by Kevin Kinyon

One of the most important, and beautiful, elements of any wedding is the music. The wedding music you select will set the tone for the various segments of your ceremony and will help to instill memories you wont soon forget. Each wedding song included, whether performed by a wedding singer or played by an inspirational harpist or violinist, will create feelings and moods that reach beyond you personally and straight through to the congregation and wedding party. Your choices of wedding music should also reflect the personal tastes of you and your groom.

While it may seem like a lot to ask of a mere wedding song, there are some simple guidelines to follow when selecting the perfect style for your wedding music.

Be Sincere

As mentioned above, each wedding song should reflect the personal tastes of you and your groom. If you like country music, have an acoustic guitarist or pianist play a prelude of country ballads. If you prefer classical, perhaps having a string quartet or woodwind ensemble play the wedding march would be to your liking. Whatever your own, personal style of music, let it come through in your wedding music choices.

Keep It Appropriate

While this is your day and your personal music preferences should take precedence, keep in mind that others will be in attendance at your ceremony as well. Keeping your wedding music choices appropriate by respecting others likes and dislikes is always in line with good etiquette.

Traditional or Contemporary Wedding Music?

Must you use the standard wedding music choices or are other wedding songs (recessionals, processionals, etc.) available? The choices are vast, and you have numerous options.

The best-known wedding song is Mendelssohns “Wedding March” from A Mid-Summer Nights Dream. However, a multitude of others have been used as well including:

· Stanleys Trumpet Voluntary

· Viernes Finale

· Wagners Bridal Chorus

· Bachs Prelude in C Major”

· and others

And wedding songs? There are countless selections. Consult with the musicians you choose as they an invaluable source of ideas for wedding music.

Above all, relax! Wedding music is as varied as wedding couples are. If your choices feel right to you, chances are great that your ceremony will be fabulous!