A Different Twist When Thinking About Music For Your Ceremony
	Many couples simply want the traditional approach to music for their ceremony with the time tested and beloved familiar songs we've come to cherish and associate with wedding ceremonies.  This approach has worked for many, many times before and will continue to do so well into the future. Here's some thoughts if you're interested in doing things a little bit differently...

While tradition still has its place, many Brides and Grooms are now choosing to use non-traditional wedding ceremony music. Many of the old standbys, such as Wagner's (pronounce Vahg-ner) "Bridal Chorus" are being replaced with other alternatives. Those about to wed have requested slow rock, love songs, Latin guitar, new age, classic 40's vocals, pop songs, oldies and just about everything else.

Many couples have discovered a group called Vitamin String Quartet who classically covers thousands of popular songs from bands such as Journey, Gun's N' Roses, Beatles and a whole lot more.  Kind of quirky, yes. Kind of cool though and no doubt your guests will enjoy classical renditions of some of their all-time favorite songs.
 

Choosing Your Songs

The first step is just to think of songs you like. You can edit your ideas later. Make a short list of songs that relate to how you feel about love, commitment and a special shared relationship. Feel free to consider all options. Once you've made your list you can then edit it for potential processional song candidates. Remember that in general, a processional song should have a slow cadence for those walking down the aisle.

Choices have included songs by Nat King Cole, Sting, Andrea Bocelli, Mark Cohn, Peter Gabriel, Enya, The Beatles, Shania Twain, Vangelis, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Tony Bennett, Edwin McCain, Vangelis, Faith Hill, Etta James, Sade and movie/show soundtracks songs. Your choices are virtually unlimited.


Here Comes The Bride

Should all the songs in your ceremony have a consistent sound or theme? Not necessarily. A contrasting style between the Wedding Party Processional and the Bride's song can emphasize this important change. An example of this was when one couple chose an operatic, Andrea Bocelli piece for their Wedding Party Processional. The song was full of drama and grand expression.

In stark contrast to this was their choice for the Bride's Processional. They decided on the romantic and reflective acoustic guitar sound of "The Rain Song" by Led Zeppelin. The pronounced difference in song styles increased the poignancy of the Bride's appearance and the entire ceremony.

While these songs aren't for everyone, they reflected this couple's taste and preferences. It also serves as a wonderful demonstration of the power of a musical style change and original choices.

Classical instrumental still has its place. Recently a Bride chose a lesser known classical piece for her walk down the aisle. "Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma Variations) Op. 36″ is a fantastic selection for this. It's a powerful song that uses soaring strings and majestic horns to slowly build to its peak. The crescendo of the song timed perfectly with the Bride's appearance.

 

Recessional

The end of the ceremony recessional is a time for joy and celebration. You'll walk triumphantly, back up the aisle, for the first time as a married couple. As you pass by smiling, applauding guests, let the music add an extra highlight to this moment. Your recessional music should be upbeat and energetic. Again, choices are plentiful. Past requests include wedding classical, ballads, swing and R&B.

Songs by Vivaldi, Harry Connick, James Brown, U2, Barry White, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Queen, Marvin Gaye and many others have worked to great effect.

Where To Look For Music

We've compiled a list of traditional and not so traditional wedding ceremony songs.  Be sure to share with us something you think we should add to the list.

If you have a favorite movie soundtrack or radio station, your perfect song may be something you have already heard. Next time you hear a song that really grabs you, make a note of it.

One of the best places to find unique musical ideas is right in your own CD or iPod collection. Chances are there's a favorite song in there you may have forgotten about that would be perfect. Browse through your music library and add to your list of possibilities.

Do you have a favorite artist or concert performance? What was that old song you loved when you were younger?

Is there a brand new song you really like? A newer song can be a refreshing change from the status quo. And there is less chance anybody else has already used it for their wedding.

Perhaps there is something in your family heritage you would like to incorporate musically into the ceremony.

Of course you can search the worlds biggest music libraries Napster, Amazon.com or iTunes.com

If you have a special moment in the ceremony for a candle lighting, rose exchange, remembrance or other tradition, you may want to choose a song to be played for this as well.

Putting It All Together

Write down all of your musical ideas and then gradually narrow it down to your three favorites. The others can be played for the Prelude prior to the beginning of the ceremony, while guests are arriving or later at the reception.

Contrasting music is good and emphasizes an important change in the Processional. Be dynamic in your choices and create a new sound experience for your guests.

Take the first step in making your wedding day truly yours by choosing songs that express a bit of who you are. And don't be surprised if your guests compliment you on how your ceremony was unlike any other they've been to.