Most people decide on at least three pieces of music for their wedding ceremony, one for the entrance procession, a second for the signing of the register and a third piece to exit. Some couples also choose a couple of hymns to sing during the ceremony.
Wedding ceremony music or music for civil weddings is normally the first music that your guests will hear on your wedding day. Choosing appropriate wedding ceremony songs can be difficult and should be thought about carefully.
Most people have music starting 10 to 20 minutes before the ceremony. This may be an organist playing light classical music, a soprano or tenor singing or possibly a string quartet outside the ceremony room. This is often referred to as "prelude music".
The entrance wedding music is often the traditional "Here Comes The Bride" but Last Minute Musicians have had other memorable suggestions, like "Don't Stop Me Now" and even "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off"!
While organists are still by far and away the most popular choice for church weddings, they are by no means your only option. Classical guitarists and harpists are often favoured for a more intimate and romantic atmosphere, or at outdoor ceremonies.
If you have a larger budget, then string quartets are another classic choice to serenade you as you walk down the aisle. Click the button below to view a complete list of all of our musicians for hire divided into easily managed categories.
If you are still stuck for the perfect songs to make your ceremony, then you can try a couple of different approaches. If you've already found your choice of musician(s), then you can always consult with them and look through their repertoire. All acts on the LMM directory will have a sample of their repertoire on their listing.
While classical wedding ceremony music is traditional, don't be afraid to have more popular songs that have a special meaning to you or your other half. Between us, the staff at LMM have played and arranged thousands of weddings, and have had everything from "I would do anything for you" by Bryan Adams to "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC … this is your day and you deserve to have things exactly as you'd like them! Find your perfect wedding musician here.
Virtually any song can be recreated in any line up of musicians (in some form!), but do make sure you consult with them well in advance. If you have book through the Last Minute Musicians Entertainment Agency, simply send us your song title and a recording if you have one, and our musicians will write a custom arrangement for your wedding ceremony. Please make sure this is done well in advance of your wedding so the musicians have a chance to book a rehearsal to practice.
While the ideas behind choosing music for civil ceremonies are very similar to that of a church wedding, there are a few subtle differences to take into account, mainly surrounding using religious references.
The most important thing is that you think about your act carefully and sure that the venue is suitable. For more information on the different parts of the wedding day, please consider visiting our reception music page and our wedding entertainment homepage.
In 1837, a law was passed prohibiting the use of religious references at non-religious civil ceremonies. The law was drawn up in an attempt to keep civil ceremonies separate from any ‘legitimate’ religious ceremony performed under the ever-watchful eye of God.
Although the law was passed almost two centuries ago, it is still in effect within England and Wales. Often causing confusion and frustration for couples looking to get married in a civil ceremony, the law states that no religious imagery, music or lyrical content is allowed in a civil ceremony. Whilst the Registrar has the final say on the matter, Registrars have been known to stop proceedings mid way during the ceremony because the couple have attempted to use religious imagery or phrases during their wedding ceremony.
In the few months prior to the big day, the Registrar will advise the soon-to-be-married couple of the terms and conditions to the ceremony. These terms and conditions are often laid out in contract form and outline all the details for the ceremony. At this time it is best to voice any concerns that you may have regarding your vows, music choice or any other aspect of the wedding that you feel may be infringing the law. By doing this, you can guarantee there be no big surprises on your special day!
There is a trend for a civil ceremony at the register office and then a 'Celebratory Ceremony ' at another venue afterwards. Sometimes they have a religious blessing, or have a celebrant conduct the proceedings. At these types of ceremonies there are no legal constraints, so people can choose exactly what they want.
Occasionally a couple are quite upset at not being allowed the music or reading they want, however, we have to adhere by the law.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options when considering the music for your civil ceremony. Classical music is a popular alternative to religious hymns and as most venues which host civil ceremonies do not have an organ or piano present, couples are required to either hire musicians or bring along a CD of their desired songs.
