Music is a large part of a wedding service, and figuring all the details out can be enough to make your head spin! I've put together this resource to help ease the process. Remember: picking music should be a conversation between your officiant, your musician, and you! Keeping everyone in the loop during the process will help make sure that your song choices are appropriate in their placement and feasible to perform. Additionally, your officiant and musician will have access to resources: I have a large library of both sacred and secular tunes that are appropriate for your wedding, and your officiant can provide suggestions based on the service and texts you have chosen.
Don't feel bad if you have questions, or if you change your mind about songs and their placements. It's your special day and it needs to be perfect, and we are all happy to work with you to get it there.
My honorarium is $200 (cash or cheque) and this covers everything* including the wedding rehearsal, any accompanist work required, and the cost of the sheet music. Most couples find it easiest to pay at the wedding rehearsal so that they don't need to be worrying about it on the big day.
* + $25 Keyboard Fee (if applicable): if there is not a piano on site, I have a keyboard which can be brought to most locations (I just require an outlet).
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Preservice
This is the music that plays while your family and friends are entering the building. I recommend something light, as people usually like to socialize while waiting for the service to begin (so you want music on top of which they can talk).
I can pick this music for you as long as you give me some direction as to what kind of music you like/dislike; the best is if you provide me with one or two songs that you would like so that I can pick other songs based on it.
I usually start playing 30 minutes before the service; if you'd like me to come earlier please let me know!
Preservice - Processional - Hymns - Registry - Recessional
Processional
AKA the "aisle music". Some couples choose to have one song playing for the entrance of the bridal party, and then a new song for the entrance of the bride. Other couples choose to just have one song playing for the entrance of the entire bridal party (including the bride!). This choice is entirely up to you.
The choices of music for the processional can be divided up into two categories: traditional and contemporary.
Traditional music includes melodies such as Wagner's Bridal Chorus ("Here Come the Bride", found [here]) or Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (found [here]) as well as many other classical pieces.
Contemporary music refers to pretty much everything else! Some popular pieces include Christina Perri's A Thousand Years (found [here]), John Legend's All of Me (found [here]), or Sigur Ros' Hoppípolla (found [here]).
Don't be afraid to poke around on Google until you find the perfect song for you and your partner, but keep in mind that, unless you have a singer, these songs will be piano covers. This doesn't make them any less beautiful, but it does take lyrics out of the equation.
Here are a couple of links to get you started on your hunt:
Inside Weddings: Wedding Processional Songs Chosen by Real Brides and Grooms
Huffington Post: Wedding Ceremony Songs to Make Your Aisle Walk Unique
Preservice - Processional - Hymns - Registry - Recessional
Hymns
Some couples choose to have hymns as part of the wedding service. I usually use a book called Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW); however, if you have a different hymnal you'd rather use, I can absolutely work with that. Hymnals contain many songs that contain direct references to Bible passages that you may choose to have read at your service, as well as some lovely songs about marriage. If you choose to have a pastor perform your marriage, these hymns are best picked out in conjunction with them, as they will be familiar with both the hymnal and the passages.
Preservice - Processional - Hymns - Registry - Recessional
Signing of the Registry
The signing of the registry is a process that takes some time, so some gentle music is usually preferred. If you have a song you'd like to hear, then perfect! But if not, I can find something suitable. This is also the perfect spot for a soloist!
Preservice - Processional - Hymns - Registry - Recessional
Recessional
AKA the "exit music". I begin playing immediately following "Let's welcome Mr/s & Mr/s _____", and this is the music to which the bridal party and the congregation will leave. Something upbeat and moving is usually preferred, especially since people will be talking as they leave. The traditional recessional piece is Mendelssohn's Wedding March (found [here]), but don't let that restrict you! Pick something that will fit your newly-started marriage and fill you and your spouse with joy. However, keep in mind that you will only hear about the first 30 seconds of this song as you leave the church!
Here are a couple of links to give you some ideas:
Bridal Musings: 30 Modern, Upbeat Recessional Songs for Newlyweds
The Knot: Contemporary Ceremony Recessional Songs
Preservice - Processional - Hymns - Registry - Recessional
FAQ's
We don't really have any specific songs in mind, is that a problem?
Not at all! Just let me know the kind of music that you would like and I'll send you some suggestions. A good starting point is to consider whether you would like traditional music or more contemporary tunes.
I'd really like [specific tune] but I don't have the sheet music for you...
All I require is the name of the song and the composer/artist. I actually prefer to find the sheet music myself so I can find something that I know will sound best with my musical style!
I have a friend who is a pianist/singer/musician and I'd really like for them to be involved in the service somehow.
Absolutely! Just let me know where in the service you would like them to play, and I'll make sure it happens! And if needed, I can accompany them as long as I have a copy of the music in advance and a chance to rehearse with them.
The place where we're having our wedding doesn't have a piano available. Is it still possible to have you play?
Definitely! I have a keyboard that can be brought to locations without access to a piano (all I need is an outlet!).
I am getting married to my same-gender partner, and I don't want there to be any issues that come up due to this.
No worries! I am familiar with the LGBTQ+ community and will accommodate you and your future spouse in any way you need! 🌈
Have a question that isn't answered here? I'm happy to answer!