Proper Placement of Music for Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception
Author: Kevin Kinyon
Website: http://www.gigmasters.com
Added: Thu, Nov 15, 2007 17:55:14
Category: Arts & Entertainment
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When planning a wedding ceremony, one of the most common questions wedding
planners receive is, "How many songs do I need and where should they go?"
The answer to that question varies simply because there is no wrong way to
go. There are some guidelines to follow when placing music into a wedding
ceremony. A sample program is included below.
Sample Wedding Ceremony Program
Prelude - For the prelude, you might select a pianist or perhaps a string
quartet or flutist. The music played in the prelude is usually
instrumental.
Processional - Whether you choose "Here Comes the Bride" or another
accompaniment as you march down the aisle, your processional will announce your
arrival. All in attendance will stand as you make your way toward the
center point. The most common instrumentalists used for the processional
are a pianist and organist. You could certainly opt for another instrument
if you prefer. However, keep two things in mind. The instrument(s)
need to be loud enough to hear. A flute would not be recommended.
Also, if your wedding ceremony is indoors, be sure the instrument isn't too
loud, as it will make guests uncomfortable.
Poetry/Scripture Readings - If you choose to include this optional segment,
you might consider having a soft instrumentalist playing in the
background. A harpist, string quartet, organist or pianist would work well
here. Most brides use the same instrumentalist who played during the
prelude for the readings also.
Unity Candle/Soloist - A popular practice in a wedding ceremony is to light a
unity candle. The bride's parents and the groom's parents each light
separate candles. Then the bride takes one candle, the groom takes the
other and they simultaneously light a new candle symbolizing the union of the
two families.
Three scenarios have taken place during the unity candle lighting.
Instrumentalists play softly in the background during the lighting or a soloist
sings during the lighting. A third option is to have a gentle melody
playing during the lighting and afterward have a soloist sing to the
couple.
For those who choose not to light a unity candle, this section of the wedding
ceremony is an excellent place for your soloist's first song.
Vows - There are several places within the exchanging of vows where a soloist
could sing a song. Before the vows, after the vows or before the rings are
all practical and acceptable places for a soloist to sing.
Recessional - The part of the wedding ceremony you've been waiting for!
Congratulations! You're husband and wife. Of course, you'll need
music to leave by. The same principles apply to the recessional as did to
the processional. All in attendance will stand as you make your way out of
the gathering place. The most common instrumentalists used for the
processional are a pianist and organist. If you choose another instrument,
remember it needs to be loud enough to hear, but not loud enough to make guests
uncomfortable.
Sample Wedding Reception Program
Your wedding reception will generally have some sort of entertainment.
Typically, a wedding band or DJ will be used.
Arrival - Upon your arrival to the reception hall, the bandleader or DJ will
announce you as man and wife.
Mingling - For the next few minutes, you and your groom will mix and mingle
as you make your way to your reserved table. In order to alleviate feelings of
awkwardness, music should be playing in the background.
Service of Food - At this point, if a formal meal is being served, it will
generally take place now. If hors d'oeuvres are offered, guests and the
bridal party will simply help themselves throughout the wedding reception.
Throughout the meal, soft music should be playing.
First Dance - Obviously, you'll want to select a special song for the band or
DJ to play for your first dance. This is probably one of the most touching
memories you'll have of your wedding reception.
Best Man's Toast - Just before the cutting of the cake, the best man will
generally offer a toast to the couple. While no music is needed during the
toast, your wedding band or DJ needs to be aware of the events, so they can stop
and start the music as needed.
Cutting of the Cake - A fun and potentially dangerous portion of the wedding
reception! Be gentle with one another. Don't do anything you'll
regret later. As with the toast, no music is needed during this
event.
Tossing of Bouquet - No music is played during the tossing of the bouquet or
that of the garter.
Departure of Bride and Groom - As your friends and family gather to toss rose
petals, rice or bird seed, or to blow bubbles, your special day will make way
for a special life with your new mate.
Congratulations!
About the Author:
Kevin Kinyon is President of Gigmasters.com, the Internet's premiere live entertainment booking service. Find audio & video clips, client reviews, and secure bookings for over 4,000 performers throughout North America. When you're ready to hire wedding music, visit http://www.gigmasters.com.
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