Music is a vital element for most people and adds considerably to the joy and excitement of the celebration.

What are some of the traditional selections played during the ceremony?

     Here is a list of the top 10; however, it should be noted that, unless the ceremony site has restrictions, brides are mixing popular selections with the traditional.    

    - The Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin by Wagner (''Here Comes the Bride").    
    - Wedding March by Mendelssohn (for the recessional).    
    - Ave Maria by Schubert.    
    - In Thee is Joy by Bach.    
    - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach.    
    - The King of Love My Shepherd Is by Hinsworth.    
    - Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee by Beethoven.   
    - Biblical Songs by Dvorak.    
    - The Lord's Prayer by Malotte.   
    - Liebestraum by Liszt.

What are some of the more popular selections to choose from?    

    - Follow Me by John Denver.  
    - We've Only Just Begun, music by Roger Nichols and lyrics by Paul Williams.
    - Hawaiian Wedding Song by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning.     Wind Beneath My Wings by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley.         
    - Do You Remember? by J. Ivanovici.    
    - Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon.   
    - What I Did for Love by Marvin Hamlisch.    
    - All I Ask of You from "The Phantom of the Opera" by Webber, Hart and Stiltoe.    
    - Sunrise, Sunset from "Fiddler on the Roof" by Harnick and Bock.    
    - Evergreen by Barbra Streisand and Paul Williams.   
    - Wedding Song by Paul Stookey.

What other options are there for the ceremony music?    
       
    I've seen the use of children's choirs, adult choirs, stringed trios and quartets, harpsichords, harps, trumpets (especially dramatic when played as a fanfare as the guests rise for the bride's processional), electronic keyboards, solo instruments (flutes, trombones, violins, cellos, french horns, etc.), guitars and even a hand bell choir. Do any of your friends or family members play a musical instrument well? (I add well, because that is a must.) Or do you have a university nearby where you can recruit one or two of their music majors who sing or play instruments well?    
       
    We would like to hire an orchestra to play for the dancing at our reception, but we would also like some soft background music beforehand. What do you suggest?    
       
    Look for an orchestra that can pull out a small string group to play while the guests are eating and visiting. That way, you get two for the price of one.