Five Ceremony Ideas

Classical pieces have withstood the test of time and are still enormously popular at weddings. They lend a grace and sense of occasion to wedding ceremonies. But if you are looking for a more contemporary sound or would just like to add some new interest to traditional pieces, below are five ways to incorporate fresh alternatives.

1. Instrumentation
Does your church have a hand bell choir? The soft tones of the bells can create a peaceful ceremony prelude, while a trumpet fanfare before the bride’s processional can create goosebumps. The floating sounds of a harp, played during the couple’s first communion, turn a simple ritual into a beautiful blessing. Classical guitar music is graceful; violins are stately. If your budget allows, incorporate two or three different instruments into your ceremony.

2. Stunning selections
An ordinary church organ can be transformed to an instrument of grandeur by the right musician playing a beautiful piece of music. If you prefer a simple instrumental arrangement, invest some time in finding a stunning piece to play for your processional and something equally magnificent for your recessional.

3. Unexpected time periods
The music most often played at wedding ceremonies was written between 1750 and 1880. Simply stepping out of that time frame will make your ceremony music unique. Many antiphonal pieces, written in the 1500s, are regal and make an incredible processional. A dramatic modern piece would definitely enhance a ceremony held in a modern location. Consider modern composers, such as Steve Reich and Phillip Glass, who write ethereal pieces that are perfect for the lighting of candles, the communion, or the music before the ceremony.

4. Global inspirations
There are beautiful forms of music all over the world.  Think about cultures that are important to the two of you and dig into their musical archives. Look to your family ancestry or think about a place you’ve traveled together.

5. Strong instrumental and vocal talent
The well-intentioned yet faltering amateur is, unfortunately, a familiar sight and sound at weddings. It cannot be stressed enough that you need to engage professional musicians to perform at your ceremony. If you have an amateur musician friend or family member who is begging to play a piece at your wedding, and it’s simply impossible to say “no,” invite him or her to play at your rehearsal dinner or at the reception while the professionals take a break.