Or: Non-Traditional Music Choices
Or go to:
Music for the Reception or Prelude
Front Page lisaflute.com
Music For Weddings and Other Occasions
"Turidae" Flute/Harp or Flute/Violin Duo (or Trio with piano)
Flute/Piano Duo
"East Hill Winds" Flute/Oboe Duo (or Trio with piano)
Solo Flute
Note: All selections on this page are available with all of the
above instrumental combinations, unless otherwise noted.
Or go to:
Music for the Reception or Prelude
Front Page lisaflute.com
Music For Weddings and Other Occasions
"Turidae" Flute/Harp or Flute/Violin Duo (or Trio with piano)
Flute/Piano Duo
"East Hill Winds" Flute/Oboe Duo (or Trio with piano)
Solo Flute
Note: All selections on this page are available with all of the
above instrumental combinations, unless otherwise noted.
Suggestions for Wedding or Civil Union Ceremony Music
There are an infinite number of options for music for today's wedding or civil union ceremony. For some couples, the choices
are clear, but for others the process can seem daunting. This is an attempt to map out the basic possibilities of where to start in
choosing wedding music and to give a broad perspective on how to begin (and perhaps end) the process of making the musical
choices and selections that will help establish and color the backdrop and mood of the day you've been dreaming of.
If you are looking for a traditional ceremony with traditional music choices, your options will be simpler. If you’re planning
a ceremony that's not traditional, and/or you'd like the music to be a little different from other weddings you've attended
recently, the options are wide open, but I'll give some thoughts to help point you in the direction you'd like to go. First, let's start
with the traditional wedding. Non-traditional types may want to check this out for starters and comparison, or skip over for now
if you like.
are clear, but for others the process can seem daunting. This is an attempt to map out the basic possibilities of where to start in
choosing wedding music and to give a broad perspective on how to begin (and perhaps end) the process of making the musical
choices and selections that will help establish and color the backdrop and mood of the day you've been dreaming of.
If you are looking for a traditional ceremony with traditional music choices, your options will be simpler. If you’re planning
a ceremony that's not traditional, and/or you'd like the music to be a little different from other weddings you've attended
recently, the options are wide open, but I'll give some thoughts to help point you in the direction you'd like to go. First, let's start
with the traditional wedding. Non-traditional types may want to check this out for starters and comparison, or skip over for now
if you like.
Traditional Approach to Wedding Music
Prelude music usually begins 15-20 minutes prior to the ceremony, as guests are arriving. This is most often selected by the
musicians, but the bride and groom should feel free to make either specific or general suggestions of their preferences. (Check
the Reception or Prelude Music Page for ideas).
Processional music begins when the bridal party is ready to enter. There are most commonly 2 to 3 processional choices made
by the wedding couple. Often, there's one for the wedding party in general, one for the bridesmaids, and one for the bride. The
first preludes tend to have a flowing and gentle mood, while the processional for the bride tends to be a bit more regal, perhaps a
fanfare quality. While still flowing, most often it's a contrast to the previous preludes. It's a statement, an announcement, with a
formal and anticipatory mood. Here are a few common traditional choices for processionals (the colored, underlined ones link to
a recording; we will likely be recording others during the summer of 2008):
musicians, but the bride and groom should feel free to make either specific or general suggestions of their preferences. (Check
the Reception or Prelude Music Page for ideas).
Processional music begins when the bridal party is ready to enter. There are most commonly 2 to 3 processional choices made
by the wedding couple. Often, there's one for the wedding party in general, one for the bridesmaids, and one for the bride. The
first preludes tend to have a flowing and gentle mood, while the processional for the bride tends to be a bit more regal, perhaps a
fanfare quality. While still flowing, most often it's a contrast to the previous preludes. It's a statement, an announcement, with a
formal and anticipatory mood. Here are a few common traditional choices for processionals (the colored, underlined ones link to
a recording; we will likely be recording others during the summer of 2008):
For the Wedding Party or the Bridesmaids:
"Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach
"Sheep May Safely Graze" by J.S. Bach
"Air" from "Water Music" by Handel
"Sheep May Safely Graze" by J.S. Bach
"Air" from "Water Music" by Handel
For the Bride:
"Bridal Chorus" by Wagner
"Canon in D" by Pachelbel
"Canon in D" by Pachelbel
During the ceremony, there is often, but not always, one or more selections, usually during a meditative
moment. Any mellow favorite would work here, but here are a few:
moment. Any mellow favorite would work here, but here are a few:
"Sarabande" from Partita for Solo Flute by J.S. Bach (solo flute only)
"Allelujia" a traditional English Hymn
"Simple Gifts" a traditional song
"The Rose" by Amanda McBroom
"Allelujia" a traditional English Hymn
"Simple Gifts" a traditional song
"The Rose" by Amanda McBroom
The recessional starts with the announcement of the new couple and signals their return down the aisle together. This is a
joyful, celebratory piece. The most common traditional choice is:
joyful, celebratory piece. The most common traditional choice is:
"Wedding March" by Mendelssohn
There may be an additional selection as guests depart, or not. Normally this would be an upbeat piece chosen by the musicians.
Music for the reception is also generally chosen by the musicians (but again, feel free to make suggestions). For more about
music for the reception and/or prelude, click here.
Music for the reception is also generally chosen by the musicians (but again, feel free to make suggestions). For more about
music for the reception and/or prelude, click here.
For some couples, this may be all you need to read. The above music certainly would lead to a traditional feeling that you'd be
able to rely on being what you know and love.
able to rely on being what you know and love.
But some may want to be a little different from the mainstream approach, or may not love the traditional standby repertoire.
In this case, you may need to put a little extra thought into the process, but hopefully I can help steer you in a direction that suits
you.
In this case, you may need to put a little extra thought into the process, but hopefully I can help steer you in a direction that suits
you.
On to the next page: Less Common Musical Selections