Roman Catholic and Baptist churches will allow only religious music to be played, while the Society of Friends do not include music of any kind in their wedding ceremonies. The church minister is responsible, not only for the worship but also for the music played in his church so you should discuss your choices with him or her beforehand. The organist or choir master will also be able to help and give you some idea of their abilities. It would be pointless to choose a beautiful but exceptionally tricky piece if the organist was unable to play it well.

MUSIC IN CHURCH

Organ music is the most usual accompaniment to church weddings. Most churches have organs and the sound is rich and powerful enough to fill the space. It is possible to include solo instruments, groups of musicians or singers in your ceremony, but you should always speak to the minister and, as a courtesy, to the organist first. You could also play CDs or other recordings but these are often not so effective.

It is usual for the organist to begin playing while the guests are taking their places before the arrival of the bride. You may ask for specific pieces to be played or you can leave the choice to the organist. The bride and groom normally decide on the music to be played at the arrival of the bride. The other key points when music is played are during the signing of the register and the recessional, when the newlywed couple and the bridal party process back down the aisle and leave the church.

You may already have firm favourites which you would like to hear at your wedding. If not, the vicar and organist can make suggestions and there are CDs and cassettes of wedding music which you could listen to before making your final selection. All wedding services are different and there is no rule for a set order of service. The following is a guide to a typical ceremony:

KEY STAGES OF THE CEREMONY

- 20–30 minutes of music while guests are assembling
- Music for the entrance of the bride and procession along the aisle
- Minister’s welcome and introduction
- Opening hymn
- The marriage ceremony, including the exchange of rings and vows
- Second hymn*
- Reading
- Address or sermon
- Any special readings and musical performances would be added here
- Prayers
- Blessing
- Final hymn
- Musical piece while the bridal party are signing the register
- Music for the recessional while bride and groom, followed by the wedding party, walk back down the aisle and leave the church

SUGGESTED WEDDING MUSIC

Favourites (as listed by the organ master at a popular London
church):

AT THE BRIDE’S ENTRANCE:

Charpentier Trumpet Tune (or Prelude to Te Deum)

Jeremiah Clarke Trumpet Voluntary
Pachelbel Canon (if couples want the American favourite ‘weepy’
entrance, rather than the traditional English rousing one)
Purcell Trumpet Tune and Air

AS THE BRIDAL PARTY LEAVES:

Handel Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (although the name suggests otherwise, it works better for going out than arriving because it is quite long)

Handel ‘Hornpipe’ (from Water Music)

Mendelssohn ‘Wedding March’ (from A Midsummer Night’s Dr
Widor ‘Toccata’

CHOIR PIECES FOR AN AMATEUR CHOIR:

Bach ‘Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring’
Wesley ‘Love one Another’
CHOIR PIECES FOR A MORE ADVANCED CHOIR:
Fauré ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’
Hadley ‘My Beloved Spake’
Parry ‘I was Glad’
Vivaldi Gloria

SOLOIST PIECES:

Bach ‘Ave Maria’
Gounod ‘Ave Maria’
Handel ‘Let the Bright Seraphim’
Handel ‘He Shall feed his Flock’ (from The Messiah)
Mozart ‘Laudate Dominum’
Schubert ‘Ave Maria’