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Your choise of music for your ceremony and reception says a lot
about you, the bridal couple. Spend some time listening to different
types of music to find the pieces that suit your style.
Ceremony music
The choice of music for the wedding will be determined by the kind of ceremony you have and its level of formality.
And there are some standard traditions you may want to observe in a church or religious ceremony, such as Here Comes the Bride.
For a church ceremony you will need to work closely with your priest or
minister to choose hymns or music which reflect the cultural traditions
of your families.
Some orders of service may dictate the choice of music, for example a
choir or a soloist and an organist who plays while the register is
being signed.
In a formal wedding ceremony there are four musical parts for which you need to choose music.
Firstly, there is the Prelude which is played while your guests are
being seated. Then there is the Processional which plays as the wedding
party enters the church and walks down the aisle.
Next is the Interlude during which the bridal couple sign the register.
Finally comes the Recessional, which is played as the bride and groom
walk down the aisle together and out of the church.
There is far more flexibility with the music in a civil ceremony.
Create a romantic atmosphere with a solo harpist, or classical duo, or
go more modern with a flamenco guitarist.
Remember though, the limitations of location. It may be difficult, for
example to persuade a chamber orchestra to traipse onto a beach with
their precious instruments.
If you use live musicians, ensure the parking at the venue will allow them to enter and leave easily with heavy equipment.
Some companies will compose and or perform music especially for your
wedding and reception so you can decide how passionate, how romantic or
how personal the music will be.
Reception music
At the reception, you need a selection of music to suit all ages, to be
played during dinner and of course for dancing after dinner.
If you are employing a live band, always listen to their demo tape and
ask to see their repertoire. If you want some of your favourite songs,
make sure the band has time to rehearse them properly. Check what
special requirements the musicians may have of the venue, such as
chairs, power points, a stage area and lighting. Find out how long the
band will play and whether you will pay a flat rate or an hourly
charge. Ask how many breaks the musicians will take and for how long.
There is also the option of a professional, mobile disco, which perhaps
gives you more control over the play list. Work out a list of your
favourite songs with the DJ beforehand.
Master of Ceremonies
Your choice of MC is also important. A professional MC will help set
the atmosphere, introduce the musicians, make the toasts and ensure
things run to time.
The MC should liaise with the venue and musicians or DJ on timings,
toasting champagne, the cake knife and music for the bridal
waltz. He or she will introduce all the speakers and announce the
first dance, the cutting of the cake and the throwing of the bouquet
and garter.
Choose someone experienced who is able to take control of large functions but who won't dominate the proceedings.
Your first dance
Your first dance as husband and wife will be a special moment during
your reception. Choose a song that has meaning for both of you, and is
easy to dance to.
If you are a little nervous about dancing in the ?spotlight? then take
some dancing lessons. A dance coach will be able to choreograph a dance
uniquely for you, giving you the confidence to relax and be swept away
by the romance of the music.
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