Be it live music or CDs, the music you pick for your ceremony can really add to the atmosphere. If you are going to use CDs, I have a very good CD player built into my sound system, which you are welcome to use.
Here's a few obvious spots for music:
- While people are gathering
Light and relaxing music works well at this point as people are chatting and getting introduced to each other. You may like to just bring along a whole CD of ‘before’ music then you don’t have to worry about how many tracks you need to select and burn.
By the way, I usually put some music on as soon as I arrive as I think this relaxes any guests who have arrived early. When your music person arrives he or she can just switch over to your music. If you don’t want to bother organising ‘before’ music I am happy to use mine.
- The bride’s entrance
A very important piece of music you’d no doubt agree! One track of music is usually more than enough for the entrance (your music person just slowly turns the volume off once you are both standing in front of me). I suggest you have the entrance music on a separate CD – it prevents it accidentally being played before it is needed.
- Signing the documents
There are 15 signatures to collect on the day (the bride, groom, witnesses and celebrant each signing 3 times). You’ll need at least 2 tracks of music and I suggest three to be on the safe side. A more upbeat tempo works here as it is getting very near the end of the ceremony and people are moving into party mode.
- Immediately after you are introduced
After signing the documents, I then introduce you to your guests in your married name. It is then great to put on a couple of yahoo party tracks as people come up to congratulate you.
By the way, I obviously pack up and leave at the end of the ceremony, so if you want to continue listening to music you would need to arrange your own CD player.
If you are having live music
If you are having singers or musicians at your wedding, you may want to include a musical piece as a separate item in the ceremony. Just to let you know, I have a mike stand and extra mike if you would like to amplify the live music.
Please note: If you have planned an outdoor wedding and it is raining, I will not be able to use my sound system as water would damage, and possible ruin the amplifier. It is therefore very important to have a wet weather plan – not just for the comfort of you and your guests – but also so that they can hear the ceremony - which is very important.
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