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Choosing Unusual
Music for your Wedding Ceremony |
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Written by Barbara Duhl-Emswiler, Celtic Harpist
Are you looking for ceremony music that’s a bit out of the ordinary?
Your music should reflect the personalities of both bride and groom, and your selections
can be as unique as your relationship. If you’d like something a little
different from the usual Wagner Bridal Chorus or the Trumpet Voluntary, you might want to
consider Celtic music. There are lots of choices as to instruments and musical style -
from stately to exuberant - to suit any type of ceremony.
Popular instruments include flute, Celtic harp, violin, or hammered dulcimer, either solo
or as a duet. Any of these instruments could also accompany a singer. They are also very
effective in outdoor locations where organ music is not an option. When making your
choice, consider the size of your space and degree of formality you are seeking. Be sure
to communicate this to your musician's) so that they can suggest appropriate
music.
You will want to plan music for before the ceremony, as guests are gathering, for the
processional and recessional, and for any special interludes during the wedding, such as a
candle lighting or flower-presentation. You will probably also want the music to continue
after the recessional, while guests are still in the area.
You might select music by 18th century Irish Harper Turlough O’Carolan. Among his
many compositions is one he wrote for his daughter’s wedding -
“Carolan’s Dowry”. It makes a wonderful joyous recessional. There are
many beautiful Scottish, Irish, and Welsh airs and pastorales to choose for prelude and
interlude music. Familiar hymns like Amazing Grace or Morning has Broken are also
in keeping with traditional Celtic music selections.
If you are being married in a church or synagogue, you’ll want to discuss your
musical preferences with the officiant or music director; sometimes there are music
guidelines to be considered.
And don’t forget bagpipes! The pipes are great for the processional or recessional.
If your ceremony is indoors and in a rather small space, consider having the piper play
from the entryway. At one recent wedding, the piper led the recessional - right out the
door of the chapel and to the reception hall - followed by the wedding party and all of
the guests!
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FOREVERWED |
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