Planning your Wedding Ceremony Music:

7 Tips for planning your wedding ceremony music:

1. If you are getting married in a church or other religious venue, find out from your officiant if the venue can provide an organist, choir and or sound system that you can make use of for your wedding ceremony music. Also check if they will allow other types of musicians like a classical trio or a harpist.

2. As mentioned above, check with your minister on the types of songs you will be allowed to play.

3. Decide on what mood you want to create during your wedding ceremony. Perhaps you would like the feel to be formal and solemn, or lighthearted and fun. This will help you greatly in choosing the appropriate wedding ceremony songs.

4. If you have a friend or family member with a talent for singing or playing an instrument, why not ask them to be part of your special day by contributing a song. This will definately add a special touch to the ceremony.

5. Once you have decided on your wedding ceremony music, make sure all the musicians have the neccessary sheet music or backing tracks, and if you are using recorded music, the correct version of the song. If your musicians are not familiar with the song/s you will have to provide this some time before the ceremony to give them ample time to rehearse.

6. Have your musicians present at your rehearsal. This will prepare everyone for the day so that the timing is perfect. Also be sure to provide them with a program so that they are sure what song should follow which event.

7. Make sure that you musicians know that they have to play music for the prelude (+/- 20 minutes before the bride's entrance), and for the postlude (+/- 15 minutes after the recessional), so that they can be set up in time and can charge you appropriately.