There are a lot of aspects to consider when searching for the perfect venue for your civil ceremony. Not only is it crucial that your venue has a suitable capacity for your guests and of course that the venue is available on your chosen date. There are also various licences that every venue must hold to make certain they are approved for civil marriage.
If you’re looking to hire musicians to perform during your ceremony, it’s crucial that you double check with the registry office that they allow such things to happen. Any establishment looking to host live music must have the correct licence and of course, anything you are doubtful about in a registry office must go through the Registrar.
By choosing to have a civil ceremony you will experience the freedom of being able to choose exactly where you get married. There are a host of possible venues throughout the Untied Kingdom ranging from country houses, football stadiums and even Zoos where you can celebrate your love for one another in the style you have always dreamed of.
One of the hardest parts of selecting music for your big day can be picking out hymns for the service, especially if you are not a regular churchgoer, but still want a religious wedding.
When choosing the hymns for a traditional wedding, it’s always a good idea to discuss your music preferences when you meet with the person who will perform the ceremony and find out what they would recommend for the service. If you attend church regularly you may find you have a few favourite hymns or pieces of music you would like to include, it’s important that you choose hymns that reflect your feelings for one another and give thanks to God for bringing the two of you together.
You will probably find that your place of worship has a house organist that can play the hymns or music at your ceremony, however there may be the option for additional musicians to play your big day. You could hire a string quartet to play the suitable music at your ceremony, or perhaps if you’re guests aren’t big singers you could ask the church choir if they would perform during your ceremony to create a magical atmosphere. Adding your own touches such as these will make the whole day that extra special and add a personal touch to the service ensuring you have a day to remember.
Below are a few suggestions of some of the popular choices of hymns for Christian, Hindu and Jewish weddings to inspire you to think about your ideal choice of music for your big day.
As your big day continues, you may wish to have background music, perhaps in the form of a cocktail pianist, jazz trio or violinist. Experienced musicians will have a varied repertoire to suit your wedding, but it’s always sensible to choose a few of your favourite songs or pieces of music that you would like them to play. These songs can be a mixture of music genres; hymns, classical pieces and standard wedding songs work well, but be sure to talk with the musicians you’re booking if you’re stuck for ideas.
If you can afford to be a little extravagant you could look into more specific musical entertainment, for example Jewish couples could look into hiring a Klezmer Band if they feel it reflects their religious roots. For those whose budget might not stretch that far, why not make a play list for those quieter moments.
Popular music choices for a Christian wedding songs play list include:
Naturally, if you’re planning a Hindu or Jewish wedding you will want to choose different songs and music that is specific to your religion, but the idea of creating a play list is useful for creating your dream wedding on a budget. It's important to consider the choice of music for the wedding reception when guests will be in the mood for celebrating. Songs which work well are those that will be familiar to people of all ages and are uplifting to get guests up and dancing. The following is a small selection of some of the most popular choices for wedding receptions:
You will find that these songs also work well in other situations, for example if you are inviting your guests for breakfast the morning after the wedding this play list would also be perfect. A diverse and varied choice of songs will keep your guests entertained at all times!
When choosing the songs for your wedding ceremony musicians it’s important to consider what the song’s message is and whether it’s truly suitable for a ceremony. Ceremony songs are usually hymns or traditional wedding songs and music, such as those mentioned above.
Many couples who maybe don’t attend church on a regular basis may not know which hymns they want, so its a good idea to discuss it with friends and family. Ultimately, the perfect choice of music comes down to finding songs that you feel reflect the way you feel about each other as a couple to create a magical day you'll never forget.
A lot of couples want a live band performing at their ceremony and this is something that we specialise in here at Last Minute Musicians. Please check out our top wedding bands available for weddings throughout the UK.
It can often be a bit much to hire a large band, but a small jazz group or string quartet can add a really beautiful atmosphere to your special day.
We're always happy to help. If you need help choosing bands or musicians please get in touch...
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