Wedding Music

The benediction is usually spoken at the close of the ceremony and just before the introduction of the couple. Another meaningful and wonderful way to close the ceremony is to have an appropriate piece of music played or sung such as "The Prayer" by Sager/Foster (solo or duet) or "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" if you have a choir or small ensemble. I played for a couple Dutch weddings and each of them had the congregation sing The Doxology (Old 100th tune) or "Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow" as the benediction. That was a meaningful touch to these weddings. The spoken benediction can still be said after the music but just the "right" piece can add so much to this time of the ceremony that spoken words alone cannot reach.

The recessional is a symbol and another reminder that the newly married couple is now "one" as they exit down the aisle together. After the spoken benediction or the introduction of Mr and Mrs. _________, the newlyweds are often met with a round of applause as they begin their new life together. At this time, it is appropriate to have a joyous, upbeat piece that joins in on the celebration.

Oftentimes, another piece is needed after the recessional as the congregation is being dismissed, especially if they are dismissed row by row. This piece can be in the same style as the recessional. You can let the musicians choose this piece or you can use this time to include a piece that you especially like that did not fit anywhere else in the ceremony.

Classical music is referring to music that was composed in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. It may be composed by J.S. Bach, Handel, Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, etc. It also includes some music written in the last 50 years that is in the classical style but may also be included in another category named 'modern traditional". All pieces in the classical style are listed under the "classical music" category but will also be listed in one of the following three sub-categories.

Clasiscal music that is of a more moderate type of volume, is more joyful and light-hearted in nature. These types of pieces include "Air from Water Music Suite" by G.F. Handel or "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach.

Classical music that has a quieter sound, is more contemplative, and has a slower tempo. These types of pieces include "Sheep May Safely Graze" by J.S. Bach or "Canon in D' by Johann Pachelbel.

These are songs or pieces that are heard most often at wedding ceremonies.

These are songs or pieces that are not used very often in wedding ceremonies but are great choices or even better alternatives to music that is heard a lot.