Ideas & Advice on Music for the Wedding Ceremony

If you're having a church wedding - Your church's organist or music director is your initial point of contact.  Most churches give their resident organist the 'right of first refusal' for weddings, but many church organists don't mind if you select your own.  Just let them know in advance that's what you'd like to do.  

Take a few moments to discuss your music ideas with your priest or minister, so he or she knows what you have in mind and can make suggestions if needed.  Also check with the church to be sure the organ and/or piano is tuned and in good working condition.

If you're having an outdoor wedding - Any musicians you have for an outdoor wedding will need some kind of amplification.  Be sure to ask if the wedding site has a sound system available or can arrange to rent one.  (Note: I don't own a portable keyboard or sound system -- if you're looking for someone who can bring their own, your best bet will probably be to talk to the keyboard player in a working band.)

If you're having an indoor wedding at a location other than a church - Ask the owner/event director for any recommendations they can make regarding music.  If you're planning on having an organist or pianist, ask if the site has an organ or piano available and if it's tuned and in good working order.

If you're having soloists or other musicians - Contact them at least one month before the wedding day.  This will give all the musicians time to order music (if necessary) and rehearse together to be sure your ceremony will be gorgeous!

If you're considering contemporary or popular music - This will blend beautifully with a wedding that's modern in style!  You'll almost certainly want one or more singers, so choose them well ahead of time to be sure they're available and to discuss song selections.  If you're having a church wedding, keep in mind many popular songs sound terrible played on an organ, so you may want to consider piano, guitar, flute, or other instruments to accompany your singers.  If you'd be interested in having a full contemporary church band for your wedding, let me know when you call or write -- I'll be happy to make recommendations.

If you'd like traditional music but there's no organ available - Not a problem!  I have played a number of traditional weddings on piano and they have worked out beautifully.  Most of the songs listed under "Music Selections" are available in piano transcriptions -- just let me know what you have in mind.

Not sure what music you want?  Click here for a list of frequently requested musical selections.