Wedding Songs
Wedding songs have quite a history behind them. Even
as far back as the 16th century, when a bride was led down the altar
by her father to slow, quiet music of their selection, the wedding
song has held great significance in a wedding ceremony.
As tradition had it centuries ago, after vows were exchanged, the
bride then walked down the aisle with her new husband to a livelier
piece of music that represented the celebratory state.
This is still pretty much how it works in today's American weddings.
Wedding songs can quietly play while the guests arrive, then another
selection can play when the bride enters the room, and then another
wedding song for when vows have been exchanged and the register
is signed.
In today's diverse American culture, all sorts of wedding songs
are now found at ceremonies. But, no matter what type of music the
soon-to-be married couple chooses, they should make sure it's something
that has the ability to greatly increase the sense of occasion during
the ceremony's development.
While the wedding songs play at a reception,
it is all about pleasing the guests. The wedding songs at a ceremony
need not please anyone beyond the bride and groom. This means keeping
the music personal, even though families and friends have been known
to try and have a say in this part of the event.
The more intimate to the bride and groom the wedding song is, the
better. So, a good selection will be a piece of classical or contemporary
music that both have shared together and have been moved by.
A bonus to such a selection is that it will remind them of their
special day every time they hear the wedding song in the future.
Overall, even if such a piece isn't chosen, the songs can still
be extremely personal by reflecting the bride and groom's personalities
and tastes, and the event's theme.
Another factor regarding what wedding songs are chosen is where
the ceremony is being held. For church ceremonies, the couple should
probably plan on selecting something on the religious side due to
the fact that most churches do not permit "unsacred" music.
At a church wedding, one would find songs such as the "Amazing
Grace" hymn.
The type of event should be thrown into consideration, as well.
A more formal and/or traditional ceremony and reception would probably
invite a well known classical piece, whereas contemporary music
would fit in better with a more modern-day type event.
In regard to traditional wedding songs, one can't get anymore traditional
than Wagner's "Here Comes the Bride" or Mendelssohn's
"Wedding March", and for the other side, how about some
Shania Twain ("From This Moment On") or Kenny G ("Forever
in Love")?
Some couples are known to be more eclectic with their musical choices,
and no matter what type of wedding it is, attendees shouldn't be
surprised if they hear something like Pink Floyd or Queen if their
beloved couple is a bit free-thinking.
Along the same lines of hiring a wedding singer for a reception,
the couple can rent an instrumentalist or vocalist to perform their
wedding songs at the ceremony. And, just like the reception's singer,
the ceremony performer can work out well if he is both affordable
and able to cater to the event's atmosphere.
Wedding songs are meant to bring happiness. So, it can be safely
assumed that if the couple's wedding songs bring them joy on their
special day, then they chose the right music.
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