Prelude:

Prelude music usually starts twenty to thirty minutes before the ceremony, and much like flowers, decorations, and a pristine setting, it helps create an atmosphere of elegance. Prelude music is often soft background type music—neither too lively nor overstated.

Love songs, light classical, or sacred music work well in this setting. While it isn’t necessary to specifically select all the songs during the prelude portion of the ceremony, it is helpful to choose a few songs and the overall style of music (i.e. popular, love songs, classical, Celtic, jazz, etc.) that fits well with your wedding theme.

Ceremony Selections to Consider:

• Seating of the Parents/Families
• Bridal Party Entrance (Bridesmaid(s), Ring Bearer(s), Flower Girl(s))
• Bridal Entrance
• Special Music During the Ceremony (if desired)
• Recessional

Processional(s):

This is the music played to announce the presence of the bridal party and the commencement of the ceremony. Processional music helps make the bridal party’s (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, and, of course, the bride) entrances both pronounced and anticipatory. A good musician can make a huge difference in building anticipation! VeeRonna customizes the entrances and exits of each party member to heighten or soften the importance of his (or her) role. She then ultimately brings all attention to the focal point of the wedding ceremony—the bride. The result is a sense of awe with your guests.

During the Ceremony:

Special wedding ceremony music can be a beautiful addition during the ceremony, and it’s fine to select a special song for those symbolic moments—such as the Unity Candle, Sand Ceremony, Rose Ceremony, Communion, and roses to Mary, etc. Many also enjoy music played during the “empty spaces” of the ceremony (i.e. while someone is walking from their seat to the front, etc.).

An additional touch of elegance is found when the harp plays lightly throughout the ceremony while the officiate is speaking. While it is not recommend playing any specific song during this time, softly improvised music can greatly compliment what is being spoken. Since most officiates use microphones, the guests will easily hear what they are saying. When the bride and groom commit their vows and rings to each other, the music will stop in order for guests to hear them, as they are often not using microphones.

Recessional:

The music played to announce the newly wed couple. Recessional music is appropriate when the bride and groom, the wedding party, and the wedding officiate walk down the aisle and out of the room. The music style is often upbeat and celebratory, and it will continue as the wedding party and guests exit.