For the music, most American wedding ceremonies have six major parts, each with their own special requirements: The Prelude The Wedding Party's Processional The Brides Processional The Interlude The Recessional The Postlude If you do not want to choose individual songs for your ceremony, experienced wedding musicians will be able to play appropriate songs in the right places. But picking out your own wedding music can be more meaningful and satisfying. The first decision you should make that will guide you in your choices is whether you want your wedding music to be traditional and classic or lesser-known but unique. The professional wedding musicians you hire should have a supply of music from both categories in their repertoire.

The Prelude

The purpose of the prelude wedding music is to welcome guests as they are being seated before the wedding ceremony. It also should give a cheerful yet subdued atmosphere, setting the stage for the solemnity of the event. The prelude generally begins 15 to 20 minutes before the ceremony start time, and it often involves quite a few songs. Because of this, it’s best to give the musician(s) an idea of the genre of music you want and leave the individual song choices up to their discretion.

The Wedding Party’s Processional

The wedding party’s processional marks the official beginning of the wedding ceremony. It should have a slow but flowing feel, ushering the beautiful bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party down the aisle. Perhaps the classic example here is Canon in D by Pachelbel, but you should listen to various musical selections to find a song that strikes a chord with you.

The Bride’s Processional

The bride’s processional can be an incredible moment, as memorable to everyone involved as the vows or any other part of the ceremony. You should choose a very special song here.

The Interlude

The interlude can actually be many different moments in the wedding ceremony, my very loose definition being any time there are no words being spoken for a minute or more. For most wedding ceremonies, the interlude is the unity candle, memorial candle, or rose presentation. These are moments of quiet reflection, and the wedding music you choose should encourage this mood.

The Recessional

At last, time to celebrate your wedding! The wedding officiant’s pronouncement of husband and wife is followed by enthusiastic applause and joyous recessional music as the happy couple leads the way back up the aisle. The song you choose should be bright and upbeat, inviting everyone to celebrate your union.

The Postlude

The postlude to your wedding sets a pleasant atmosphere as guests are leaving. It can last between 10 and 30 minutes, so it’s best to treat the postlude like the prelude music and simply give the musicians an idea of what you want. Experienced wedding musicians will play postlude music that is refined but upbeat, adding the finishing touch to your beautiful ceremony. Article written by: Courtney Lawhn Chicago Harpist and Wedding Musician