Music for Your Wedding

It is difficult to imagine a more exciting, busy time than right now as you plan your wedding. We in the church join with your friends and family in the hope that your wedding day will be the beautiful, meaningful experience you envision.

In such a busy time, it may be difficult to take a few moments to think about music for your wedding service. But please read on. The music to be played and sung will be 50% or more of the service and significantly shapes the meaning of the ceremony.

Our church considers the wedding ceremony to be a service of worship. The fact that wedding ceremonies take place in the Sanctuary or Chapel reflects our understanding that the ceremony is a sacred act of worship.

We also believe that the marriage relationship itself is sacred. The spoken words of the ceremony clearly set forth this understanding and are directed at all persons at the wedding. Wedding guests are present not only as friends and relatives, but also as worshippers.

Translating these words into actual musical choices can be difficult, but a few guiding principles might be of help.

I. Music that will be sung can be evaluated partially by its words. Do they acknowledge God as the source of love and all things good? Do they speak of the sacredness of marriage or offer thanks for this gift of love? Do they ask God’s blessing? If these or similar themes are part of the song’s text, it may have a place in the ceremony.

II. Instrumental versions of songs also carry an association with the words and require the same appropriateness as if they were being sung.

III. Strictly instrumental music is more abstract in quality and its is more difficult to understand. An easy way to approach this is to ask if the piece would be appropriate in regular worship occasions. If yes, it can be considered for a wedding. If no, it should be passed by.

IV. Music is written in a vast array of styles. While most musicians are capable of playing a variety of styles, no musician can successfully perform every one. Be aware of the strengths of your wedding singers and instrumentalists. Also realize that the technical resources available are not the same as those available to recording artists and studios. One must not expect music to sound the same as familiar recordings.

Couples sometimes wish to include popular music, and the statements above suggest that these songs are often inappropriate. To say a secular ballad is inappropriate for worship does not judge the piece. We simply wish to use music that serves the needs and requirements of a worship service. The reception is the best place for secular and popular selections.

You will want to select one or more processional pieces (depending on how many bridesmaids you have) and a recessional. Normally we provide 15-20 minutes of prelude music. You do not need to plan specific prelude pieces unless you have requests. We can provide contact information for singers or instrumentalists should you need to secure someone.

If the web site does not answer all of your questions or if you would like to plan your music in person, please contact your organist for an appointment.

We extend to you our best wishes as you plan your wedding. If there is anything we can do to help, please contact us.

Now that you are familiar with some of the important aspects of the music for your wedding, the next step is to use our organist schedule to find out which organist is scheduled for your wedding weekend.