“The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage.”
William Lyon Phelps
When it comes to choosing the music for your special day there is no right or wrong. Some couples seek a traditional musical experience while others want to weave their personalities into the service by choosing music which has a special meaning and association for them. As an organist in East Sussex, Richard is always playing for wedding services in the area.
Although you are in church you don’t have to choose classical music. There are opportunities during the ceremony where some of your favourite tunes can be incorporated. In the past, Richard has incorporated Beetles love songs and even the film themes of John Williams into wedding services, with the support of the Minister taking your service.
During a church wedding ceremony, you will generally follow the same order and have similar music throughout.
Pre-Service
Richard will generally play background music for up to thirty minutes or so before your ceremony is due to begin. Your guests may be travelling from some distance and will be keen to avoid a last-minute rush. Music at this point is there to create an atmosphere of expectation, mingled with the conversations of your guests as they gather.
It should not be seen as a recital, and you should remember that the bridal party will not be present for this part of the service! Some couples choose a favourite piece or two for this part of the service which will generally be played just before the service is due to start.
The Entrance of the Bride
One of the most important moments of the whole day is the arrival of the Bride and her party. Although this music can be whatever you wish generally it is best if it is something stirring, which will create a clear start to the service.
Popular choices are:
- ‘The Prince of Denmark’s March’ by Jeremiah Clarke (known as the Trumpet Voluntary)
- Wagner’s ‘Bridal March from Lohengrin’
- Pachelbel Canon in D (A less triumphant but popular choice)
Hymns
Most couples have two or three hymns during their ceremony It is something that you need to discuss and agree with the Minister taking your service. Whilst some choose hymns because they like the lyrics, or because they remember them from school, it is generally best to choose hymns that are fairly well known, so that the majority of guests are able to join in.
These are some of the many that have become popular choices at weddings:-
- Crimmond – The Lords My Shepherd
- Praise My Soul the King of Heaven
- Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer
- Love Divine All Loves Excelling
- Jerusalem (And did those feet in ancient time)
- All Things Bright and Beautiful
- Amazing Grace
- Make Me A Channel of Your Peace
- Lord of All Hopefulness
The Signing of the Register
Whilst the bridal party and witnesses Sign the Register to complete the legal aspect of the marriage there is an opportunity to enjoy a couple of pieces of music.
This will be when a choir (if the Church is fortunate enough to have a regular choir to lead worship) or a guest singer, perhaps a family friend, sings an anthem or a solo item. Generally, this will be something fairly gentle so as not to disturb the atmosphere.
Again, this can be a traditional choice or maybe a personal favourite. Just some of the popular items include:
- The Lords My Shepherd (Vicar of Dibley theme)
- Ave Maria – Schubert
- Ave Maria – Bach
- Panis Angelicus – Franck
- O Mio Babbino Caro – Puccini
The length of this interlude can vary as photographers will want to capture the moment and this can extend the timescale. Richard will generally improvise during this period if the music choices have been completed and the party is not ready to recess.
The Recessional
This piece of music is the last memory of the ceremony and is played while the Bridal party walks back down the aisle between their guests. Something bright and cheerful is often desirable. Favourite choices include:-
- Mendelssohn’s Wedding March
- Widor’s Toccata from the Fifth Symphony
- Charpentier’s Prelude to Te Deum
Remember that, above all, it is your choice to make your ceremony personal to you. Richard will do his best to help and advise on the possibilities, particularly to make sure that your preference will work with the instrument that is available in your local Church.
If you’d like or listen to some examples of some popular wedding music that Richard can play on the organ, click one of the songs below.
Get in Touch
If you’re planning a wedding in East Sussex, you’re more than welcome to get in contact with Richard, and book him to be your organist.