth (Rutter)
- ‘A Clare Benediction’ (Rutter)
- ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ (Rutter) (This is nothing like the hymn!)
What about hymns?
If you have a favourite hymn, whatever it happens to be, include that in your hymn list. Otherwise, opt for tried and tested ones that are more likely to be known by your guests, not all of whom will be regular church goers
- Lead us, Heavenly Father, Lead us
- Guide us, O thou Great Redeemer
- One more step along the road
- Lord of all Hopefulness
- Jerusalem
- Praise my Soul the King of Heaven
- All things Bright and Beautiful
- The Lord’s my Shepherd
I’ve found some great ideas of popular wedding songs, both classical and modern, from the internet. Check out the links below for music for your first and last dance, civil ceremony, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, cake cutting ….. and more!
Let me know what your choices will be in the comments below – I’d love to hear why you have chosen them! Having a story behind your music makes it so special!
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